PIC to GSM

[Dennis]

Hi all

Just wondering if anyone has had success in using a 'new-ish' mobile phone for PIC to GSM for control and if so what models and how ?
An example would possibly a Nokia 1208 or similar

I would appreciate any feedback

Kind regards

Dennis

[bcd]

If the phone has a built in modem I understand it is pretty easy using a data cable and the AT commands - do a google and you should be able to find a Nokia AT command document.

One Issue I can see is that some of the new phones only use USB for comms, and as a PIC cannot act as a USB Host device you will need to use a serial interface to the phone.

Bill.

[Dennis]

Hi Bill

Thanks for the tips..

I have already been through the likes of google and the forums and noticed that there isn't much info about using the newer Noikia (or other makes of ) cell/mobile phones which is actually what prompted my question.
And yes notably most of the new phones are USB based.
So why I am asking is because I would like to know if other have been successful with some (or all or any) of the new models of mobile phones and is so , how they are going about it ?

Wouldn't it be nice to plug any mobile into a little blackbox device and then to your PIC ? or have your PIC to allow the connection of any phone for control and whatever else ?

As always any info would be greatly appreciated.

Kind regards
Dennis

[ardhuru]

Hi Dennis,

Although new(er) phones do have a USB interface, at least some Nokias have Fbus / Mbus connection pads on the PCB, usually under the battery.

As Bill says I think the operative word here is in-built modem; that would definitely be required.

Since you are specifically interested in the 1208, just do a google for Nokia 1208 and fbus; should yield a lot of results.

Regards,

Anand

[falingtrea]

One Issue I can see is that some of the new phones only use USB for comms, and as a PIC cannot act as a USB Host device you will need to use a serial interface to the phone.

Bill.

I have used a Maxim SPI to USB Host chip (MAX3421E) and an ATMega48 to communicate with a GSM module successfully. The Maxim part should work with a PIC just as well.

[Dennis]

Hi all

Anand , thanks a million for the tips , yes I'm aware of the FBUS and it's connector usually under the battery as well as built in modem on phone. I have been googlling like crazy for connection tips etc .... found some interesting stuff regarding a universal FBUS connectors (they call it an un-locker in most threads). As regards the 1208 there isn't too much about it and a PIC :-) . I really just chose that model since it was one of the entry level Nokia's which might possibly have allowed for the connection and still supported a serial cable connection.

What a mission though... unplug the battery pop the FBUS connector in and then still interface with a MAX which usually entails voltage changes 3,6V on phone side PIC side is 5V , yes I know it's just a little circuit and a few components. Just would be so much easier with connectors.
Solution of course is to buy a DKU-5 serial connector cable not so ?

Now what about other phones, Sony Ericsson or Motorola or Samsung etc ...
Would love to hear more about what people are using and how.

Falingtrea ..

Sounds like a nice project ... did you use a GSM module or an entire phone ?


Thanks guys I really appreciate the info

Regards

Dennis

[Dennis]

Perhaps it would be easier to mention the models I have so far.

How to you convert the voltages to suit the phone types ? Or should I just drive everything off the phone's battery ?

Some models I have available for to test with
Nokia 8210
Nokia 2110
Nokia N80
Samsung SGH-E700

Any suggestions ?

Kind regards
Dennis

[Gusse]

Hi Dennis,

Try to find some old Nokia Pop-Port™ (http://www.hardwarebook.info/Pop-Port) phones, which have FBUS in bottom connector (i.e 7210 (http://europe.nokia.com/support/product-support/nokia-7210) or similar).
Other option is to use even older DCT-3 (http://www.panuworld.net/nuukiaworld/hardware/cables/general.htm) phones (i.e. 6110 (http://europe.nokia.com/support/product-support/nokia-6110) or similar). Shouldn't be too hard to find suitable.

All you need info about Nokia FBUS/MBUS cables (http://www.panuworld.net/nuukiaworld/hardware/cables/index.htm)
True +3V to +5.5V RS-232 Transceiver, MAX3221-MAX3243 (http://datasheets.maxim-ic.com/en/ds/MAX3221-MAX3243.pdf)

Edit:
N80 is USB featured Pop-Port phone and therefore not usable.
8210 OK, but FBUS test pads under battery.

BR,
-Gusse-

[Dennis]

Thanks Gusse :-)

Exactly the kind of info I was looking for !

I am ok with getting to the FBUS connecter under the battery, but I am not sure how to power the phone/circuit !
Phone is at 3,6 Volts , PIC circuit is running on 5 Volts that's why I asked about whether or not to power everything from the phone battery ?

I have the MAX232N, PIC's , wires cable resisitors , all thats missing is the connection method :-) ?(so far)

Any suggestions would be great

Thanks
Dennis

[Gusse]

Hi Dennis,

Power the MAX232N from same source as your PIC. That is the easiest way, I think.

Then do some small modifications to your 8210.

Audio-to-Data from 2.5mm bottom connector:
1) Solder wires to Fbus Rx/Tx pads
2) Connect wires to 2.5mm audio plug (select suitable pins, proposal below)
3) Solder GND wire to 2.5mm plug
3) Put some isolator between PWB and spring contacts

Nokia 8210 Pin-out

1 - MBus
2 - GND --> MIC(-) & EAR(-)
3 - FBus-Rx --> MIC(+)
4 - FBus-Tx --> EAR(+)
5 - VPP

Then use 2.5mm stereo plug to make your own data cable to connect PIC to 8210. I would recommend to use coaxial (shielded) cable for connection to avoid GSM TX coupling to data signals.
I hope this will help you to continue your project :)

Edit: Image removed, but here is the URL Nokia accessories - schematics (http://java.mob385.com/plus/sheme.shtml)

BR,
-Gusse-

[Dennis]

Gusse ...

Thank you so much for the excellent info :-)
It seems the images or links aren't available :-( any chance of a URL ?
It certainly will help me continue :-)

Thanks once again

Kind regards

Dennis

[Dennis]

Gusse

Is this the image you are referring to ?
http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/4295/nokiaphoneconnections.jpg
Hope that helps others too

Kind regards

Dennis

[Gusse]

Gusse

Is this the image you are referring to ?
http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/4295/nokiaphoneconnections.jpg
Hope that helps others too

Kind regards

Dennis
Yes, 2.5mm jack.

BR,
-Gusse-

[Gusse]

Hi Dennis,

Here is more detailed material for your phone modifications.
I hope you get the idea. :)

BR,
-Gusse-

Edit
BTW, more relevant place for this topic would be under "Schematics"

[Dennis]

Hi Gusse


Thanks very much it's all very clear now :-). I will test and post results later this week ...

Kind regards

Dennis