Acuralink and Bluetooth phones

[flashfreaker]

When I first got my RDX a couple of weeks ago, my fancy T-Mobile MDA phone was being repaired. So, I was using my old Sony Ericsson T-68i phone for HandsFreeLink and Acuralink messages. It worked great, but it's an old phone and it's not fully functional. When I got my T-Mobile MDA back, I paired it with the RDX and it works great for handsfree calls. However, I can't get the data connection to work with my MDA. Does anyone else have a T-Mobile MDA or Cingular 8125 phone (the Cingular phone is the same hardware) and have it working with Acuralink? Please don't reply if you have your MDA working with HFL (aka HandsFreeLink)... my MDA works just fine with HFL. It's the Acuralink feature I'm trying to fix. Thanks in advance...

[flashfreaker]

So here's the reply I got back from Acura tech support about the MDA and Acuralink:

Originally Posted by Acura Tech Support

Robert,

Thank you for visiting HandsFreeLink.com.

AcuraLink provides a direct communication link between your vehicle and Acura. Working through the XM satellite Radio, AcuraLink works in conjunction with your vehicle's Navigation, HandsFreeLink (HFL) and audio systems to send and receive several kinds of messages.

These Include:
" Operating tips and information on vehicle features
" Vehicle maintenance information
" Diagnostic information about any problems with your vehicle
" Important recall campaign and safety information

After purchasing your vehicle, messages may not appear immediately. Your dealer has to register the vehicle identification before you can receive messages. This can take several days to process. Also you need to have Data Service set up with your cell phone provider at an additional charge. The level of service required to support our AcuraLink function is the same level of service required to use a cellular phone as a direct link modem for a laptop computer.

Data transmission alone will not support our AcuraLink functions.

Service providers have data capability as part of their standard phone service package. That standard package, however, is insufficient to support the AcuraLink Onboard Diagnostics function.

Normal service plans are not that advanced because most people will never need to send the volume of data involved with this type of usage. Service providers charge for this extra capability in addition to the normal service plan. We don't know what these charges are because service providers have different packages with this feature and vary by provider.

In addition, not all phones have the capability of supporting this feature. Unfortunately the MDA does not support the phone data connection feature. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Please feel free to contact us with additional questions.

Sincerely,

HandsFreeLink Customer Service

While I appreciate Acura's responsiveness, my question about whether this is a problem with the Bluetooth Dial-Up Networking (DUN) profile on the MDA was left unanswered.

Regardless, it appears that Acura is pretty much saying they're not supporting the MDA for Acuralink functions.

[ColinS]

I visited the handsfreelink.com site and it shows that the MDA is only paritally compatable. I'm sure that when it comes to bluetooth "standards" (apparently they are anything BUT standard).

I'm wondering if you could approach it from the phone side? Why does this device not fully conform to the RDX? I would be interested in hearing what the phone mfg. thinks?

[flashfreaker]

Oh, I don't blame Acura. I fully blame Microsoft's bluetooth stack in Windows Mobile 5 (the operating system used by the T-Mobile MDA, Cingular 8125, etc.). Everything I'm trying to do is from the phone-side. At this point, I think hacking the registry or finding some kind of Dial Up Networking proxy or some do dad like that will do the trick, if at all.

[ColinS]

That;s a great attitude! I only wish others in a similar situation took responsabity for the phones they have. Its funny how many poeple get a phone that's not on the list, and them blame the car! Please keep us posted on your progress!

[scowltura]

I have the Cingular 8125 (HTC Wizzard) and have the same problem with my Acura TL - HFL works fine, but the acuralink does not work at all. Have the Jetware extenstion installed so I do get the battery meter and the cell signal strength showing, but still no acuralink. Do let us know if you come up with anything. Also, would love to get the import phonebook option working, but also no luck. How about you and the MDX?

Also, just a quick related question, my wife has my old Motorola V551. I paired my 8125 to the car first, and only after being fully set up did I pair my wife's phone. Yet every time we get in the car together, it links to hers first, and only mine if I then force it to look to the next phone. Any way to change this that you are aware of?