GPRS Modem Operation

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Jim Tilsley

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Topic # 5663 15-Nov-2005 21:56

HI I'm using a GSM Modem to send GPS data via SMS to a server where I strip off the message and know where I am. Thi works well but is expensive so now I want to use the GPRS modem the unit provides which is where I get stuck...
I have the set up for the operator but what do I need to do to get the modem to send this data to me on my machine? I've been looking all over for the information but cant find a simple explanation or set up. So if anyone knows where this information can be found or has done it and can help I would be very grateful

Jim

johnr

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Reply # 23305 15-Nov-2005 22:12

Sounds like you need to research about machine 2 machine or more commonly known as M2M. www.sonyericsson.com has a good section about this.

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Reply # 23306 15-Nov-2005 22:17

What kind of data terminal are you using? A GPS, a PC, embedded device?

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Jim Tilsley

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Reply # 23307 15-Nov-2005 22:35

The device is a GPS/GPRS modem which is supposed to log onto the GPRS network and then send data to my PC when the device moves or if the input conditions change. What I don't understand is how to point the data it is sending to my computer and (assuming the data arrives) what to do with the computer to recognise the data has arrived and access it. Once I've got the data I'm OK with stripping it out etc but I'm not clear if I need a GPRS modem, or simply an address for the computer etc

freitasm

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Reply # 23318 15-Nov-2005 23:40

Perhaps the manufacturer can supply more information? Anyway, if it connects to the GPRS network then it will probably submit information using TCP protocol?

When I asked what is the data terminal, is because the modem itself is just a connection. Or is this model also collecting the information to be sent? If this is the case it's more of an embedded device with a modem?

See, it is not clear still what kind of device is this.

Regardless, will it open a port to connect to a configurable server address, or will it submit the information as a POST/GET to a webserver?

What's the model?

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Jim Tilsley

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Reply # 23323 15-Nov-2005 23:53

Apologies - The unit is a STEPPII by Falcom (www.falcom.de) which is a GPS/GSM modem withinterfaces for vehicle ignition alarms etc. I can configure the unit to work with SMS but now want ot use the GPRS facilities. The unit instructions allow me to set up the data to the Network (I am using orange) but I cant find out how to transfer the information that is put onto the network into my machine. I imagine that I should give he unit my web address or similar but that does not seem to be an option. Alternatively do I set up with Orange to let them know what to do with my data? Its probably a case of a little knowledge being a dangerous thing - I have a mental picture of what I expect and cannot see how the data gets from Orange to me.

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Reply # 23325 16-Nov-2005 00:01

I think you should ask the company. REading the specifications says "Plug & Play GSM/GPRS/GPS terminal with an embedded configurable software application. The device concept is targeting for direct implementation as a mobile client in a wide range of high volume, low-cost, flexible system solutions".

For me it means that the embedded application is the one controlling the use of the resources. So the one you have there is currently using SMS, but it could use a TCP connection, according to the site. I guess the application is customised by this company, or you should get a SDK from them.

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3g

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Reply # 24033 29-Nov-2005 15:49

I've had a quick look at the manuals for the device you are using and it appears that it can operate in two ways:

(1) Via SMS (as you are currently doing)
(2) Upload to a remote server

From what I can tell (after reading several PDF's from their website), there is no server software available from them - you would need to develop it yourself. Effectively the app would just sit on the internet with a port(or ports) open accepting incoming data from the unit(s).

A basic application to do this would take very little time to develop, however making the application secure and robust would be the time consuming bit.

Please let me know if you'd like further clarification/info 8-).

Nigel H.

Jim Tilsley

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Reply # 24037 29-Nov-2005 21:40

Thanks for this Nigel

Is there anywhere I can start to understand the design of the App to do this? The I need to know about control of the ports and how the data crosses the internet to our server which is an area I don't understand at present. Any references or guidance would be very useful...

Jim