Transplanting a StarTac's soul

If you have a Startac tagged your acct today, DO not swap it out. If it's
only the casing or lcd thats busted or worn out, just buy a used one in Mint
condtion on Ebay and swap out the boards. It's not too difficule to do and
as long as your current board is in good working condition. You'll
basically have a brand new looking / feeling Startac after the swap

It's not Verizon that's screwing you, it's the FCC. Write your State
Senator and explain that GSM carriers use triangulation and they should
allow Federal tax credits for the cost of a GPS phone if indeed a CDMA
carrier refuses to activate an existing non-gps enabled phone.

..
..
..



"Mike W." <outofthe@emailbiz.com> wrote in message
news:a4tro11kpq28pacbn9dcmkpafp6flgo2a2@4ax.com...
>
> I'm an AVID, rabid, irrational StarTac owner and am an old timer on
> the Verizon network, going back to 88. I was an early adopter back then up
> through the StarTac. I'm probably on my 12 or 15th one and I have a drawer
> full of backups (LOVE I could wreck one and activate a new Ebay one and
> stay a free agent). Everyone in my family and on my payroll gets Startacs.
> I have the hands free kits installed. This affects me as a big PITA that I
> don't get anything back for, and I couldn't respect any less the decision
> to force GPS down our throats with total disregard for the consequences
> (like the poor guys that spent $3000 to buy the StarTac option on their
> Mercedes).
>
> I know Verizon won't do squat for me. There's no way they represented the
> customer's best interest (choice) because they smelled windfall upgrades
> in
> this.
>
> I'm trying to come up with strategies for preserving my own personal
> ability to use StarTacs and not have gps rammed up my butt against my
> wishes. I'm not trying to get out of paying a cent.. I'm trying to get out
> of getting screwed by progressive punitive do-gooderism.
>
> My top question here is.. is it technically feasible to change the
> identity
> (ESN?) a StarTac shows the network so I can convert a new one into my
> current one (which won't charge)? I'm not asking if Verizon can... I'm
> asking if there exists a procedure or path that will let me move the
> "soul"
> from one to the other. If it involves surgery... programming.. whatever.
> CAN it be done?
>
> My second question... can the billing info be "changed" on a working
> Startac? Can I move it over if I find someone who could be persuaded to
> give up their startac?
>
> Finally... does anyone know of any organized citizen, or otherwise, push
> back on this? Sympathetic legislators willing to adjust a draconian
> do-gooder intrusion into a tax-payer's life?
>
> Thanks in advance,
> Mike
>
>

On Wed, 30 Nov 2005 19:22:26 GMT, "BruceR" <br@NOhawaiiSPAM.com>
wrote:

>First, Verizon is not switching their network to GSM. They are a CDMA
>carrier and I have heard rumors that they may discontinue their Analog
>service which is perhaps what you're talking about. If that's the case,
>just get yourself some old CDMA StarTACs if you insist on using them.

Re-read his message, nowhere did he mention Verizon going to GSM.
They may go to all-digital CDMA eventually though. His problem is
that the FCC will not allow Verizon to activate a phone that is not
aGPS-compliant. None of the Startacs are, so his drawer full of
backups is now useless, except for the spare cases and LCDs that can
be swapped onto an activated and working "brain".

To the OP, how long ago was all that capital invested in the
accessories? You've certainly gotten your use from it, but maybe it's
time to upgrade to some current technology. Those phones are mostly
analog-only, right? I know some may have digital service. The fact
remains that analog service won't be around forever, look at some of
Verizons recent phone releases, how many are still tri-band with
analog service? Not too many I bet.

>
>From:Mike W.
>outofthe@emailbiz.com
>
>> I'm an AVID, rabid, irrational StarTac owner and am an old timer on
>> the Verizon network, going back to 88. I was an early adopter back
>> then up through the StarTac. I'm probably on my 12 or 15th one and I
>> have a drawer full of backups (LOVE I could wreck one and activate a
>> new Ebay one and stay a free agent). Everyone in my family and on my
>> payroll gets Startacs. I have the hands free kits installed. This
>> affects me as a big PITA that I don't get anything back for, and I
>> couldn't respect any less the decision to force GPS down our throats
>> with total disregard for the consequences (like the poor guys that
>> spent $3000 to buy the StarTac option on their Mercedes).
>>
>> I know Verizon won't do squat for me. There's no way they represented
>> the customer's best interest (choice) because they smelled windfall
>> upgrades in this.
>>
>> I'm trying to come up with strategies for preserving my own personal
>> ability to use StarTacs and not have gps rammed up my butt against my
>> wishes. I'm not trying to get out of paying a cent.. I'm trying to
>> get out of getting screwed by progressive punitive do-gooderism.
>>
>> My top question here is.. is it technically feasible to change the
>> identity (ESN?) a StarTac shows the network so I can convert a new
>> one into my current one (which won't charge)? I'm not asking if
>> Verizon can... I'm asking if there exists a procedure or path that
>> will let me move the "soul" from one to the other. If it involves
>> surgery... programming.. whatever. CAN it be done?
>>
>> My second question... can the billing info be "changed" on a working
>> Startac? Can I move it over if I find someone who could be persuaded
>> to give up their startac?
>>
>> Finally... does anyone know of any organized citizen, or otherwise,
>> push back on this? Sympathetic legislators willing to adjust a
>> draconian do-gooder intrusion into a tax-payer's life?
>>
>> Thanks in advance,
>> Mike
>

You're right, I must have misread GPS as GSM.

From:Mike Levy
blue2kzr2@gmail.com

> On Wed, 30 Nov 2005 19:22:26 GMT, "BruceR" <br@NOhawaiiSPAM.com>
> wrote:
>
>> First, Verizon is not switching their network to GSM. They are a CDMA
>> carrier and I have heard rumors that they may discontinue their
>> Analog service which is perhaps what you're talking about. If
>> that's the case, just get yourself some old CDMA StarTACs if you
>> insist on using them.
>
> Re-read his message, nowhere did he mention Verizon going to GSM.
> They may go to all-digital CDMA eventually though. His problem is
> that the FCC will not allow Verizon to activate a phone that is not
> aGPS-compliant. None of the Startacs are, so his drawer full of
> backups is now useless, except for the spare cases and LCDs that can
> be swapped onto an activated and working "brain".
>
> To the OP, how long ago was all that capital invested in the
> accessories? You've certainly gotten your use from it, but maybe it's
> time to upgrade to some current technology. Those phones are mostly
> analog-only, right? I know some may have digital service. The fact
> remains that analog service won't be around forever, look at some of
> Verizons recent phone releases, how many are still tri-band with
> analog service? Not too many I bet.
>
>>
>> From:Mike W.
>> outofthe@emailbiz.com
>>
>>> I'm an AVID, rabid, irrational StarTac owner and am an old timer on
>>> the Verizon network, going back to 88. I was an early adopter back
>>> then up through the StarTac. I'm probably on my 12 or 15th one and I
>>> have a drawer full of backups (LOVE I could wreck one and activate a
>>> new Ebay one and stay a free agent). Everyone in my family and on my
>>> payroll gets Startacs. I have the hands free kits installed. This
>>> affects me as a big PITA that I don't get anything back for, and I
>>> couldn't respect any less the decision to force GPS down our throats
>>> with total disregard for the consequences (like the poor guys that
>>> spent $3000 to buy the StarTac option on their Mercedes).
>>>
>>> I know Verizon won't do squat for me. There's no way they
>>> represented the customer's best interest (choice) because they
>>> smelled windfall upgrades in this.
>>>
>>> I'm trying to come up with strategies for preserving my own personal
>>> ability to use StarTacs and not have gps rammed up my butt against
>>> my wishes. I'm not trying to get out of paying a cent.. I'm trying
>>> to get out of getting screwed by progressive punitive do-gooderism.
>>>
>>> My top question here is.. is it technically feasible to change the
>>> identity (ESN?) a StarTac shows the network so I can convert a new
>>> one into my current one (which won't charge)? I'm not asking if
>>> Verizon can... I'm asking if there exists a procedure or path that
>>> will let me move the "soul" from one to the other. If it involves
>>> surgery... programming.. whatever. CAN it be done?
>>>
>>> My second question... can the billing info be "changed" on a working
>>> Startac? Can I move it over if I find someone who could be persuaded
>>> to give up their startac?
>>>
>>> Finally... does anyone know of any organized citizen, or otherwise,
>>> push back on this? Sympathetic legislators willing to adjust a
>>> draconian do-gooder intrusion into a tax-payer's life?
>>>
>>> Thanks in advance,
>>> Mike

The "soul" (ESN) of the later model StarTACs resides in the RF board.
This is the board that the charger plugs into. If the RF board is in
good shape, you can swap it into another similar StarTAC and
essentially have a brand new, already activated working phone, complete
with phonebook.

For excellent StarTAC disassembly instructions with photos, go to:

http://ridge.trideja.com/wireless/stapart/

I have used these instructions to successfully replace a failing
keypad/display board on my son's StarTAC.

royc

On Wed, 30 Nov 2005 22:51:45 GMT, Mike Levy <blue2kzr2@gmail.com> wrote:

>
>Re-read his message, nowhere did he mention Verizon going to GSM.
>They may go to all-digital CDMA eventually though. His problem is
>that the FCC will not allow Verizon to activate a phone that is not
>aGPS-compliant. None of the Startacs are, so his drawer full of
>backups is now useless, except for the spare cases and LCDs that can
>be swapped onto an activated and working "brain".

I'm hoping the jury is still out on the "useless" part.

>
>To the OP, how long ago was all that capital invested in the
>accessories? You've certainly gotten your use from it, but maybe it's
>time to upgrade to some current technology.

Hmmm.. it was an ongoing thing. I got my first cell in 88 and went from bag
to brick to flip phone as fast as the technology allowed. Actually, I have
a brand new in the box brick somewhere in this office, along with my old
one. When the analog Tac came out, that ROCKED. It is still my absolute
all-time favorite phone. Audio quality and usage model were incredible.

There were things I loved and hated about that time I had the analog Tac.
What i loved was that at all times I had a cell phone, up through that
time.. you were treated like a f'ing GOD down at the cell phone store. My
average bills were $1200/mo and I remember a $1000 call I made driving from
San Diego to Westlake Village (it closed a $210k deal so I didn't feel
horrible. My mom could not get out of her head that I made a $1000 phone
call... that still makes me smile. When digital service came out, the
service was starting to target "the masses" and ultimately.. you had a
technology that went from being tailored for the high-expectation early
adopter business man to the high school punk jerking off at the Friday
night ecstasy rave while he sends his peer at the end of the couch a "good
cheese" message. F'ck digital for the *drastically* lowered expectations.
It reminds me of what happened to cb after that f'ing song came out in the
70's. It became a retard magnet and the suppliers recognized the money was
in the tards. I digress... I don't miss "security codes" or figuring out
the details on who my guys had roaming agreements with (you're "A" side
most places but when you're in the LA market you go "B" side until you are
about half way to San Diego, etc.). I don't miss sending 20% of a nice dirt
bike in every month to pay the bill but at least I got to talk to a guy who
considered himself a professional and not a high pressure phone whore like
you get at Verizon now. I don't miss that the black StarTacs were $1000
instead of $400 for the gray ones... but when you're sitting up in FC and
everyone's looking around to see who had what, a black Tac used to be the
quickest way to say you had the biggest crank on the plane... LOL.

Something I remember about my analog... I own an electronics company and
Moto was (is) one of my oldest customers.. I was talking on my analog Tac
in an airport (BDL actually) and when I was done, a guy came up to me and
asked how I liked it. I couldn't say enough. He then introduced himself as
the VP of the cell operation for moto. Well, we boarded and I noticed he
was back in coach and I had FC. I asked the waitress to swap us because
Moto was a valued customers. He declined but when I returned from my trip,
there was a brand new hands free unit waiting for me in my office, from the
VP (we exchanged cards). That was a k-buck option back then I think and it
was an INCREDIBLE kit... you had a separate handset for use in the car in
addition to the speaker phone. Spectacular audio quality.. and being
analog, it boosted the signal. I do miss that phone.

>Those phones are mostly
>analog-only, right?

My fleet is all tri-mode. 7868's. I can engage in every meaningful form of
business communication I need to but I can't download porn.

I know some may have digital service. The fact
>remains that analog service won't be around forever, look at some of
>Verizons recent phone releases, how many are still tri-band with
>analog service? Not too many I bet.

I know when I go ride my dirtbike in Idaho and I get WAY WAY WAY out
there... it's the analog part that works for me. And if I crush the snot
out of it by dumping my bike, or drop it in the ocean sailing (both of
these have occurred twice) I go home and light up a new EBay StarTac and
I'm back in business in an hour.. and STILL a free agent contract-wise.
Part of why I insist on keeping my StarTac. The other part being that for
the same reason I like to think I have specifically grant permission as to
whether I allow someone's genitals into my ass, I'd like it to be my choice
to say what phone I use and whether or not I have to participate in some
governmental know-nonthing yuppie do-gooders hysterical over-reaction
decreeing a false "need" for gps.

The StarTac is digital.. I get text messages in business meetings with data
I need... it's got the best phone-book on the planet and it was designed by
intelligent people for use by intelligent people. Everything after the
StarTac digital era was dumbed down and loaded up with useless bright
flashy crap. The ONLY reason they're phasing the StarTac out is hysteria.

Mike

On Wed, 30 Nov 2005 13:00:31 -0700, "TH" <threeew@hotmail.com> wrote:

>
>If you have a Startac tagged your acct today, DO not swap it out. If it's
>only the casing or lcd thats busted or worn out, just buy a used one in Mint
>condtion on Ebay and swap out the boards. It's not too difficule to do and
>as long as your current board is in good working condition. You'll
>basically have a brand new looking / feeling Startac after the swap

Thank you... I'm well-acquainted with the StarTac connection on EBay. I eat
2-3 phones a year, as well as issue them to everyone that works for me. The
problem on mine is the phone stopped taking a charge (I'm using a backup
Tac as a charging mule right now). I'd like to fine a way to get that ESN
reset. They must have SOME way to do this when they refurb them. I'm not
trying to get out of paying and in fact offered VErizon enough dough that
they could close down for the rest of the week, just to make this happen.
Somewhere on this planet is a guy who knows how to re-ESN the thing. I'll
find him.

>
>It's not Verizon that's screwing you, it's the FCC. Write your State
>Senator and explain that GSM carriers use triangulation and they should
>allow Federal tax credits for the cost of a GPS phone if indeed a CDMA
>carrier refuses to activate an existing non-gps enabled phone.

I appreciate it but I don't believe in political solutions. This problem
exists because of a political solution I just want to cheat and get on to
the next thing.

Mike

On 30 Nov 2005 18:41:58 -0800, "royc" <clouston@sprynet.com> wrote:

>The "soul" (ESN) of the later model StarTACs resides in the RF board.
>This is the board that the charger plugs into. If the RF board is in
>good shape, you can swap it into another similar StarTAC and
>essentially have a brand new, already activated working phone, complete
>with phonebook.
>
>For excellent StarTAC disassembly instructions with photos, go to:
>
>http://ridge.trideja.com/wireless/stapart/
>
>I have used these instructions to successfully replace a failing
>keypad/display board on my son's StarTAC.
>
>royc

Really fantastic suggestion for board swapping.. thank you. In looking at
the pictures, I am not sure if the problem I'm having is on the RF board of
the other one. Specifically, the phone will not charge when plugged in.. I
have to use a second startac as a "charging mule".

One thing I would like to figure out is how to change the ESN in a phone.
They refurbish phones... someplace, there must be someone that can read the
one off my currently activated phone and then take one of my back ups and
install it into that. Anyone in here know where that guy is?

Mike

Probably in jail. It's illegal to modify ESN's.

From:Mike W.
outofthe@emailbiz.com

> On 30 Nov 2005 18:41:58 -0800, "royc" <clouston@sprynet.com> wrote:
>
>> The "soul" (ESN) of the later model StarTACs resides in the RF board.
>> This is the board that the charger plugs into. If the RF board is in
>> good shape, you can swap it into another similar StarTAC and
>> essentially have a brand new, already activated working phone,
>> complete with phonebook.
>>
>> For excellent StarTAC disassembly instructions with photos, go to:
>>
>> http://ridge.trideja.com/wireless/stapart/
>>
>> I have used these instructions to successfully replace a failing
>> keypad/display board on my son's StarTAC.
>>
>> royc
>
> Really fantastic suggestion for board swapping.. thank you. In
> looking at the pictures, I am not sure if the problem I'm having is
> on the RF board of the other one. Specifically, the phone will not
> charge when plugged in.. I have to use a second startac as a
> "charging mule".
>
> One thing I would like to figure out is how to change the ESN in a
> phone. They refurbish phones... someplace, there must be someone that
> can read the one off my currently activated phone and then take one
> of my back ups and install it into that. Anyone in here know where
> that guy is?
>
> Mike