Potential new EVDO user - coming from Satellite - questions

palouseflyer · EVDO Fledgling Joined: 10 Mar 2008 Posts: 11

Okay thanks - I'll do some research first and then decide.
I don't have any sort of "connection manager" on the mac, to force EVDO. The application I launch to conect the card is called "Sierra Wireless Watcher" and I don't see any options in it. Also, it doesn't show the DB readings by hovering the mouse over it like the next poster mentioned. But I also have windows running on my macbook so I may try to install the software under windows and then try your suggestion.

I am at work now in downtown Spokane and it connected right away as EVDO so the card is working fine.

palouseflyer · EVDO Fledgling Joined: 10 Mar 2008 Posts: 11

Okay, before I give up on EVDO at my location, I have a few last questions.

1. Are the Print maps reliable? Their coverage map for EVDO shows my area covered, yet I can only connect at 1xrtt.

2. Walking around our 2 story home with the 595U card on my Macbook, DB readings fluctuate in my house from -90's to -80's. (lowest I ever saw was -85) Upstairs doesn't seem to increase the signal. Walking around outside I get about the same db readings. My attempts to force the EVDO only mode were unsuccessful. What are my chances of increasing the signal enough using an antenna (or maybe try the homebrew cantenna)?

3. Is Sprint tech support of any use here?

Capt Ron · Posted: Fri Mar 28, 2008 12:58 pm Post subject:

Is it any better outside?

An antenna will probably make all of the difference in the world.

That said, A friend was just at my house with his card. He was seeing signal levels in the 90s and 80s, but still saw downloads of 1200 to 1400 and uploads of 350 to 500. His said, evdo rev A on the screen. I didn't pay any attention of the type of express card he had. I ask and he didn't know and never got around to unplugging it to see.

My home is in a gray area on the map with orange a mile away on each side.

I would have thought that yours would have done as well as his.
_________________
Ron

palouseflyer · EVDO Fledgling Joined: 10 Mar 2008 Posts: 11

Outside doesn't seem any better thsan inside but I will keep trying.
I called sprint and the person I spoke with said that home location was NOT covered by EVDO revA which is weird as their map showed that I was. SO not sure what they are looking at.
I would like to try and make one of these cantennas and see if that makes any difference. But I wouldn't know where to aim it? Is there some way to determine the physical location of the nearest evdo tower?
thanks fo rthe help... I would love to get this working...

CraigCraig · EVDO Heavy User Joined: 15 May 2007 Posts: 141

palouseflyer · EVDO Fledgling Joined: 10 Mar 2008 Posts: 11

The signal in my home (forcing EVDO only) is worse than I thought, only showing a range of -104 to -116 depending on location. Is it conceivable to improve such weak signals to the point you can have good evdo speeds?
Currently, my attempt to get a connection (forcing evdo) results in the error:

Unable to connect. dial-up networking error#678 has occured.
There was no answer.

I have an old unused satellite internet dish, I thought for grins I might stick the modem on the sweet spot and see what if anything happens to the signal, but then I don't have a clue as to direction to the tower. But I guess I could play around with it. I have also run across plans for a homebrew "cantenna" here.. but I am shooting in the dark... thanks for the advice...

CraigCraig · EVDO Heavy User Joined: 15 May 2007 Posts: 141

Improving a signal like that is something that I personally would try if there were no other options available but I think that Verizon Broadband is available in your area and I think they have a 30 day trial period too. Check it out at http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/CoverageLocatorController?requesttype=NEWREQUEST or for even better service and satisfaction contact the guys at 3GStore.com. If anyone can get you going on EVDO in your area they can.

If you want to get some really good advice on improving your EVDO signal from much more knowledgeable EVDOforums.com users start a new topic with a title like "Need help improving -104 dBm signal" and you'll get some very knowledgeable people looking at your post and offering advice.

2ndwindranch · Posted: Sun Mar 30, 2008 10:28 pm Post subject:

Just yesterday I ditched my hughes satellite for the very same reasons. I was so excited to get home and see what kind of reception I get. I' still lost on some of this jargon, BUT I'm getting readings of -99 to -110 inside by windows and I'm still happy with the performance. It at least compares to what I've been getting on satellite and now has more bells and whistles because I can take it all over. I had to go with Verizon, that's all that's in my area, the USB720. Outside, I get about -89, but about 1 mile away I get 2 to 3 bars (but didn't know how to check for the db stuff when i did that earlier this morning).

I really think a booster will help in m situation. I went ahead and cancelled the satellite, because I really feel this will be better. I also am not excited about spending more $$ to make this work, and I know that even when I am at -89 it just reall seem super fast!