You can send me a mesage by email: jim at i-rant.org
You can leave me a note on this website.
But don't forget to leave a comment on a particular post.
JimmyCINFO DUMP….
How to get connected using a bluetooth GPRS EDGE Cingular phone and your Macintosh to connect to the internet at highspeed.
I use a Sony Ericsson S710a, Cingular EDGE in Atlanta, GA and my Powerbook G4 with the blutetooth dongle from D-Link DBT-120
From the MacNN forum Site –>
Service Provider: Cingular (optional)
Account Name: WAP@CINGULARGPRS.COM
Password: CINGULAR1
Telephone Number: wap.cingular
Click the Bluetooth Modem tab:
Select the appropriate modem script in the “Modem” drop-down menu.
Uncheck Enable error correction and compression in modem.
Uncheck Wait for dial tone before dialing.
#!/bin/sh
#RMAC Startup Script
SYSCTL=”/usr/sbin/sysctl -nw”
IFCONFIG=”/sbin/ifconfig”
. /etc/rc.common
ConsoleMessage “Set Network Param”
$SYSCTL “net.inet.tcp.sendspace=262144″
$SYSCTL “net.inet.tcp.recvspace=262144″
$SYSCTL “net.inet.tcp.slowlink_wsize=108040”
$SYSCTL “kern.ipc.maxsockbuf=2097152″
$SYSCTL “net.inet.tcp.newreno=1″
sleep 3
Sources:
This original post from f1000: http://forums.macnn.com/showthread.php?t=257437
http://www.rtgrimesconsulting.com/pa…ge4/page4.html
http://www.howardforums.com
http://forums.cingular.com/cng/board?board.id=EDGE
________________________________________________________________________________
MORE INFO DUMP
——————–
It took me several days to figure this out, but there’s a system setting called net.inet.tcp.slowlink_wsize that controls download speeds for “slow link” connections (i.e., PPP). The default value for this variable is 8192 bytes, but this needs to be significantly increased in order to maximize EDGE download performance.
1. First, use RMAC or some other method to create a startup script in your /Library/StartupItems folder.
2. Next, use TextEdit to modify the startup script to make it look like the example script that I listed under item 6 in my first post. Save and restart.
3. Figuring out the ideal value for net.inet.tcp.slowlink_wsize involves doing some tweak testing. Initiate an EDGE phone connection and run the tweak test, and then follow the instructions at Broadband Reports.com to calculate the optimum RWIN value.
4. Edit the startup script again to set net.inet.tcp.slowlink_wsize to your new optimum RWIN value. In my sample script, I highlighted my own optimum RWIN value in red. You may find that another value works better for you. Save and restart.
From my experimentation, I deduced that,
* net.inet.tcp.slowlink_wsize = RWIN for PPP connections
* net.inet.tcp.recvspace = RWIN for broadband connections
Adding this startup script increased my EDGE download speeds almost three-fold.
——————————–
As you can see, I’m getting close to maximum theoretical EDGE speeds for a Class 4 device. 119 kbps is FAST! While wading through Howardsforum, I noticed that a lot of Mac users were complaining about slow EDGE download speeds. It’s clear to me that none of them realized they had to adjust their system settings. Who can blame them? It took me hours of Googling and experimentation to figure out the solution to the problem. It’d be nice if somebody would post a man page for the each sysctl writable variable.
I tested out a theory of mine by successfully streaming a 96 kbps iTunes broadcast using my EDGE phone. Satellite radio and the iPod are both screwed.
========================
1. Newark, DE (6/18/05):
Upload: 38 kbps
Download: 139 kbps
2. Alexandria, VA (6/16/05):
Upload: 38 kbps
Download: 115 kbps
Download: 145.6 kbps
3. Washington, DC, U.S. Capitol Building (6/15/05):
Upload: 38 kbps
Download: 96 kbps
4. Baltimore, MD, Inner Harbor (6/20/05):
Upload: 36 kbps
Download: 57 kbps
Specifications
Phone: Motorola V551 (Class 4 EDGE)
Computer: 12″ PowerBook G4 (1 GHz Rev B)
OS X Version: 10.3.9
Tethering Method: Bluetooth®
Signal Strength: Maximum
Modem Script: Motorola 3G CID1
===============================================
http://www.internetfrog.com/mypc/speedtest/
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Using a Cingular Nokia 6230 as a Bluetooth Modem with OS X.
In my constant search for fast, low-cost wireless data access, I recently abandoned T-Mobile’s T-Zones inexpensive 5-dollar-per-month GPRS data service (they started blocking every port except for 25, which only allows email access) and now I “tether” my Mac to Cingular Nokia 6230 for bluetooth internet access, which I use quite often as I am out in the field and need to get email on my Powerbook or need to download a file for a client who only has dialup. The nice thing about the Nokia 6230 is that it is capable of EDGE speed data which is typically 2-3 times faster than GPRS. I can usually establish a connection of around 180Kbps which will let me download at around 22KBps. Granted there is tons of latency and the battery on the cellphone won’t last forever, however in certain situations it is very convenient. You must make sure you can get EDGE speeds for this to work Contact Cingular to see if it’s available in your area.
Now onto the fun part.
First requirement is Cingular’s MediaWork Unlimited package for $24.99/month. It used to be $19.99/month, however they recently raised the price. Next, download the 3G Nokia modem scripts from www.taniwha.org.uk and install them in your /Library/Modem Scripts folder. Do not download the GPRS scripts, as you will not achieve EDGE speeds with them.
On the phone go to:
Menu->Settings->Connectivity->Bluetooth->Bluetooth On
and
Menu->Settings->Connectivity->Bluetooth->Bluetooth Settings->My phone’s visibility->Shown to all.
This will allow the Mac to find your phone via bluetooth.
Once the scripts are downloaded and installed, go up to the bluetooth menu and pair the phone with your Mac. Pair the phone to use as a modem for GPRS data. On the next screen in the setup assistant enter the following data in.
Username: WAP@CINGULARGPRS.COM
Password: CINGULAR1
GPRS CID String: wap.cingular
Modem Script: Nokia 3G CID1
I personally have the modem accessible from the menu bar so I just click on it and connect that way. This is an inexpensive way to get fairly highspeed data from your Nokia 6230 via the Cingular network for a lot less than the cost of the $80/month full EDGE data service.
Ryan Grimes — R. T. Grimes Consulting (Serving the Indianapolis Metropolitan Area) /
– ACDT, ACPT, ACTC (10.1), ACHDS.
Ryan can be contacted at ryan[at]rtgrimesconsulting.com or (317)534-0562
====================================================
Here is a little gift for those that are Cingular GSM customers with a unlimited data plan. After an hour or so of playing around with my Sony T637, I figured out how you can use this phone as a Bluetooth modem.
Before we begin the setup process, you must download the scripts needed for your phone from Ross Barkman’s page. I haven’t tested any other scripts, but the Sony Ericsson 3G scripts are those that are needed for the T637. Once your download has finished, you can then place the scripts in top-level Library/Modem Scripts folder.
Instructions:
1. Set up a new Bluetooth device using the setup assistant (Mobile Phone).
2. Once your Bluetooth phone is found, you will have to initiate a pairing of the device with your Bluetooth-enabled Mac.
3. The next step asks how you will be using your phone; set up iSync to transfer contacts and events, use Address Book, and access the internet using your phone’s data connection. There are two options underneath all this:
* Dial a specific number access number for your ISP.
* Use a direct, higher speed connection to reach your internet service provider (GPRS, 1xRTT)
Select the second option.
4. This is going to take you to the last part of this setup, which is going to ask you for all the information it needs to connect to the Cingular network. All CAPS is a must!:
* Username name: ISP@CINGULARGPRS.COM
* Password: CINGULAR1
* GPRS CID String: ISP.CINGULAR
* Modem script: Sony Ericsson 3G CID1
Now that this part is complete, it’s on to the Internet Connect window.
1. Open Internet Connect, and you should see the following under the Bluetooth section (again, all CAPS):
* Telephone Number: ISP.CINGULAR
* Account Name: ISP@CINGULARGPRS.COM
* Password: ********* (CINGULAR1)
2. Hit the Connect button, and you should connect without any issues. If you get an error saying No Response from the other end, give it a few minutes and try again.
I go for pre-op next week after the peachtree - I go for surgery on Thursday.
I run the Peachtree on the 4th. Looks like I’ll come in just under 60 minutes based on the way things have been. Haven’t been training as much due to my knee so my wind is weak. I ran a six mile run at a decent pace last week and came in at 9-10 minute miles; so my prediction: 56 but I have no idea. I could feel great and keep going; I could feel great and burn out, I could feel crappy and surprise myself like the Cartersville 10K where I ran a 46:34.
So I have been fighting this knee pain since that race. I was on pace to run around 43 but the last mile was slow due to pain. I have tried PT for Patella, tried shots, done an MRI and no idea. It just won’t go away. The pain is in the joint under the knee cap as I bend, bringing my foot to my hip/butt. So Dr. Day is going in! Arthroscopic surgery on Thursday to see if there is damage to cartilage or whatever.
Wish me luck!
Follow up on my 921 experiences.
So now I’m even more disappointed in the software. Like those GIANT graphics - when you press pause or FF/RW - it covers the screen; that’s just silly.
Yea, and how many times have you all had to re-boot because it gets “stuck” in ZOOM or Stretch format. And that black screen of death. Its not Windows but it might as well be, even thought its not a blue screen. I’m not sure of the exact key strokes to get there but every once in a while, too often, I’m checking out the catalog or prev. recordings and bam - I get back to the show and I can hear it and see it on the edges - with a BIG black box in the most of the screen. It really sucks when you are watching “behind” a show - say rewinding 60 minutes, which I often do, to see shows without commercials. Once you get that screen, its only a reboot and you lose everything.
I also have the same problems with the tuner on OTA - not sure if I were to purchase a separate box if they would come in better - but I’m pretty close to the Atlanta towers. Doesn’t lock well on setup and little by little the channels are getting worse.
OH - and they charge for the 4.99 feed? I clarified this - its listed as a DVR charge on the bill and now it is on the website. They are piggy-backing off of TIVO billing; I wouldn’t mind if the directory was better and subscriptions were like TIVO.
Be careful to PROTECT what you want to save. The other day my kids set the timer for cartoons - lots of them and it went on and erased a whole bunch of movies I hadn’t protected! Ouch! So use protect!
Anyway; I won’t go for the newer models. May be more stable but I’m not ready to spend and I think you give something up.
All said - I’m just ranting - its what I do. I do love everything about HDTV and when its working. I love the new VOOM channels - I gave them the extra $5/month. Love RAVE and the extra movies.
BTW - I thought it was Windows based but it is apparently Linux - and just a crappy programmer.
Is there anyone out there that is a fan. yes. Are you a fan. Do you get fanatical.
I’m a Gabriel fan. We wait so long for songs, Gabriel fans. I just watched the Gabriel Growing UP video on RAVE HDTV. Anyway - what a memory.
I went to see him in Chicago - the first weekend. I flew by myself. It was new and had been 10 years since US. I cannot describe the feeling. I was on the floor. Many people on the floor didn’t know what to expect, many were like me. I was alone, but I wasn’t. I was one of the only ones dancing, really. You know, kinda Grateful Dead dancing - who gives a shit kinda dancing. Because it felt so good.
So most of the concert there was a slowly growing thing from the ceiling. It started out as an upside down balloon and turned into an upside down flower bud kinda thing. Eventually it dropped down and out came this giant Zygote looking ball - like a ball made out of bubble plastic. He was inside. Peter was standing there. Then he started to roll, like a hamster. It was to Growing Up and it was slow and steady. Then it got faster and then - he started bouncing. Perfectly timed, perfectly rocking! I felt myself lift off of the ground. I was bouncing as was everyone around me. It was fantastic.

That’s gabriel. like the first time I saw him SHOCK the monkey. Painted face, monkey bars on stage - swinging and singing. Nothing like him.
JimmyC
P.S. there is a cool website - some artist was into the ball, literally.
roanoke.com Outdoors in Southwest Virginia
We are trying to find a nice 45 mile stretch to hike. THis is a good starting point.
Not everyone loves to read - or perhaps the things they have been asked have not been what they love. As is the case for me growing up and my son today. As a kid, I did love to read - books about lizards and science and nature and mechanical things. I spent hours with my dog and a flashlight in her doghouse reading How and Why Wonder books (a series of books written back in 1965) comparable to today’s DK books without the nice photographs. I said it was to get Rags used to her new dog-house but it was really an escape for me - to a place where I was a scientist and inventor. Then came history and math and other things where I read dry text books that recanted dates and names that I had to memorize. I lost interest, moved towards reward and business, that was it.
Then came Michener and his book Chesapeake. Historical novels - why couldn’t the teachers have taught history like this? Through people, that mattered but were human and relevant!
Such is the difference with Daniel. He resisted reading - for reading’s sake. His sister discovered books of interest early - devouring Laura Ingalls Wilder series early on. She reads novels in a few days and he watched saying it wasn’t for him. It was boring and annoying. Then came Lemony Snickett. A mediocre screenwriter named Daniel Handler created the perfect book for Daniel under the pen name Lemony Snickett. Dark and depressing yet witty and demanding both intellectually and creatively. Have you ever heard of the movies Kill the Poor or Rick? I didn’t think so. But you have heard of the movie Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events.
Here is an interesting fact about Daniel/Lemony - he is Jewish. In an interview with him by Something Jewish I learned that his first few books were Adult books about adult themes. The Basic Eight is a darkly funny comedy about a nice Jewish high school student who is seriously unhinged, while Watch Your Mouth features a dysfunctional Jewish family being terrorised by a Golem.
So he is a good writer and now interesting to me - and he has captured Daniel’s imagination and desire. As James Michener did for me, and today David McCullogh has with John Adams and the book Stephanie just gave me for Father’s Day - 1776. It is amazing what a good author can do!
Ahh, father’s day. Talk about pressure! I would love to be in the middle of something fathersdayish right now but I couldn’t think of anything. It actually was a great day to start - got up late (8) and went for a run with Daniel tagging along via bike. Got home and everyone was eating - then I got my breakfast with Daniel and we opened cards and gifts. Now I sit at 12:30 feeling like I should be suggesting something - or doing nothing or whatever. But instead I spent 35 minutes playing with photoshop on the following picture:
Oh - maybe we can go somewhere at 1:30 after I call my dads and grandpa.
Happy Father’s Day!
its like TAB - The Acesulfame potassium gives it the bite/sweet zing of saccharine but also that aftertaste though less prominant. You gotta figure when Coke made Tab it used much of the Coke formula and Diet Coke was different. I also think it has less carbination. It is more like coke with a nice start and zing but the aftertase is still with me for a while when its gone…
Some good comments on this Blog:My Quiet Life � coke zero
The other day someone was ranting about outsourcing and jobs going overseas. That I was contributing to the downfall of America because our company sends some programming work to India or Canada. I agree, its sad when Americans lose jobs, but in the long run America will be just fine.
The difference between America and the rest of the world - we adapt, change and compete, we know the world is brutal and only the strong survive. Those that work hard and stay creative grow, those that can’t do that strive for socialism, communism or become even more passive and succumb to feudalism or totalitarian rule. “everything equal” or “fair” doesn’t work. But hay - if it weren’t for passive, fatalists - then it would be that much harder for me to climb to the top.
Every deal I sell employs a hand full of services people here and then same at my client’s site. It generates taxes for our government and yes - it sometimes employs people in Canada and India. But they trade with us and that generates value too.
To those that think we shouldn’t outsource…. until you learn a little more about what makes america work, what people like me do and get out of the panacea that is the isolationist ideal you and your friendslive in, you will never get what America is.
If you really want to know what I will suggest (but not expect) my kids do:
I give them the best school I can - with not only quality knowledge of facts but the ability to make decisions, strive to do more then most. I give them strong moral, Jewish values that will keep them grounded and social as they navigate the wonderful but often brutal world. I will suggest they go to college to learn all points of view - even the ones I don’t agree with and make their own decisions. I will always help but sometimes abandon them - as mother robin does her chicks in the nest when it is time to fly. If they ask, I will tell them what subjects I feel make sense in college, what careers work and what don’t. But by then, I really won’t know anymore then them.
Today, I think engineering or business is always a good route but medicine and law are admirable as well. All of these are subject to outsourcing but that doesn’t mean they are the wrong path. Take engineering for example - India produced more software and other engineers then any other country now. Sure - engineering “jobs” are going overseas but if you ask anyone who studied engineering in college they will say it is less about the specific field you study [electrical, mechanical, etc] and more about “solving problems.” So my hope is that if Daniel becomes an engineer he will not only build things but in doing that learn how to solve problems - the process, the steps necessary. Two of our best friends left college with engineering degrees fully expecting to “build things.” One sells ear-warmers and his company is worth millions. The other makes a great living (in fact they are a husband and wife team of engineers) inspecting the construction of homes. Both of their jobs were “outsourced” and they “solved the problem” by solving other problems.
We are switching to Cingular - they have a pretty good 3G (EDGE) moblie data network and Stephanie has had good luck with voice. I should be able to get a good enough data connection to be able to connect my powerbook on the road. Here is some of the info I found on the net…
MacNN Forums - Settings for tethering a Macintosh to a Cingular EDGE phone via Bluetooth
