TSC2 – Using Audiovox GPRS
Overview
This document provides instructions for using the Audiovox GPRS CompactFlash (CF) card with the TDS Ranger rugged handheld computer.
Required Equipment
1. 1 Audiovox GPRS CF Card (no drivers required)
2. 1 SIM card from a GPRS provider (Rogers Wireless, Sprint Canada)
3. 1 TCS2 running Windows Mobile 5
4. 1 Midsize CF-Cap™ (or Extended CF-Cap™)
Procedure
1. Insert the SIM card into the Audiovox card and insert the Audiovox card into either CF slot on the Ranger. Replace the cap on the Ranger.
2. A New modem detected message will appear on the TSC2. Tap on The Internet to enter the New Connection wizard.
3. Alternatively, if the New modem detected message is dismissed or otherwise unavailable, choose Start > Settings > Connections > Connections > Add a new modem connection to enter the New Connection wizard.
4. Give the connection a suitable name (such as “Audiovox CF” or “Cell Card” or similar). Confirm that GPRS_Modem is selected from the dropdown list and tap on Next. See next figure.
September 1, 2005
5. In the second window of the wizard, enter *99# as shown below, and then tap on Next.
6. If you are using a Rogers SIM card: Under “User name”, enter wapuser1. Under “Password”, enter wap . Leave the Domain field blank, and tap on Advanced. Under the “Extra dial-string modem commands field, enter the following:
+cgdcont=1,”IP”,”internet.com” or “vpn.com” if you have a vpn account
7. While still in the Advanced window, select 115200 from the baud rate
dropdown list. See next figure.
8. Tap on OK to return to the New Connection wizard.
9. Tap on Finish to exit the New Connection wizard.
Your Audiovox GPRS card is now configured to connect to the Internet.
We recommend that you perform a system backup (Start > Programs > Sprite Backup > Backup Now) so that your GPRS connection settings survive a hard reset or loss of power.
Known Issues
1. The Rogers settings provided in this document are valid in the Canada as of this writing. If they do not work for you, put the SIM card into a cell phone and confirm that the cell phone can access the Internet. If not, then perhaps the account associated with the SIM card is not properly provisioned. Contact Rogers Tech Support for help. If the cell phone can see the Internet but the TSC2 cannot, confirm that you have entered the connection settings exactly as described in this document. If the problem persists, Rogers to learn whether their settings have changed.
2. GPRS connections are at speeds similar to dial-up connections to the Internet. This is a limitation of GPRS technology at the present time.
3. GPRS connections can only be established where coverage is available from the service provider (Rogers). If you travel out of the coverage area while using GPRS, the connection icon at the top of the Today screen (two arrows pointing in opposite directions) does not change its appearance. There is no indication that you have left the coverage area until you try to use the connection.
4. Pocket Internet Explorer is not a fully featured browser like Internet
Explorer. You may be unable to use web-based email (such as Yahoo or
Hotmail) and you may have difficulties using some web pages.
5. In testing, it was possible to connect to a VPN over the GPRS connection, and to browse fileshares on the remote network. However, it was not possible to synchronize with ActiveSync over the GPRS connection.
6. When the Ranger is first powered on or soft reset, it takes a few seconds for
the operating system to recognize the Audiovox card. During that time, you
will be unable to connect via GPRS.
7. If your Ranger has integrated 802.11b wireless networking capability, you
will need to either set it to connect to Work (instead of Internet); or you will
need to enable “Flight Mode”. If the integrated wireless networking is enabled and configured to connect to the Internet, you will be unable to use the GPRS connection, even if you aren’t within range of a wireless network.
8. The battery life of your TSC2 may be reduced by up to 20% while using the
Audiovox card. The amount of reduction depends upon GPRS usage.