P800 <-> MacOS 10.2.6 addressbook / iSync "communication-frame-error"

Thread view:

Enable EMail Alerts

Start New Thread

Thread rating:

Oliver Brose - 13 Jul 2003 11:58 GMT

Hi Group,

my P800 shows some rather erratic behaviour when connecting ot my Mac
(10.2.6) via bluetooth.
I can send and receive files to/from the P800 at any time, no problem,
but upon connecting the P800 tp the addressbook, the connection cannot
be held, and I get a little popup on the P800 telling me about a
"communication-frame-error". Same with iSync, nothing will happen, and
at lenght iSync will decide that the connection to the P800 cannot be
established.
The interesting part is that it sometimes does work. E.g. yesterday, I
connected & synced just fine. Starting up the phone today -
"communication-frame-error". The whole thing seems to work only when
both devices are in their right mind about it...
What is it? I would appreciate any hints.

Oliver :)

Reply to this Message

Derek L. - 21 Jul 2003 20:13 GMT

> Hi Group,
>
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
> both devices are in their right mind about it...
> What is it? I would appreciate any hints.

I don't have an answer for you, but you're not alone out there. I've chased
Sony-Ericsson support (phone and email) for weeks on this issue and still
have no resolution (or even a basic explanation of the error). I often
experience this problem with my 12" G4 PB, while using it as a modem (GSM or
GPRS) and attempting to sync via Bluetooth. About half the time it works,
half the time it fails, with "Comms Frame Error" appearing on the
(flip-closed) display.

I found older references to others with this problem using Wintel systems,
so it's not just a Mac issue.

My phone's firmware is R1D, and given all the minor problems with it --
speakerphone echo, calendar date offset bugs, and unstable Bluetooth -- I've
just decided to go ahead and send it in for warranty "repair" (firmware
update). If the problem is resolved by it, I'll be sure to post again.

-d.d-

Signature

every day is a turning point and awareness is the key

[forget me 'NOT's when replying! arrr!]

Reply to this Message

Oliver Brose - 21 Jul 2003 22:34 GMT

> I don't have an answer for you, but you're not alone out there.

At least... ;)

> My phone's firmware is R1D, and given all the minor problems with it --
> speakerphone echo, calendar date offset bugs, and unstable Bluetooth -- I've
> just decided to go ahead and send it in for warranty "repair" (firmware
> update). If the problem is resolved by it, I'll be sure to post again.

Uhm, maybe I should do that as well. Trouble is the lack of sufficient
backup software.

1) I would lose my dates (not unbearable, but I'd prefer otherwise)
2) I would have to pray for the BT-conn. to work afterwards or I will
not be able to re-sync my contacts with iSync -> painfull manual
re-entering.

Please let me know about your results!

Oliver :)

Reply to this Message

Derek L. - 30 Jul 2003 23:03 GMT

> > My phone's firmware is R1D, and given all the minor problems with it --
> > speakerphone echo, calendar date offset bugs, and unstable Bluetooth --
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
> Uhm, maybe I should do that as well. Trouble is the lack of sufficient
> backup software.

Can you use a friend's PC for backing up? I'm "blessed" with a Compaq Evo
running WinXP at work, so I primarily use that system when working with my
P800. I'll be leaving this job in two weeks, so I'd better start testing
backups via VirtualPC soon. :)

> Please let me know about your results!

Today I got my phone back from Sony Ericsson service in Minnesota. It was
updated to the following firmware levels: R2D (Phone); R5A (Bluetooth);
R2B03 (Organiser); R4A02 (CDA).

My results so far are positive but not stellar. I no longer receive "Comms
Frame Error" as a pop-up message when attempting to use it as a modem or
when synchronizing contacts via Bluetooth. But it still failed to connect;
there were simply no errors this time. However, turning the phone off and
on DID result in synching successfully, and I went through the same sequence
of events when I tried to dial out as a modem. If a warm restart
consistently restores proper operation, then this is a real improvement,
since it seemed utterly random before. It's still very frustrating not
having any logs on the P800 itself.

There are other benefits to this firmware update: the speakerphone is much
more usable, and they fixed an annoying calendar bug that displays the days
of the week incorrectly when you tap on a month to view it quickly. There
are also improvements to the camera and the built-in web browser.

I chafed while without my phone. I'd forgotten how much I hate my battered
old Samsung 3500 and SprintPCS (the next time I have to send off the P800
I'll rent a GSM handset from a T-Mobile store). I got it back seven days
after I shipped it, which is pretty good turnaround time, and the upgrade
was covered under warranty. It's pathetic that one has to ship out a
phone/PDA to get updated firmware in the first place, but hopefully in the
future there will be service at local mobile phone shops in the USA.

hope this is helpful info,
-d.d-

Signature

every day is a turning point and awareness is the key

[forget me 'NOT's when replying! arrr!]

Reply to this Message