WARNING: Don't use BitPim with Samsung A700

[jdb8167]

I just spent several days trying to get my phone to work as a modem connection after using BitPim to view the file system. I had no luck. I tried restarting, using the various debug menus to set modes to offline and reset the phone. I tried using the user available Phone Reset in the security menu. None of these worked. The phone stubbornly stayed in diagnostic mode. It continued to work with BitPim but it would not work as a modem.

To fix the problem, I had to use the factory reset function of the service menu ##786# and my MSL. This is a drastic measure but it worked. After reentering my phone number and 3g info, I am again able to use the phone and also use it as a modem.

If you want to use your MM-A700 as a modem, don't use BitPim even to just view your phones file system. If you have used BitPim you can recover (if you are having the same problem) by reseting the phone to factory conditions.

I hope this helps someone avoid a lot of frustration.

[sheureka]

To fix the problem, I had to use the factory reset function of the service menu ##786# and my MSL. This is a drastic measure but it worked. After reentering my phone number and 3g info, I am again able to use the phone and also use it as a modem.
I think the only Sprint phones Bitpim works with are the Sanyo's. - sheureka

[SL10]

I think the only Sprint phones Bitpim works with are the Sanyo's. - sheureka
It does work with other model phones.

[sheureka]

It does work with other model phones.
All right, let me clarify. The Sanyo's are the only Sprint phones that have been tested by the developer and that the developer will support. - sheureka

[jdb8167]

All right, let me clarify. The Sanyo's are the only Sprint phones that have been tested by the developer and that the developer will support. - sheureka

Support of the phone by the Sync/upload/download portion of the software isn't the issue. The important point here is that while most Qualcomm chip based 3G phones can display the file system with BitPim, if you do that with a Samsung MM-A700, you might not be able to use your phone as a modem until you wipe it to factory initial conditions. This means loss of your phone number and 3g login information from the phone. There is no easy way to restore your phone # after that except with a service call to Sprint or if you have your MSL #. The actual display of the filesystem works fine, but you can't exit the diagnostic mode that BitPim uses. While you are in diagnostic mode, the modem AT commands are ignored so you can't dial out to #777.

I don't know of any other phone where this happens with BitPim.

[FaxSlapper]

Wirelessly posted (Samsung-SPHA680 AU-MIC-A680/2.0 MMP/2.0)

Doesn't Sprint discourage using your handset as a modem??

[jdb8167]

Doesn't Sprint discourage using your handset as a modem??

This is offtopic and there are many other posts on this subject but the general consensus is that you are risk for losing your vision service if you do it but in general Sprint has ignored reasonable usage so far.

For me, I only need my phone as a modem for occasional use but it is the primary reason I stay with Sprint. They cancel my vision, I cancel Sprint.

[jaminmc]

I just spent several days trying to get my phone to work as a modem connection after using BitPim to view the file system. I had no luck. I tried restarting, using the various debug menus to set modes to offline and reset the phone. I tried using the user available Phone Reset in the security menu. None of these worked. The phone stubbornly stayed in diagnostic mode. It continued to work with BitPim but it would not work as a modem.

To fix the problem, I had to use the factory reset function of the service menu ##786# and my MSL. This is a drastic measure but it worked. After reentering my phone number and 3g info, I am again able to use the phone and also use it as a modem.

If you want to use your MM-A700 as a modem, don't use BitPim even to just view your phones file system. If you have used BitPim you can recover (if you are having the same problem) by reseting the phone to factory conditions.

I hope this helps someone avoid a lot of frustration.

It works now!

New Bitpim 0.7.24 is out, and I can use it and still use my phone for internet!!!! # Added option to filesystem browser (Brew mode) to return phone to modem mode (AT commands). Known to work for some Samsung and Sanyo models. Use with caution on other phones.

All you have to do is select that, and bam. your set!!!!!!

[phrax]

It works now!

New Bitpim 0.7.24 is out, and I can use it and still use my phone for internet!!!!

All you have to do is select that, and bam. your set!!!!!!


Ok maybe I'm confused here but are you saying to add "#" to the file system under the "brew" directory? or are you saying to activate something under Bitpim?. No offense but your comment doesn't really explain what you did.

Nevermind I understand you quoted Bitpim's version history not another user.

Changes in 0.7.25

The ringers tab now identifies audio file types
You can double click on items in the wallpaper and ringer tabs to launch the default program associated with that file type.
BitPim can now convert non-midi audio files into something your phone will support such as MP3 or Qualcomm PureVoice. Make sure you read and understand the documentation which is also available by pressing help in the dialog box. You can easily make your phone not work any more.
MP3 ringtones are used for LG phones. PureVoice/QCP ringtones are used for Samsung SCH A650/A670.

Import of Outlook Calendar data is now supported.
Calendar bugs fixed:
Calendar GUI now displays on Mac
Sending repeat calendar events to the phone
Samsung SPH-A620/VGA1000 Phonebook reads fixed to work with phones with old firmware. Reading of camera pictures fixed. Ringtones can now be read from phone.
LG VX6100 Underscore character "_" now supported in ringer and wallpaper file names. Number of ringers allowed increased from 30 to 60. Number of wallpaper allowed increased from 30 to 60. Number of camera images allowed increased from 20 to 60.

Changes in 0.7.24

Bitmap (BMP) images with less than 236 colours are saved in the smaller 8 bit format (ie using a palette).
The wallpaper and ringtone displays have been replaced with an improved user interface in both functionality and appearance. The wallpaper display now works out image information directly from the file (eg you could rename a jpeg to .png and it will see work out that it is jpeg). You can also organize in various ways (try the right click menu). The ringtone display also uses the new interface but doesn't have the file type recognition or organizing implemented yet.
The matching of imported/incoming phonebook entries against what you already have has been sped up. (A C implementation of the Jaro Winkler algorithm is used.) There is also a progress dialog with estimated remaining time displayed if there is a lot of matching to do (multiply the number of incoming items with the number of existing items to get an idea of how much work is done).
The phonebook and calendar data is now stored in a transactional database (we use SQLite behind the scenes) which allows for implementing undo, archiving of old entries, concurrent instances of BitPim, storing old data so we can calculate changes for doing syncing and various other goodness. The other types of data (eg wallpaper and ringtones) will also be changing to use this database.
There is now an improved user interface for adding and editing calendar events. Most of the phone modules do not (yet) support the extra fields available, but will do so over the next few releases.
SCH-A670 Phonebook contacts now fully support wallpaper and ringtone assignments. Uploaded wallpapers are automatically converted to 128x96 24-bit BMP format and can be used for phonebook wallpaper assignments. Better transition in and out of File System mode. Calendar repeat events are now supported.
SCH-A650 Wallpaper images with 256 colors or fewer are converted to 8-bit PNG format. Others are converted to 24-bit PNG format. Better transition in and out of File System mode. Calendar repeat events are now supported.
Sanyo MM-7400 Disable reading of ringer/wallpaper assignments (which are really not handled properly for Sanyo phones anyway) so that phonebook read will work. Disabled calendar options as they seem not to work.

Changes in 0.7.23

Added option to filesystem browser (Brew mode) to return phone to modem mode (AT commands). Known to work for some Samsung and Sanyo models. Use with caution on other phones.
Outlook When importing contacts, only email addresses with a a type of SMTP are imported. Other ones, such as those used for X.400 email, are ignored.
SCH-A650 Correctly retrieve and save ringtone assignments in phonebook entries.
Sanyo MM-7400 Please do not use 0.7.23 for this phone, use 0.7.24 or a later version. [Added option for this phone. Assumes that this phone is similar to the PM-8200. If you find bugs, or experience timouts and are willing to help debug the driver for this phone, please post on one of the mailing lists.

LG VX6100 Support for this phone has now been added courtesy of John O'Shaughnessy.
Wallpaper reading (including camera images) and writing works.
Ringtone reading and writing works.
Phonebook reading and writing works with the exception that wallpapers set in BitPim are ignored when sent to the phone.
Calendar reading works. Calendar writing does not.

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SprintUsers.com was created in January 2002 as a resource for users of Sprint PCS products and services to learn about and share information. We have cll phone reviews, Cellular Accessories, Downloads, PDA reviews, Ringtones, all of the latest Sprint PCS news and information, an area where you can find help in creating a ring tone or custom image for you phone, and so much more. The most popular section is the message board where visitors can read and write messages, ask questions, and get advice about their cellular phone from other users.