[ILUG] Linux Compatible GSM Hardware

[Patrick O'Connor]

>
> I've done this years ago, inc SMS access to email and SQL. The older
> phones the USB cable is really a Serial to USB convertor, so getting the
> older serial cable for the phone will be simpler. Then it really is just
> a modem. (SMS is a bit more complicated, but not much).


Good to know, might hack together a serial cable then.

Beware that data access even at the basic GSM 14.4k (I had a phone that
> could eat two calls and get 28.8k, but double the call charge) may not
> be covered by the call a friend thing depending on how smart the network
> is. You may also need to disconnect every 59 minutes etc...


My friend thought that might be the case alright. The double calls idea is
sweet, didn't even think that was possible, will look into it.

I had free 49k dialup weekends and evenings by using the 061 geographic
> pop number instead of 189x number for Internet on landline. My proxy was
> programmed to reconnect every 59 mins. Mostly transparent to the Proxy
> clients.  I used Tele2 now TalkTalk on the eircom line as CPS.


That was over fixed line and not gsm right?

The GSM phone may get very hot, an external aerial may reduce TX power
> and thus heat..  I still have the  Nokia  GSM  phone and serial  cable
> somewhere  if I havn't taken it apart  to  examine  the RF chips.


Good to know, didn't even consider that, the phone is halway to being taken
apart!

BTW Speaking of phones, the openmoko and dev kit arrived today. Its pretty
non-functional at the moment but if anyone wants a gawk let me know.

Patrick