Installing Blackberry Simulators

14th Feb 2012

Blackberry Simulators

Installing Blackberry Simulators is a bit of a nightmare. Here are some findings to make the process a little smoother.

Install Java JDK IMPORTANT

  • IMPORTANT: Use the Sun JDK, not any other distribution.
  • IMPORTANT: Install JDK 1.6 or higher,
  • IMPORTANT: Install the 32-bit version even if you are running a 64bit Machine.

Set up JAVA environment

  • Create a JAVA_HOME environment variable.

    • Open System Properties -> Advanced -> Environment Variables
    • Create a new system variable
    • Variable name: JAVA_HOME
    • Example value: C:\Program Files (x86)\Java\jdk1.6.0_21
    • Add %JAVA_HOME%\bin directory to the PATH system variable
  • Add Java bin to PATH

    • Open System Properties -> Advanced -> Environment Variables
    • Under system variables, select PATH and append ;%JAVA_HOME%\bin
    • e.g. %SystemRoot%\system32;%SystemRoot%;%JAVA_HOME%\bin

Verify that Java is installed.

  • Open a new command window:

  • Start > Run, type in "cmd", and click OK.

  • Check Java Version

    C:\>java -version java version "1.6.0_21" Java(TM) SE Runtime Environment (build 1.6.0_21-b07) Java HotSpot(TM) Client VM (build 17.0-b17, mixed mode, sharing)

Install Blackberry Email and MDS Services

Install Blackberry OS Device Simulators

Start the MDS and Simulator

  • Open the Start Menu and run All Programs > Research In Motion > Blackberry Email and MDS Services > MDS

  • Open the Start Menu at

    All Programs > Research In Motion

  • You should have a simulators folder for the device you installed previously

  • Run it

Disable Graphics Acceleration

  • As the simulator is starting I have found it smoother to disable graphics acceleration
  • View > Graphics Acceleration > Off

Connect to WIFI

  • Use "Manage Connections" to turn off the Mobile Network
  • You might be prompted to run a connection wizard when you start up the phone
  • Use it to connect to the Default WIFI network
  • If you don't then click the Blackberry button and open "Manage Connections" and run "Set up Wi-Fi Network"

Browse the Internet

  • You should finally be able to open the browser and use the internet

References

http://wiki.phonegap.com/w/page/31930982/Getting%20Started%20with%20PhoneGap%20BlackBerry%20WebWorks