On Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 8:46:58 AM UTC-7, gnuarm.del...@gmail.com wrote:> On Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 11:42:51 AM UTC-4, Ed Lee wrote: > > On Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 1:26:30 AM UTC-7, Rheilly Phoull wrote: > > > On 19/06/2021 2:25 pm, Unlisted wrote: > > > > Im setting up a low powered FM radio station transmitter to play > > > > continuous music 24/7 from a remote off grid location. The entire setup > > > > will run from solar panels and batteries. The station will consist of > > > > the transmitter, a small mixer board, audio compressor, and a laptop > > > > computer filled with MP3 music. > > > > > > > > The station should run 98% of the time without human intervention. But > > > > many cloudy days in a row, or snow on the solar panels may cause a > > > > battery drain and shutdown of the station. > > > > > > > > When the sun comes back the station transmitter and controls should > > > > restart on their own. However I am working on a system using relays, to > > > > reboot the computer. > > > > > > > > However, one problem. When the sun comes back and the batteries begin > > > > recharging, I dont want the equipment to turn on until the batteries are > > > > up to at least 20% charge, or the equipment will begin cycling on and > > > > off. (Bad for the equipment). > > > > > > > > What can I use to sense percent of charge and delay turning on the > > > > equipment until that (pre set) % of charge is achieved? Im sure it can > > > > be done, but I have no clue how..... > > > > > > > > Most of the time no persons will be there to manually flip switches. But > > > > I have thought of sending charge data to my smartphone, where I can > > > > manually turn things on via my phone. But I have no knowledge of > > > > smartphone controls. I just know its possible...... > > > > > > > > > > > Perhaps a micro like Arduino would suit the task. It could for instance > > > measure the battery voltage and charging current and deduce battery > > > state from that data. Amongst the many other things you may want to > > > monitor or control. > > And a usb host micro (STM32F411 black pill, for example) can send data via 4G with a stick (T-mobile web-connect, for example). That's what i am working on. Unfortunately, there is no example driver for it, exact hidden deep inside Linux. > Any idea what you pay for a 4G connection to an embedded device? Do they charge a flat monthly fee with a data cap or can it be paid by the MB/GB?I have 5 units for $10 per month, up to 1Giga 4G, then drop to 2G. Even 2G is good enough for this project. I have this old plan for years, but they often sell new plans for $20 to $30 unlimited 4G.
Solar power percentage of charge control ??????
Started by ●June 19, 2021
Reply by ●June 19, 20212021-06-19
Reply by ●June 19, 20212021-06-19
On Sat, 19 Jun 2021 01:25:47 -0500, Unlisted <unlisted@nomail.com> wrote:>However, one problem. When the sun comes back and the batteries begin >recharging, I dont want the equipment to turn on until the batteries are >up to at least 20% charge, or the equipment will begin cycling on and >off. (Bad for the equipment). > >What can I use to sense percent of charge and delay turning on the >equipment until that (pre set) % of charge is achieved? Im sure it can >be done, but I have no clue how.....Without hysteresis, that could make an interesting oscillator. Power goes down to below the threshold at night. Sun comes up in the morning and starts charging the battery. Circuit detects that's it's over your threshold and applies power to the transmitter. That immediately draws enough current to run the battery down below the threshold, which turns off the transmitter. The transmitter remains off the air until the sun charges the battery above the threshold. Transmitter goes on and off all day because the solar panel would need to charge the battery *AND* power the transmitter when the sun is up. I don't know what the combined draw of the transmitter, studio board, laptop, etc might be during operating, but my guess(tm) is that it's MUCH more than the available power from a small solar panel. If this is gong to be a clandestine installation, it would be nice if the solar panels were small enough to not advertise the presence of the transmitter. As long as the transmitter and equipment draw more power than the solar panel can replenish in one day, your plan is not going to work. Note that there are commercial versions of such a system: <https://www.worldcastsystems.com/en/c163p100/fm-transmitters/solar-fm> <http://www.imagineinstruments.com/solar_powered_radio_transmitter.html> You might want to reverse engineer what they've done. However, if you want to build such an abomination, look into a "coulomb counter" or "battery fuel gauge" type circuit for measuring battery charge and usage. <https://www.analog.com/en/products/power-management/battery-management/coulomb-counter.html> <https://www.google.com/search?q=pic+controller+battery+fuel+gauge> Temporarily ignoring the legal aspects of deploying an unlicensed FM station (pirate radio), your biggest problem will be finding an unused frequency. With digital HD Radio occupying twice the RF bandwidth of a conventional FM stereo station, it's going to be difficult finding an empty spot. Your problem will be when you're discovered by the licensed FM station and FCC receives interference complaints. <https://www.fcc.gov/reports-research/maps/fcc-enforcement-actions-against-pirate-radio-location/> If you really want to go through the ceremony, I suggest you get a good attorney. You'll get a few written warnings, followed by a "Notice of Apparently Liability" and "Forfeiture Order". If that sounds like you've been charged, tried, found guilty, and fined in one action, you're right. Good luck. You'll need it. -- Jeff Liebermann jeffl@cruzio.com PO Box 272 http://www.LearnByDestroying.com Ben Lomond CA 95005-0272 Skype: JeffLiebermann AE6KS 831-336-2558
Reply by ●June 19, 20212021-06-19
On Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 11:52:57 AM UTC-4, Ed Lee wrote:> On Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 8:46:58 AM UTC-7, gnuarm.del...@gmail.com wrote: > > On Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 11:42:51 AM UTC-4, Ed Lee wrote: > > > On Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 1:26:30 AM UTC-7, Rheilly Phoull wrote: > > > > On 19/06/2021 2:25 pm, Unlisted wrote: > > > > > Im setting up a low powered FM radio station transmitter to play > > > > > continuous music 24/7 from a remote off grid location. The entire setup > > > > > will run from solar panels and batteries. The station will consist of > > > > > the transmitter, a small mixer board, audio compressor, and a laptop > > > > > computer filled with MP3 music. > > > > > > > > > > The station should run 98% of the time without human intervention. But > > > > > many cloudy days in a row, or snow on the solar panels may cause a > > > > > battery drain and shutdown of the station. > > > > > > > > > > When the sun comes back the station transmitter and controls should > > > > > restart on their own. However I am working on a system using relays, to > > > > > reboot the computer. > > > > > > > > > > However, one problem. When the sun comes back and the batteries begin > > > > > recharging, I dont want the equipment to turn on until the batteries are > > > > > up to at least 20% charge, or the equipment will begin cycling on and > > > > > off. (Bad for the equipment). > > > > > > > > > > What can I use to sense percent of charge and delay turning on the > > > > > equipment until that (pre set) % of charge is achieved? Im sure it can > > > > > be done, but I have no clue how..... > > > > > > > > > > Most of the time no persons will be there to manually flip switches. But > > > > > I have thought of sending charge data to my smartphone, where I can > > > > > manually turn things on via my phone. But I have no knowledge of > > > > > smartphone controls. I just know its possible...... > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Perhaps a micro like Arduino would suit the task. It could for instance > > > > measure the battery voltage and charging current and deduce battery > > > > state from that data. Amongst the many other things you may want to > > > > monitor or control. > > > And a usb host micro (STM32F411 black pill, for example) can send data via 4G with a stick (T-mobile web-connect, for example). That's what i am working on. Unfortunately, there is no example driver for it, exact hidden deep inside Linux. > > Any idea what you pay for a 4G connection to an embedded device? Do they charge a flat monthly fee with a data cap or can it be paid by the MB/GB? > I have 5 units for $10 per month, up to 1Giga 4G, then drop to 2G. Even 2G is good enough for this project. I have this old plan for years, but they often sell new plans for $20 to $30 unlimited 4G.When they say 'drop to 2G" I assume that is just the data rate, not the protocol. I have a 3 year old phone that ATT won't let me transfer because it's 4G is LTE and ATT is only supporting something else that is actually inferior. The phone supports 3G which it seems is being phased out as of next year, with ATT anyway. If they are doing that, I would think 2G would not be available either. -- Rick C. -- Get 1,000 miles of free Supercharging -- Tesla referral code - https://ts.la/richard11209
Reply by ●June 19, 20212021-06-19
On Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 9:36:35 AM UTC-7, gnuarm.del...@gmail.com wrote:> On Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 11:52:57 AM UTC-4, Ed Lee wrote: > > On Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 8:46:58 AM UTC-7, gnuarm.del...@gmail.com wrote: > > > On Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 11:42:51 AM UTC-4, Ed Lee wrote: > > > > On Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 1:26:30 AM UTC-7, Rheilly Phoull wrote: > > > > > On 19/06/2021 2:25 pm, Unlisted wrote: > > > > > > Im setting up a low powered FM radio station transmitter to play > > > > > > continuous music 24/7 from a remote off grid location. The entire setup > > > > > > will run from solar panels and batteries. The station will consist of > > > > > > the transmitter, a small mixer board, audio compressor, and a laptop > > > > > > computer filled with MP3 music. > > > > > > > > > > > > The station should run 98% of the time without human intervention. But > > > > > > many cloudy days in a row, or snow on the solar panels may cause a > > > > > > battery drain and shutdown of the station. > > > > > > > > > > > > When the sun comes back the station transmitter and controls should > > > > > > restart on their own. However I am working on a system using relays, to > > > > > > reboot the computer. > > > > > > > > > > > > However, one problem. When the sun comes back and the batteries begin > > > > > > recharging, I dont want the equipment to turn on until the batteries are > > > > > > up to at least 20% charge, or the equipment will begin cycling on and > > > > > > off. (Bad for the equipment). > > > > > > > > > > > > What can I use to sense percent of charge and delay turning on the > > > > > > equipment until that (pre set) % of charge is achieved? Im sure it can > > > > > > be done, but I have no clue how..... > > > > > > > > > > > > Most of the time no persons will be there to manually flip switches. But > > > > > > I have thought of sending charge data to my smartphone, where I can > > > > > > manually turn things on via my phone. But I have no knowledge of > > > > > > smartphone controls. I just know its possible...... > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Perhaps a micro like Arduino would suit the task. It could for instance > > > > > measure the battery voltage and charging current and deduce battery > > > > > state from that data. Amongst the many other things you may want to > > > > > monitor or control. > > > > And a usb host micro (STM32F411 black pill, for example) can send data via 4G with a stick (T-mobile web-connect, for example). That's what i am working on. Unfortunately, there is no example driver for it, exact hidden deep inside Linux. > > > Any idea what you pay for a 4G connection to an embedded device? Do they charge a flat monthly fee with a data cap or can it be paid by the MB/GB? > > I have 5 units for $10 per month, up to 1Giga 4G, then drop to 2G. Even 2G is good enough for this project. I have this old plan for years, but they often sell new plans for $20 to $30 unlimited 4G. > When they say 'drop to 2G" I assume that is just the data rate, not the protocol. I have a 3 year old phone that ATT won't let me transfer because it's 4G is LTE and ATT is only supporting something else that is actually inferior. The phone supports 3G which it seems is being phased out as of next year, with ATT anyway. If they are doing that, I would think 2G would not be available either.Yes, my plan drop data rate to 2G after using 1Giga bytes. I have a laptop with build-in GSM and couple of tablets with it. I also have several USB sticks that i use once a month on the laptop (just to use up the 4G). T-mobile is dropping 3G, but keeping 2G for now. T-mobile will drop the 2G network eventually, but until then, i still have unlimited 2G. They have no set date for such, since it will kill off lots of IoT devices. ATT & Verizon dropped 2G and pushed many customers to T-mobile. Back to OP's issue. The best way is to use the STM32F411 sleep (in 100uA) and wake up (with timer) every hour (or minutes) to check the battery. Send data or text with GSM, then go back to sleep.
Reply by ●June 19, 20212021-06-19
On Sat, 19 Jun 2021 09:36:31 -0700 (PDT), Rick C <gnuarm.deletethisbit@gmail.com> wrote: (chomp)>When they say 'drop to 2G" I assume that is just the data rate, not the protocol. I have a 3 year old phone that ATT won't let me transfer because it's 4G is LTE and ATT is only supporting something else that is actually inferior. The phone supports 3G which it seems is being phased out as of next year, with ATT anyway. If they are doing that, I would think 2G would not be available either.Wrong. AT&T and everyone else is slowly switching to LTE. "AT&T 3G is going away in 2022" <https://www.att.com/support/article/wireless/KM1324171/> If you go with LTE, you'll also need a phone that supports "HD Voice". Some older LTE phones do not. I can't tell what you're actually doing, but if it does NOT involve a conventional voice cell phone handset, see detail on AT&T "Business Connect" data only plans: <https://www.business.att.com/categories/vehicle-solutions.html> <https://www.business.att.com/content/dam/businesscenter/pdf/legal/att-business-connect-plans.pdf> Note: I prefer Verizon for data only: <https://www.verizon.com/business/products/plans/machine-to-machine/> Bottom line: 3G is being replaced with 4G by attrition. 3G might have another year to live, but more. Buy something that does LTE and don't look back. -- Jeff Liebermann jeffl@cruzio.com PO Box 272 http://www.LearnByDestroying.com Ben Lomond CA 95005-0272 Skype: JeffLiebermann AE6KS 831-336-2558
Reply by ●June 19, 20212021-06-19
On Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 12:52:58 PM UTC-4, Ed Lee wrote:> On Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 9:36:35 AM UTC-7, gnuarm.del...@gmail.com wrote: > > On Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 11:52:57 AM UTC-4, Ed Lee wrote: > > > On Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 8:46:58 AM UTC-7, gnuarm.del...@gmail.com wrote: > > > > On Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 11:42:51 AM UTC-4, Ed Lee wrote: > > > > > On Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 1:26:30 AM UTC-7, Rheilly Phoull wrote: > > > > > > On 19/06/2021 2:25 pm, Unlisted wrote: > > > > > > > Im setting up a low powered FM radio station transmitter to play > > > > > > > continuous music 24/7 from a remote off grid location. The entire setup > > > > > > > will run from solar panels and batteries. The station will consist of > > > > > > > the transmitter, a small mixer board, audio compressor, and a laptop > > > > > > > computer filled with MP3 music. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > The station should run 98% of the time without human intervention. But > > > > > > > many cloudy days in a row, or snow on the solar panels may cause a > > > > > > > battery drain and shutdown of the station. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > When the sun comes back the station transmitter and controls should > > > > > > > restart on their own. However I am working on a system using relays, to > > > > > > > reboot the computer. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > However, one problem. When the sun comes back and the batteries begin > > > > > > > recharging, I dont want the equipment to turn on until the batteries are > > > > > > > up to at least 20% charge, or the equipment will begin cycling on and > > > > > > > off. (Bad for the equipment). > > > > > > > > > > > > > > What can I use to sense percent of charge and delay turning on the > > > > > > > equipment until that (pre set) % of charge is achieved? Im sure it can > > > > > > > be done, but I have no clue how..... > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Most of the time no persons will be there to manually flip switches. But > > > > > > > I have thought of sending charge data to my smartphone, where I can > > > > > > > manually turn things on via my phone. But I have no knowledge of > > > > > > > smartphone controls. I just know its possible...... > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Perhaps a micro like Arduino would suit the task. It could for instance > > > > > > measure the battery voltage and charging current and deduce battery > > > > > > state from that data. Amongst the many other things you may want to > > > > > > monitor or control. > > > > > And a usb host micro (STM32F411 black pill, for example) can send data via 4G with a stick (T-mobile web-connect, for example). That's what i am working on. Unfortunately, there is no example driver for it, exact hidden deep inside Linux. > > > > Any idea what you pay for a 4G connection to an embedded device? Do they charge a flat monthly fee with a data cap or can it be paid by the MB/GB? > > > I have 5 units for $10 per month, up to 1Giga 4G, then drop to 2G. Even 2G is good enough for this project. I have this old plan for years, but they often sell new plans for $20 to $30 unlimited 4G. > > When they say 'drop to 2G" I assume that is just the data rate, not the protocol. I have a 3 year old phone that ATT won't let me transfer because it's 4G is LTE and ATT is only supporting something else that is actually inferior. The phone supports 3G which it seems is being phased out as of next year, with ATT anyway. If they are doing that, I would think 2G would not be available either. > Yes, my plan drop data rate to 2G after using 1Giga bytes. I have a laptop with build-in GSM and couple of tablets with it. I also have several USB sticks that i use once a month on the laptop (just to use up the 4G). > > T-mobile is dropping 3G, but keeping 2G for now. > > T-mobile will drop the 2G network eventually, but until then, i still have unlimited 2G. They have no set date for such, since it will kill off lots of IoT devices. ATT & Verizon dropped 2G and pushed many customers to T-mobile. > > Back to OP's issue. The best way is to use the STM32F411 sleep (in 100uA) and wake up (with timer) every hour (or minutes) to check the battery. Send data or text with GSM, then go back to sleep.What is 2G rates, dialup modem? A bit faster? -- Rick C. -+ Get 1,000 miles of free Supercharging -+ Tesla referral code - https://ts.la/richard11209
Reply by ●June 19, 20212021-06-19
On Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 10:03:02 AM UTC-7, gnuarm.del...@gmail.com wrote:> On Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 12:52:58 PM UTC-4, Ed Lee wrote: > > On Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 9:36:35 AM UTC-7, gnuarm.del...@gmail.com wrote: > > > On Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 11:52:57 AM UTC-4, Ed Lee wrote: > > > > On Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 8:46:58 AM UTC-7, gnuarm.del...@gmail.com wrote: > > > > > On Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 11:42:51 AM UTC-4, Ed Lee wrote: > > > > > > On Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 1:26:30 AM UTC-7, Rheilly Phoull wrote: > > > > > > > On 19/06/2021 2:25 pm, Unlisted wrote: > > > > > > > > Im setting up a low powered FM radio station transmitter to play > > > > > > > > continuous music 24/7 from a remote off grid location. The entire setup > > > > > > > > will run from solar panels and batteries. The station will consist of > > > > > > > > the transmitter, a small mixer board, audio compressor, and a laptop > > > > > > > > computer filled with MP3 music. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > The station should run 98% of the time without human intervention. But > > > > > > > > many cloudy days in a row, or snow on the solar panels may cause a > > > > > > > > battery drain and shutdown of the station. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > When the sun comes back the station transmitter and controls should > > > > > > > > restart on their own. However I am working on a system using relays, to > > > > > > > > reboot the computer. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > However, one problem. When the sun comes back and the batteries begin > > > > > > > > recharging, I dont want the equipment to turn on until the batteries are > > > > > > > > up to at least 20% charge, or the equipment will begin cycling on and > > > > > > > > off. (Bad for the equipment). > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > What can I use to sense percent of charge and delay turning on the > > > > > > > > equipment until that (pre set) % of charge is achieved? Im sure it can > > > > > > > > be done, but I have no clue how..... > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Most of the time no persons will be there to manually flip switches. But > > > > > > > > I have thought of sending charge data to my smartphone, where I can > > > > > > > > manually turn things on via my phone. But I have no knowledge of > > > > > > > > smartphone controls. I just know its possible...... > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Perhaps a micro like Arduino would suit the task. It could for instance > > > > > > > measure the battery voltage and charging current and deduce battery > > > > > > > state from that data. Amongst the many other things you may want to > > > > > > > monitor or control. > > > > > > And a usb host micro (STM32F411 black pill, for example) can send data via 4G with a stick (T-mobile web-connect, for example). That's what i am working on. Unfortunately, there is no example driver for it, exact hidden deep inside Linux. > > > > > Any idea what you pay for a 4G connection to an embedded device? Do they charge a flat monthly fee with a data cap or can it be paid by the MB/GB? > > > > I have 5 units for $10 per month, up to 1Giga 4G, then drop to 2G. Even 2G is good enough for this project. I have this old plan for years, but they often sell new plans for $20 to $30 unlimited 4G. > > > When they say 'drop to 2G" I assume that is just the data rate, not the protocol. I have a 3 year old phone that ATT won't let me transfer because it's 4G is LTE and ATT is only supporting something else that is actually inferior. The phone supports 3G which it seems is being phased out as of next year, with ATT anyway. If they are doing that, I would think 2G would not be available either. > > Yes, my plan drop data rate to 2G after using 1Giga bytes. I have a laptop with build-in GSM and couple of tablets with it. I also have several USB sticks that i use once a month on the laptop (just to use up the 4G). > > > > T-mobile is dropping 3G, but keeping 2G for now. > > > > T-mobile will drop the 2G network eventually, but until then, i still have unlimited 2G. They have no set date for such, since it will kill off lots of IoT devices. ATT & Verizon dropped 2G and pushed many customers to T-mobile. > > > > Back to OP's issue. The best way is to use the STM32F411 sleep (in 100uA) and wake up (with timer) every hour (or minutes) to check the battery. Send data or text with GSM, then go back to sleep. > What is 2G rates, dialup modem? A bit faster?100Kbps. Plenty for monitoring device.
Reply by ●June 19, 20212021-06-19
On Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 9:59:46 AM UTC-7, jeff.li...@gmail.com wrote:> On Sat, 19 Jun 2021 09:36:31 -0700 (PDT), Rick C > <gnuarm.del...@gmail.com> wrote: > > (chomp) > >When they say 'drop to 2G" I assume that is just the data rate, not the protocol. I have a 3 year old phone that ATT won't let me transfer because it's 4G is LTE and ATT is only supporting something else that is actually inferior. The phone supports 3G which it seems is being phased out as of next year, with ATT anyway. If they are doing that, I would think 2G would not be available either. > Wrong. AT&T and everyone else is slowly switching to LTE. > "AT&T 3G is going away in 2022" > <https://www.att.com/support/article/wireless/KM1324171/> > If you go with LTE, you'll also need a phone that supports "HD Voice". > Some older LTE phones do not. > > I can't tell what you're actually doing, but if it does NOT involve a > conventional voice cell phone handset, see detail on AT&T "Business > Connect" data only plans: > <https://www.business.att.com/categories/vehicle-solutions.html> > <https://www.business.att.com/content/dam/businesscenter/pdf/legal/att-business-connect-plans.pdf> > > Note: I prefer Verizon for data only: > <https://www.verizon.com/business/products/plans/machine-to-machine/> > > Bottom line: 3G is being replaced with 4G by attrition. 3G might > have another year to live, but more. Buy something that does LTE and > don't look back.As i said before, T-mobile is still keeping 2G for now. I did switch my Verizon voice phone from 3G to 4G, but all my T-mobile data devices are still working as of today. I prefer T-mobile for data.
Reply by ●June 19, 20212021-06-19
On 6/19/2021 12:36 PM, Jeff Liebermann wrote:> On Sat, 19 Jun 2021 01:25:47 -0500, Unlisted <unlisted@nomail.com> > wrote: > >> However, one problem. When the sun comes back and the batteries begin >> recharging, I dont want the equipment to turn on until the batteries are >> up to at least 20% charge, or the equipment will begin cycling on and >> off. (Bad for the equipment). >> >> What can I use to sense percent of charge and delay turning on the >> equipment until that (pre set) % of charge is achieved? Im sure it can >> be done, but I have no clue how..... > > Without hysteresis, that could make an interesting oscillator. Power > goes down to below the threshold at night. Sun comes up in the > morning and starts charging the battery. Circuit detects that's it's > over your threshold and applies power to the transmitter. That > immediately draws enough current to run the battery down below the > threshold, which turns off the transmitter. The transmitter remains > off the air until the sun charges the battery above the threshold. > Transmitter goes on and off all day because the solar panel would need > to charge the battery *AND* power the transmitter when the sun is up.I have a cheap LED nightlight that works just like that
Reply by ●June 19, 20212021-06-19
On Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 10:08:44 AM UTC-7, Ed Lee wrote:> On Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 9:59:46 AM UTC-7, jeff.li...@gmail.com wrote: > > On Sat, 19 Jun 2021 09:36:31 -0700 (PDT), Rick C > > <gnuarm.del...@gmail.com> wrote: > > > > (chomp) > > >When they say 'drop to 2G" I assume that is just the data rate, not the protocol. I have a 3 year old phone that ATT won't let me transfer because it's 4G is LTE and ATT is only supporting something else that is actually inferior. The phone supports 3G which it seems is being phased out as of next year, with ATT anyway. If they are doing that, I would think 2G would not be available either. > > Wrong. AT&T and everyone else is slowly switching to LTE. > > "AT&T 3G is going away in 2022" > > <https://www.att.com/support/article/wireless/KM1324171/> > > If you go with LTE, you'll also need a phone that supports "HD Voice". > > Some older LTE phones do not. > > > > I can't tell what you're actually doing, but if it does NOT involve a > > conventional voice cell phone handset, see detail on AT&T "Business > > Connect" data only plans: > > <https://www.business.att.com/categories/vehicle-solutions.html> > > <https://www.business.att.com/content/dam/businesscenter/pdf/legal/att-business-connect-plans.pdf> > > > > Note: I prefer Verizon for data only: > > <https://www.verizon.com/business/products/plans/machine-to-machine/> > > > > Bottom line: 3G is being replaced with 4G by attrition. 3G might > > have another year to live, but more. Buy something that does LTE and > > don't look back. > As i said before, T-mobile is still keeping 2G for now. I did switch my Verizon voice phone from 3G to 4G, but all my T-mobile data devices are still working as of today. I prefer T-mobile for data.Here is the link to their 2G sunset plan (or lack of): https://www.lightreading.com/5g/t-mobile-to-leave-2g-intact-amid-3g-cdma-shutdown/d/d-id/769453 If they decide to drop it, i will offer 100 million shares of SPAC for their 2G network. But, i am still waiting ...
