It was 4 day off and thus ideal time for a short weekend trip .After lots of brainstorming and we finally zeroed on Pondicherry, although the first choice was Goa .Considering Goa is 600+ Km from Bangalore and I have two small kids Goa was dropped and Pondicherry came into picture as idea was visit beaches this time as the last 4-5 trips of mine were all hill stations.
We started at 5.30 AM from my house a delay of 30 min from the plan but still it was good enough .I took my Alto and started the trip with Lets Go…..the Alto punch line .Just like my usual experiences I just hardly took 2-3 hrs sleep at night .
At around 7:00 AM I was @Kirishnagiri on NH7 some 100 KMs from start point in Bangalore .The road to krishnagiri were excellent and ride was fun with car zooming up to 120KM/hr at times. before starting a did decent amount of survey about the route to pondy and as explained by some gentleman about the confusing turn to NH46 and the NH66 and did the same mistake and messed up by getting inside Krishnagiri town. Although it was not such a blunder but it cost me 15-20 Min and 2-3 extra miles .
On NH66 I was expecting lots of potholes and bad roads in all ,but the reality was far sweeter ,with road decent enough and almost no other vehicles on road .I made a good use of pleasant morning whether and took my first tea break at around 9 AM. Started at 9:20 and then took a break at a petrol pump near Gingee at around 10 to fill up petrol ,there are remains of Gingee fort visible from this petrol pump which we came to know once we proceeded further and just thought of giving a look .It was a good place to visit ,I planned to reach the top of fort but dropped the idea before midway considering the time as I didn’t wanted to be late to reach pondy and waste the first day .
So was back on road with my car raring to go it was around 11 AM by this time and we were feeling the heat (Welcome to TamilNadu)…..we then moved towards pondy and on the way came Tindivalam and a gentlemen driving fabia .This gentlemen was pretty annoyed with the fact that Alto overtaking fabia and it hurt his ego which in turn forced him to matchup my speed and at times zoomed ahead of my car ,it was fun .This all continued till pondy and we both disappeared from each other vision .
It was sharp 12:40 and I was at hotel (SURGURU )lobby .I had done a booking for two days at this hotel for deluxe room but on arrival we all were so tired that I finally settled for Suite room which has bathtub .I used it to get rid of the dust collected on my body from all parts of Karnataka and TN and I was ready for pondy .Did the lunch at around 2 ,food at the hotel restaurant was pretty good.
We started towards rocky beach at White town around 5 Pm ,it was just 1 KM from the hotel and our honeymoon with pondy started .This part of city is excellent its called White town (French Colony) .Roads, crowd, traffic police all were excellent .One good thing I observed throughout the journey was people were really supportive in showing the way ,which is not at all the case in north India :).
This stretch of road along the beach is pretty good and quite lively which I came to know the next night when I was there at around 1 in night and still could find number of people roaming around some enjoying coffee at La Café (Café house on beach ) and other set of people sipping beer watching the high & vocal tides .
Just at the end of this road there was Park Guest house (managed by Sri Arvindo Ashram ) and I just thought of checking room availability over there and to my surprise it was available but there was an condition that I have to checkin right at that time which I was unwilling to do considering I have already paid for the night at Hotel Surguru,but the manager over there asked me to come and check in the morning .
We were back to hotel around 8 PM and then I planned to took a bike on rent for 1 day to roam around in pondy .The rental were Rs .200-350 , we took an active so that my wife can also drive it otherwise plan was Bullet .We then headed towards Hotel athithi and enjoyed the buffet dinner just for Rs. 250 each ,it was excellent .We also visited some temple in proximity of hotel .
While sleeping I planned for a early wakeup to checkout sunrise but was not successful ,so we started the day by visiting Sri Arvindo Ashram around 9 Am .It opens at 8 :30 Am .It was quite peacefull and some people doing meditation around the Samadhi of Sri Aravindo and mataji.
The ashram also houses a library from were my wife got three books and she was really impressed with the fact that everything managed by Ashram by pretty good and it was not money oriented which is the case in many such places .We spent some 20-30 Min over there .
Kids below 3 are not allowed in the ashram .When I stared in the morning at that time I checked out from hotel to shift to Park Guest House ,but it was really disgusting to know that it was full . I then searched for some other hotel and finally settled for Ajantha Beach guest house ,its on the beach road and has decent rooms with sea view .
Now since the hotel was finalized it was time to move on and I took the road to Aurovillle(For MatriMandir ,Auro beach).Went on and visited the Matrimandir .One has to walk for more than a KM to see the MatriMandir ….dont expect any temple over there as the name suggests. Now time was for Auro beach and finally I went on to see some beach on the ECR road next to surya beach resort ,still not very sure if it was Auro beach or some other beach but I will give a definite miss to it in future but I still tried hard to enjoy over there and took couple of dips inside and it was time to move back to hotel as it was 1 PM .Our condition at time we reached hotel was so bad (wet and sand all over the body ) that I thought they might stop us at gate but to our luck and hospitality industry we went inside freely :).Enjoyed the lunch at sea side restaurant along with bottle of beer ,all the money paid was for the view food was just average .
Evening was for visit to a garden nearby followed by Ganesh temple and the some shopping at JawarLal Neheru street. Then started the struggle for dinner and I landed up spending 1000 bucks and still was not satisfied with what I got in return ,it’s a long story :).It was 12 in night ,time to go to bed but I preferred to have a walk along the beach side with my wife and we did that with couple of coffee and ice creams.
Moring I waked up at 5:30 to try and catch a glimpse of dawn and take some pics of sun at sea side but was unable to do the same .we then started for our final destination in pondy the chunnambar back waters .Booked boat to paradise beach and was really disappointed with the steamer that took us to beach but I forgot all that once a reached the beach it was awesome and I was really excited and started taking some pics at the beach and it was Murphy Law with my battery saying goodbye even without taking a single picture .I then started hunting for battery from people around and succeeded in borrowing it for 3-4 clicks .It was all fun over there .
I then started back for Bangalore at 1 PM and was at home at 8:30 PM. :) Overall a fabulous trip and some lows and lots of high .Roads were excellent ,pondy exciting .
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Monday, July 6, 2009
AT Commands (For GSP/GPRS Modems,Phones)
AT (ATtention ) Commands is the set of instructions for controlling Modems. "AT" as the prefix informs the modem about the start of a command line. It is not part of the AT command name. For example, D is the actual AT command name in ATD.This means every command line must begin with the letters AT, (except the commands A/ and +++).
To execute the command line, press the or key on your keyboard.
AT Commands are case insensitive ie ATD and atd are treated similarly .
Commands can be categorized into different types as :
Basic(commands that do not start with "+". For example, ATD,ATA etc)
Extended(Commands that start with "+". All GSM AT commands are extended commands. For example, +CMGS ,+CMGR etc )
Proprietary(Commands that start with "*".These commands are manufacturer specific)
Note that mobile phone manufacturers usually do not implement all AT commands, command parameters and parameter values in their mobile phones. Also, the behavior of the implemented AT commands may be different from that defined in the standard.
In addition, some AT commands require the support of mobile network operators. For example, SMS over GPRS can be enabled on some GPRS mobile phones with the +CGSMS command , But if the mobile network operator does not support the transmission of SMS over GPRS, you cannot use this feature.
Here are some terms and concepts on AT Commands:
The Command Line
A Command line provides an way to issue a number of commands at a time rather than issuing and waiting for the modem to react to each command separately. Macro Commands is Command line that contains several AT commands.
Repeating a Command Line
A/ is the command to repeat the last command line entered. In this case you do not need to type AT first, nor do you press at the end of the command line. This command comes is usefull in cases when you need to redial a number that got a busy signal.
Single Channel mode
In single channel mode, AT commands are sent and executed sequentially over the communication link. Only one medium is connected to the TA, no parallel execution of AT commands is possible.
Multi Channel mode
In multiple channel mode, several connections can be established at the same time either with 07.10 protocol activated on top of the serial link (multiplexed mode) or with several mediums connected. Each connection can be seen as an instance of the AT interface; hence commands can be executed in parallel on each connection.
Multiplexed Mode (07.10 Protocol )
This mode runs on top of the serial link and according to 07.10 protocol (MUX mode), several connections (virtual channels) can be established in parallel over a SINGLE serial link.
07.10 protocol is supported only over UART (DSL).
Switching From Data to Voice
To switch from a data mode to a voice mode issue the Escape sequence command (+++)
Resuming the Data Connection
When you are in the Command State and want to resume the data connection, type the following command:
ATO
Communication Channel Profiles
Normally the GSM/GPRS modems stores three different profiles in Non Volatile Memory i.e DEFAULT ,Profile 0,Profile 1.
And usually all the connection channels are created with its profile initialized to default profile.
AT&F
With this command the profile is returned back to default profile .
AT&W
With this command the current profile can be stored to Profile 0 or 1 based on AT&W0 or AT&W1
AT&V
This command can be used to view the Stored and Active Profile(s)
Some of the tasks that can be done using AT commands with a GSM/GPRS modem or mobile phone:
• Establish a data connection or voice connection to a remote modem (ATD, ATA, etc).
• Send (AT+CMGS, AT+CMSS), read (AT+CMGR, AT+CMGL), write (AT+CMGW) or delete (AT+CMGD) SMS messages and obtain notifications of newly received SMS messages (AT+CNMI).
• Read (AT+CPBR), write (AT+CPBW) or search (AT+CPBF) phonebook entries.
• Get basic information about the mobile phone or GSM/GPRS modem. For example, name of manufacturer (AT+CGMI), model number (AT+CGMM), IMEI number (International Mobile Equipment Identity) (AT+CGSN) and software version (AT+CGMR).
• Get basic information about the subscriber. For example, MSISDN (AT+CNUM) and IMSI number (International Mobile Subscriber Identity) (AT+CIMI).
• Get the current status of the mobile phone or GSM/GPRS modem. For example mobile network registration status (AT+CREG), radio signal strength (AT+CSQ), battery charge level and battery charging status (AT+CBC).
List of important AT Commands
PRODUCT SUPPORT
Command Description
ATS3 Command line termination character
ATS4 Response formatting character
ATS5 Command line editing character
ATE Command echo
ATQ Result code suppression
ATV Data Circuit Terminating Equipment (DCE) response format
ATX Result code selection and call progress monitoring control
AT&C Circuit 109 (received line signal detector) behaviour
AT&D Circuit 108 (data terminal ready) behaviour
AT+IFC Data Terminal Equipment (DTE)-DCE local flow control
AT+IPR Fixed DTE rate
AT+ILRR DTE-DCE local port rate reporting
AT+ICF DTE-DCE character framing
GENERIC COMMANDS
Command Description
ATZ Reset to default configuration
AT&F Set to factory-defined configuration
ATI Request identification information
AT+GMI Request terminal adapter (TA) manufacturer identification
AT+GMM Request TA model identification
AT+GMR Request TA revision identification
AT+GSN Request TA serial number identification
AT+GCAP Request complete capabilities list
AT&V View configuration
AT&W Store configuration
AT&Y Select power-up configuration
AT+CGMI Request mobile equipment (ME) manufacturer identification
AT+CGMM Request ME model identification
AT+CGMR Request ME revision identification
AT+CGSN Request ME serial number identification
AT+CSCS Select terminal equipment (TE) character set
AT+WS46 Select wireless network (GSM phones’ response is always 12, and it cannot be changed)
CALL CONTROL COMMANDS
Command Description
ATD Dial
ATA Answer response
ATH Hook control
ATO Return to online data state
ATS0 Automatic answer
ATS6 Pause before blind dialling
ATS7 Connection completion timeout
ATS8 Comma dial modifier time
ATS10 Automatic disconnect delay
ATL Monitor speaker loudness
ATM Monitor speaker mode
AT+DS Data compression
AT+DR Data compression reporting
NETWORK SERVICE COMMANDS (GSM 07.07)
Command Description
AT+CREG Network registration
AT+COPS Operator selection
AT+CLCK Facility lock
AT+CLIP Calling line identification presentation
AT+CLIR Calling line identification restriction
AT+COLP Connected line identification presentation
AT+CCFC Call forwarding number and conditions
AT+CCWA Call waiting
AT+CHLD Call related to supplementary services
AT+CUSD Unstructured supplementary services
AT+CSSN Supplementary service notifications
AT+CLCC List current calls
AT+CPWD Change passwords for the SIM/ME/network features
MOBILE EQUIPMENT CONTROL AND STATUS COMMANDS (GSM 07.07)
Command Description
AT+CPIN Enter Personal Identification Number (PIN)
AT+CSQ Signal quality
AT+CPBS Select phonebook memory storage
AT+CPBR Read phonebook entries
AT+CPBF Find phonebook entries
AT+CPBW Write phonebook entry
AT+CPAS Phone activity status
AT+CIMI Request International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)
SMS COMMANDS (GSM 07.05)
Command Description
AT+CSMS Select message service
AT+CPMS Preferred message storage
AT+CMGF Message format
AT+CSCA Service centre address
AT+CSMP Set text mode parameters
AT+CSDH Show text mode parameters
AT+CSCB Select cell broadcast message types
AT+CSAS Save settings
AT+CRES Restore settings
AT+CNMI New message indications to TE
AT+CMGL List messages
AT+CMGR Read message
AT+CNMA New message acknowledgement to ME/TA
AT+CMGS Send message
AT+CMSS Send message from storage
AT+CMGW Write message to memory
AT+CMGD Delete message
AT+CMGC Send command
AT+CMMS More messages to send
AT+CGSMS Select service for mobile-originated (MO) short messages
GPRS COMMANDS (GSM 07.07)
Command Description
AT+CGDCONT Define Packet Data Protocol (PDP) context
AT+CGATT GPRS attach or detach
AT+CGACT PDP context activate or deactivate
AT+CGDATA Enter data state
AT+CGREG GPRS network registration status
AT+CGEQREQ 3G quality of service (QoS) profile (requested)
AT+CGEQMIN 3G quality of service profile (minimum acceptable)
AT+CGEQNEG 3G quality of service profile (negotiated)
To execute the command line, press the or key on your keyboard.
AT Commands are case insensitive ie ATD and atd are treated similarly .
Commands can be categorized into different types as :
Basic(commands that do not start with "+". For example, ATD,ATA etc)
Extended(Commands that start with "+". All GSM AT commands are extended commands. For example, +CMGS ,+CMGR etc )
Proprietary(Commands that start with "*".These commands are manufacturer specific)
Note that mobile phone manufacturers usually do not implement all AT commands, command parameters and parameter values in their mobile phones. Also, the behavior of the implemented AT commands may be different from that defined in the standard.
In addition, some AT commands require the support of mobile network operators. For example, SMS over GPRS can be enabled on some GPRS mobile phones with the +CGSMS command , But if the mobile network operator does not support the transmission of SMS over GPRS, you cannot use this feature.
Here are some terms and concepts on AT Commands:
The Command Line
A Command line provides an way to issue a number of commands at a time rather than issuing and waiting for the modem to react to each command separately. Macro Commands is Command line that contains several AT commands.
Repeating a Command Line
A/ is the command to repeat the last command line entered. In this case you do not need to type AT first, nor do you press at the end of the command line. This command comes is usefull in cases when you need to redial a number that got a busy signal.
Single Channel mode
In single channel mode, AT commands are sent and executed sequentially over the communication link. Only one medium is connected to the TA, no parallel execution of AT commands is possible.
Multi Channel mode
In multiple channel mode, several connections can be established at the same time either with 07.10 protocol activated on top of the serial link (multiplexed mode) or with several mediums connected. Each connection can be seen as an instance of the AT interface; hence commands can be executed in parallel on each connection.
Multiplexed Mode (07.10 Protocol )
This mode runs on top of the serial link and according to 07.10 protocol (MUX mode), several connections (virtual channels) can be established in parallel over a SINGLE serial link.
07.10 protocol is supported only over UART (DSL).
Switching From Data to Voice
To switch from a data mode to a voice mode issue the Escape sequence command (+++)
Resuming the Data Connection
When you are in the Command State and want to resume the data connection, type the following command:
ATO
Communication Channel Profiles
Normally the GSM/GPRS modems stores three different profiles in Non Volatile Memory i.e DEFAULT ,Profile 0,Profile 1.
And usually all the connection channels are created with its profile initialized to default profile.
AT&F
With this command the profile is returned back to default profile .
AT&W
With this command the current profile can be stored to Profile 0 or 1 based on AT&W0 or AT&W1
AT&V
This command can be used to view the Stored and Active Profile(s)
Some of the tasks that can be done using AT commands with a GSM/GPRS modem or mobile phone:
• Establish a data connection or voice connection to a remote modem (ATD, ATA, etc).
• Send (AT+CMGS, AT+CMSS), read (AT+CMGR, AT+CMGL), write (AT+CMGW) or delete (AT+CMGD) SMS messages and obtain notifications of newly received SMS messages (AT+CNMI).
• Read (AT+CPBR), write (AT+CPBW) or search (AT+CPBF) phonebook entries.
• Get basic information about the mobile phone or GSM/GPRS modem. For example, name of manufacturer (AT+CGMI), model number (AT+CGMM), IMEI number (International Mobile Equipment Identity) (AT+CGSN) and software version (AT+CGMR).
• Get basic information about the subscriber. For example, MSISDN (AT+CNUM) and IMSI number (International Mobile Subscriber Identity) (AT+CIMI).
• Get the current status of the mobile phone or GSM/GPRS modem. For example mobile network registration status (AT+CREG), radio signal strength (AT+CSQ), battery charge level and battery charging status (AT+CBC).
List of important AT Commands
PRODUCT SUPPORT
Command Description
ATS3 Command line termination character
ATS4 Response formatting character
ATS5 Command line editing character
ATE Command echo
ATQ Result code suppression
ATV Data Circuit Terminating Equipment (DCE) response format
ATX Result code selection and call progress monitoring control
AT&C Circuit 109 (received line signal detector) behaviour
AT&D Circuit 108 (data terminal ready) behaviour
AT+IFC Data Terminal Equipment (DTE)-DCE local flow control
AT+IPR Fixed DTE rate
AT+ILRR DTE-DCE local port rate reporting
AT+ICF DTE-DCE character framing
GENERIC COMMANDS
Command Description
ATZ Reset to default configuration
AT&F Set to factory-defined configuration
ATI Request identification information
AT+GMI Request terminal adapter (TA) manufacturer identification
AT+GMM Request TA model identification
AT+GMR Request TA revision identification
AT+GSN Request TA serial number identification
AT+GCAP Request complete capabilities list
AT&V View configuration
AT&W Store configuration
AT&Y Select power-up configuration
AT+CGMI Request mobile equipment (ME) manufacturer identification
AT+CGMM Request ME model identification
AT+CGMR Request ME revision identification
AT+CGSN Request ME serial number identification
AT+CSCS Select terminal equipment (TE) character set
AT+WS46 Select wireless network (GSM phones’ response is always 12, and it cannot be changed)
CALL CONTROL COMMANDS
Command Description
ATD Dial
ATA Answer response
ATH Hook control
ATO Return to online data state
ATS0 Automatic answer
ATS6 Pause before blind dialling
ATS7 Connection completion timeout
ATS8 Comma dial modifier time
ATS10 Automatic disconnect delay
ATL Monitor speaker loudness
ATM Monitor speaker mode
AT+DS Data compression
AT+DR Data compression reporting
NETWORK SERVICE COMMANDS (GSM 07.07)
Command Description
AT+CREG Network registration
AT+COPS Operator selection
AT+CLCK Facility lock
AT+CLIP Calling line identification presentation
AT+CLIR Calling line identification restriction
AT+COLP Connected line identification presentation
AT+CCFC Call forwarding number and conditions
AT+CCWA Call waiting
AT+CHLD Call related to supplementary services
AT+CUSD Unstructured supplementary services
AT+CSSN Supplementary service notifications
AT+CLCC List current calls
AT+CPWD Change passwords for the SIM/ME/network features
MOBILE EQUIPMENT CONTROL AND STATUS COMMANDS (GSM 07.07)
Command Description
AT+CPIN Enter Personal Identification Number (PIN)
AT+CSQ Signal quality
AT+CPBS Select phonebook memory storage
AT+CPBR Read phonebook entries
AT+CPBF Find phonebook entries
AT+CPBW Write phonebook entry
AT+CPAS Phone activity status
AT+CIMI Request International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)
SMS COMMANDS (GSM 07.05)
Command Description
AT+CSMS Select message service
AT+CPMS Preferred message storage
AT+CMGF Message format
AT+CSCA Service centre address
AT+CSMP Set text mode parameters
AT+CSDH Show text mode parameters
AT+CSCB Select cell broadcast message types
AT+CSAS Save settings
AT+CRES Restore settings
AT+CNMI New message indications to TE
AT+CMGL List messages
AT+CMGR Read message
AT+CNMA New message acknowledgement to ME/TA
AT+CMGS Send message
AT+CMSS Send message from storage
AT+CMGW Write message to memory
AT+CMGD Delete message
AT+CMGC Send command
AT+CMMS More messages to send
AT+CGSMS Select service for mobile-originated (MO) short messages
GPRS COMMANDS (GSM 07.07)
Command Description
AT+CGDCONT Define Packet Data Protocol (PDP) context
AT+CGATT GPRS attach or detach
AT+CGACT PDP context activate or deactivate
AT+CGDATA Enter data state
AT+CGREG GPRS network registration status
AT+CGEQREQ 3G quality of service (QoS) profile (requested)
AT+CGEQMIN 3G quality of service profile (minimum acceptable)
AT+CGEQNEG 3G quality of service profile (negotiated)
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Mobile Devices as Voting Machines ?
I had this idea of Mobile voting with me for couple of years.But with times it was erasing off my brain cells then i was a internet servey done my VeriSign.
The servey predicts --- that mobile devices could be used for voting purposes in the U.S. by 2012. And thats exciting.
I give my vote to this survey and feel if the mobile community comes together towards this cause its pretty much achievable in that timeframe.
Just imagine the level of comfort and accuracy this system can bring .
considering its appication in INDIAN context ,it can do wonders .As of my knowledge the average turnaround for voting in india is ~60.
The reason for this % is that most of the High Midle call and High Call dont bother to comeout of there comfort zone and visit the Poll Boths .
But with this technology and voting machine at your fingure tips we can expect an significant rise in voting %.It might be as high as ~80-85%.
And i hope this technology will be equaly usefull in other parts of world.
But yes there are challenges too of Bogus voting ,Spams and security.
The servey predicts --- that mobile devices could be used for voting purposes in the U.S. by 2012. And thats exciting.
I give my vote to this survey and feel if the mobile community comes together towards this cause its pretty much achievable in that timeframe.
Just imagine the level of comfort and accuracy this system can bring .
considering its appication in INDIAN context ,it can do wonders .As of my knowledge the average turnaround for voting in india is ~60.
The reason for this % is that most of the High Midle call and High Call dont bother to comeout of there comfort zone and visit the Poll Boths .
But with this technology and voting machine at your fingure tips we can expect an significant rise in voting %.It might be as high as ~80-85%.
And i hope this technology will be equaly usefull in other parts of world.
But yes there are challenges too of Bogus voting ,Spams and security.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
JACK WELCH –Straight From Gut
JACK is undoubtly one of the successful CEOs corporate word ever had and it reflects from his tenure as CEO of GE which lasted ~20 years ,which normally is the total carrier of many people .And the level to which he took GE was commendable .
A Year back I have read the book by JACK “winning”.Before reading the book the only thing I knew about JACK was he been the CEO of GE . but things have changed ….i was impressed by this guy and the book.
And now i have picked up “Straight from gut”,I have only read intial few pages and the style of the book looks similar to the earlier one I read,and Yes this one seems to be impressive too.
One thing about JACK is he is straight forward in his approach as his book name suggests.
Somehow I am able to related it to myself and gives me confidance of my work style.I have been facing pressure due to my unorthodox style of working specially management .
Another thing jack recommends is never try to change yourself drastically alltough there is no harm in adapting to some extent ,but you can never change your real self and no need to try to.
He also at times in his books accepts about his failures and even some blunders he made in his professional life but the thing important here is he came as a winner out of it.
I will be reading this book in coming days and will put more stuff on this blog in coming days.
To get more insight on JACK WELCH please visit his offical site
http://www.welchway.com/
A Year back I have read the book by JACK “winning”.Before reading the book the only thing I knew about JACK was he been the CEO of GE . but things have changed ….i was impressed by this guy and the book.
And now i have picked up “Straight from gut”,I have only read intial few pages and the style of the book looks similar to the earlier one I read,and Yes this one seems to be impressive too.
One thing about JACK is he is straight forward in his approach as his book name suggests.
Somehow I am able to related it to myself and gives me confidance of my work style.I have been facing pressure due to my unorthodox style of working specially management .
Another thing jack recommends is never try to change yourself drastically alltough there is no harm in adapting to some extent ,but you can never change your real self and no need to try to.
He also at times in his books accepts about his failures and even some blunders he made in his professional life but the thing important here is he came as a winner out of it.
I will be reading this book in coming days and will put more stuff on this blog in coming days.
To get more insight on JACK WELCH please visit his offical site
http://www.welchway.com/
TRIP TO MUNNAR (GODs OWN COUNTRY)
It was 24th Dec 08 evening and one of my friend called me up for a trip to munnar (Kerala) and I said yes ,actually it was me who initiated the trip idea a day back but then he was not very sure to join .So a yes from my side was quite obvious .
We were two family ,so it was decided that we will book a taxi (Quallis/Travera) as it will be pretty tough to travel in a 5 seater as we both in all have 3 kids.
I planned to start @8:30am but the Taxi guy came quite late at 9:45.
We then headed towards Banargata road where my friend resides and by the time we left from his place it was 11 .The driver took the hosur road via anekel.
Soon on the hosur road before hosur there was around an hour delay due to some state permit issue and we have to shed 700 bucks ,the driver told everyone need to pay that.
The roads after Hosur were simply great ,its NH7 (Bangalore ,Khrishnagiri /Dharmapuri/Salem).at
Although there were at certain points there was some maintance work ongoing but still it was good enough.
Suddenly before dharmapuri an idea cam to my mind that how about covering Hogonical fall which was some ~40 Km from NH7 ,thus an extra ~90 Km ,I felt it was worth trying and yes said my friend pankaj.
So we were now heading towards Hoganical falls (It’s a famous fall in TN ..to make things easier ..roja movie was shoot here).
It was around 3 when we reached the fall,and where dying of hunger thus desperately I checked for some good restaurant but for our bad luck we couldn’t find one and settled for some restaurant .
It was one of the worst food I ever had.Although rice sambar was good but paratha was horrible.
After completing the gr8 meals we headed to see the fall.I was really surprised that after every few meters there was another guy selling tickets ,although the tickets were not costly but they could have been collected at one point itself.
The fall was quite good ,it was worth a visit .we clicked some pics rather lots of pics.And also enjoyed the boat ride for a small distance .
Myself and pankaj went for bath under fall ,like I usually try for at any fall were ever its possible.
By the time we left from the fall it was 6 + and by the time we reached NH7 it was 7 and now I was wondering was it an right idea as it was not possible to reach munnar before or around 12 ..which was my target ,as I have two small kids.
My of my friends just wonder how I simply think of making such trips with two small kids ,one is 2 years another one is 6 months.
But that’s the way I am.
And as I was worried it was around 9 when we reached Salem so it was dinner time ,we had an excellent dinner at some restaurant at salem at decent price.
It was 10 when we started from salem ,now I was more worried as we have simply covered around 200KM of the 500 Km to munnar.
Panjak had done some search for the way to munnar …till salem it was common but after that it was different than what our driver planned ,he was planning the route via Coimbatore which to me was coming out to be some 75 Km extra ,So after lots of brainstorming I decided to take the route via Erode as it was 10: 30 PM ,munnar was impossible and going via Coimbatore was a extra distance and thus time .
Erode is some 50 KM from salem ,we found some lodge @ erode ,it was pretty econimocal .
Plan was made to start at 7 Am ,but just like it normally happens it turn out to me 8 Am ….i really hate delay ,but what can be done.
From Erode we took the route of Perundurai ->Dharmapuram -> Chinnar -> Munnar.
We were two family ,so it was decided that we will book a taxi (Quallis/Travera) as it will be pretty tough to travel in a 5 seater as we both in all have 3 kids.
I planned to start @8:30am but the Taxi guy came quite late at 9:45.
We then headed towards Banargata road where my friend resides and by the time we left from his place it was 11 .The driver took the hosur road via anekel.
Soon on the hosur road before hosur there was around an hour delay due to some state permit issue and we have to shed 700 bucks ,the driver told everyone need to pay that.
The roads after Hosur were simply great ,its NH7 (Bangalore ,Khrishnagiri /Dharmapuri/Salem).at
Although there were at certain points there was some maintance work ongoing but still it was good enough.
Suddenly before dharmapuri an idea cam to my mind that how about covering Hogonical fall which was some ~40 Km from NH7 ,thus an extra ~90 Km ,I felt it was worth trying and yes said my friend pankaj.
So we were now heading towards Hoganical falls (It’s a famous fall in TN ..to make things easier ..roja movie was shoot here).
It was around 3 when we reached the fall,and where dying of hunger thus desperately I checked for some good restaurant but for our bad luck we couldn’t find one and settled for some restaurant .
It was one of the worst food I ever had.Although rice sambar was good but paratha was horrible.
After completing the gr8 meals we headed to see the fall.I was really surprised that after every few meters there was another guy selling tickets ,although the tickets were not costly but they could have been collected at one point itself.
The fall was quite good ,it was worth a visit .we clicked some pics rather lots of pics.And also enjoyed the boat ride for a small distance .
Myself and pankaj went for bath under fall ,like I usually try for at any fall were ever its possible.
By the time we left from the fall it was 6 + and by the time we reached NH7 it was 7 and now I was wondering was it an right idea as it was not possible to reach munnar before or around 12 ..which was my target ,as I have two small kids.
My of my friends just wonder how I simply think of making such trips with two small kids ,one is 2 years another one is 6 months.
But that’s the way I am.
And as I was worried it was around 9 when we reached Salem so it was dinner time ,we had an excellent dinner at some restaurant at salem at decent price.
It was 10 when we started from salem ,now I was more worried as we have simply covered around 200KM of the 500 Km to munnar.
Panjak had done some search for the way to munnar …till salem it was common but after that it was different than what our driver planned ,he was planning the route via Coimbatore which to me was coming out to be some 75 Km extra ,So after lots of brainstorming I decided to take the route via Erode as it was 10: 30 PM ,munnar was impossible and going via Coimbatore was a extra distance and thus time .
Erode is some 50 KM from salem ,we found some lodge @ erode ,it was pretty econimocal .
Plan was made to start at 7 Am ,but just like it normally happens it turn out to me 8 Am ….i really hate delay ,but what can be done.
From Erode we took the route of Perundurai ->Dharmapuram -> Chinnar -> Munnar.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
CB - Cell Broadcast (Technology with great potentail)
CB –cell broadcast ,as the name specifies it is a service used by mobile operators to broadcast messages.
Broadcast messages can reach all the mobiles under a tower or the entire country (
Only handsets that have CB-channels activated will receive the messages). It’s fast and it’s real-time! Send-ing a message to millions of handsets is indeed a matter of seconds.
Cell Broadcast was defined in 1993 in phase 2 of the GSM standard. It was not until May 1996 that a German operator started a project to investigate the possibilities of a commercial Cell Broadcast service. The first commercial system was launched in March 1998 in Lebanon.
SMS-CB offers the ability to differentiate the push messages depending on the location. Messages can be broadcast to areas as small as one single radio cell, as big as the entire network and any cluster of areas in between. No other mature technology offers such a feature.
words, SMS-CB messages are directed to radio cells, rather than to a specific terminal. SMS-CB is an unconfirmed push service, meaning that the originator of the message does not know who has received the message, allowing for services based on anonymity.
A Cell Broadcast Entity (CBE) is a multi-user front-end that allows the definition and control of SMS-CB messages. A CBE can be located at the site of a content provider.
At the site of the operator a so-called Cell Broadcast Centre (CBC) is located. The CBC is the heart of the Cell Broadcast System and acts as a server for all CBE clients. It takes care of the administration of all SMS-CB messages it receives from the CBEs and does the communication towards the GSM network. The GSM network itself takes care of delivering the SMS-CB messages to the mobile terminals.
This technology is used in deploying location-based subscriber services, such as regional auctions, local weather, traffic conditions and 'nearest' services (like requesting the nearest service station or restaurant).
To recieve a broadcast message the mobile subsciber must tune into that broadcast channel. Most modern mobiles are equipped with this technology and the hadsets will be preactivated to recieve broadcast messages. A single broadcast message can contain upto 1395 characters, and equivalent of 8 normal SMS message.Broadcast messages have a dedicated channel of their own and they in no way add any load to the existing network.
Broadcast Advantages
Location sensitive
Fast and efficient message delivery
No additional network traffic
Real time communication (less than 5 sec delivery time)
Support binary messages (ringtones, logos, OTA configurations)
No storage required
No need to know the telephone numbers of the mobiles
Possible Services
1 Cell information
Perhaps the most common service is broadcast of cell information. Most networks already have this service on channel 50, which is done without a CBC.
2 Events
Important Events happening in the city or country can be broadcasted .
3 Advertising
Cell Broadcast is well suited for advertising. However, it must be kept in mind that there must be a balance between advertising and ‘useful’ information, otherwise the Handset User may turn off the channel
4 Traffic Information Service
In-car navigation systems become increasingly more popular, especially for the business drivers that travel from destination to destination. Cell Broadcast is a very efficient bearer for information about traffic jams or road works, so the navigation system can calculate an alternate route.
5 Operator Information
The network operator can use Cell Broadcast to announce tariff changes, advertise for products and ser-vices, perhaps in exchange for free logos or ring tones to keep the Handset User interested in the channel.
6 Auctions
Mobile auctions can start with a Cell Broadcast message. Users can enter their bids through SMS, or IVR and the end of the auction can again be announced with a broadcast message.
7 Emergency notification
Emergency services are one of the most wanted location-based services that people would like to have on their mobile telephone (according to Harris Interactive US market study on LBS). This preference for emer-gency services exists because local calamities are a fact of life: environmental disasters like Tornadoes, Typhoons, Tsunami and volcano eruptions; major traffic calamities; industrial disasters like explosions and recently terrorist actions happen all over the world.
8 M-Marketing
A Mobile Marketing campaign is an activity where a company needs access to a large group who are will-ing to co-operate in a survey. The group of Handset Users is already large (hundreds of thousand to many millions of subscribers), and is still growing. These Handset Users might be willing when given the right incentive. Cell Broadcast can be used to trigger responses. Responses given through SMS or IVR are used to build a database with valuable marketing information.
Vision and Future
Mobile handset user:
Cell Broadcast will be the reliable, location specific, source of information, Today it's text, tomorrow it will be pictures and the day after it will be video. In case of emergencies, using a mobile handset will be the reliable way of receiving information - fast - through Cell Broadcast messages send by authorities.
Government authority:
Because of the growth of mobile telephone users, the immense popularity of mobile telephones, Cell Broadcast is the ultimate way to communicate to citizen in case of emergency. Even those people, who do not have a mobile telephone, will be informed by the people who have it.
Network Operator:
Cell Broadcast will boost revenues for SMS, MMS, WAP and IVR services. From Operator Customer Loyalty perspective: offering Cell Broadcast information, in cooperation with Government authorities, will help your customers receiving the right information, on the right moment, on the right location, from a reliable source, via the mobile telephone.
Future
Right now only text and binary messages can be broadcasted. But as 3G phone become more and more popular 3G broadcast services will be available. Streaming audio and video will be available on broadcast channels. Those kind of technologies will ensure that a mobile user has access to all the radio and TV channels on his mobile phone itself.
Questions coming to your mind ?
Q: How can I send a Cell Broadcast message?
A: This is not possible. Only an operator/content provider can send messages.
Q: Will Cell Broadcast expose my position to the operator or content provider?
A: No. Since Cell Broadcast does not address individual mobile phones, it does not need to know your position.
Q: Do I have Cell Broadcast on my mobile phone?
A: Probably Yes. Most modern Cell Broadcast GSM phones support Cell Broadcast. The name could be different i.e. Local info, cell info are also used as names for Cell Broadcast on mobile phones.
Q: How do I activate Cell Broadcast on my mobile phone?
A: Please check your mobile phone manual or call the customer care.
Q: I would like to receive only messages with are of interest to me.
How do I block SPAM?
A: As a mobile phone user you can yourself decide which Cell Broadcast channels to activate.
Q: Is Cell Broadcast also available in the new 3G networks?
A: Yes, the service is called Service Area Broadcast (SAB) in 3G and delivers the same functionality with enhanced capacity on the air-interface.
Q: Is it possible to send EMS-content over a Cell Broadcast channel?
A: Yes, in February 2002, EMS content (logos, icons, ring tones, etc..) being sent over a Cell Broadcast channel has been standardised. Handsets manufacturers will follow these 3GPP specifications.
Q: Can I receive Cell Broadcast messages from my home country in a different country?
A: No. Cell Broadcast provides location speicific messages, and are limited to the network of the operator you are connected to.
Q: What is the length of a Cell Broadcast message?
A: One Cell Broadcast message contains up to 15 pages of 93 characters each.
Q: Why does my operator not have Cell Broadcast.
A: Probably they did not discover the power of Cell Broadcast yet.
Broadcast messages can reach all the mobiles under a tower or the entire country (
Only handsets that have CB-channels activated will receive the messages). It’s fast and it’s real-time! Send-ing a message to millions of handsets is indeed a matter of seconds.
Cell Broadcast was defined in 1993 in phase 2 of the GSM standard. It was not until May 1996 that a German operator started a project to investigate the possibilities of a commercial Cell Broadcast service. The first commercial system was launched in March 1998 in Lebanon.
SMS-CB offers the ability to differentiate the push messages depending on the location. Messages can be broadcast to areas as small as one single radio cell, as big as the entire network and any cluster of areas in between. No other mature technology offers such a feature.
words, SMS-CB messages are directed to radio cells, rather than to a specific terminal. SMS-CB is an unconfirmed push service, meaning that the originator of the message does not know who has received the message, allowing for services based on anonymity.
A Cell Broadcast Entity (CBE) is a multi-user front-end that allows the definition and control of SMS-CB messages. A CBE can be located at the site of a content provider.
At the site of the operator a so-called Cell Broadcast Centre (CBC) is located. The CBC is the heart of the Cell Broadcast System and acts as a server for all CBE clients. It takes care of the administration of all SMS-CB messages it receives from the CBEs and does the communication towards the GSM network. The GSM network itself takes care of delivering the SMS-CB messages to the mobile terminals.
This technology is used in deploying location-based subscriber services, such as regional auctions, local weather, traffic conditions and 'nearest' services (like requesting the nearest service station or restaurant).
To recieve a broadcast message the mobile subsciber must tune into that broadcast channel. Most modern mobiles are equipped with this technology and the hadsets will be preactivated to recieve broadcast messages. A single broadcast message can contain upto 1395 characters, and equivalent of 8 normal SMS message.Broadcast messages have a dedicated channel of their own and they in no way add any load to the existing network.
Broadcast Advantages
Location sensitive
Fast and efficient message delivery
No additional network traffic
Real time communication (less than 5 sec delivery time)
Support binary messages (ringtones, logos, OTA configurations)
No storage required
No need to know the telephone numbers of the mobiles
Possible Services
1 Cell information
Perhaps the most common service is broadcast of cell information. Most networks already have this service on channel 50, which is done without a CBC.
2 Events
Important Events happening in the city or country can be broadcasted .
3 Advertising
Cell Broadcast is well suited for advertising. However, it must be kept in mind that there must be a balance between advertising and ‘useful’ information, otherwise the Handset User may turn off the channel
4 Traffic Information Service
In-car navigation systems become increasingly more popular, especially for the business drivers that travel from destination to destination. Cell Broadcast is a very efficient bearer for information about traffic jams or road works, so the navigation system can calculate an alternate route.
5 Operator Information
The network operator can use Cell Broadcast to announce tariff changes, advertise for products and ser-vices, perhaps in exchange for free logos or ring tones to keep the Handset User interested in the channel.
6 Auctions
Mobile auctions can start with a Cell Broadcast message. Users can enter their bids through SMS, or IVR and the end of the auction can again be announced with a broadcast message.
7 Emergency notification
Emergency services are one of the most wanted location-based services that people would like to have on their mobile telephone (according to Harris Interactive US market study on LBS). This preference for emer-gency services exists because local calamities are a fact of life: environmental disasters like Tornadoes, Typhoons, Tsunami and volcano eruptions; major traffic calamities; industrial disasters like explosions and recently terrorist actions happen all over the world.
8 M-Marketing
A Mobile Marketing campaign is an activity where a company needs access to a large group who are will-ing to co-operate in a survey. The group of Handset Users is already large (hundreds of thousand to many millions of subscribers), and is still growing. These Handset Users might be willing when given the right incentive. Cell Broadcast can be used to trigger responses. Responses given through SMS or IVR are used to build a database with valuable marketing information.
Vision and Future
Mobile handset user:
Cell Broadcast will be the reliable, location specific, source of information, Today it's text, tomorrow it will be pictures and the day after it will be video. In case of emergencies, using a mobile handset will be the reliable way of receiving information - fast - through Cell Broadcast messages send by authorities.
Government authority:
Because of the growth of mobile telephone users, the immense popularity of mobile telephones, Cell Broadcast is the ultimate way to communicate to citizen in case of emergency. Even those people, who do not have a mobile telephone, will be informed by the people who have it.
Network Operator:
Cell Broadcast will boost revenues for SMS, MMS, WAP and IVR services. From Operator Customer Loyalty perspective: offering Cell Broadcast information, in cooperation with Government authorities, will help your customers receiving the right information, on the right moment, on the right location, from a reliable source, via the mobile telephone.
Future
Right now only text and binary messages can be broadcasted. But as 3G phone become more and more popular 3G broadcast services will be available. Streaming audio and video will be available on broadcast channels. Those kind of technologies will ensure that a mobile user has access to all the radio and TV channels on his mobile phone itself.
Questions coming to your mind ?
Q: How can I send a Cell Broadcast message?
A: This is not possible. Only an operator/content provider can send messages.
Q: Will Cell Broadcast expose my position to the operator or content provider?
A: No. Since Cell Broadcast does not address individual mobile phones, it does not need to know your position.
Q: Do I have Cell Broadcast on my mobile phone?
A: Probably Yes. Most modern Cell Broadcast GSM phones support Cell Broadcast. The name could be different i.e. Local info, cell info are also used as names for Cell Broadcast on mobile phones.
Q: How do I activate Cell Broadcast on my mobile phone?
A: Please check your mobile phone manual or call the customer care.
Q: I would like to receive only messages with are of interest to me.
How do I block SPAM?
A: As a mobile phone user you can yourself decide which Cell Broadcast channels to activate.
Q: Is Cell Broadcast also available in the new 3G networks?
A: Yes, the service is called Service Area Broadcast (SAB) in 3G and delivers the same functionality with enhanced capacity on the air-interface.
Q: Is it possible to send EMS-content over a Cell Broadcast channel?
A: Yes, in February 2002, EMS content (logos, icons, ring tones, etc..) being sent over a Cell Broadcast channel has been standardised. Handsets manufacturers will follow these 3GPP specifications.
Q: Can I receive Cell Broadcast messages from my home country in a different country?
A: No. Cell Broadcast provides location speicific messages, and are limited to the network of the operator you are connected to.
Q: What is the length of a Cell Broadcast message?
A: One Cell Broadcast message contains up to 15 pages of 93 characters each.
Q: Why does my operator not have Cell Broadcast.
A: Probably they did not discover the power of Cell Broadcast yet.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Train Travel @Karnataka Express (New Delhi to Bangalore)
I opted for train travel this time after a long period while coming back from delhi .And it was none other than Karnataka Express as it take kind of nights a 1 day .
Earlier the plan was that I will come with my family but due to some change in plan it was just me, and I really enjoyed these ~40 Hrs spent.
I simple love traveling by train ; the only thing that stops me is the time .
As I was without my family I had all the time to spend it as I wanted! which could have been difficult with my kids.
Day 1
We hired an driver to reach New Delhi railway station from sonipat.Its ~60 Km from my hometown .
We took my brother in laws car but opted for driver as he is famous for make things late all the time he drives .
We reached station some 1:15 hrs before schedule and soon I asked him to leave and I was all alone .
The train started some 30 minutes late, quite acceptable by Indian terms
So after the train started I had the dinner packed by my mother. Mothers will never stop caring for there kids let them be young or grown ups.I told her very firmly , pls don’t prepare any food for the way ,but she didn’t agree.
She had prepared palak parathas with tori ke sabji ,it was awesome ,she also packed some buttermilk for me.After having the food i tried to sleep but soon came the first stop @agra and came a couple with loads of luggage ,thus a prospect fight and that’s what it turned out to ,a verbal fight, as the guy started moving out the already placed luggage here and there to place his own, and to stop this stuff I played the mediator role to stop the dirty stuff and it worked as always.
I went for sleep around 1 AM my usual time ,but it never was sound sleep ,reason I could not figure out as it was convenient enough.
Day2
As I got countless wakeup throughout the night so I decided to finally wakeup around 6 thus After many many days I GOT THE opportunity of watching the sunrise ,I captured it too with my Nokia N72.
I am an foodie ,love eating and keeeping that spirit I tried wada @Bhopal station in the morning ,but I was wondering that the particular shop I got wada from only had south Indian food ..like dosa ,ildi wada.As Bhopal is in central India ,but anyways I enjoyed the wada,as I am fan of south Indian food.Then it was followed by the Bread with vegitable cutlet been served by the pantry guys in the train.
After food it was reading time then ,I got a Chetan BHagat book(3 mistake ….) from New delhi station .although I am not a great fan of chetan bhagat style of writing ,but I found this book appropriate to complete during my ~40 hrs journey .
My earlier experience with his book(5 point someone ) was not great …as I never found it worth ready after couple of chapters as I found it was not as interesting as my own collage life.
In the evening I had the pleasure of meeting an interesting person. A polite ,educated ,well spoken guy was discussing something with person sitting next to me and listening to them, I interrupted and participated with them and within few minutes I come to conclusion that he had some loose screws .He was so confused that he was not even aware what bogie he was into. That’s the fun of traveling on the train ,which you normally don’t get in any other medium of travel ,as you prone to meet many different and unique cases.
Day 3
Again it was tough for me to get the sound sleep I expected, and I was awake at around 8 AM, this day was more of an wait for reaching Bangalore ,which I stared almost at 11 although the expected time to reach Bangalore was 1.40 .
Meantime I also completed my first Chetan Bhagat book ,which I would have never done if I had other ways to pastime .
After completing reading his book I feel that I too can write books ,as its not too tough to write such books.
Few hours before reaching Bangalore came some station named Sri Sai XXXXXXXXX ,not sure about the complete name, ane the gentleman I was talking about I met the day before left the train and then I understood the reason for his behavior .I have many such cases who spoil there carrier for such things .In search for unknown things they loose focus from the real things.
Karnataka Express halts at three stations of Bangalore ,yehlanka been the first one then Cant and finally city .In train I came to know that Cant will be the nearest one for me as I stay near in C V Raman nagar.But I was lucky enough as the train stopped for couple of minutes at some small station which was just 3 Km away from my flat and I grabbed the opportunity ,I offered the same to one other train mate who refused saying he has family even though I also extended my help in that too ,and thus the 40 hrs of wonderful journey came to an abrupt end.
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