Linux and the AnyCom GS-320 TriBand GSM/GPRS CF-Card

<-- Back to Linux PCMCIA/CardBus/CF-Card Survey.

The AnyCom GS-320 Tri-Band GSM/GPRS CF Card is a Typ II CF-Card. The package includes a PCMCIA-CF Adapter Typ II and an external headset with microphone and earphones for audio input/output. The FCC ID is MSQAGC100, so the OEM seems to be ASUS. Probably the card is the same as the ASUS AGC-100 GSM/GPRS CF-Card. The card has been checked with a Linux laptop first, checking it on a Linux PDA (e.g. the SHARP Zaurus) is in progress.

Output of cardctl ident:

product info: "GPRS Modem", "GPRS", "", ""
manfid: 0x0279, 0x950b
function: 2 (serial)

GPRS

The CF-Card works in GPRS mode with Linux. You may use minicom to deliver the appropriate AT commands. Or use the PPP/chat configuration files. Note: You must include the PIN identy number to unlock the SIM card into quotes, e.g. AT+CPIN="<PIN>". A new firmware is announced, which will fix this problem. To get the card working it should be only required to use the AT+CPIN command to unlock the card and then run AT+CGDCONT to specify the APN address.
A sample ppp script could look like this:

noauth
connect "/usr/sbin/chat -v -f /etc/chatscripts/provider"
defaultroute
/dev/ttyS0
115200
nocrtscts
lock
noipdefault
debug
user fasel

The accompanying chatscript could look like this:

ABORT        BUSY
ABORT        "NO CARRIER"
ABORT        VOICE
ABORT          "NO DIALTONE"
""           ATZ
OK           AT+CPIN="<PIN>"
OK           AT+CGDCONT=1,"IP","<APN>"
OK           ATDT*99***1#
'CONNECT'    '\c'
'TIMEOUT'    '5'

Do not forget to include an entry in /etc/ppp/pap-secrets like this:

USER	*	PASSWORD

GSM

The CF-Card is also controllable by AT commands when doing voice operations. Of course, the PIN has to be given, as described above, preferably before doing anything else. Plug the headset into the device.

When a call is coming in, the terminal program should output RING for each ring. Now you can type ATA to answer the call and speak through the microphone. Finish the call by typing ATH to hang up the phone.

If you want to make an outgoing call, it is necessary to set the service class to voice by issueing AT+FCLASS=8 before dialing the number via ATD<NUMBER>.

Usage with a Linux PDA

I hadn't time to check the CF-Card with a Linux PDA yet. But I have got a report that GSM works as PPP connection (SHARP SL-860 with original ROM). You need the serial_cs.o module. The NetFront browser doesn't work even if the network connection is up. You have to issue the command:

qcop QPE/Network "up()"

as user "zaurus".

Useful Applications

gcom

Controlling Option datacards with the command line tool gcom . Presented here is a utility to enter the PIN and other useful things that are necessary before starting a PPP connection. I haven't checked this tool yet, but I will do it hopefully soon.

A dialer for the AudioVox RTM-8000 CF-Card

With the dialer for the AudioVox RTM8000 CF-Card you can type a number you want to call, and your Zaurus rings when you are called. The application is only in text mode for now. Some help to create a good looking qtopia/opie application would be welcome. I haven't checked this tool yet, but I will do it hopefully soon.

minicom

To get echoes and OKs when running minicom you have to use CR-LF for the end of lines and use this settings:

pu hasdcd           No
pu rtscts           Yes

Similar GSM/GPRS CF-Cards

I have got humours that the following CF-Cards have the same behaviour under Linux, as well as the same manfid.

• AudioVox RT8000
• Fujitsu-Siemens Connect2Air

Useful Resources

GSM/GPRS AT Command References

• Ericsson Fun Page
• MultiTech AT Commands for GSM/GPRS Wireless Modems - Reference Guide [PDF]

GPRS Resources

• AnyCom Forum
• Want got get GPRS information for different countries or networks? Need to know APNs, standard user names and passwords, DNS and SMTP Server? Have a look into the International Information on GPRS Networks
• GPRS Easy Connect a Free GUI GPRS connecting program for Linux distributions and FreeBSD.