Macbook Pro EVDO working solutions (using V3C from verizon)

joshkerr · EVDO Newbie Joined: 18 May 2005 Posts: 2

I managed to get my MacBook pro online using a USB connection to my Verizon V3C phone.

There are several steps to make this work. First, you need to contact Verizon and ask them to add the Tether option. This was actually more complicated than it sounds. This feature is new to Verizon and they fumbled around for a few minutes before they figured it out.

Second, you need to disable CHAP authentication on your mac. I used an Apple Script I found here:

http://the.taoofmac.com/space/HOWTO/Disable%20CHAP%20Support%20In%20Mac%20OS%20X

Then you need to install the iSync plugin which enables support for the V3C on the MacBook:

http://www.briantoth.com/razr_v3c/

Finally, you need to set it all up.

I install the iSync plugin, rebooted and then connected my phone. I loaded iSync and selected "Add Device." It found my phone and installed support for it. Then I went to the network Control Panel and it imediately notified me that it found a new port. (It found my phone.) I clicked on the setup screen and then added this info:

Account Name: yournumber@vzw3g.com
password: vzw
Phone Number: #777

I deselected error correction and TCP header compression.

For the modem script, I selected the Verizon PC card. (I think it was the PC550 or something like that.)

Next, run the apple script to disable CHAP support.

Finally, click connect. If all goes well you should be on the internet. It works great.

Unfortunately, the MacBook Pro's USB ports are not at full power, so it won't charge your phone while you are surfing. This is a little annoying. Other than that, everything seems good.

dmf · EVDO Newbie Joined: 01 Jul 2005 Posts: 10

That's great news! Do you know if the same procedure will work for the Powerbook models or is this something new with the MacBooks?

Also, when you get a chance can you post some speed test results. Thanks

Dave

visionik · EVDO Newbie Joined: 23 Feb 2006 Posts: 1

I also have a Motorola RAZR V3C working with my MacBook.

Interestingly, I did not have to disable CHAP or install the iSync plug-in.

I just plugged in the phone, went to network control panel, put in the Verizon info and turned off TCP Header compression... and it worked.

I don't think the charging problem is a lack of power on the USB ports. The V3C won't charge on a PC / Windows sytem either until you install the Windows driver for it; and my Blackberry wouldn't charge on my PowerBook until I installed PocketMac and its included OS X Blackberry driver.

Hopefully a proper driver will enable the V3C to charge off the MacBook ... or PowerBook for that matter.

patyoung · Posted: Fri Mar 10, 2006 4:09 pm Post subject:

Very interesting. Anyone know if this will work with a Blackberry. Seems like it would be the same. Also - no word if this ony works with the MacBook only or PowerBook as well?

drewgolden · EVDO Newbie Joined: 17 Mar 2006 Posts: 3

Brian's iSync V3c support enables EVDO access over Bluetooth.

http://www.briantoth.com/razr_v3c/

At least after I installed it I noticed it started working.

drew

drewgolden · EVDO Newbie Joined: 17 Mar 2006 Posts: 3

Okay, so I did some speed tests.

I have a new 2.0ghz macbook pro and a new v3c evdo phone from verizon. I had been using their evdo pcmcia card in a dell laptop but demped the dell to get the macbook.

So with the usb cable and a not great signal (half of the bars) I was able to get a data rate of 350kb/s download (using speakeasy.)

Using the phone over bluetooth, the speed drops a little. Speakeasy tested the connection at about 240kb/s download.

I will conduct further tests and post my results near a stronger signal.

But it's sweet that it works.

Drew

maynardco · EVDO Newbie Joined: 27 Mar 2006 Posts: 3

What Verizon service did you specify for accessing EVDO via the RAZR V3c? I notice on Verizon's web site that they do no offer EVDO per se, but do offer V CAST. I know V CAST is essentially EVDO and appears to be cheaper.

drewgolden · EVDO Newbie Joined: 17 Mar 2006 Posts: 3

maynardco · EVDO Newbie Joined: 27 Mar 2006 Posts: 3

deleted post regarding old Mac/Verizon download link due to Michael's feedback.

Michael · Posted: Fri Mar 31, 2006 1:32 pm Post subject:

You might want to be careful with that 2 year old installer. If you install it on top of 10.4 (10.3 OK), you will completely hose the 10.4 drivers for Aircards, and you will have to do an Archive and Install to get your Mac back in order.

Apple Verizon Drivers don't work in 10.4

I didn't read the above thread, perhaps they are only extracting the modem script file and not running the installer?
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NEdually · EVDO User Joined: 10 Mar 2006 Posts: 28

Thanks to all the other posts before this!!!...I got my macbook to run on the verizon razr

have verizon turn on tethering for $60/mo...wish it was $40 like t-mobile!
turn on and open phone
plug in usb cable
go to network prefs
under show, select "motorola V3c"

under ppp tab:
Account name: "yourphonenumber@vzw3g.com"
Password: "vzw"
Telephone number: "#777"
under ppp options, deselect TCP Header compression (it did work with it on though?)

under modem tab:
Modem: "Verizon Support (PC5220)"

apply now and connect.

I was very surprised to be able to make and receive calls while NOT interrupting the connection.

With "EV" and 3 bars on the phone display, using Speakeasy from CT 06877 to Los Angeles, 3/31 11pm
Test 1: D1094, U116
Test 2: D840, U110
Test 3: D922, U115

Macbook Pro 1.83ghz, 1 gig ram, os 10.4.5, safari 2.03

I'm impressed!!! Another bonus to this over a card is that it is a "feature" that can be turned on and off...no 2 year contract. I will probably get a kyocera card when they are available but for now this works quite well. Just need a driver to charge the phone.

maynardco · EVDO Newbie Joined: 27 Mar 2006 Posts: 3

Thanks NEdually for the concise post. I just bought a RAZR from a very helpful and knowledgeable. Your post allowed me to bring up the USB-EVDO connection without an extra click or backtrack---PERFECT.

Speakeasy: CO 80304 to LA, four signal strength bars
Test 1: D485 U115
Test 2: D312 U118
Test 3: D255 U119

Thanks everybody!

NEdually · EVDO User Joined: 10 Mar 2006 Posts: 28

I went to verizon last night to get a bluetooth headset for my razr. The technician immediately took my phone and told me he needed to update it with new software.

Today I just noticed my macbook charges my phone through the USB cable!!!

jaythree · EVDO Newbie Joined: 22 Jun 2006 Posts: 1

Thank you!

With the instructions above I've got my V3M working via USB with my MacBook (not Pro). I'm only in a 1x zone right now, but I am TOTALLY EXCITED that this works.

Thanks!!!

-Jeff

jackrodgers · EVDO Addict Joined: 23 Mar 2006 Posts: 1131