1329 lines
65 KiB
Plaintext
1329 lines
65 KiB
Plaintext
The following file is a verbatim transcript of an article by the
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same name appearing in the November, 1992 issue of NUTS & VOLTS Magazine.
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Copyright (c) 1992 Damien Thorn and T & L Publications. Permission is
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granted to freely distribute this file in unmodified form. Identifying
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board headers may be added as desired.
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A CELLULAR COMMUNICATIONS PRIMER
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By Damien Thorn
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INTRODUCTION
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The specific technologies involved in the cellular network are
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highly complex, comprised of a vast array of computers, control equipment,
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transceivers, multiplexers, switching equipment, etc. The theory and
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principals of operation which we'll cover here are much easier to
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comprehend. With this article you'll learn the basics, and how you can
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profit from that understanding. Next month I'll show you how to reprogram
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a cellular phone through the keypad.
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Cellular telephones are viewed by most users as simply another phone,
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albeit cordless. A cellular mobile telephone (CMT) emulates a landline set
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so credibly that the deepest technical concern for most people is
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remembering how to make the phone dial a frequently called number stored in
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memory. The comfort and familiarity of the phones are by design, I'm sure.
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To a public that has difficulty programming a VCR, the reality of cellular
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technology would be overwhelming and perhaps somewhat frightening.
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Cellular phones are little more than low power transceivers capable of
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transmitting and receiving a total of 666 or 832 frequencies, depending on
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the model. They operate in a full-duplex mode, transmitting the mobile
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side of the conversation on one frequency while simultaneously receiving
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the other side from the cell site on a different frequency. A basic
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multi-channel two-way radio under the control of some powerful software.
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The network itself is where the engineering genius becomes apparent.
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OVERVIEW OF NETWORK ARCHITECTURE
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The cellular network consists of a honeycomb of transceiver sites (towers),
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each capable of handling up to about 40 separate cellular calls. Each site
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has an effective range of 3-5 miles. The term "cell" is derived from the
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size and shape of the site's coverage pattern, and the arrangement of the
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cell sites. The various sites in each city are all linked together through
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the mobile telephone switching office (MTSO). The MTSO not only
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coordinates the use of the radio spectrum, but utilizes computers to
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authenticate a subscriber's phone before making the connection and
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maintains billing records. The MTSO also serves as the interface point
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with the landline telephone company for cellular calls. As you drive
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through town the MTSO monitors the relative signal strength of the
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transmission from your phone. When the signal strength becomes higher in
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any cell other than the one handling your call, the MTSO uses a frequency
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known as a control channel to transmit data to your phone telling it to
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switch frequencies and lock into another cell. This "hand off" from one
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cell to another happens so quickly that most people never notice the
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transition from one frequency or cell site to the next. This is noteworthy
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because the hand off required your phone to change transmit and receive
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frequencies, while the cellular network not only reestablished radio
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contact with you on another transceiver, but rerouted the landline audio to
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that cell site as well.
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The cell site is generally located in the center of the cell. This is
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where the antennas, transceivers and control equipment are located that
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serve that cell. Due to the limited coverage area of the cell, these cell
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sites are located a maximum of ten miles from each other to provide
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uninterrupted coverage without "dead spots" - areas where your phone cannot
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operate because you're out of range of a cell.
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Since most markets are served by two cellular service providers who do not
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share cell sites, there are actually twice as many cells (and cell sites)
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than would be required for one provider to supply service. In the past
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I've worked at radio station transmitter sites that leased tower space to
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cellular companies, but I never realized how prolific these cell sites were
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until I studied the technology and looked closely at the antennas around
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me. Where ever your phone works, you're within three to five (line of
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sight) miles of a at least two sites, and probably more since coverage
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areas overlap. The adjacent cells never share common frequencies to avoid
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interference.
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Cellular sites come in different forms. In congested metropolitan areas
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the transceiver sites may be located on taller buildings. In other areas
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they are located on stand alone towers. Towers can either be built by the
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cellular carrier for their exclusive use, or the cellular antenna array can
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share a common tower (an "antenna farm") with other radio and broadcast
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services.
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No matter where the antennas are located, they can be recognized easily by
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their unique three- sided configuration. Refer to the accompanying photos
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for examples of two common types of cellular arrays. When I asked both
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cellular carriers based in Sacramento to disclose the location of their
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cell sites in my area, they refused. The customer relations
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representatives indicated the information was confidential - almost a trade
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secret. I left voice mail messages with their engineers describing the
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information I wanted. Neither even returned my call.
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The implications of this guarded attitude are interesting, and more than a
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bit disconcerting. Fortunately the FCC maintains public records on all
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transmitter licensees, and the California Public Utilities Commission
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(CPUC) requires cellular companies to file abstracts with them
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containing the information I wanted. The CPUC even told me the name of the
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person who would be available to help me dig through the abstracts and make
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photocopies. I didn't bother, but it was nice to see my tax dollars at
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work for my benefit.
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OPERATING FREQUENCIES
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The frequency spectrum allocated by the FCC used by the phone to transmit
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voice and data to the cell site is 824.000 - 849.000 Mhz. The tower
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transmits to the phone on a spectrum of the same size from 869.000 to
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894.000 Mhz. The cellular frequencies are narrow band FM, all spaced 30
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Khz apart, so determining every specific frequency is a matter of simple
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addition.
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For example, knowing the lowest frequency used by a cell site is 869.000
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Mhz, simply increment upward in 30 Khz steps: 869.030, 869.060, 869.090,
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869.120, etc. The frequencies used by the phone for transmission to the
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tower increment upward the same way from 824.000 Mhz.
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The frequencies are paired so that the phone is always transmitting to the
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tower on a frequency exactly 45 Mhz lower than the frequency the tower is
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using. If the landline (base) side of the call is transmitted to the phone
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on 887.940 Mhz, then the phone is simultaneously transmitting the mobile
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side of the call back to the cell site on 842.940 Mhz.
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Cell sites generally transmit the mobile side of the call at reduced gain
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back to the cellular phone along with the audio from the landline side of
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the call. This can be intentional, as in the "side tone" present in a
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standard landline telephone receiver, or the result of poor nulling where
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the cellular network interfaces with the Telco lines. This means anyone
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with a receiver or scanner capable of tuning the upper frequency in the
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pair can monitor both sides of the conversation. It is illegal to do so,
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however.
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CELLULAR COMMUNICATIONS PRIVACY
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To calm fears that cellular calls were not private, the cellular
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industry lobbied congress into passing legislation known today as the
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Electronic Communication Privacy Act (ECPA) of 1986 which makes it a crime
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to monitor cellular phone calls and a host of other transmissions like
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digital pagers. This law is used by cellular equipment dealers and service
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providers to reassure customers that their conversations will remain
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private.
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A person using a cellular phone is broadcasting his private conversation on
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airwaves owned by the general public. These radio signals permeate our
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homes, bodies, and scanning receivers. Yet so complete is the cellular
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transceiver's emulation of an actual telephone that the general public
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not only expects privacy, but feels confident that the call is secure.
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Nobody could possibly be sitting in the privacy of their living room
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monitoring the conversation. That would be a Federal crime. The ECPA has
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been described as a "toothless tiger" as it is virtually unenforceable. A
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growing number of scanner enthusiasts are monitoring cellular calls rather
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than the local fire department because it is much more entertaining. The
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ECPA is ignored by the public and law enforcement alike, just like the laws
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remaining on the books that make it illegal to work on Sunday.
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The bottom line is that it is up to you and I to ensure the privacy of our
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cellular calls. If you don't want to use a scrambling system, simply don't
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talk about anything on a cellular phone that you wouldn't discuss using
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your rig on the amateur bands.
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TELEPHONE CONTROL DATA
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With this simplified overview of the cellular network under your belt,
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let's dig a little deeper into the data exchanged by the cellular carrier
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and your phone. Obviously there is more information being sent by your
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phone to the cellular company than your conversation. The service provider
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needs to identify your physical phone, cellular phone number, etc. This is
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accomplished via data transmitted by your phone on a frequency set aside
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as a "data channel" in each cell every time you turn it on or use it.
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Your phone transmits six pieces of information to the cellular provider.
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One is the Electronic Serial Number (ESN) of your phone.
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Every cellular phone is assigned an ESN when manufactured. This ESN
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consists of numerical data which identify the manufacturer of the phone as
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well as the actual unique serial number of the specific phone. The ESN is
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an eleven digit (decimal) number which has been burned into a PROM chip
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permanently installed in the phone. Like the Vehicle ID Number (VIN) on
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your car, it is not designed to be removed or modified, although hackers
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occasionally do in order to circumvent billing procedures (see sidebar).
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One other item transmitted is your Mobile Identification Number (MIN) which
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is the actual ten digit area code and telephone number assigned to your
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phone. The remainder are numerical codes used by the cell site to identify
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things like your class of service and the specific capabilities of your
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phone hardware. This data is supplied when you activate service with the
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carrier.
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The ESN and MIN are matched and checked by computer against a database each
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time you use the phone to ensure that you are a valid subscriber, or
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roaming from a system the carrier can bill for your calls.
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All of this information (except the ESN) is provided by the cellular
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carrier and programmed into your phone when you subscribed to their
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service. The vast majority of cellular phones manufactured today are
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reprogrammable through the handset. This means that you can change
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(reprogram) this information yourself without costly programming
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devices simply by entering the proper keystrokes on the telephone handset,
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and punching in the data.
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This knowledge opens up a number of possibilities. If you activate or
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change your cellular service, you can program the phone yourself with data
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supplied by the cellular carrier and save paying any type of reprogramming
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fee. If you're looking to acquire equipment, you can canvass flea markets,
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swap meets and the pages of classified ad magazines such as Nuts & Volts
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for great deals on used phones. Not only will you enjoy savings on the
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hardware, but you'll only need to pay the cellular company to activate
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service, since you can program the phone yourself.
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In my article next month in Nuts & Volts I'll explain all the data
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programmed into a phone, explain what it means, and lead you step by step
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through the handset programming of a popular phone. This information is an
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important reference for those who may just want to do something simple like
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change the unlock code on the phone. We'll also take a look at the
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publications available through Nuts & Volts advertisers that explain
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cellular telephone reprogramming and modification in depth.
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*****************************************************************
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BUYING USED CELLULAR GEAR
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A FEW CAVEATS
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When shopping the classifieds, flea markets and electronics swap
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meets for great deals on used cellular telephones, keep the following points in mind
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to avoid getting "burned."
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Cellular phones are a major target of theft in some cities. They
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appeal to criminals such as drug dealers because they allow anonymous and
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virtually untraceable communication from a vehicle or street corner. The
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phone is discarded as useless when the service is disconnected, and such
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units may unwittingly be resold with other used equipment. There is no
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real way to discern this other than to phone your local cellular service
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provider to see if the phone's ESN is flagged in their computer as having
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been stolen.
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The other type of phone to avoid is one that has been physically modified.
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Hackers have been known to replace the factory PROM chip containing the ESN
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with a custom burned chip, thus changing the ESN. If this is done for the
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purpose of fraudulently making free calls, the ESN chip must be changed
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periodically as the cellular carrier discovers the fraud associated with
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that ESN.
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Detection of this type of modification is easy. Cellular manufacturers as
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a rule do NOT use a socket to hold the ESN chip. The PROM is usually not
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only soldered to the board, but sealed in epoxy or "air welded" to the
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circuit board to discourage this type of modification. An IC socket is
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usually installed by the hacker to facilitate easy insertion of updated
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PROM as necessary.
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No reputable service center will repair a phone if it appears someone has
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tampered with the ESN, and might call the police if presented with such a
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phone.
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The vast majority of equipment you'll find on the open market is genuine
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surplus or used merchandise. With the above information in mind you can
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examine the phone and be confident about your decision to make a purchase.
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*****************************************************************
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CELLULAR TELEPHONE PROGRAMMING
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Focusing on Fundamentals
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By Damien Thorn
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The ever-increasing use of cellular telephones has created a market for
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people with the skills to install and program them. Installation is no
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more difficult than installing a CB radio, and programming is accomplished
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by entering data via the keypad on the phone. Whether you want to
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completely reprogram a new or used phone, or simply change your unlock
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code, there is no reason to pay a dealer to do it when you can do it
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yourself in a matter of minutes.
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In the early days of cellular technology, an external device such as a
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"programming handset" or ROM programmer was required to "burn" the mobile
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telephone number and service information into the phone. Today's cellular
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phones incorporate resident software that allows you to key in the required
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information on the phone itself. When you are finished and satisfied
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you've entered the correct data, the phone burns it to non-volatile memory
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with the push of a button.
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To understand why the simple process of programming a cellular phone seems
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to be an industry secret, you need to understand that it is a lucrative
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service offered by cellular dealers. There is no profit to be made selling
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the phone hardware. Most dealers sell at close to cost just to remain
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competitive. The real profits are derived from commissions received from
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the cellular carriers (service providers) for getting customers to sign up
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with them.
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Due to the widespread use of surface mount technology within the phone,
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service centers almost always return them to the manufacturer for repair.
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Fortunately for these dealers, most service problems are external,
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involving the antenna, connectors, cables or a need for reprogramming.
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These are all relatively simple matters that can quickly be diagnosed and
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repaired in the shop, thus generating income. Aside from the Federal and
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State regulations governing the sales and service of cellular equipment
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(because it is a transmitter), only basic electronics skills and minimal
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equipment are required to begin such a business.
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INTRODUCTION TO CELLULAR PROGRAMMING
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The purpose of this article is to present the fundamentals of cellular
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programming. I've also included brief reviews and sources of publications
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that are essential to anyone interested in pursuing cellular programming as
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a hobby or profession. The basic principals of programming are the same
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from phone to phone. Each manufacturer (or model),however, has a unique
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sequence of key strokes to access the programming mode as well as a few
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other programming quirks. If you plan to work with more than one brand of
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phone, a publication containing programming tables (or "templates") is a
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must.
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The phone used for this article is a common Motorola transportable "bag
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phone." One reason for selecting this phone is because I own one. The
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other is because Motorola is the most prolific manufacturer of cellular
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phones. Also, the "universal" nature of the Motorola programming
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instruction set used as an example can be used on most of their phones as
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presented herein.
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Not only do they make gear bearing the Motorola brand name, they custom
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manufacture phones for a variety of other vendors. Some examples include
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the brand names Ambassador, America Series, Dynasty, Modar, Nautilus,
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Pulsar, Tracer, Blaupunkt, Nissan Infiniti, Toyota LEXUS, and models for
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AUDI and Ford.
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PRELUDE TO PROGRAMMING
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Before you even begin to program a phone, you need to obtain the required
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data. If you just want to change your unlock code, then you need to make
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up a convenient three-digit number. Activating service on a used phone
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requires you to obtain certain information from the cellular carrier
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providing you with service. Here is a description of the data you will
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need:
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01) System Identification Number (SID): A five digit number that has been
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assigned to identify the particular cellular carrier from whom you are
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obtaining service. This number identifies your "home" system.
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02) Area Code of Mobile Identification Number (MIN): Simply the area code
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of your cellular telephone number. MIN is the "official" term for the
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phone number assigned to you by the cellular company.
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03) Mobile Identification Number (MIN): The MIN is the actual seven digit
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cellular telephone number assigned by the cellular carrier exclusively to
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your phone.
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04) Station Class Mark (SCM): A two-digit number that identifies certain
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capabilities of your phone. How the cellular network handles your call is
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based on these digits. The SCM tells the system whether your phone
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transmits at standard power levels or low power levels, if it can utilize
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the full 832 channels or only the original 666 frequencies. The last
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attribute identified is whether your phone employs voice-activated
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transmission (VOX).
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A phone without VOX is continuously transmitting a carrier back to the cell
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site the entire time your call is in progress. The VOX operation used in
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smaller phones allows the phone to transmit only while you are actually
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talking. This reduces battery drain and enables handheld phones to operate
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longer on a smaller battery than would be possible without VOX.
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To determine the proper SCM for your phone, examine Table 1 and use the
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code that matches the presence (or absence) of each of the attributes
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described above.
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05) Access Overload Class (AOLC or ACCOLC): A two-digit number used to
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arbitrate who gets dropped from the system (or refused access) when there
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are more calls in a cell than can be handled at one time. This feature is
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allegedly disabled in most systems and no preferential treatment is shown
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to any particular ACCOLC.
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06) Group Identification Mark (GIM): The Group ID Mark is a two-digit
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number used by cellular sites other than your home system to determine if
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you should be allowed access to the system on "roam" status. This feature
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is not yet fully implemented.
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07) Security Code: This six-digit number is used to prevent unauthorized
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or accidental alteration of the data programmed in the phone. The factory
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default is 000000.
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08) Unlock Code: This is a three-digit number required to unlock the
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phone when you have electronically locked it to prevent unauthorized use.
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The factory default is "123", however many cellular programmers change it
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to match the last three digits of your MIN (phone number).
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09) Initial Paging Channel (IPCH): This is the channel number used by the
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cellular provider to "page" the phones in use on the system. The term
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"paging" refers to notifying a particular phone that it has an incoming
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call. All idle phones on a system monitor the data stream on the
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IPCH. Non-wireline cellular carriers use channel 0333 as the IPCH, while
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wireline providers (operated by a telephone company) utilize channel 0334.
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10) Options programming byte A
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11) Options programming byte B
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The options bytes are six and three-digit binary numbers used to enable or
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disable certain options on the phone. Each digit is either a "1" or "0".
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Options byte A consists of six bits. We'll label them "ABCDEF" for our
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purposes, where each letter represents a bit set to "1" or "0". Here is
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what each bit controls:
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Bit "A" - Handset internal speaker: A "1" in this position disables the
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internal speaker of your handset to facilitate the use of an external
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speaker/microphone combination. This bit is set to "0" in a normal
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installation to allow normal operation of the handset speaker.
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Bit "B" - Local Use bit provided for certain cellular carrier system
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requirements. This is normally enabled with a "1".
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Bit "C" - MIN mark bit: Usually disabled with a "0" in this field.
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Bit "D" - Auto recall: The auto recall function is always enabled with a
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"1" in this position.
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Bit "E" - Second phone number: If the phone has a dual system registration
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capability, and you are in fact registered with two different cellular
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carriers, the function is enabled with a "1" in this field. A "0" in this
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position indicates the standard cellular configuration having just one
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telephone number.
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Bit "F" - Diversity: This bit is used to enable diversity if your
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telephone is equipped with two antenna connections (ports). If your phone
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uses just one antenna (standard), this bit is set to "1" to disable
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diversity.
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If the phone was of a standard configuration, the description above
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indicates that this option byte would be programmed as "110100" with each
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bit enabling or disabling the specific option as appropriate.
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Option byte B operates in the exact same fashion, except the byte consists
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of only three bits, controlling three options. We'll label the bits "ABC"
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where each letter represents a specific bit.
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Bit "A" - Long tone DTMF: A "1" in this position enables long tone DTMF
|
||
for end-to-end signalling. This means that the phone will transmit a DTMF
|
||
tone for as long as you depress a key on the key pad. A "0" will disable
|
||
this feature, causing the phone to send a short burst of DTMF when you
|
||
dial, no matter how long you hold down the key.
|
||
|
||
Bit "B" - A "0" in this position enables the internal speaker of a
|
||
transportable phone to act as the "ringer" to signal an incoming call.
|
||
This feature can be disabled by programming a "1" in
|
||
this position if you have some ancillary device connected to
|
||
signal ringing.
|
||
|
||
Bit "C" - Eight hour timeout: This feature is normally enabled with a "0"
|
||
in this position. When enabled, the phone will timeout and turn off if it
|
||
has been left on continuously for eight hours. This helps prevent the
|
||
phone from completely draining the battery of your car if it is
|
||
inadvertently left on for an extended period without being used.
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
ENTERING PROGRAMMING MODE
|
||
|
||
Once you have determined the proper values for the data fields described
|
||
above, you can get down to the actual programming of the phone. With the
|
||
above data in front of you, it becomes a simple matter of punching it all
|
||
in on the keypad.
|
||
|
||
To begin programming the phone, you need to enter the programming mode.
|
||
Almost all Motorola phones use one of six possible key stroke sequences to
|
||
gain access to the programming mode. These are numbered one through six
|
||
and listed in Table 2.
|
||
|
||
Indexing the exhaustive list of model numbers to the appropriate sequence
|
||
number is beyond the scope of this article. It is not difficult to figure
|
||
out, and whether or not the phone has a "Fcn" (function) or "Ctl" (control)
|
||
key narrows it down to one or two possibilities.
|
||
|
||
The security code used to enter the programming mode consists of six
|
||
digits. It is keyed in twice, as though it were a twelve digit number, and
|
||
in a couple of the sequences is prefaced with a zero for a total of
|
||
thirteen digits. All Motorola phones are shipped new with the factory
|
||
default security code set to 000000. Most cellular programmers do not
|
||
change this, as it only makes reprogramming more difficult in the future.
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
Roughly 80% of the phones I've encountered retain the factory default
|
||
security code. The other 20% had been changed to 123456 by a local
|
||
cellular dealer. While the security code could conceivably be any six
|
||
digit number, you should be aware that this code is only useful to prevent
|
||
idle tampering with the programming, not lock out the personnel at other
|
||
service centers.
|
||
|
||
The security code is by no means akin to the vault door protecting the
|
||
contents of Fort Knox. In the next issue of Nuts & Volts I'll show you how
|
||
to build manual test adapter from one inexpensive part obtainable at any
|
||
Radio Shack store. This device will immediately allow you to enter the
|
||
programming mode without the security code. You can then view and change
|
||
the security code or all of the programming if you wish.
|
||
|
||
Once in programming mode, the phone will display "01" which indicates the
|
||
phone is at the first programming step (or field). Table 3 is a template
|
||
of the programming steps, and you'll notice that the step numbers
|
||
correspond with the numbers prefacing my descriptions of the required data
|
||
above. The phone always displays the two-digit field identifier before
|
||
displaying the data in that particular field. This lets you know where you
|
||
are in the programming sequence.
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
COFFEE BREAK: TIME FOR AN ASIDE
|
||
|
||
It would not be unusual for you to feel a bit overwhelmed right now. I was
|
||
confused the first time I attempted to program a cellular phone. If this
|
||
is your first exposure to cellular programming, may I suggest you grab a
|
||
cup of coffee and reread the article up to this point before you actually
|
||
attempt the programming process.
|
||
|
||
At first the idea of security codes and determining the proper sequence
|
||
necessary to access the programming mode was disconcerting and a bit
|
||
frustrating. Once this step had been accomplished, I was delighted to
|
||
discover how easy the actual programming was.
|
||
|
||
If you have difficulty accessing the programming mode, here is a helpful
|
||
tip: Let's say the phone is quiescent until you've keyed in the entire
|
||
sequence, including the 13 digits comprising the security code, but fails
|
||
to display "01" after the final keystroke. This indicates that you are
|
||
using the correct sequence from Table 2, but the security code is
|
||
incorrect.
|
||
|
||
If you are using the wrong keystroke sequence to enter programming mode,
|
||
the phone will abort in the midst of keying in the security code, because
|
||
it fails to recognize why you are punching in all the digits. If you are
|
||
using the correct sequence to access the programming mode, the display on
|
||
the phone will not echo (display) the security code unless you are keying
|
||
it in too slowly.
|
||
|
||
KEYING IN THE DATA
|
||
|
||
The process leading up to this point is actually the majority of the work
|
||
involved in programming a cellular phone. Keying in the data is so easy
|
||
that it's almost disappointing.
|
||
|
||
If you've successfully accessed the programming mode, your phone will
|
||
display "01" to identify the current field. Pressing "*" advances the
|
||
display to the data in that field. You can then key in new data and press
|
||
"*" to advance to step "02", or press "*" without entering data to retain
|
||
the information currently stored within the field.
|
||
|
||
I just want to change my unlock code, so I need to advance to the field
|
||
where this data is stored. A quick glance at Table 3 tells me that my
|
||
current unlock code is stored in field 08. To get to this field, I need
|
||
only to repeatedly press the "*" key to sequence the phone through the
|
||
fields without altering any of the data. When "08" is displayed, I know
|
||
I've arrived at the field containing my unlock code.
|
||
|
||
First I access the programming mode on my transportable phone by turning on
|
||
the power and keying in sequence number 4 from Table 2. I depress the
|
||
"control" key on the side of the handset and quickly punch in "0" followed
|
||
by my security code twice (123456+123456) and finally press the "*" key.
|
||
The display shows "01" to let me know I am at field 01, the SID.
|
||
|
||
|
||
I press "*" to advance to the data, and the display shows "00224" which is
|
||
my SID. I press "*" again and the software sequences to the next step.
|
||
"02" is now on the display. Another "*" and the phone displays "209" which
|
||
is the data in field 02 - my cellular area code. Depressing the star key
|
||
advances us to step "03" which is my MIN. Pressing "*" displays the
|
||
contents of field 03, and yes, it certainly is my cellular telephone number
|
||
(MIN).
|
||
|
||
Each time I press the "*" key the phone continues to advance to the next
|
||
field number and then displays the data stored there. Since I want to
|
||
change my unlock code, I repeatedly press the "*" key until the phone
|
||
displays "08." This is the field containing that code.
|
||
|
||
Another "*" and my display shows "602" which is my current unlock code. I
|
||
want to change it to "977." With the old code in the display (602), I
|
||
simply punch in the numbers 9+7+7. The display now reads "977" which will
|
||
be my new unlock code.
|
||
|
||
If I continued pressing the "*" key, the phone would sequence through the
|
||
remaining fields until it returned to "01." I could then advance through
|
||
the fields again. You might want to do this, just scrolling through the
|
||
data programmed into your phone. Use Table C to identify the fields as you
|
||
look at the data stored in each.
|
||
|
||
If you accidentally alter the data in any of the fields while you are
|
||
looking around, press the "#" key to exit programming mode without saving
|
||
any of the changes to memory. The "#" key will abort the programming mode,
|
||
leaving the previously stored information intact.
|
||
|
||
Since I changed my unlock code, I need to burn the new information to the
|
||
Numeric Assignment Module (NAM) in the phone. NAM is the term used to
|
||
describe the EEPROM chip where the program data is stored. To save the new
|
||
information, I press "Snd" (Send). This burns the changes to the NAM and
|
||
exits the programming mode.
|
||
|
||
These are the keys to remember while programming a phone, or just exploring
|
||
the current programming: The "*" key advances to the next field or step.
|
||
The "#" key aborts programming without saving any changes. The "Snd" key
|
||
saves all changes to the NAM and exits programming mode. The "clr" (clear)
|
||
key will restore a field to the previously stored data if you make a
|
||
mistake while keying in digits. You can then reenter the data correctly.
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
SUMMARY
|
||
|
||
We've covered a lot of material, and I commend your tenacity. Cellular
|
||
programming is actually an easy process. You now have a decent
|
||
understanding of the fundamentals, and I assure you that a bit of practice
|
||
will lead to a surprising proficiency.
|
||
|
||
The information in this article is specific to cellular equipment
|
||
manufactured by Motorola. Other manufacturers use somewhat different
|
||
templates and methods to access the programming mode. If you want a deeper
|
||
understanding of cellular programming or need the exact programming
|
||
templates and instructions for a variety of phones, I suggest you buy one
|
||
of the publications reviewed here.
|
||
|
||
If you own just one model of phone and need a template or other basic
|
||
assistance, I don't mind helping you out. You can contact me directly via
|
||
mail at 6333 Pacific Avenue, Suite 203, Stockton, CA 95207-3713. If you
|
||
need me to provide detailed information, I would appreciate it if you'd
|
||
enclose a few dollars to help offset my expense. I welcome all comments,
|
||
and encourage suggestions for future articles.
|
||
|
||
Building a test adapter for Motorola phones is the subject of my article
|
||
next month in Nuts & Volts. Placing a phone in test mode will allow you to
|
||
bypass the keystroke sequence and security code to access programming mode.
|
||
This is a device every cellular service person should have. In addition to
|
||
getting around a security code long forgotten by a customer, you'll learn
|
||
how to reset the cumulative call timer, reset the NAM programming to
|
||
default values and a host of other interesting test functions such as
|
||
accessing the built-in relative signal strength indicator (RSSI) and
|
||
channel number display available only when the phone is in test mode.
|
||
|
||
|
||
# # #
|
||
|
||
|
||
Table 1
|
||
DETERMINING YOUR STATION CLASS MARK (SCM)
|
||
|
||
Proper SCM Value Attributes of Your Phone
|
||
00 Standard power output; 666 channel cap.; no VOX operation.
|
||
04 Standard power output; 666 channel capability; uses VOX.
|
||
06 Low power output; 666 channel capability.
|
||
08 Standard power output; 832 channel cap.; no operation.
|
||
10 Low power output; 832 channel capability; no VOX operation.
|
||
12 Standard power output; 832 channel capability; uses VOX.
|
||
14 Low power output; 832 channel capability; uses VOX.
|
||
|
||
The SCM value appropriate to your cellular phone should beentered in
|
||
programming field "04." "Standard power" as used above refers to the RF
|
||
output level of a transportable phone, or one installed in a vehicle. "Low
|
||
power" refers to the reduced RF output of handheld units.
|
||
|
||
Handheld phones utilize a lower power level not just because of their size
|
||
and battery capacity. Since the transmitter and antenna are a part of the
|
||
handset, it was determined that radiating a full three watts of RF just a
|
||
few inches from your head might be unhealthy.
|
||
|
||
# # #
|
||
|
||
Table 2
|
||
PROGRAMMING MODE ACCESS SEQUENCES
|
||
|
||
#1 - Fcn + [six digit security code] + [six digit security code] + Rcl
|
||
#2 - Sto + # + [six digit security code] + [six digit security code] + Rcl
|
||
#3 - Ctl + 0 + [six digit security code] + [six digit security code] + Rcl
|
||
#4 - Control + 0 + [six digit security code] + [six digit security code] +
|
||
*
|
||
#5 - Fcn + 0 + [six digit security code] + [six digit security code] + Mem
|
||
#6 - Fcn + 0 + [six digit security code] + [six digit security code] + Rcl
|
||
|
||
Note: In sequence #4 the "control" key refers to the audio and ringer
|
||
volume control button on the side of the handset if no "Ctl" key is present
|
||
on the handset keypad.
|
||
|
||
Example: If the appropriate sequence for my phone is #3, and my security
|
||
code is 123456, I would key in the sequence as follows:
|
||
A) Turn power on. Display reads "ON."
|
||
B) Press: [Ctl], [0], [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [1], [2], [3], [4],
|
||
[5], [6], [Rcl].
|
||
C) If entered correctly programming mode is active. Display reads "01."
|
||
|
||
# # #
|
||
|
||
Table 3
|
||
TEMPLATE: SEQUENCE OF PROGRAMMING STEPS
|
||
|
||
Field Description Digits Typical Example
|
||
01 System ID Number (SID) 5 000233
|
||
02 Area Code of Mobile ID Number (MIN) 3 209
|
||
03 Mobile Identification Number (MIN) 7 555-1212
|
||
04 Station Class Mark (SCM) 2 12
|
||
05 Access Overload Class (ACCOLC) 2 06
|
||
06 Group ID Mark (GIM) 2 10
|
||
07 Security Code 6 000000 or 123456
|
||
08 Unlock Code 3 123
|
||
or last 3 digits of MIN
|
||
09 Initial Paging Channel (IPCH) 4 0333 or 0334
|
||
10 Options programming byte "A" 6 011100 (binary)
|
||
Internal Speaker (1 = disable) X-----
|
||
Local Use bit (1 = enable) -X----
|
||
MIN Mark bit (usually disabled = 0) --0---
|
||
Auto-Recall bit (always set to 1) ---1--
|
||
Second Phone Number (0 = disable) ----X-
|
||
Diversity option bit (0 = disable) -----X
|
||
|
||
11 Options programming byte "B" 3 010 (binary)
|
||
Long tone DTMF (0 = disable) X--
|
||
Ringer/speaker (1 = handset / 2 = transducer) -X-
|
||
Timeout (8 hour) (0 = enabled) --X
|
||
|
||
|
||
If second phone number option is enabled and supported by the hardware,
|
||
this programming template will repeat for the second phone number. Each
|
||
field identifier (step) number will be displayed with a "2" to indicate
|
||
data for the second number. (e.g. "01 2").
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
*****************************************************************
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
SOURCES: A Review of Available Publications
|
||
|
||
|
||
Every month I peruse the pages of Nuts & Volts with an eye for detail
|
||
unmatched by the best Revenue Agents employed by the IRS. Why? Because I
|
||
have an insatiable appetite for information - especially information
|
||
surrounding technology that seems "inaccessible" to you and me. As a
|
||
result, I've purchased all four publications advertised herein that deal
|
||
with cellular communications. Each has unique features and all were worth
|
||
the money. Here is my opinion of each:
|
||
|
||
Cellular Programmer's Bible
|
||
|
||
The Cellular Programmer's Bible definitely lives up to it's name. Over 300
|
||
pages of nothing but programming instructions for every conceivable
|
||
cellular telephone manufactured. This tomeincludes the factory preset
|
||
security codes to greatly simplify access to the programming modes of
|
||
various phones. In addition to precisely detailing every programming
|
||
sequence, each entry includes invaluable technical information on channel
|
||
capabilities, test modes, and other unique tidbits applicable to the
|
||
specific model of phone being described.
|
||
|
||
This volume is mandatory for anyone considering offering programming
|
||
services to the public. I discovered my Pac Tel Cellular customer service
|
||
rep uses this same publication as his programming reference, although he
|
||
carries it in a nondescript binder.
|
||
|
||
Approximately 400 spiral bound 8.5 x 11" pages. $84.45.
|
||
Available from: TeleCode, P.O. Box 6426, Yuma, AZ, 85366-6426.
|
||
(602) 782-2316.
|
||
|
||
|
||
Cellular Hacker's Bible
|
||
|
||
The Cellular Hacker's Bible is TeleCode's other cellular publication.
|
||
About one third of this book is devoted to programming templates for over
|
||
thirty popular phones. The balance consists of an elaborate technical
|
||
dissertation describing the operation of the cellular network which reads
|
||
like a Bellcore technical document (coincidence?). From switching to
|
||
timing and signalling protocols - it's all here.
|
||
|
||
The attention to technical detail can be an engineer's dream or
|
||
mind-numbing to the casual reader. Although I occasionally became bogged
|
||
down in things like "wink start signalling" and multi-frequency (MF) call
|
||
routing codes, I appreciated the excruciating detail when I came to the 18
|
||
pages listing each and every frequency in the radio spectrum allocated to
|
||
the cellular network by the FCC.
|
||
|
||
The reprogramming instructions are easy to follow, but not as comprehensive
|
||
as the templates in TeleCode's other publication (above).
|
||
|
||
Approximately 180 spiral bound 8.5 x 11" pages. $53.45.
|
||
Available from: TeleCode, P.O. Box 6426, Yuma, AZ, 85366-6426.
|
||
(602) 782-2316.
|
||
|
||
Cellular Phone Phreaking
|
||
|
||
Technical documents published "for educational purposes only" by
|
||
Consumertronics have a unique format and tone not generally found in other
|
||
books. John J. Williams, MSEE and proprietor of the company, has a gift
|
||
for presenting detailed technical information in an almost conversational
|
||
manner full of examples and anecdotes. Cellular Phone Phreaking is no
|
||
exception.
|
||
|
||
The programming instructions are equivalent to those contained within
|
||
TeleCode's Cellular Hacker's Bible. The technical description of the
|
||
cellular network is brief, and Williams includes an abundance of
|
||
information on how individuals have been known to perpetrate cellular
|
||
fraud. Included are relevant excerpts from various communications privacy
|
||
laws, including the text of the Electronic Communications Privacy Act
|
||
(ECPA).
|
||
|
||
Of value to the technician or monitoring enthusiast are the mathematical
|
||
algorithms necessary to determine the cellular channel numbers based on the
|
||
radio frequencies used.
|
||
|
||
While informative and entertaining, this book is a bit thin compared to the
|
||
others, but Williams crams in a lot of information by using small type and
|
||
not wasting an inch of space.
|
||
|
||
Approximately 41 spiral bound 8.5 x 11" pages. $39.00.
|
||
Available from: Consumertronics, 2011 Crescent Drive, P.O. Box
|
||
88310, Alamogordo, NM
|
||
88310, (505) 434-0234.
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
Cellular Telephone Modification Handbook
|
||
|
||
|
||
The Cellular Telephone Modification Handbook is the one publication
|
||
reviewed that is not really a programming manual per se. It is a book
|
||
explaining in detail how a hacker would change the Electronic Serial Number
|
||
(ESN) of a cellular phone. As a "security manual," the book holds nothing
|
||
back in precisely demonstrating how criminals can defraud the system by
|
||
doing so. I should note that a legitimate application for this information
|
||
would be to "clone" a phone that you already own.
|
||
|
||
By duplicating the ESN of your existing phone into another phone, you could
|
||
use either unit at any given time and avoid having to pay for an additional
|
||
number and service for the second phone. This seems analogous to adding an
|
||
extension phone to your telephone service at home. Why have a separate
|
||
number for each "extension?" Cellular companies don't like it, but it
|
||
doesn't appear to be illegal. Emulating the phone of your local bank
|
||
president in order to make free calls is another story entirely.
|
||
|
||
In addition to basic "universal" programming guidelines, this book includes
|
||
"screen dumps" of PROM emulation software, lists of manufacturers' ESN
|
||
prefixes and System Identification Numbers (SIDs). Complete with sources
|
||
for parts and equipment, as well as books and magazines related to the
|
||
field of cellular communications.
|
||
|
||
|
||
The representative I spoke with at Spy Supply provides programming support
|
||
for their customers. If you need assistance with a specific phone, he'll
|
||
provide you with programming information for that particular model at no
|
||
charge. After purchasing the manual, I tested this service and
|
||
found that he could answer every question I threw at him without
|
||
hesitation. The availability of this invaluable resource elevates Spy
|
||
Supply above the ranks of a typical publisher.
|
||
|
||
Approximately 52 spiral bound 8.5 x 11" pages. $79.95.
|
||
Available from: Spy Supply, 7 Colby Court, Suite 215, Bedford,
|
||
NH 03110, (617) 327-7272.
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
*****************************************************************
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
CELLULAR TELEPHONE MANUAL TEST MODE
|
||
|
||
How to Build and Use Programming Aids
|
||
|
||
|
||
By Damien Thorn
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
Over the last few months in Nuts & Volts we've taken a close look at
|
||
cellular technology. From an overview of the network to a "hands-on"
|
||
tutorial covering cellular telephone reprogramming. This article
|
||
introduces the construction and use of a manual test adapter to assist in
|
||
reprogramming or diagnosing problems in various cellular phones.
|
||
|
||
You can build this device in about five minutes with one part from your
|
||
local computer store or Radio Shack. The simplicity is elegant, and belies
|
||
the powerful control you can achieve over your cellular hardware. Need to
|
||
bypass the security code usually required for programming, or display the
|
||
relative signal strength indication (RSSI) on a specific cellular channel?
|
||
With a manual test adapter you're just a few keystrokes away from this and
|
||
more.
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
INTRODUCTION
|
||
|
||
As I mentioned last month, there is little money to be made by cellular
|
||
dealers in the sales of equipment. Hardware prices are so competitive that
|
||
most dealers sell new equipment at close to cost. Dealers make their
|
||
profit through commissions for signing up subscribers for cellular service,
|
||
and by installation and repair.
|
||
|
||
Installing cellular phones is comparable to installing a CB radio, and less
|
||
difficult than wiring a car stereo. Modern cellular phones are so reliable
|
||
that the phone itself rarely needs to be serviced. Ancillary equipment
|
||
such as wiring and antennas are usually the cause of any malfunction.
|
||
Probably the most common service operation is programming.
|
||
|
||
Whether you are activating cellular service for the first time, or moving
|
||
to another city, your cellular phone must be reprogrammed with specific
|
||
data supplied by the cellular service provider (carrier). Even changing
|
||
the unlock code on the phone requires reprogramming in many instances,
|
||
often associated with a fee ranging from $15-50.00.
|
||
|
||
The vast majority of contemporary cellular phones are programmed by
|
||
punching in the data right on the keypad without the aid of any external
|
||
programming device. And this service is often performed by shop personnel
|
||
with little technical skill. With a programming manual in front of her, I
|
||
watched the receptionist at a local dealer program a phone that was being
|
||
exchanged by a customer.
|
||
|
||
|
||
I use this example to illustrate how easy it is to reprogram a phone.
|
||
There is really no reason you or I cannot perform this task ourselves and
|
||
save money. Reprogramming can also become a profitable additional service
|
||
offered by independent technicians.
|
||
|
||
Motorola's Test Mode
|
||
|
||
Motorola is probably the largest manufacturer of cellular phones. In
|
||
addition to their own brands, they make phones for a plethora of other
|
||
companies. I've always admired the quality of Motorola communications
|
||
equipment, and the test mode engineered into their cellular firmware has
|
||
scored them a few more points in my book.
|
||
|
||
The test mode is designed to be of assistance to cellular technicians in
|
||
the field, and is entered by grounding a specific pin on one of the phone's
|
||
connectors. Once in test mode, the technician has manual control over many
|
||
of the functions normally automated by the firmware. The phone display
|
||
can now be used to indicate the status of various operational parameters.
|
||
|
||
The most useful functions to the hobbyist and professional programmer alike
|
||
are those which allow the data stored in the Numeric Assignment Module
|
||
(NAM) to be reviewed and changed. This is not much different from using
|
||
the standard programming mode, except no special keyboard sequences and
|
||
security codes are required for access. The manual test mode effectively
|
||
bypasses the software "front door" commonly used to enter programming mode,
|
||
and is invaluable when the security code is unknown or has long since been
|
||
forgotten.
|
||
|
||
The rest of this article details the construction of a test adapter and
|
||
explains its use as applicable to cellular programming. From this point on
|
||
I'm assuming you've read my previous article or otherwise have at least a
|
||
basic knowledge of cellular programming.
|
||
|
||
The basic style of the Motorola-manufactured phone will determine how you
|
||
go about placing the unit in test mode. Palm-size folded phones and the
|
||
one-piece hand held devices do not require and adapter. A jumper between
|
||
the contact designated as the "test line" and ground is all that is
|
||
required.
|
||
|
||
|
||
Activating Test Mode: Hand held Phones
|
||
|
||
|
||
If your phone is one of the hand held types, slide the battery pack off the
|
||
unit. The battery pack also serves as the rear of the phone's external
|
||
case. On the top rear of the phone you should see twelve contacts arranged
|
||
in two horizonal rows as depicted in Photo #1.
|
||
|
||
Before you go any further, you should look at the model number of the phone
|
||
located on the back of the handset. A typical model number is
|
||
"F09FSF9797." The fourth letter (underlined) in this string is important.
|
||
This indicates the phone is of the Motorola "F" series and contains
|
||
firmware that is programmed to allow us to use the manual test mode. The
|
||
older "D" series phones do not contain the appropriate firmware, and are
|
||
not even programmable from the keypad. Do not attempt this procedure on a
|
||
"D" series phone.
|
||
|
||
Another way to make sure the phone is of the "F" or higher (G, H, I, etc.)
|
||
series as opposed tothe older "D" series is to examine the plastic shroud
|
||
which extends from the top of the phone and partly covers the RF
|
||
switch/antenna connector housing. The "F" (and newer) series phones have
|
||
various notches molded into the plastic shroud as can be seen in the photo.
|
||
|
||
To reiterate, if the model number contains the letter "D" as the fourth
|
||
character, it does not have a test mode, and cannot be reprogrammed from
|
||
the keypad. Do not attempt to place it in test mode or you may damage the
|
||
phone. Once you are certain the phoneis of the "F" or higher series, you
|
||
may proceed.
|
||
|
||
The contact which serves as the test line is #6. This is the contact to
|
||
the far right in the upper row, and should be the last (and sixth) of the
|
||
contacts comprising the top row of contacts. Making a connection between
|
||
this contact and ground will cause the phone to enter the test mode when
|
||
powered up.
|
||
|
||
The most convenient way I've found to accomplish this in lieu of a special
|
||
adapter or modified battery pack is to use a small piece of wire as a
|
||
jumper. The short lengths that come with the Radio Shack RS-232 jumper box
|
||
we'll be discussing later work perfectly, right out of the package!
|
||
|
||
|
||
To jump contact #6 to ground, I use a very small jewelers screwdriver to
|
||
carefully wedge one of the solder-tinned ends of my jumper into the space
|
||
between the contact and the plastic edge to the right. The snug fit
|
||
assures decent electrical contact and helps keep the jumper in place. The
|
||
other end of the jumper is gently inserted in the crevice on the RF switch
|
||
housing. This bare metal area is the most convenient ground and will even
|
||
hold the end of the jumper.
|
||
|
||
|
||
Once you have the jumper connected, you need to flatten it against the
|
||
phone so that you can slide the battery back on without dislodging it.
|
||
Photo #2 depicts the jumper in the proper position to clear the battery
|
||
pack.
|
||
|
||
Palm-size Folded Phones
|
||
|
||
|
||
The "Micro TAC" variety of miniature folded phones ("Flip-Fones")
|
||
manufactured by Motorola usually require a special battery to activate the
|
||
test mode. You can simulate this battery with your standard battery,
|
||
however.
|
||
|
||
After removing the battery from the phone, you should see three contacts in
|
||
a row located in the lower right area of the phone. The two outer contacts
|
||
are the battery connections. Positive "+" is to the left, and negative "-"
|
||
is to the right.
|
||
|
||
|
||
The center contact is somewhat recessed and does not make contact with the
|
||
standard battery. Your battery however, should have a mating third contact
|
||
present. To place the phone in test mode, you need to get the center
|
||
contact to mate with the center contact on the battery. Strategic use of a
|
||
small piece of folded metal foil, solder wick or similar conductive
|
||
material can be used to extend the center contact on the phone so that it
|
||
will make contact with the third terminal of the battery.
|
||
|
||
If you attempt this procedure, immediately power up the phone to make sure
|
||
you have not shorted the battery terminals. If the phone does not come on
|
||
at all or feels warm to the touch, quickly remove the battery. A shorted
|
||
NiCad battery can explode, causing serious injury.
|
||
|
||
MINI-TR or Silver MiniTac phones
|
||
|
||
Two specific phones - Motorola's MINI-TR or Silver MiniTac units can be
|
||
placed in programming mode by shorting the two contacts of the hands-free
|
||
microphone connector.
|
||
|
||
Mobile Installations & Transportable Phones
|
||
|
||
These common phones are the type that consist of a handset connected to a
|
||
separate transceiver unit by a coiled cable resembling the receiver cord of
|
||
a standard landline telephone. The handset cable is terminated with a
|
||
modular connector and plugged in to a jack. The control cable from
|
||
the jack carries the handset, power and options wiring. This control cable
|
||
is connected to the transceiver with a 25-pin DB25 connector as depicted in
|
||
Photo #3.
|
||
|
||
These phones are also placed in manual test mode by grounding the test
|
||
line. The easiest way to accomplish this is by building a small test
|
||
adapter (also known as a "programming aid"). This device is placed between
|
||
the control cable and transceiver DB25 connectors allowing all the signals
|
||
to pass through unaffected with the exception of jumping the test line to
|
||
audio ground.
|
||
|
||
Building the Test Adapter
|
||
|
||
Construction of the test adapter is pretty straight forward. The same DB25
|
||
connectors used by Motorola have been used for years as the standard
|
||
RS-232-C connector on computer equipment. You can easily pick up a serial
|
||
RS-232 inline jumper box from your local computer, electronics or Radio
|
||
Shack store. The part number at Radio Shack is #276-1403 and lists for
|
||
$9.95 in their 1993 catalog.
|
||
|
||
The Radio Shack jumper box is designed for maximum flexibility and as such
|
||
does not have any of the pins preconnected. Each trace on the circuit
|
||
board connecting the pins has a small break which you will need to bridge
|
||
with solder to allow the signals to pass through. Examine the PC board
|
||
before beginning and follow a few of the traces. Note the difference
|
||
between the break in each trace and the small solder pads used for
|
||
connecting jumpers. You only need to bridge the traces.
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
Once you've applied a small dab of solder to restore the integrity of each
|
||
trace, you are ready to install the jumper. The test line on these
|
||
Motorola phones is pin #21. Pin #20 is the audio ground line. You want to
|
||
jumper (short) these two pins.
|
||
|
||
Small numbers etched on the PC board indicate the jumper point for each
|
||
pin. Locate the numbers 20 and 21 next to the small solder pads. Using
|
||
one of the short jumper wires provided with the device, place the ends
|
||
through these two holes and solder them down on the opposite side of the
|
||
board. Photo #4 depicts proper jumper installation, although I left one
|
||
end of the jumper unsoldered to illustrate it going through the board to be
|
||
soldered on the other side.
|
||
|
||
That completes the construction of a handy programming aid for Motorola
|
||
cellular phones, and you have a small packet of left over jumpers that are
|
||
perfect for jumpering the test line contact on the hand held units. Be
|
||
sure to save them.
|
||
|
||
To use the test adapter, place it between the control (handset) cable and
|
||
the transceiver as shown in Photo #5.
|
||
|
||
Test Mode Commands
|
||
|
||
Once you've jumpered the appropriate contact or applied the test adapter,
|
||
it's time to turn on the phone. When the phone powers up, a series of
|
||
digits should appear in the display similar to those shown in Photo #6.
|
||
They should alternate with another series of digits. This indicates your
|
||
phone is in the manual test mode.
|
||
|
||
One display consists of two numbers, each three digits in length. The set
|
||
to the right is the channel number designator for the specific cellular
|
||
frequency the phone is receiving from your local cell site (tower). The
|
||
right-most trio is the relative signal strength indication (RSSI) of the
|
||
received frequency.
|
||
|
||
The seven-digit number alternating with the channel/RSSI display provides
|
||
the technician with additional status information. Each individual digit
|
||
in the field is actually an independent status register. With a letter
|
||
substituted for each of the seven digits, this is what they represent:
|
||
|
||
A B C D E F G
|
||
|
||
Position A - SAT Frequency. Indicates which of the three SAT lock
|
||
frequencies is being used by the phone. In this position a "0" = 5970Hz,
|
||
"1" = 6000Hz, "2" = 6030Hz, "3" = No SAT lock.
|
||
Position B - Carrier Status indication. "0" = carrier off, "1" = carrier
|
||
on.
|
||
Position C - Signalling Tone. "0" = tone off, "1" = tone on.
|
||
Position D - RF Power Attenuation Level. "0" through "7" are valid values.
|
||
Position E - Channel designation. A "0" = voice channel, "1" = control
|
||
data channel.
|
||
Position F - Audio Mute (receive). "1" = received audio is muted, "0" =
|
||
unmuted.
|
||
Position G - Audio Mute (transmit). "1" = transmitted audio is muted. "0"
|
||
= unmuted.
|
||
|
||
The meaning of all these status registers is fairly complex and has no
|
||
bearing on cellular reprogramming. This display, like the majority of the
|
||
test commands, are only of value to an engineer placing the phone under
|
||
test with a cellular service monitor.
|
||
|
||
Table "A" lists the test commands that can be of assistance in
|
||
reprogramming. I have omitted the test commands designed for use with a
|
||
service monitor, as issuing them without the phone connected to a monitor
|
||
may cause interference to the cellular network. You may own the phone, but
|
||
the cellular provider owns the FCC license that allows you to use it.
|
||
Operating the transmitter in the phone in a manner inconsistent with this
|
||
license could subject you to loss of service and possible legal trouble.
|
||
|
||
Issuing Commands
|
||
|
||
If your phone did not come up with the status display described above, you
|
||
may need to manually instruct the phone to do so. Pressing "#" enters the
|
||
test command mode, and "02#" is the command to display the status
|
||
registers. If you enter a command improperly, the phone will scroll the
|
||
word "error" across the display.
|
||
|
||
If you need to review the current programming data stored in the NAM, enter
|
||
"55#" which instructs the phone to enter the programming mode. You can
|
||
scroll through the contents of NAM displaying the stored values by
|
||
repeatedly pressing the "*" key. Actual reprogramming through this mode is
|
||
considerably more difficult than through the standard programming mode.
|
||
The test mode does not display a step number to let you know what
|
||
programming step you are at, and the information is stored and displayed in
|
||
a different order.
|
||
|
||
Many programmers simply use this mode to obtain the security code, exit
|
||
test mode and program the phone in the normal fashion. As you step through
|
||
the NAM contents with the "*" key, the security code is the only six-digit
|
||
number you'll see that isn't binary. Once you've written it down, continue
|
||
to step through NAM until you see the "tick mark" in the display (it looks
|
||
like an apostrophe) and exit test mode by turning off the phone.
|
||
|
||
Motorola designed their phones so that they could only be programmed three
|
||
times. I don't know the rationale for this, but a firmware counter
|
||
increments each time the phone is reprogrammed, and after the third time it
|
||
will no longer enter programming mode. The instruction booklet that
|
||
accompanies the phone instructs you to take it to the dealer where you
|
||
bought it.
|
||
|
||
If you took the phone to a dealer, they would put the phone in test mode
|
||
(just like we're doing) and enter the command "32#" which resets the
|
||
counter to zero, allowing the phone to be reprogrammed three more times.
|
||
Do it yourself and save!
|
||
|
||
Many phones also have a cumulative call timer that counts the total number
|
||
of minutes the phone has been used for calls (actively transmitting). This
|
||
"autonomous timer" (that you were told was not resetable) can be cleared
|
||
and reset to zero by punching in "03#" while in test mode.
|
||
|
||
Another useful command is "38#" which causes the phone to display the
|
||
Electronic Serial Number (ESN) that is burned in ROM. The phone will
|
||
display the ESN one hex byte at a time. Press "*" to increment to the next
|
||
byte. Note that the display shows four numbers. The two to the left
|
||
indicate which byte you are viewing (00, 01, 02 or 03),and the actual value
|
||
of that byte is at the right of the display.
|
||
|
||
You can punch in "19#" if you'd like to view the software version number
|
||
resident in your phone.
|
||
|
||
Conclusion
|
||
|
||
You should now have an understanding of the test mode inherent in cellular
|
||
phones manufactured by Motorola, and if you've followed this series of
|
||
articles in recent issues of Nuts & Volts, the operation of the cellular
|
||
network and reprogramming procedures are no longer so mysterious.
|
||
|
||
Your questions and comments are always welcome, and you can write or send
|
||
E-mail directly to me as mentioned below. If plan to do much programming
|
||
or would like detailed information on the cellular network, you would
|
||
benefit greatly by investing in one of the detailed technical publications
|
||
offered in these very pages. I've listed the publishers of several good
|
||
volumes in a sidebar, and you'll find their ads scattered throughout this
|
||
magazine.
|
||
|
||
As a final note, you should be aware that the use of this information is
|
||
undertaken at your own risk. Although most of this information was
|
||
triple-checked against available technical documentation, none of it
|
||
originated directly from Motorola. I doubt you'll have a problem, but you
|
||
never know when a manufacturer might change their specifications.
|
||
|
||
*****************************************************************
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
TEST MODE COMMAND SUMMARY
|
||
|
||
|
||
The following is a summary of some of the commands available from within
|
||
the test mode on most cellular phones manufactured by Motorola.
|
||
|
||
|
||
COMMAND DESCRIPTION
|
||
|
||
# Initial keystroke to enter test command mode.
|
||
01# Reboot phone (begin power-up routine).
|
||
02# Display status registers.
|
||
03# Reset "autonomous timer" to zero minutes.
|
||
04# Initialize transceiver.
|
||
07# Mute audio (received).
|
||
08# Unmute audio (received).
|
||
11XXX# Load frequency synthesizer with specific cellular
|
||
channel (XXX = 3-digit decimal channel designator).
|
||
13# Power down the phone (off).
|
||
19# Display software version number.
|
||
32# Initialize NAM. Erases all programmed data!
|
||
36XXX# Activate channel scanning. Pauses on each channel for
|
||
XXX milliseconds. Keying "#" aborts scanning.
|
||
38# Display Electronic Serial Number (ESN).
|
||
45# Display current relative signal strength (RSSI) of currently
|
||
loaded channel.
|
||
53# Enables scrambler option if phone is equipped.
|
||
54# Disables scrambler option if phone is equipped.
|
||
55# Programming mode - display/change NAM contents.
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
*****************************************************************
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
Sources of Additional Information
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
The following companies distribute publications that offer detailed
|
||
instructions and information pertaining to cellular programming and various
|
||
aspects of cellular hardware:
|
||
|
||
Spy Supply
|
||
7 Colby Court, Suite 215
|
||
Bedford, NH 03110
|
||
(617) 327-7272
|
||
|
||
|
||
TeleCode
|
||
P.O. Box 6426
|
||
Yuma, AZ 85366-6426
|
||
(602) 782-2316
|
||
|
||
|
||
Consumertronics
|
||
2011 Crescent Drive
|
||
P.O. Box 88310
|
||
Alamogordo, NM 88310
|
||
(505) 434-0234
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
*****************************************************************
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY
|
||
|
||
(For publication)
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
Damien Thorn's interest in electronics has deep roots. A noted "hacker"
|
||
and "phone phreak" by age sixteen, he contributed regularly to the
|
||
underground newsletter "TAP." Today Damien is an on-air radio personality
|
||
and FCC licensed engineer in California's San Joaquin Valley. His
|
||
interests include computers, communications, security and privacy issues.
|
||
He welcomes questions and comments. You can reach him at 6333 Pacific Ave.
|
||
#203, Stockton, CA 95207-3713 or via E-Mail at one of the following:
|
||
DrDamien@Delphi.com via Internet mail, on CompuServe at 75720,2104, or on
|
||
Delphi as DrDamien.
|
||
|
||
|