CTR500 with UM-175 modem - works OK but no signal bars

redraider · EVDO Newbie Joined: 27 Aug 2008 Posts: 5

The setup seems to be working OK (at least better than dial-up) but I don't understand why I'm not getting a signal indication on the router at all. If I use the modem by itself plugged directly into the USB on my computer it shows a signal strength of 2 bars on the VZAccess Manager Screen. One concern I have is what I have read here in various places about the router running hot on a low signal. All the other LEDs on the router are working fine. Maybe I'm missing something in the setup. I just haven't had the time to play with it much. Thanks for any suggestions.

maverick · EVDO User Joined: 29 Jul 2008 Posts: 63

I thought I read somewhere that the signal indicator isn't compatible with all modems. Something about needing to go into signal mode, pretty easy to just hold down the signal button (the one below the signal meter). Its similar to the MBR1000 in that way. Just hold it down till lights start going off. Smile

pickles · Posted: Thu Aug 28, 2008 7:43 am Post subject:

I had the same question as redraider except I have the UM150. No signal lights on the 500 router. I have 2-3 bars on the 150 when connected to the router or pc. I have noticed that my router seems to get hot at times and when it does I lose my connections and have to reset the router.

I have been thinking about purchasing a booster antenna for 150. Would it help with the signal and also would I plug this into the 150 when its connected to the router.

Yeah, I am a real newbie and trying to learn and know my ?'s sound kinda duh but we all have to start somewhere. I really appreciate this froum. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

redraider · EVDO Newbie Joined: 27 Aug 2008 Posts: 5

I'll check into the button that maverick suggested. My router was offline this morning and I'm wondering if it is the heat issue too. I am very new to all this myself.

pickles · Posted: Thu Aug 28, 2008 6:15 pm Post subject:

Hmm I tried pushing in the signal botton on the router twice and each time I did the signal lights would come on (3 bars) but the 150 would go out so I guess it is not going to work with the UM150.

maverick · EVDO User Joined: 29 Jul 2008 Posts: 63

Right, if your modem isn't compatible with the signal light indicators then going to signal mode would turn off the data connection to the card. Guess some modems are picky about this.

*Hugs Sierra Wireless C597*

pickles · Posted: Fri Aug 29, 2008 2:46 pm Post subject:

Well, thank you maverick. At least that clears up one question of many that I have.

Would you happen to have the answer about the booster antenna that I asked about in my post further up on this page. Or maybe one of the folks at the 3G store would like to help us newbies.

pickles · Posted: Fri Aug 29, 2008 2:46 pm Post subject:

Well, thank you maverick. At least that clears up one question of many that I have.

Would you happen to have the answer about the booster antenna that I asked about in my post further up on this page. Or maybe one of the folks at the 3G store would like to help us newbies.

maverick · EVDO User Joined: 29 Jul 2008 Posts: 63

I think I read in a few places that low signal strength increased the temperature of the modem/router but I don't think it'd be a major issue. A booster antenna would theoretically solve the issue. It'd have to be plugged into the modem and I'm sure 3gstore would love to sell you one.

pickles · Posted: Fri Aug 29, 2008 6:40 pm Post subject:

Okay, thank you. I will contact them.

pickles · Posted: Fri Aug 29, 2008 6:42 pm Post subject:

Okay, thank you. I will contact them.