====== Cell Modem ======

===== About =====
The cellmodem plugin is a monitoring plugin for cellular modems. It reports provider and signal quality for GPRS/UMTS(3G)/HSDPA(3.5G) modem cards. It works with (mostly) all cards which support an out-of-band channel for monitoring purposes.

The current features include:

  * Display the current network type (GPRS/UMTS) 
  * Display the current signal level
  * Configure the maximum signal level
  * Configure the low and critical signal level 
  * Asking for PIN if modem needs it
  * Quick visual feedback on modem and registration status via LEDs




===== Download =====

You can download the latest releases from
[[http://goodies.xfce.org/releases/xfce4-cellmodem-plugin/]]


===== News =====
//Tue 16 January 2007//

Uploaded version 0.0.5. Changelog:
  * Support for autodetecting known modem devices (PCI/USB)
  * Support for HSDPA detection (for modems which support it using _OHCIP)
  * Smaller leds - most people use absurdely low resolutions.
  * No more error after sending pin.
  * Added the Czech translation by Michal Várady. Thanks Michal!

//Thu 05 October 2006//

Uploaded version 0.0.4. Changelog:
  * Support for --enable-debug in configure

//Wed 04 October 2006//

Uploaded version 0.0.3.  Changelog:

  * Better error handling - Error messages included
  * Fixed bugs in remove_leading_chars and remove_trailing_chars
  * Fixed modem pin reply in fake driver.
  * Added vasprintf - needed for error messages
  * Moved some prototypes into cellmodem.h
  * Removed C++ style comments
  * Enforce pin '1234' on fake driver.
  * Cancel pending timers when reinitializing modem.
        
//Sun 01 October 2006//

Uploaded version 0.0.2 to SVN. Changelog: 
  * Fixed error handling.
  * Disabled the ask for pin. You can click on the plugin to enter the pin, if it is required.
  * Fixed initialization of IO channel in modem_driver_generic.
       

===== Screenshots =====

Screenshot of the modem registered and working. The signal level is low.

{{:projects:panel-plugins:cellmodem-screenshot1.png|:projects:panel-plugins:cellmodem-screenshot1.png}}

Screenshot of the modem requiring a PIN. The yellow LED flashes:

{{:projects:panel-plugins:cellmodem-screenshot2.png|:projects:panel-plugins:cellmodem-screenshot2.png}}

===== To-do and Wish List =====
  * [Wish] Support to start and stop pppd.
  * [ToDo] Add keyboard shortcut to enter PIN
  * [ToDo] Feedback if PIN worked, and if not how many attempts left.
  * [ToDo] Entering PUK to unlock after invalid PIN entries

===== Known problems =====

  * Some cards/drivers sometimes stop to respond on the control channel. This is a driver issue and not a plugin issue. If you come across this problem please e-mail me so we can find a workaround for it.
  * Some cards/drivers (happened with me with nozomi driver, Globethrotter 3G/EDGE card) sometimes reply no registration when it is registered. This seems to be related to the card firmware. I will try to find a workaround when it happens again.

===== Contact the Author =====
You can contact me through the following e-mail address: 

alvieboy «@» alvie «.» com

Just remove the spaces and the « and » characters.