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™ phones, which have FBUS in bottom connector (i.e 7210 or similar).
Other option is to use even older DCT-3 phones (i.e. 6110 or similar). Shouldn't be too hard to find suitable.

All you need info about Nokia FBUS/MBUS cables
True +3V to +5.5V RS-232 Transceiver, MAX3221-MAX3243

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

BR,
-Gusse-