Converting & using an HTC Hermes in NZ

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davcomnz

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Topic # 16311 3-Oct-2007 23:20

Hi,

Received an HTC Hermes from a friend who brought it back from Singapore for me a couple of weeks ago. It shows a ROM date of May 2007 so it is quite a recent phone.

I have searched the posts here and can't find the right answer to whether the HTC Hermes can be used in NZ and if so if its restricted to any particular network or not.

I have found through XDA Developers sufficient information that leads me to believe that I can change it from Japanese to English and get it working in English throughout although there is a warning about not letting the "white Softbank X01HT's" try and register otherwise it creates a file that there is currently no way to get round when unlocking.

I was informed by a local Telecom mobile outlet that it would cost $600 to get the phone approved for use in NZ and even then "they may not have the range of serial numbers allocated to NZ that allows it to be registered". Is that a load of bull ? How do I find out ?

davcomnz

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Reply # 89379 3-Oct-2007 23:23

Sorry, I didn't explicitly state that the version of the HTC Hermes that I have is a Softbank X01HT.

nzbnw

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Reply # 89381 3-Oct-2007 23:37

First of all Welcome to GZ.

Now seeing that this device is ex Singapore, I am going to jump to the conclusion that is a GSM/WCDMA device, which will not operate on Telecom New Zealand's CDMA2000 mobile network. Telecom do not plan to have their pending GSM EDGE / WCDMA network operational until late 2008/

Secondly (if this is actually a CDMA device) it is not possible for an individual to arrange for the connection of a foreign device and have it telepermitted (you can't get it connected without one!).

See: http://www.telepermit.co.nz/

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Reply # 89382 3-Oct-2007 23:51

if it is a GSM style phone (which sounds likely) find a friend with a vodafone sim card and try it with that....

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freitasm

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Reply # 89383 3-Oct-2007 23:51

The HTC Hermes is a GSM device and can only be used on Vodafone.

The sales person at the shop doesn't know what he is talking about.

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davcomnz

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Wannabe Geek

Reply # 89389 4-Oct-2007 01:34

Thanks for the quick replies !

Cheers for the greets to GZ (been loping through the forums from time to time as Google throws up hits on queries. GZ shows up on a lot of mobile phone discussions which is good ! As most of any queries I've previously had have been answered there wasn't a need to register until now :-)

I have a SIM card for my other phone (I have existing Telecom and Vodafone phones) which hangs off the Vodafone network so I may just give that a go.
Given that the Hermes is in Japanese and there is the warning ( http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=301952&highlight=softbank+post+april ) for "white SoftBank X01HTs post-April 2007" I'm not sure if I should throw in the SIM and try the changes to English or try the changes first if it will consider them with no SIM present, then put in the SIM. I don't read Japanese at all and don't want to let the phone create the file that prevents it from being unlocked at this time ! Any suggestions gratefully read.

The potential for bricking this phone is ... high. If only it were already in English ! Having said that I do have my own standalone BIOS blower for PC's so am not a complete stranger to the style of work that will be required to get this Hermes wings back on !

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Reply # 89395 4-Oct-2007 08:23

I would check the configuration again then - the Japanese use a different band for 3G, so the Softbank may not work in New Zealand. If it was a Singapore device it could be, but not one made for the Japanese market.

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davcomnz

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Reply # 89407 4-Oct-2007 08:57

Thanks Mauricio,

I'm having trouble locating a manual for the Hermes. It did not come supplied with a CD. Have checked on the Softbank website and the phone is shown but nothing available for download.

Can you advise what the NZ and Japanese 3G bands are and I can ask a few more accurate questions.

At this stage am contemplating emailing Softbank with the serial & model numbers and asking for their help.

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Reply # 89415 4-Oct-2007 10:03

The Japanese use a 3G standard called FOMA (NTT Do Co Mo) as well as the European UMTS standard (Softbank - previously Vodafone K K).
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Reply # 89429 4-Oct-2007 10:43

HTC Hermes is ODM name of what Imate Jasjam is. However Softbank's version (which usually only available in Japan) under different model name may not work with Vodafone NZ though.

So make sure if it is really HTC Hermes, or Softbank unit. (which when you open up the battery cover, and remove the battery, you should be able to find FCC/Model label sticker.

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davcomnz

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Wannabe Geek

Reply # 89885 6-Oct-2007 23:27

Front of the phone shows SoftBank.

Opened the back and in amidst lots of non-English theres a "HERM200" and other series of numbers. That would be a TyTN correct ?

There are no identifying numbers or marks with FCC that can be seen.