GSM Modems

GSM
	Modems

Sending faxes and E-mail from a Psion is becoming very common practise. After all, you have a computer in one pocket, and cordless communications to the world in another, so connecting the two together has to be the next step.

Having said this, I now confess to living slightly out of the fast lane on this one. My own GSM phone is a little dated and I'm not planning to update it for a little while yet. Not being an authority on the subject, I sought advice from someone who is, and I therefore reproduce below, a paragraph sent to me by Alan Denby (alan_denby@yes.optus.com.au).

This is clearly a growing area and I am keen to hear from anyone who has information or experiences that may be useful to other users. In particular I would like to compile a list of known working/not working combinations of GSM phones and PC-cards.

Alan's Bit ....

"There is nothing particularly tricky about faxing over GSM all you need is:

Psion 3a
Fax Software (Faxit or other)
3 Link
A means of connecting the 3 link to a GSM phone. Either:

4.1 Nokia 2110 with data expander
4.2 A Siemens M1 data only phone
4.3 Siemens S3 or S3+ with Dr Neuhouse data adapter.
4.3 Any other compatible GSM phone with PCMCIA data card and a TeleAdapt PCMCIA -> Serial converter.

Compatible phones include:

Ericsson 388 and 318

Nokia 2110 2110e 8110

Motorola 8400

Panasonic EB-G400Z

The neatest solution is the 2110 with data expander.

5. A GSM network that provides Fax capability

6. A Fax account with the GSM carrier.

You can also use it to send and receive E-Mail, Browse News Groups and other text based internet activities with the addition of the following.

7. An internet service provider account

8. Terminal software. I use FreeVT as it is VT100 copatible.

9. A data account with your GSM provider.

I use this setup to browse newsgroups on the train on the way to work. People look at you a bit strangely but then thats the price you pay for being at the cutting edge of mobile computing!"