Cell Phone / Modem Module?

**Giuliano** · 12-23-2004, 01:31 PM

I've been thinking, I'd like my (to be) CarPC to have cell phone capability for voice and data, but I'd like it to be a computer-controlled component and not an actual cell phone.

And then I found this:

http://www.multitech.com/PRODUCTS/Fa...demModuleGPRS/

Edit: USB Version here:
http://www.multitech.com/PRODUCTS/Fa...ultiModemGPRS/

It's a self-contained fax/modem module that does GPRS and CDMA networks, and has support for voice connections.

Connected to a serial port, it could be controlled by software on the CarPC.

Voice inputs/outputs could be channeled through the CarPC's onboard sound, though you'd have to find a way to combine or isolate it from the normal system sounds..

WDL Systems has the modules listed for about $215:

http://www.wdlsystems.com/modperl/vi...e&aisle_id=350

Thoughts?

**Hcomplyr** · 12-23-2004, 06:40 PM

if you look at the specs it only lists a connection speed of 14.4k where as my t-mobile service is somewhere in the 64k range. I remember seeing a device that looked like a small silver motorola flip phone but was just a USB GSM modem and was powered off of the USB port, sad thing is you can't receive calls on it

**Giuliano** · 12-23-2004, 06:46 PM

Originally Posted by Hcomplyr

if you look at the specs it only lists a connection speed of 14.4k where as my t-mobile service is somewhere in the 64k range. I remember seeing a device that looked like a small silver motorola flip phone but was just a USB GSM modem and was powered off of the USB port, sad thing is you can't receive calls on it

You're looking at the wrong specs - the 14.4k is for circuit-switched data, ie, regular modem-to-modem or fax connectivity.

These spec sheets show the real information:

http://www.multitech.com/DOCUMENTS/F...ata_sheets.asp

Up to 85Kbps packet-switched data (GPRS) for GSM.
Up to 153Kbps packet-switched data (1xRTT) for CDMA.

Also, this device is a modem/fax/voice capable device - 14.4k for analog-type modem-to-modem connections, 85/153k for digital packet-switched data, fax, and voice.

You can't see it in the pictures, but there is a RJ-12 connector on the side for a handset for voice use.

**Hcomplyr** · 12-23-2004, 08:32 PM

oh werd!

i just glanced at it, pretty impressive then but the price is kind of a turn-off because I'm a cheapass

**Giuliano** · 12-23-2004, 08:36 PM

Now, the only question is... GSM or CDMA?

IE, Cingular/AT&T for GSM, or Verizon for CDMA?

The CDMA technology has the faster transfer speed, though I'm not sure about coverage.

**Hcomplyr** · 12-23-2004, 08:52 PM

I've actually had great luck with T-mobile's GPRS over GSM i average about 64k as opposed to the 83k reported but the service is cheap. If T-mobile isn't in your area stick with AT&T/ Cingular for better coverage

**Giuliano** · 12-24-2004, 12:11 AM

On second thought, it appears that the USB modem is GSM/GPRS only, and not the faster AT&T/Cingular EDGE network capable.

I'm thinking that something like this might be better:

http://www.sierrawireless.com/Produc...ring/AC775.asp

It's also voice capable.. there's a 2.5mm jack on the side.

A bit pricier at $349, but I can also pop it in my laptop.. and I can get an external antenna adapter for the car.