Instructions for RDA usage

Logging in and using the system

The Forum Nokia Remote Device Access (RDA) service is available for all Forum Nokia members. Users can log in to the system using their Forum Nokia user account. Usage is free of charge: each user automatically receives a specified amount of usage time per day. Currently the limit has been set to 8 hours.

Before you can use a device, you need to make a reservation for it. You see the currently available devices from the Phones-tab of the service. When you move the mouse pointer over the device you want to access, a popup window appear:

Select the length of your reservation and press "Start"-button to access the device. This interface allows users to control the device as well as to install and test their applications. After the testing has completed, it is highly recommented that you uninstall your application(/s) from the device.

If you want to schedule a later reservation, you can use the "Reservations"-tab. The RDA reservation view is basically a list of devices that are currently attached to the system and a time frame. To make a reservation click on an empty time-slot in the calendar view and drag the mouse to extend the length of your reservation.

Your reservations are displayed in green, free time is empty. Other user's reservations are displayed in red. When the reservation is due, you can access the device from the "Phones"-tab by clicking "Start" on the device icon.

More specific instructions about making a reservation and using the service can be found in the RDA User guide.

More help

Remote Device Access at Forum Nokia Wiki »
Remote Device Access for Dummies »
Frequently Asked Questions »
Remote Device Access Webinar »

System requirements

For using RDA the following is required:

• A standard Web browser supporting JavaScript™ (such as Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox);
• Java™ Web Start (usually included in the Java Runtime Environment, JRE). JRE can be installed from http://java.sun.com/javase/downloads/. JRE version 5.0 or newer is required;
• An Internet connection that allows outgoing connections on ports 80 and 1200 of the RDA server

Main features

• Installing and running applications on the devices. The installer accepts .sis/.sisx and .jar files.
• File transfer client. Transfer files between a device and your PC.
• Reboot the device ("softboot"). The devices are automatically rebooted after each usage session.
• Change screen orientation. Works on devices that support this feature.
• Change color depth+reduced resolution mode. Can improve the response time.
• Debug logs. For viewing text files and capturing Symbian OS panics.

What can be tested:

• Symbian C++, Java, and Flash Lite applications.
• Python, Open C - if the required plug-in is installed first.
• Different types of content, for example themes.
• Web technologies, for example widgets and other types of Web applications/pages.

Network connectivity:

The RDA devices are supplied with data SIM cards and many of the devices are also WLAN enabled. Developers can test:

• Data services using the predefined RDA (WLAN) and Elisa Internet access points to access the Internet.
• Incoming phone calls and incoming SMSs. This allows developers to test incoming interruptions as specified in Symbian Signed/Java Verified test criteria.
• Other types of networks access (outgoing phone calls, outgoing SMS/MMS etc.) are blocked.
• There is no global positioning system (applies to devices like the Nokia N95) because the devices are located in a lab where the signal strength is limited. However, you can test positioning-based services in RDA using the Simulationpsy positioning simulation tool.

Devices

RDA focuses on S60 3rd Edition and newer devices. The current device selection includes Symbian Signed/Java Verified™  lead test devices from the series - as well as some other popular models. By default, the devices are provided with EURO-variant firmware. The device base is modified according to user interest and requests.  New models can also be added as they are released.

Currently available RDA devices are listed here »

Platform security

Users must acknowledge that installing applications to the RDA devices may require the installation packages to be signed. This is always the situation with S60 3rd Edition devices and Symbian C++applications. In some cases self-signing may be sufficient. If the application must be signed with a developer certificate, do as follows:

• Log in into the RDA reservation system.
• The device IMEI codes are listed after the model number. Look up the devices on which you want to test your application.
• Sign your .sis package with the IMEIs.
• Make a reservation for the device/s.
• Install the application on the device/s and start testing.
• More instructions for how to sign applications can be found from the Forum Nokia technical documentation; refer to, for example, the section Getting started with S60 3rd Edition C++ application signing

Limitations

• No audio support.
• There is no direct access to device hardware features (remove/reattach battery, flip open/close a clamshell phone, etc.).
• No additional peripherals are available by default.
• RDA is a remote solution – user experience may vary based on variables such as distance to server, connection speed, network traffic, and local network policies (firewalls etc.).
• Forum Nokia does not offer technical support for the service. In case of serious issues, please contact the system administrator.
• There is no guarantee that the devices are always accessible. There may be service breaks.

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