5. NetMonitor

NetMonitor is NetMonitor is a hidden (by default and because it really a support / technical function) menu found on the phone side of the Nokia 92x0. It is divided into submenus with numbers form 1 to 123. Fo example the first 20 are about the GSM network you are logged into and are used by phone comapnies when assessing the suitability of a phone for their network. Other functions include information about parameters of the phone, the communicator and connected accessories.

NetMonitor can be used in two ways: firstly read-only: by scrolling through the screens using arrow keys, secondly in modify or edit mode, this is done by entering the desired menu direcly (typing a number in the main NetMonitor menu).

You can find out more about the uses of NetMonitor by reading the following sections. However it should be noted that the menu is hidden for a reason. Nokia probably do not approve of people activating the NetMonitor menu and to be honest for most people it will not be necessary. The most common reason for wishing to activate it (to enable FBUS sending of Operator logos see 4.5) is unecessary since it can be achieved via software on the 92x0.

Some of the functions of NetMonitor (according to this page) are: Information about current cell (radio channel, signal strength, GSM codec in use (HR/FR/EFR), information about six "neighbor" channels, list of prefered and restricted networks, information about GSM network and current BTS (i.e. Cell Broadcast, Frequency Hopping etc.), information about country and network code, area code (LAC) and current cell ID number, encryption algorithm and DTX mode, logging to different (distant) cells logging to barred cells, information about type, capacity, temperature, voltage and age/wear of the battery, charging process and approximate remaining time, last software/hardware failure, clearing all phone counters, hardware and DSP versions, production date and memory checksum, how many times you've opened your Communicator lid and connected hadsfree and car kit, Headset' profile activation without connecting the HF accessory stacks and memory blocks, successful/failed connections and sent/not sent SMS's, current power consumption, distance from the current BTS.

Further information about the technical aspects of NetMonitor may be found here.

5.1 Activating NetMonitor
Activating NetMonitor is a relatively simple process providing you have the correct software and cables. You need either an FBUS or and MBUS cable (this is not the same cable than came with your Nokia 92x0).

MBUS and FBUS are data transmission protocols designed by Nokia and used in their products. They are also commonly used to describe connection cables, providing transmission in appropriate protocol. The DAU-9P connection cable, is a dual (FBUS and MBUS) cable. MBUS protocol (and cable) is used in Nokia service applications (such as Wintesla and PC- Locals). The Nokia 92x0 supports both these protocols. Nokia doesn't sell connection cables providing FBUS and MBUS transmission. The DLR-2 cable, which comes with every 92x0 phone, has MBUS and FBUS pins but it doesn't work with FBUS (unless activated by NetMonitor see 5.2) and MBUS based programs, supporting only RS-232 serial protocol (used by PC Suite).

The Nokia data cable NK-91 works for Nokia 9110, 9210, 9210i and 9290 in MBUS mode. You can also make your own MBUS cable. There are some instructions here on how to do this. You can also buy MBUS cables over the internet (e.g. here) or you might want to borrow one from a friend (you only need it once!). An MBUS cable is the recommended cable to use.

LogoManager (see also 4.5.1) is a piece of software than can be used to activate NetMonitor and or view the functions of NetMonitor via PC Client (i.e. information from NetMonitor menu can be viewed without activating it). To activate NetMonitor using LogoManager you should connect your PC and phone together and then use the NetMonitor menu in LogoManager. Alternatively you can use the freeware NetMonitor software. In this case the program is designed only for actiavting NetMonitor. N-Monitor is another freeware program you can try. More details of this freeware program are available here.

5.2 FBUS communication through the DLR 2 cable
It is possible to use the cable that came with your Nokia 92x0 (a DLR 2 table) as a FBUS cable, but only once FBUS has been activated in the Nokia 92x0 using Net Monitor. Thus we have a chicken and egg scenario. This is why it is necessary to have an MBUS cable. However after the initial activation it is not needed since FBUS can be enabled. You might use the DLR 2 as a FBUS cable whne interfacing with software such as Logo Manager when placing logos on the phone or querying Net Monitor functions.

FBUS is actiavted by going to the NetMonitor menu and typing 31, and then pressing OK. Once this is done 31 will be displayed in the top left hand corner and 'FBUS mode' text displayed on the centre of the screen. You can not use the PC suite in this mode, and you must switch back to serial mode. This is done the same way as above, except 'Serial port mode' will be the displayed text instead.

5.3 Enable auto-power on of the phone after PDA reset
This tip first appeared on the newsgroups and at My-Communicator.com. After a reset of the PDA section of the Nokia 92x0 (or a removal and reinsertion of the battery) the phone side also needs to be switched back on. With NetMonitor activated you can change a setting which will mean auto-power on will be activated, and thus on your next PDA restart you will not have to swtich the phone side back on again.

Go to the NetMonitor menu and enter 93, and then press OK. Once this is done 93 will be displayed in the top left hand corner and the text displayed will be 'Power on CMT Wakeup enabled'. Then press 0 to hide the NetMonitor menu.

5.4 Enable auto-answer
This tip first appeared on the newsgroups and at My-Communicator.com. Normally auto-answer (when the phone automatically answers and incoming call) is only enable when there is a headset connected. This tip makes the 92x0 think there is a headset connected and thus you can set automatic answer in the headset profile to yes.

Go to the NetMonitor menu and enter 92, and then press OK. Once this is done 92 will be displayed in the top left hand corner and the text displayed will be 'Headset ON', shortly afterwards the text 'Headset Connected' will be displayed. Then press 0 to hide the NetMonitor menu. You should then go to Control Panel / Accessory and edit Headset profile: switch "Automatic answer" option from Off to On. To turn off auto-answer you should repeat the NetMonitor step (i.e. enter 92 again and the text 'Headset OFF' will be displayed).

5.5 Retrieving Security Code
This tip first appeared on the newsgroups and at My-Communicator.com. This does not involve NetMonitor, but does involve the use of a cable (which is why it is in this section). A Security code can be checked (especially useful if you have forgotten it) using a MBUS or a FBUS cable and LogoManager. The code is be displayed in a window opened by Phone info option.