Motorola phones and mini-USB handsfree

I recently ordered a Motorola SYN0896A wired handsfree, including
pushbutton, which terminates in the same mini-USB plug that many of the
new Motorola phones use. The manuals describe this port as for charging
and accessories.

To my naive surprise, neither my wife's RAZR V3c nor my SLVR L7 recognize,
or display any indication whatsoever, when the I plug it into either
phone. The manuals are useless on this! Is there any hope of a wired
headpiece working with newer models?

There's no specific indicator on the display for the headset. What
happens when you make or receive a call? It should just work when it's
plugged in. I have the similar model with stereo headphones and it
works fine.

From:Mike S.
retsuhcs@xinap.moc

> I recently ordered a Motorola SYN0896A wired handsfree, including
> pushbutton, which terminates in the same mini-USB plug that many of
> the new Motorola phones use. The manuals describe this port as for
> charging and accessories.
>
> To my naive surprise, neither my wife's RAZR V3c nor my SLVR L7
> recognize, or display any indication whatsoever, when the I plug it
> into either phone. The manuals are useless on this! Is there any hope
> of a wired headpiece working with newer models?

In message <XjXtf.8711$ka.1780@tornado.socal.rr.com> "BruceR"
<br@NOhawaiiSPAM.com> wrote:

>There's no specific indicator on the display for the headset. What
>happens when you make or receive a call? It should just work when it's
>plugged in. I have the similar model with stereo headphones and it
>works fine.

I have the Motorola version of a USB handsfree kit, it displays a
message on the screen when I connect the USB plug.

--
I left the womb for this?

From the OP's message I'm not sure if we're talking about a headset (he
calls it a headpiece) or the handsfree car kit. The latter provides an
indication, the former does not.

FromevilsPGD
spam_narf_spam@crazyhat.net

> In message <XjXtf.8711$ka.1780@tornado.socal.rr.com> "BruceR"
> <br@NOhawaiiSPAM.com> wrote:
>
>> There's no specific indicator on the display for the headset. What
>> happens when you make or receive a call? It should just work when
>> it's plugged in. I have the similar model with stereo headphones
>> and it works fine.
>
> I have the Motorola version of a USB handsfree kit, it displays a
> message on the screen when I connect the USB plug.
>
> --
> I left the womb for this?

In article <5fZtf.8717$ka.8622@tornado.socal.rr.com>,
BruceR <razrbruce AT gmail.com> wrote:
>
>FromevilsPGD
>spam_narf_spam@crazyhat.net
>
>> In message <XjXtf.8711$ka.1780@tornado.socal.rr.com> "BruceR"
>> <br@NOhawaiiSPAM.com> wrote:
>>
>>> There's no specific indicator on the display for the headset. What
>>> happens when you make or receive a call? It should just work when
>>> it's plugged in. I have the similar model with stereo headphones
>>> and it works fine.
>>
>> I have the Motorola version of a USB handsfree kit, it displays a
>> message on the screen when I connect the USB plug.
>>
>> --
>From the OP's message I'm not sure if we're talking about a headset (he
>calls it a headpiece) or the handsfree car kit. The latter provides an
>indication, the former does not.

It is a Motorola earpiece. No calls came in; I just started pressing
buttons and expected to hear the tones in the ear as I would with the
older type of handsfree earpiece. Perhaps I should have placed a call.

And no, there is no indicator, visual or otherwise, when you plug it into
either phone.

Yes, if it's a Motorola headset you should hear tones when making a
call. If there's a button on the mic, try pressing it. If it's dead I'd
suspect a defective headset.

From:Mike S.
retsuhcs@xinap.moc

> In article <5fZtf.8717$ka.8622@tornado.socal.rr.com>,
> BruceR <razrbruce AT gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> FromevilsPGD
>> spam_narf_spam@crazyhat.net
>>
>>> In message <XjXtf.8711$ka.1780@tornado.socal.rr.com> "BruceR"
>>> <br@NOhawaiiSPAM.com> wrote:
>>>
>>>> There's no specific indicator on the display for the headset. What
>>>> happens when you make or receive a call? It should just work when
>>>> it's plugged in. I have the similar model with stereo headphones
>>>> and it works fine.
>>>
>>> I have the Motorola version of a USB handsfree kit, it displays a
>>> message on the screen when I connect the USB plug.
>>>
>>> --
>> From the OP's message I'm not sure if we're talking about a headset
>> (he calls it a headpiece) or the handsfree car kit. The latter
>> provides an indication, the former does not.
>
> It is a Motorola earpiece. No calls came in; I just started pressing
> buttons and expected to hear the tones in the ear as I would with the
> older type of handsfree earpiece. Perhaps I should have placed a call.
>
> And no, there is no indicator, visual or otherwise, when you plug it
> into either phone.

In message <5fZtf.8717$ka.8622@tornado.socal.rr.com> "BruceR"
<br@NOhawaiiSPAM.com> wrote:

>From the OP's message I'm not sure if we're talking about a headset (he
>calls it a headpiece) or the handsfree car kit. The latter provides an
>indication, the former does not.

I'm using a headset (just an ear piece), and I do get some sort of
notification, although I don't recall the details without getting my
headset out and check.

--
The preceding post may have contained unsuitable materials
and should not have been read by small children.

On the display? I get nothing on the display but there is beep in the
headset. I'm using v3i so v3 may different.

FromevilsPGD
spam_narf_spam@crazyhat.net

> In message <5fZtf.8717$ka.8622@tornado.socal.rr.com> "BruceR"
> <br@NOhawaiiSPAM.com> wrote:
>
>> From the OP's message I'm not sure if we're talking about a headset
>> (he calls it a headpiece) or the handsfree car kit. The latter
>> provides an indication, the former does not.
>
> I'm using a headset (just an ear piece), and I do get some sort of
> notification, although I don't recall the details without getting my
> headset out and check.
>
> --
> The preceding post may have contained unsuitable materials
> and should not have been read by small children.

In article <yP%tf.7323$pE4.5380@tornado.socal.rr.com>,
BruceR <razrbruce AT gmail.com> wrote:
>
>From:Mike S.
>retsuhcs@xinap.moc
>
>> In article <5fZtf.8717$ka.8622@tornado.socal.rr.com>,
>> BruceR <razrbruce AT gmail.com> wrote:
>>>
>>> FromevilsPGD
>>> spam_narf_spam@crazyhat.net
>>>
>>>> In message <XjXtf.8711$ka.1780@tornado.socal.rr.com> "BruceR"
>>>> <br@NOhawaiiSPAM.com> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> There's no specific indicator on the display for the headset. What
>>>>> happens when you make or receive a call? It should just work when
>>>>> it's plugged in. I have the similar model with stereo headphones
>>>>> and it works fine.
>>>>
>>>> I have the Motorola version of a USB handsfree kit, it displays a
>>>> message on the screen when I connect the USB plug.
>>>>
>>>> --
>>> From the OP's message I'm not sure if we're talking about a headset
>>> (he calls it a headpiece) or the handsfree car kit. The latter
>>> provides an indication, the former does not.
>>
>> It is a Motorola earpiece. No calls came in; I just started pressing
>> buttons and expected to hear the tones in the ear as I would with the
>> older type of handsfree earpiece. Perhaps I should have placed a call.
>>
>> And no, there is no indicator, visual or otherwise, when you plug it
>> into either phone.
>
>Yes, if it's a Motorola headset you should hear tones when making a
>call. If there's a button on the mic, try pressing it. If it's dead I'd
>suspect a defective headset.
>
Yes. I tried placing a call on both the Razr V3c and the SLVR L7 and in
both cases the phone behaved as though nothing was connected. Sound came
out of the phone, not the wired earpiece, and pushing the button on the
earpiece cord did nothing.

Sounds like you have a defective headset.

From:Mike S.
retsuhcs@xinap.moc

> In article <yP%tf.7323$pE4.5380@tornado.socal.rr.com>,
> BruceR <razrbruce AT gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> From:Mike S.
>> retsuhcs@xinap.moc
>>
>>> In article <5fZtf.8717$ka.8622@tornado.socal.rr.com>,
>>> BruceR <razrbruce AT gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>
>>>> FromevilsPGD
>>>> spam_narf_spam@crazyhat.net
>>>>
>>>>> In message <XjXtf.8711$ka.1780@tornado.socal.rr.com> "BruceR"
>>>>> <br@NOhawaiiSPAM.com> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>> There's no specific indicator on the display for the headset.
>>>>>> What happens when you make or receive a call? It should just
>>>>>> work when it's plugged in. I have the similar model with stereo
>>>>>> headphones and it works fine.
>>>>>
>>>>> I have the Motorola version of a USB handsfree kit, it displays a
>>>>> message on the screen when I connect the USB plug.
>>>>>
>>>>> --
>>>> From the OP's message I'm not sure if we're talking about a headset
>>>> (he calls it a headpiece) or the handsfree car kit. The latter
>>>> provides an indication, the former does not.
>>>
>>> It is a Motorola earpiece. No calls came in; I just started pressing
>>> buttons and expected to hear the tones in the ear as I would with
>>> the older type of handsfree earpiece. Perhaps I should have placed
>>> a call.
>>>
>>> And no, there is no indicator, visual or otherwise, when you plug it
>>> into either phone.
>>
>> Yes, if it's a Motorola headset you should hear tones when making a
>> call. If there's a button on the mic, try pressing it. If it's dead
>> I'd suspect a defective headset.
>>
> Yes. I tried placing a call on both the Razr V3c and the SLVR L7 and
> in both cases the phone behaved as though nothing was connected.
> Sound came out of the phone, not the wired earpiece, and pushing the
> button on the earpiece cord did nothing.

In message <RV0uf.7333$pE4.6104@tornado.socal.rr.com> "BruceR"
<br@NOhawaiiSPAM.com> wrote:

>On the display? I get nothing on the display but there is beep in the
>headset. I'm using v3i so v3 may different.

Actually, it just lights up it doesn't actually say anything...

--
Don't you hate rhetorical questions?

> >>> There's no specific indicator on the display for the headset. What
> >>> happens when you make or receive a call? It should just work when
> >>> it's plugged in. I have the similar model with stereo headphones
> >>> and it works fine.
> >>
> >> I have the Motorola version of a USB handsfree kit, it displays a
> >> message on the screen when I connect the USB plug.
> >>
> >> --
> >From the OP's message I'm not sure if we're talking about a headset (he
> >calls it a headpiece) or the handsfree car kit. The latter provides an
> >indication, the former does not.
>
> It is a Motorola earpiece. No calls came in; I just started pressing
> buttons and expected to hear the tones in the ear as I would with the
> older type of handsfree earpiece. Perhaps I should have placed a call.
>
> And no, there is no indicator, visual or otherwise, when you plug it into
> either phone.

OK not 100% that I understand what is going on but I hope this helps.

When using a wired earpice or headphones with a button this is what happens
when you press the button. I have not tried the USB version, but from a
phone software point of view it should work in the same way.

Phone at idle screen

Short press of button brings up list of previously dialled calls - if you
haven't made any calls then nothing will happen.
(This is equivalent to pressing the green call button and getting the
Dialled Calls list.)

Another short press will call the highlighted entry in the Dialled Calls
list

A long press will hangup the call.

Once in a call pressing the button will start another call on some phones
(not good!) and on others it will let you put the call on hold / mute etc.

On some phones you can activate the voice dialling by pressing the earpiece
button and on others you have to set a home key to Voice Dial. Settings /
Personalise / Home Keys / your chosen navigation key / Voice Dial. To voice
dial you press the key on the phone and then say the name in the headset
microphone and it should dial for you.

Try making some calls and then experimenting with the earpiece/headphone
button presses again. Try recording some voice names for your phone book
contacts too - they do work suprisingly well if you don't mind being seen
talking to yourself!

Al

In article <dpcglf$3o5$1@newsg1.svr.pol.co.uk>, Al <no@spam.com> wrote:
>> >>> There's no specific indicator on the display for the headset. What
>> >>> happens when you make or receive a call? It should just work when
>> >>> it's plugged in. I have the similar model with stereo headphones
>> >>> and it works fine.
>> >>
>> >> I have the Motorola version of a USB handsfree kit, it displays a
>> >> message on the screen when I connect the USB plug.
>> >>
>> >> --
>> >From the OP's message I'm not sure if we're talking about a headset (he
>> >calls it a headpiece) or the handsfree car kit. The latter provides an
>> >indication, the former does not.
>>
>> It is a Motorola earpiece. No calls came in; I just started pressing
>> buttons and expected to hear the tones in the ear as I would with the
>> older type of handsfree earpiece. Perhaps I should have placed a call.
>>
>> And no, there is no indicator, visual or otherwise, when you plug it into
>> either phone.
>
>OK not 100% that I understand what is going on but I hope this helps.
>
>When using a wired earpice or headphones with a button this is what happens
>when you press the button. I have not tried the USB version, but from a
>phone software point of view it should work in the same way.
>
>Phone at idle screen
>
>Short press of button brings up list of previously dialled calls - if you
>haven't made any calls then nothing will happen.
>(This is equivalent to pressing the green call button and getting the
>Dialled Calls list.)
>
>Another short press will call the highlighted entry in the Dialled Calls
>list
>
>A long press will hangup the call.
>
>Once in a call pressing the button will start another call on some phones
>(not good!) and on others it will let you put the call on hold / mute etc.
>
>On some phones you can activate the voice dialling by pressing the earpiece
>button and on others you have to set a home key to Voice Dial. Settings /
>Personalise / Home Keys / your chosen navigation key / Voice Dial. To voice
>dial you press the key on the phone and then say the name in the headset
>microphone and it should dial for you.
>
>Try making some calls and then experimenting with the earpiece/headphone
>button presses again. Try recording some voice names for your phone book
>contacts too - they do work suprisingly well if you don't mind being seen
>talking to yourself!

Thanks for the explanation, Al. As I indicated in an earlier reply in this
thread, I cannot get the earpiece to do anything, period. In every way I
can detect, two phones behave in an identical manner whether it is plugged
in or not. Pressing the inline button on the cord does nothing either. I
have contacted the vendor to request a replacement on the assumtion that
it is defective.