Falcom SAMBA56 UserMan

This document is available at HTTP://WWW.FALCOM.DE/ .

SAMBA 55/56

GSM/GPRS

User’s guide

Version 1.03

SAMBA 55/56 VERSION 1.03

Contents

0 INTRODUCTION ..............................................................4

0.1 SCOPE OF DELIVERY ....................................................................................................................... 5

0.2 USED ABBREVIATIONS.................................................................................................................... 6

0.3 RELATED DOCUMENTS.................................................................................................................... 7

1 SECURITY .........................................................................8

1.1.1 GENERAL..................................................................................................................................... 8

1.1.2 EXPOSURE TO RF ENERGY ..................................................................................................... 8

1.1.3 EFFICIENT MODEM OPERATION............................................................................................ 8

1.1.4 ANTENNA CARE AND REPLACEMENT................................................................................. 9

1.1.5 DRIVING ...................................................................................................................................... 9

1.1.6 ELECTRONIC DEVICES............................................................................................................. 9

1.1.7 VEHICLE ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT .................................................................................... 9

1.1.8 MEDICAL ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT ................................................................................... 9

1.1.9 AIRCRAFT ................................................................................................................................... 9

1.1.10 CHILDREN................................................................................................................................. 10

1.1.11 BLASTING AREAS ................................................................................................................... 10

1.1.12 POTENTIALLY EXPLOSIVE ATMOSPHERES...................................................................... 10

1.1.13 NON-IONISING RADIATION .................................................................................................. 10

1.2 SAFETY STANDARDS ..................................................................................................................... 11

2 SAMBA MODEM ............................................................12

2.1 TECHNICAL DATA ........................................................................................................................ 12

2.2 GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS ........................................................................................................ 12

2.2.1 General......................................................................................................................................... 12

2.2.2 Electrical...................................................................................................................................... 12

2.2.3 Physical........................................................................................................................................ 12

2.2.4 Basic Features.............................................................................................................................. 12

2.2.5 Interfaces ..................................................................................................................................... 13

2.2.6 Power consumption ..................................................................................................................... 14

2.3 AIR INTERFACE OF THE SAMBA GSM/GPRS PART .................................................................... 14

2.4 RELIABILITY CHARACTERISTICS ................................................................................................... 15

3 INTERFACES IN OVERVIEW .....................................17

3.2 FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION ........................................................................................................... 20

4 GSM/GPRS APPLICATION INTERFACE..................21

4.1 DESCRIPTION OF OPERATING MODES ............................................................................................ 21

4.1.1 Normal mode operation ............................................................................................................... 21

4.1.2 Power down ................................................................................................................................. 22

4.1.3 Alarm mode ................................................................................................................................. 22

5 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS..........................................23

5.1 HARDWARE & SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS ................................................................................... 23

6 GETTING STARTED......................................................24

6.1 INSTALLING YOUR SAMBA IN A LAPTOP COMPUTER RUNNING WINDOWS® 98, 2000, ME,

XP................................................................................................................................................ 24

6.1.1 Getting started to GPRS Network................................................................................................ 31

6.1.2 Communications software ........................................................................................................... 32

6.1.3 PIN & PUK.................................................................................................................................. 32

6.1.4 Text messages.............................................................................................................................. 32

6.1.5 Voice calls ................................................................................................................................... 33

6.1.6 Data and fax communication....................................................................................................... 33

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SAMBA 55/56 VERSION 1.03

7 APPENDIX .......................................................................34

7.1 ACCESSORY HEADSET FOR SAMBA............................................................................................. 34

7.2 MAKING A DIAL-UP NETWORKING ................................................................................................ 35

7.3 BASIS OPERATION ........................................................................................................................ 41

7.4 GPRS PARAMETERS OF GERMAN SERVICE PROVIDERS................................................................. 42

7.5 EXAMPLES: USING CLASS-B FUNCTIONALITY VIA THE SERIAL INTERFACE .................................. 43

7.6 RF EXPOSURES............................................................................................................................. 45

7.7 INSTRUCTIONS TO OEM ............................................................................................................... 46

7.8 TROUBLESHOOTING...................................................................................................................... 47

Version history:

Version number Author Changes

1.00 F. Beqiri Initial version

1.01 F. Beqiri The modem driver and WellPhone
“GPRS Controller” software as a test
version added.

1.02 F. Beqiri Added three different housing
colours, see below.
LED colour description removed due
to the different colour provided on
the different devices.

1.03 F. Beqiri Chapter 3.1.1.1 updated.
Chapters 2.3 and 2.4 added.
Chapter 7.6 updated.

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SAMBA 55/56 VERSION 1.03

Cautions

Information furnished herein by FALCOM are accurate and reliable.
However, no responsibility is assumed for its use.
Please read carefully the safety precautions.
If you have any technical questions regarding this document or the
product described in it, please contact your vendor.
General information about FALCOM and its range of products are
available at the following internet address: http://www.falcom.de/

Trademarks

Some mentioned products are registered trademarks of their respective
companies.

Copyright

SAMBA user’s guide is copyrighted by FALCOM GmbH with all rights
reserved. No part of this user’s guide may be produced in any form
without the prior written permission of FALCOM GmbH.

FALCOM GmbH.

No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of the information
contained herein.

This confidential document is the property of FALCOM GmbH and may not be copied or circulated without permission.

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SAMBA 55/56 VERSION 1.03

0 Introduction

This manual is focussed on the GSM/GPRS data solutions of the SAMBA
USB modem from FALCOM GmbH.
The SAMBA is a Plug-and-Play device in extremely small size (88 x 37 x
12 mm), which provides a powerful state-of the art technologies (GSM,
GPRS) and makes them available for a quick and easy way to plug in GSM
and GPRS functionality to systems and modems. The SAMBA provides an
integrated SIM card reader, an internal GSM antenna, an audio channel and
a standard USB interface. The physical interface to the modem application
is made through an embedded USB connector. It consists of 4 pins, required
for controlling the unit, transferring data and audio signals and providing
power supply lines. The embedded USB interface allows it direct
connection to a USB serial port of desktop or notebook computers. The
SAMBA is designed for use on any GSM network in the world, it is a Tri­Band GSM/GPRS engine that works in the three frequencies GSM 900,
DCS 1800 MHz and PCS 1900 MHz or GSM 850, DCS 1800 MHz and
PCS 1900 MHz. This full type approved integrated modem constitutes a self
contained, fully integrated implementation of the GSM/GPRS standard. The
SAMBA features GPRS multi-slot class 10 and supports the GPRS coding
schemes CS-1, CS-2, CS-3 and CS-4. The SAMBA equipment supports
GPRS Class-B. This means, that the Mobile Station can set up a GSM call
(voice, CSD or fax) while GPRS attached
A standard SIM card has to be inserted into the integrated card reader. The
SAMBA modem can send and receive data by GSM and GPRS network. It
supports voice, SMS, fax as well and offers a choice of seven different
ringing tones/melodies which are easily selectable using AT command. The
SAMBA modem can be easily controlled by using AT command for all
kinds of operations.

.

About GPRS:

GPRS is a high-speed, data-only service that is an add-on to the GSM
(Global System for Mobile Communications) cellular network - a type of
network used to provide cellular phone service.

The SAMBA Modem provides reliable data connections to GPRS 900
MHz (GSM), 1800 MHz (DCS) networks. When in regions where GPRS
is not available, user can still access their important information with
GSM 14.4 kbps data connections.

Users are advised to quickly proceed to the “Security” chapter and read
the hints carefully.

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SAMBA 55/56 VERSION 1.03

0.1 Scope of delivery

Check the contents of the package. The following listed items should be
included. In case of damaged or missing any item, please contact your
dealer immediately.
Concerning the SAMBA, there are two different SAMBA modems which
operate in the different frequencies:

1. The SAMBA 55 Tri-band device which operates in the three
frequencies GSM 900 MHz, DCS 1800 MHz and PCS 1900 MHz, and
is available to use in the European and Asia Networks.

2. The SAMBA 56 Tri-band device which operates in the three
frequencies GSM 850 MHz, DCS 1800 MHz and PCS 1900 MHz, and
is available to use in the American Networks.

Please note that, according to your requirement you can choose the desired
SAMBA device.

SAMBA-55-SET

Name Part Quantity

SAMBA-55-SET

SAMBA-56-SET

SAMBA-USB-KIT*

(included) SAMBA-USB-KIT (accessories)

SAMBA 55 1

Headset 1

Software and driver CD-ROM 1

SAMBA 56 1

Headset 1

Software and driver CD-ROM 1

USB-Docking station with cable

1

extension

USB-Tilt connector, around 180°

1

turnable

* This is not part of SAMBA 55/56-SET’s delivery package. Available upon request.

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SAMBA 55/56 VERSION 1.03

Up to three different housing colours of SAMBA are available upon request
(see figures below). However, there is no difference in the hardware and
software specification except their LED colors, which are not the same in all
designed devices.

red colour

blue colour orange colour

0.2 Used abbreviations

Abbreviation Description

ETSI European Telecommunications Standards Institute

GSM Global System for Mobile communications

IMEI International Mobile station Equipment Identity

ME Mobile Equipment

GPRS General Packet Radio Service

PLMN Public Land Mobile Network

PIN Personal Identification Number

PUK Personal Unblocking Key

RP Receive Protocol

RXQUAL Received Signal Quality

SIM Subscriber Identity Module

SMS Short Message Service

SMS/PP Short Message Service/Point-to-Point

TA Terminal Adapter

TE Terminal Equipment

TP Transmit Protocol

MS Mobile Station

USB Universal Serial Bus

PTM Point To Multipoint

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SAMBA 55/56 VERSION 1.03

Abbreviation Description

NOM Network Operation Mode

PPP Point to Point Protocol

CSD Circuit Switched Data

URC Unsolicited Result Code

0.3 Related documents

• ETSI GSM 07.05 “Use of Data Terminal Equipment - Data
Circuit terminating Equipment interface for
Short Message Service and Cell Broadcast
Service“

• ETSI GSM 07.07 “AT command set for GSM Mobile

Equipment”

• AT-Command manual “Description of all supported AT-Command”

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SAMBA 55/56 VERSION 1.03

1 Security

IMPORTANT FOR THE EFFICIENT AND SAFE OPERATION OF
YOUR GSM MODEM READ THIS INFORMATION BEFORE USE !

Your GSM modem is one of the most exciting and innovative electronic
products ever developed. With it you can stay in contact with your office,
your home, emergency services, and others, wherever service is
provided.

1.1.1 GENERAL

Your modem utilises the GSM standard for cellular technology. GSM is
a newer radio frequency (« RF ») technology than the current FM
technology that has been used for radio communications for decades. The
GSM standard has been established for use in the European community
and elsewhere.
Your modem is actually a low power radio transmitter and receiver. It
sends out and receives radio frequency energy. When you use your
modem, the cellular system handling your calls controls both the radio
frequency and the power level of your cellular modem.

1.1.2 EXPOSURE TO RF ENERGY

There has been some public concern about possible health effects of
using GSM modem. Although research on health effects from RF energy
has focused for many years on the current RF technology, scientists have
begun research regarding newer radio technologies, such as GSM. After
existing research had been reviewed, and after compliance to all
applicable safety standards had been tested, it has been concluded that
the product is fit for use.
If you are concerned about exposure to RF energy there are things you
can do to minimise exposure. Obviously, limiting the duration of your
calls will reduce your exposure to RF energy. In addition, you can reduce
RF exposure by operating your cellular modem efficiently by following
the below guidelines.

1.1.3 EFFICIENT MODEM OPERATION

For your modem to operate at the lowest power level, consistent with
satisfactory call quality:
If your modem has an extendible antenna, extend it fully. Some models
allow you to place a call with the antenna retracted. However your
modem operates more efficiently with the antenna fully extended.
Do not hold the antenna when the modem is « IN USE ». Holding the
antenna affects call quality and may cause the modem to operate at a
higher power level than needed.

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SAMBA 55/56 VERSION 1.03

1.1.4 ANTENNA CARE AND REPLACEMENT

Do not use the modem with a damaged antenna. If a damaged antenna
comes into contact with the skin, a minor burn may result. Replace a
damaged antenna immediately. Consult your manual to see if you may
change the antenna yourself. If so, use only a manufacturer-approved
antenna. Otherwise, have your antenna repaired by a qualified technician.
Use only the supplied or approved antenna. Unauthorised antennas,
modifications or attachments could damage the modem and may
contravene local RF emission regulations or invalidate type approval.

1.1.5 DRIVING

Check the laws and regulations on the use of cellular devices in the area
where you drive. Always obey them. Also, when using your modem
while driving, please: give full attention to driving, pull off the road and
park before making or answering a call if driving conditions so require.
When applications are prepared for mobile use they should fulfil road­safety instructions of the current law!

1.1.6 ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Most electronic equipment, for example in hospitals and motor vehicles
is shielded from RF energy. However RF energy may affect some
malfunctioning or improperly shielded electronic equipment.

1.1.7 VEHICLE ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT

Check your vehicle manufacturer’s representative to determine if any on
board electronic equipment is adequately shielded from RF energy.

1.1.8 MEDICAL ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT

Consult the manufacturer of any personal medical devices (such as
pacemakers, hearing aids, etc...) to determine if they are adequately
shielded from external RF energy.
Turn your modem OFF in health care facilities when any regulations
posted in the area instruct you to do so. Hospitals or health care facilities
may be using RF monitoring equipment.

1.1.9 AIRCRAFT

Turn your modem OFF before boarding any aircraft.
Use it on the ground only with crew permission.
Do not use in the air.
To prevent possible interference with aircraft systems, Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) regulations require you to have permission from a
crew member to use your modem while the plane is on the ground. To
prevent interference with cellular systems, local RF regulations prohibit
using your modem whilst airborne.

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SAMBA 55/56 VERSION 1.03

1.1.10 CHILDREN

Do not allow children to play with your modem. It is not a toy. Children
could hurt themselves or others (by poking themselves or others in the
eye with the antenna, for example). Children could damage the modem,
or make calls that increase your modem bills.

1.1.11 BLASTING AREAS

To avoid interfering with blasting operations, turn your unit OFF when
in a « blasting area » or in areas posted : « turn off two-way radio ».
Construction crew often use remote control RF devices to set off
explosives.

1.1.12 POTENTIALLY EXPLOSIVE ATMOSPHERES

Turn your modem OFF when in any area with a potentially explosive
atmosphere. It is rare, but your modem or its accessories could generate
sparks. Sparks in such areas could cause an explosion or fire resulting in
bodily injury or even death.
Areas with a potentially explosive atmosphere are often, but not always,
clearly marked. They include fuelling areas such as petrol stations; below
decks on boats; fuel or chemical transfer or storage facilities; and areas
where the air contains chemicals or particles, such as grain, dust, or metal
powders.
Do not transport or store flammable gas, liquid, or explosives, in the
compartment of your vehicle which contains your modem or accessories.
Before using your modem in a vehicle powered by liquefied petroleum
gas (such as propane or butane) ensure that the vehicle complies with the
relevant fire and safety regulations of the country in which the vehicle is
to be used.

1.1.13 NON-IONISING RADIATION

As with other mobile radio transmitting equipment, users are advised that
for satisfactory operation and for the safety of personnel, it is
recommended that no part of the human body be allowed to come too
close to the antenna during operation of the equipment.
The radio equipment shall be connected to the antenna via a non­radiating 50Ohm coaxial cable.
The antenna shall be mounted in such a position that no part of the
human body will normally rest close to any part of the antenna. It is also
recommended to use the equipment not close to medical devices as for
example hearing aids and pacemakers.

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SAMBA 55/56 VERSION 1.03

1.2 Safety standards

THIS CELLULAR MODEM COMPLIES WITH ALL APPLICABLE
RF SAFETY STANDARDS.

This cellular modem meets the standards and recommendations for the
protection of public exposure to RF electromagnetic energy established
by governmental bodies and other qualified organisations, such as the
following:

- Directives of the European Community, Directorate General V in
Matters of Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Energy.

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SAMBA 55/56 VERSION 1.03

2 SAMBA Modem

2.1 Technical Data

2.2 General characteristics

2.2.1 General

• Tri-Band GSM/GPRS (SAMBA 55) Modem E-GSM900 + DCS1800
+ PCS 1900MHz

• Tri-Band GSM/GPRS (SAMBA 56) Modem E-GSM850 + DCS1800
+ PCS 1900MHz

• Class 4 (2W) for EGSM900 / EGSM850

• Class 1 (1W) for DCS1800 / PCS1900

• Small size and low power consumption

• Voice, SMS

• Fax and data transmission without extra hardware

• Internal 3V SIM interface

• Easy remote control by AT commands for dedicated applications.

• Fully Type Approved according to GSM Phase 2+ specifications

• Fully shielded and ready-to-use

2.2.2 Electrical

Power supply: +5 VDC (through USB interface)

2.2.3 Physical

Absolute maximum dimension: 88.7mm x 37.6mm x 12,6mm (
Weight: 79 gr.
Normal range temperature: -20°C to +55°C
Restricted operation: -25°C to -20°C and +55°C to +70°C

2.2.4 Basic Features

2.2.4.1 Telephony

• Telephony (TCH/FS) & Emergency calls

• Full Rate, Enhanced Full Rate, Half Rate and Adaptive Multi Rate

• Dual Tone Multi Frequency function (DTMF)

2.2.4.2 Short Message Service (GSM and GPRS mode)

(AMR)

L x B x H)

• Text and PDU

• Point to point MT & MO

• SMS Cell Broadcast

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SAMBA 55/56 VERSION 1.03

2.2.4.3 GSM circuit Data Features

• Non-transparent mode only

• Group 3: Class 1, Class 2

• Alternate speech and fax

• MNP2

2.2.4.4 GPRS Packet Data Features

• GPRS data downlink transfer: max. 85.6 kbps (see Table 2)

• GPRS data uplink transfer: max. 42.8 kbps (see Table 2)

• Coding scheme: CS-1, CS-2, CS-3 and CS-4

• Supports the two protocols PAP (Password Authentication Protocol)

and CHAP (Challenge Handshake Authentication Protocol) commonly
used for PPP connections

• Support of Packet Switched Broadcast Control Channel (PBCCH)

allows you to benefit from enhanced GPRS performance when offered
by the network operators

• CSD transmission rates: 2.4, 4.8, 9.6, 14.4 kbps, non-transparent,

V.110

• Unstructured Supplementary Services Data (USSD) support

• WAP compliant

• Compliant with SMG31bis

2.2.4.5 GSM Supplementary services

• Call Forwarding

• Call Barring

• Multiparty

• Call Waiting and Call Hold

• Calling Line Identity

• Advice of Charge

• USSD

• Closed User Group

2.2.4.6 Other features

• SM, FD, LD, MC, RC, ON, ME +SIM phone book management

• Fixed Dialling Number

• SIM Toolkit Class 2

• SIM, network and service provider locks

• Real Time Clock

• Alarm management

• UCS2 character set management

2.2.5 Interfaces

Single antenna interface
Internal SIM interface: 3V only

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SAMBA 55/56 VERSION 1.03

For Data Operation: USB serial link

remote control by AT commands (GSM 07.07
and 07.05)

baud rate from 300 up to 115,200 bits/s
USB: Full USB and USB 2 compatibility
Firmware upgrade: Over USB interface and SIM interface.

2.2.6 Power consumption

Average current (in mA at 5 V ± 5%):

900 1800 MHz GSM band

57 57

mA in idle mode (base station sends at -85 dBm)

GSM

195 143

232 166

mA in transmit mode at power level 7/3

mA

in transmit mode at power level 5/0

(maximum)

in receive/transmit mode at maximum

GPRS 423 mA

power level 5 (3 x downstream +2 x

upstream using Coding Scheme: CS-4)

Table 1: The average power consumption at 5V ± 5%

Coding scheme 1 Timeslot 2 Timeslots 4 Timeslots

CS-1: 9.05 kbps 18.1 kbps 36.2 kbps

CS-2: 13.4 kbps 26.8 kbps 53.6 kbps

CS-3: 15.6 kbps 31.2 kbps 62.4 kbps

CS-4: 21.4 kbps 42.8 kbps 85.6 kbps

Table 2: Coding schemes and maximum net data rates over air interface

Please note that the values listed above are the maximum ratings which, in
practice, are influenced by a great variety of factors, primarily, for example,
traffic variations and network coverage.

2.3 Air interface of the SAMBA GSM/GPRS part

Test conditions:

All measurements have been performed at T
The reference points used on SAMBA are internal contacts.

Parameter Min Typ Max Unit

Frequency range
Uplink (MS → BTS)

Frequency range
Downlink (BTS → MS)

E-GSM
900
GSM 900 1710 1785 MHz
GSM
1800

880 915 MHz

1850 1910 MHz

= 25 °C, V

amb

Input power

= 5 V.

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