Primary links

Supported SMS modems

links inline

Supported SMS Modems

You'll need an SMS modem if you want to send/receive SMS messages to and from Mobile Data Now. The modem has it's own SIM card and correspondingly it's own phone number. Users send SMS messages to the SIM card and it responds with the query.


Currently we've tested a range of different brands of SMS modems, below are a few recommended models. All are GSM modems (CDMA not supported but you can send an sms to a GSM Modem from a CDMA handset) and require a SIM card to be purchased. All are serial modems, but can be used with a RS232 serial cable to USB connector as indicated below.

  • These modems will send/receive around 10 messages a minute.
  • Prices range from around USD240 - USD300

    •  


    Siemens TC65T

    Should be able to be purchased from a local Siemens reseller. Uses a standard RS232 serial cable. You must set the speed at 115,200 baud to use this modem.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Wavecom M1306B

    Should be able to be purchased from a dealer in your country. Uses a non standard RS232 cable (RS232 one end, monitor plug the other end) so make sure you purchase the cable. Run at a low speed ~ 9600 baud. Since SMS is low traffic the speed makes no difference to the speed of messages being sent or received.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    The following modems/phones have been said to work
    Note: Symbian phones (ie Nokia) are said to partially work or not work at all.

    • Wavecom: M1206B, M1306B, WMOD2 Wismo.
    • Multitech: Multimodem GPRS (SMSLib for Java can also drive the Multitech Multimodem via its IP port).
    • ITengo: 3000, WM1080A.
    • Billionton: PCMCIA PCGPRSQ-B.
    • Ubinetics: GDC201.
    • Sharp: GX30, GX32.
    • Nokia: 6070, 6210, 6310, 6310i, 6230, 6230i, 6681, 8250, 8310, 6610, 6800, 7210, 6810, 7250i, 6103, 6020, 3220, 6822, 5140, 5140i, 30 (terminal).
    • Siemens: MC35i, M35, M50, M65, C45, TC35i, C65.
    • SIMCOM Ltd: SIMCOM_SIM100S.
    • EagleTec: GSM modems.
    • Sony Ericsson: K800i, SE K800i, K700i, K750i, SE W850i.
    • Motorola: RAZR v3.
    • Fargo Maestro 20.





      • USB to Serial cable

      If you want to use these modems with a USB port you can purchase a serial to USB cable. Serial connections are meant to be more reliable, but these modems work fine with a USB cable from our testing.

      A serial to USB cable looks like the picture below. It comes with a CD with appropriate drivers to create a virtual port which you use the software to connect to.

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       


      Connecting the modem

      Connect the serial port of the modem to the serial port of the computer with the RS232 serial cable like shown. Insert the SIM card, attach the aerial and plug the modem in to the power.

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

      Launch HyperTerminal in Windows. We will use HyperTerminal to connect to the modem to make sure it is working. For some unknown reason, Microsoft did not include HyperTerminal in Vista, but you can download it for free from the original licensees at http://www.hilgraeve.com/htpe/download.html


      All Programs      >>Accessories>>Communications>>HyperTerminal

       

      After HyperTerminal starts, enter a name for the connection.

       

      Choose the port the modem is connected to. This will either be COM1 or COM2. If you are using a USB modem, the COM port may be a higher number.

       

      Adjust the port speed to 9600 bps.

       

      Type the command AT. Press Enter.

       

      If the modem is connected properly, HyperTerminal will return OK. The modem is ready to use with Mobile Data Now.