Hi there,

I was just wondering, is it possible to connect a mobile phone for use with Linux?

I have a Sharp GX20 with a USB Cable Interface. I'm using Mandrake 10.1 OE.

Under HardDrake, the device appears in the Unknown list. The manufacturer (Mobile Action) will not make a Linux version.

Would it be possible, if not with a USB cable, but with Infrared (not Bluetooth - I know that's definately achievable but my phone doesn't have it), to connect the phone to my linux computer for things like address book synchronisation, SMS management, file transfer, etc? Are there any programs for Linux which have this capability if it is not built in?

Any help appreciated; any more specific questions, please ask. Thank you.

Hi.

Have a look here:
http://www.mwiacek.com/gsm/soft/gammu.html

Dave

Thanks for the reply. It's a great set of tools that I can use for the management of my mobile phone - thank you.

However, the problem still remains - how to get linux to recognise my phone in the first place! Unfortunately, my phone is not a Nokia or Sony Erricson or other manufacturer that holds a large share of the mobile market - but it's a Sharp GX20! Is there not a way to get linux to recognise it?

EDIT: There's evidence that it can be done! www.tuxmobil.org/sharp.html

Just googled "sharp GX20 linux" and got

this. It is, I gather, a program that enables you to use your mobile phone as a modem. But it looks like they connect the phone using an infrared port (irda). Maybe that would work??

-geomatt

I've downloaded that software, but it's only been tested with an IrDA adapter - something which I don't have! Looks like the only way to connect this phone is through IrDA because there is no way it's going to recognise the datacable unless I patch the kernel!

Thanks for your help anyway!

I've been using bitpim to connect to my phone (lg lx440) and the bitpim folks are promising more support for more phones, especially if you are willing to lend them your phone for a bit. So far no sharp phones...

good luck!

-geomatt

Thanks for the link, geomatt - I suppose I'd be more than happy to lend my phone to them (especially as I'll be getting a newer one soon, from the same manufacturer but a couple of models up, to which the same concepts would probably stlil apply). Maybe soon - thanks anyway