From: edg@netcom.com (Ed Greenberg) Subject: Book Review: Motorola Cellular Subscriber Technical Training Manual Organization: Netcom Online Communications Services (408-241-9760 login: guest) Date: Thu, 25 Nov 1993 14:40:32 GMT I promised a review of the Motorola "Blue Book" or "Cellular Subscriber Technical Training Manual." This book is the companion material for a two day course required of technicians in an authorized Motorola cellu- lar service shop. After a discussion of installations safety, the book opens with a Cellular Overview in which AMPS and NAMPS are explained in 23 pages. In block diagrams, flowcharts and text, the processes for going on the air, making calls, receiving calls and processing handoffs are presented. Band plans and channel layouts are also described. Next, Section 2 presents a detailed look at the Motorola line of cellular phones, both past and present. Model identification is presented, as is a look at the accessory lines for the telephones. Section 3 is probably the section in which most readers of this review have interest. Section 3 presents programming information for virtually every field programmable Motorola telephone including the 8000 series, 9000 series (Ultra Classic) and all forms of Micro-TAC Flip-Phones. Programming via the "security code method" is taught, and also entry into "Test Mode" and the steps for programming the phone this way. The implication here is that the holder of a Blue Book, who is manually dexterous enough, and has sufficient ingenuity, to get the phone into test mode, can get past the security and lock codes to program mode, read and change those codes. Another interesting feature explained in Section 3 is the Test Mode display. The test mode display, when first started, displays the cell's control channel number and signal strength (RSSI) are displayed. This alternates with (or on large displays is displayed with) a set of seven status bits for the phone's settings. If you are interested in knowing where the cells are and which cells are used in what locations, ride around in test mode for a while. Note that Test Mode will drain a portable's batteries in a few hours since the lamp and display never go out, and any power saving features of the Microprocessor are not enabled. Use a power adapter in the car, or carry extra batteries. Section 4 discusses installation of mobile telephones in vehicles. Section 5, Troubleshooting and Repair, is another gold-mine for the interested end user. While you won't want to open or adjust your phone, an understanding of the various signalling methods can be obtained by reading the tuneup procedures. At the end of this section is a complete list of Test Mode commands, which includes such things as opening the receiver on any channel, putting the transmitter on the air manually (a violation of many FCC regulations for the end user, I'm sure) and completely resetting the phone. Such a reset will clear the call counters (including the cumulative counter, I believe) and also the three (or fifteen) time programming counter. Section 6 descibes procedures for moving ESNs from one phone to another when loaners and spares are issued. There is a lot here that is _not_ said, but it seems that special loaner and spare phones are issued to shops that can receive the ESN of another similar phone. Note that the original phone is rendered useless until returned to the factory, so this is NOT a procedure that allows two phones to share one ESN, which would not be a proper setup according to the cellular carriers. Finally, Section 7 concerns requirements for service shops and warrantee exchange programs. The book concludes with five appendices and an index. The appendices are: Corrective Service Bulletin Index Tools and Parts Glossary of Terms Cellular Frequencies Warrantee Requirements The question arises whether a person should order this book. If you want to understand how cellular systems work, a good technical bookshop may be a better bet. If you have a burning desire to be able to active all the modes of your phone even if they are useless, then you are like me and will want this information. If you want to drive around tracking cell sites, you'll enjoy test mode, but I strongly recommend using a mobile telephone rather than a portable for about five good reasons. Ordering Info: Call Cellular Subscriber Service at 1-800-331-6456 (US Only) or fax to 708-523-3402. Asia-Pacific customers may fax to +1 708 523-8060. Order part number 688A60 (Training and Orientation Manual). The price is $30.00 and there was $5 shipping added for UPS Ground. Motorola also charged me sales tax, and the total was $37.48. Enjoy. PS: Another neat thing to ask for is the Cellular Accessory Catalog, which is free. Ed Greenberg edg@netcom.com Ham Radio: KM6CG