vB Easy Archive - BlackberryModem in 4.0.0.100?

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BlackberryModem in 4.0.0.100?
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Posted by: Mark Rejhon

This is hot off the presses from a forum member at BlackberryClub.

I am trying to determine the purpose of these files:

C:\program files\Common Files\Research In Motion\Modem Drivers

; Virtual COM port tunnel driver
; Copyright (c) 2004, Research in Motion, Inc.

I think RIM just introduced BlackberryModem in OS 4.0.0.100 but I am trying to confirm. (Use a Blackberry as a modem for a laptop). Anyone?

I will be attempting to install them manually and see what happens.

Posted by: Mark Rejhon

Through Scoobydoo from BlackberryClub, I just found out that this feature MAY be a part of BlackberryOS 4.0. I am not sure if this is limited to certain Blackberries (ie the upcoming new 7290, or if this works with 7280) or if this is definitely BlackberryModem, but there are now a few points of evidence.

There is the existence of this directory clearly suggestive of a modem:

Quote:

C:\program files\Common Files\Research In Motion\Modem Drivers
File: rimserial.cat
File: RimSerial.inf
File: RmSerial.sys

To verify that this is indeed for USB Blackberries and not something for older serial Blackberries, I checked the files. Inside the RimSerial.inf file at the top, shows

Quote:

; Virtual COM port tunnel driver
; Copyright (c) 2004, Research in Motion, Inc.

Then, I checked Device Manager, and sure enough, a virtual COM port inside the Ports tree:[quote]

Code:

|-# Ports (COM & LPT)
|  |-# Communications Port (COM1)
|  |-# Communications Port (COM2)
|  |-# ECP Printer Port (LPT1)
|  |-# RIM Virtual Serial Port (COM6)

Posted by: Mark Rejhon

Copy & Pasted from BlackberryClub

Attempts to talk to COM6 (using AT commands) results in no modemlike response at 9600, 38400, 57600 or 115200, even when Blackberry Desktop is connected.

(In HyperTerminal, transmitting AT followed by Enter should display an 'OK' prompt.)

An attempt at DUN results in failure to even initialize the modem hardware.

Posted by: Mark Rejhon

Copy & Pasted from BlackberryClub

I just got an error message when trying to configure in Blackberry Desktop. Another point of confirmation that this is BlackberryModem, and that all I need is a software update.

Quote:

Blackberry Handheld Manager.

The connected handheld does not have the necessary
software required for modem functionality installed.
Please contact your carrier for the required handheld
software update.

Posted by: Mark Rejhon

We still need to figure out if this is a 7290-specific feature (there are several rumors from several sources saying that the 7290 has modem capability), or if this will work on older BlackBerries. This may be due to hardware support for serial-over-USB.

In that case, if there's a lack of serial-over-USB, a custom third-party modem driver may still need to be written if older Blackberries do not support serial-over-USB operation, then routing must be done via a proprietary method as mentioned in my BlackberryModem thread on BlackberryClub, which is something that a third party company may or may not bother doing. (At least, until everybody's switched to the 7290 and the complaining stops

)

Posted by: tafische

Cingular brought a 7290 by yesterday for a demo. The question was asked about teathering.

The response was pretty much -- we don't envision that at this time.

Guess we will just have to wait and see....

Posted by: Mark Rejhon

I believe that it is the carrier's option to offer the modem driver or not (perhaps at a value-added fee per month).

Carriers can probably opt out of offering the modem driver, if they don't want to deal with this. However, there has been over 10 requests for BlackberryModem in this BlackberryClub thread alone. It's possible Cingular will offer this later once they actually realize that it's probably as simple as asking RIM for the modem driver and making an edit to their website

bb_tech on BlackberryClub says....

Quote:

UPDATE: I just found out that it will be possible to use the BlackBerry as a modem. However, the device needs to be provisioned on the carrier side to allow for such traffic to pass. The carrier may charge a monthly fee for it, not sure though.

Please make sure Cingular is aware of this. They may not be aware of this yet, and this thread too. Also more information in this other thread too.