So, was playing around with my '12 CTT today. I had ordered the telephone module on this one (didn't have it on the '11), and was thinking about using a SIM in there all the time since we sometimes have hit and miss service here with AT&T. Had not done it yet and was starting to think I might have wasted money on this option...But...

I bought a Samsung Galaxy S II to play with and use on occasion when I tired of my iPhone 4. So, got in the car and paired it when all of a sudden the signal meter on the Galaxy goes away. I am looking at the PCM and the small LCD and have near full signal. I start to scratch my head for a minute. I know I don't have a SIM in the PCM. Pull down the top menu on the Galaxy and it has a bluetooth remote SIM profile. So, basically, through bluetooth the PCM is able to think that the SIM in my phone is actually in the PCM (all the while using the roof mount antenna). Really, really neat feature. I can also read and reply to text messages in the vehicle through the PCM. Get out of the car and turn the car off, phone goes back to normal. This has never happened with my iPhone as I don't believe it supports that bluetooth profile.

Just thought I would share this neat feature. Hadn't seen where anyone had posted this before. Looks like the Galaxy II (and Android 2.3) may get a little more play time...

J

 

Wow, that is awesome. Makes me consider ordering the telephone module and dumping iPhone. I will have to check to see if Blackberry OS supports that BT profile.

 

Can you still get data while it's connected to the PCM this way?

 

No. I think not. The PCM likely does not have a data modem, and the phone's radio is turned off. Would/Could be a deal breaker for those who are email/data hogs in the car. I think I could live without it, especially on my short 20 mile commute. Will play some more with the phone. Overall, I love it (the Galaxy), just love how my iPhone is integrated into my everyday life. Keyboard is better on iPhone.

J

 

Not sure i understand the ways in which this works. So the SIM module uses bluetooth to connect to the SIM In your phone? Can you use the SIM card from your phone (which will disable the cell phone while the SIM is absent) but you will have your existing cell phone number now on the car?

If you take a trip in Europe, can you get a prepaid SIM card to use while there as a totally independent phone? What size SIM card does it take?

 

The telephone module has it's own GSM QuadBand (so, yes, a standard size SIM would be able to be put in in Europe and use the phone that is built in). However, the bluetooth profile of the car allows for the car to connect to phones that have the the bluetooth remote SIM profile and make use of the SIM in the phone you have over bluetooth to power the built in telephone module.

Think of it as using a connection from one computer to access the files of another computer wirelessly. Same principle, instead of files, we are using the SIM ID in your phone over bluetooth to power the telephone module.

J

 

Thanks for the answer. FYI, there is a fellow making progress on use of iPhone for the same function:
http://www.jens-david-consulting.com...mit=6&start=90
I think if you send him your UDID number (can get a free app to send it) and he will get you his latest version. I'm hopeful it will work. If so, I can use it on my Cayenne when I pick it up in May in Leipzig.

 

Only downside I can see is that I have an iPhone 4S. Don't think he is supporting it yet.

Looks promising with all the VW and Audi success he has had.

 

One more question. If I get a SIM to put in car module when I go to Europe, can I do all communications over the system in the car then without any handset?

 

Yeah. I have voice control and use that almost 100% to do what I need. You can also compose SMS on the touch screen of the NAV. It evens comes with preloaded messages for quick replies.

J

 

That's great! Maybe all I'd need in Europe. If you are bluetoothed to your android, I assume then you have to disconnect that before you can use any SIM that is in the module? I wonder what the process would be to switch from one to the other? Eject SIM or turn off Bluetooth, etc?