Learning the AT Commands
AT Commands are commands used by devices equipped with modems. The AT prefix (also known as the Attention Code), signals the modem that one or more commands are to follow. These commands are industry standard language used to communicate with the modem. A modem is always either in the command mode, or the on-line mode. The modem starts up in command mode when it is first switched on. Commands are only accepted by the modem when it is in command mode. Commands input when the modem is on-line, are treated as data, not as commands. Commands may be entered from the terminal mode of most communications software packages.
Settings made via AT commands are automatically reused by the modem until another command is received to change them, or the modem is turned off.
For the project’s case, I am using a Sony Ericsson K608i which is equiped with a built-in modem which can be accessed via Bluetooth, Infrared, USB Cable or RS232 Connection. But since of availability concerns, I would be using a Bluetooth device for accessing the modem.
AT Commands for Sony Ericsson can access almost all phone services available for your mobile phone. From sending and receiving text messages to creating custom menus. All of these commands are published by Sony Ericsson in their Developer’s Guidelines for AT Command. Just to introduce some basics on how these work, a HyperTerminal in Microsoft Windows can be used to explore the built-in phone modem.
The Set-Up
Most Bluetooth devices have a capacity to create a Serial Communication Port (COM) which can be used by another Bluetooth Device to connect to the computer. By creating a COM for the mobile phone, we can easily access the modem through the program called HyperTerminal. For this case, I created reserved COM5 for my mobile phone.
Running the HyperTerminal
HyperTerminal can be accessed from Windows XP by clicking Start > All Programs > Accessories > Communications >HyperTerminal
A detailed instruction on running the HyperTerminal can be found here.
Testing AT Commands
Once the device is connected through COM5, we can now access the phone’s mode. The following command should be used in testing the working condition of the phone’s modem.
AT <enter>
OK (you should get this reply to see if the modem supports the AT Commands)
AT*<enter>
(a list of all available AT commands will appear after the return key is hit)
For a complete list of the AT Commands available for Sony Ericsson Phones, please check the Developer’s Guidelines for AT Command.
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