USB727 keeps powering off/disconnecting???

FrankRizzo · EVDO Fledgling Joined: 05 Jan 2009 Posts: 23

My USB727 keeps disconnecting, as if I have physically disconnected it from my PC, but it is still plugged in! It will say in the access manager either "device not inserted" or "device off". The green light goes out and it is as if the device is dead.

Sometimes it can go over an hour without this happening--other times it does it every couple of minutes.

Anyone have any ideas? I've tried moving it around to different ports. I am NOT running it through a hub; it is plugged directly into my PC via a usb extension cable (no, it does not exceed 16 feet).

It is also important to point out that this is happening on two DIFFERENT computers, one dell desktop and one dell laptop.

In order to get it to connect to the PC again, I have to unplug it and plug it back in, so windows rerecognizes the device. Sad

Any ideas?

Thanks!

Frank Very Happy

nickjacket · Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2009 12:33 pm Post subject:

Frank,
Is there any way you can try the same connected time duration without any cable at all...

OR

at least, without the extension?

Ruling out any intermittant cable mis-operation would help.
Staying under 16 feet is good but many USB cables are stamped out at high speeds without any cable twisting motions to test for mechanical problems at the factory. Testing these cables for unconnected strands of conductors is also rarely done for consumer grade cables.
Our USB EVDO modems get warm to the touch and thus demand that all is right with a USB cable.

FrankRizzo · EVDO Fledgling Joined: 05 Jan 2009 Posts: 23

Thanks for the tip. I already tried it without the extension and it is still doing the same thing. I'm actually using it without the extension right now and it has been disconnecting about every minute.

I've also been using two different extension cables, one for the desktop and one for the laptop. They both do the same thing.

It's very strange.

Thanks,

Frank Very Happy

nickjacket · Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2009 12:45 pm Post subject:

You're welcome,
At this point I would ask my local Service Provider for a temporary substitute modem (day or two) in which I could do an ESN swap with in order to confirm that the problem is isolated to the original U727.
If a substitute modem does the same thing, I would look for RF interference anywhere in my path of the EVDO tower or provider-side network/backbone.

FrankRizzo · EVDO Fledgling Joined: 05 Jan 2009 Posts: 23

I just got off the phone with tech support and they are overnighting me a new modem.

I will let you know how it goes.

It's really odd, because I've been using EVDO for over a year in the ame location and have never experienced this kind of problem before.

Thanks,

Frank Very Happy

hllon4whls · EVDO Newbie Joined: 23 Mar 2009 Posts: 2

I may send mine in too. I've had it since may and it works great, with the exception of the random power down that you mentioned.

Mine is exactly as you say, its random and it does so on multiple computers and seems to do the same thing in my MBR1000.

Thanks for the tip.

FrankRizzo · EVDO Fledgling Joined: 05 Jan 2009 Posts: 23

Mine also works really well when this is not happening. I've had a few issues with signal strength and with the stupid access manager, but usually my speeds are 400-1000 down and 150-500 up.

If the damn thing would stop powering down/off/disconnecting by itself all the time, things would be great.

I also ordered a omni-directional antenna from the 3GStore, so I am hoping that will help my signal strength once I get this problem fixed.

Verizon is overnighting me a new card for free, which is nice. To anyone who is thinking of getting Verizon service: make sure you get the insurance and protection plan. It is definitely worth it once your regular warranty/free-trial expires!

Frank Very Happy

paperdart · EVDO Newbie Joined: 07 Apr 2009 Posts: 2

It worked great for several months with no problems and stable signal.

Now the signal fluctuates heavily and I have the same exact problem that you've mentioned with it powering off randomly. It happens on multiple computers in multiple locations.

They sent me a refurbished one as a replacement after I called, and it does the same thing.

Gonna call them again I guess. I'm not sure what else to try.

FrankRizzo · EVDO Fledgling Joined: 05 Jan 2009 Posts: 23

Same here, paperdart. I am only my 3rd card and it does the same thing.

FrankRizzo · EVDO Fledgling Joined: 05 Jan 2009 Posts: 23

Well, I finally got a concrete answer to my problem!

Basically, Verizon told me that there is a power fluctuation issue with the tower nearest me. This is why my REV A signal will drop from -85 to -117 for several minutes at a time, causing me to switch to National Access. When it was switching to national, I was then using the HDR lock. The lock would work fine until the tower lost power. Since I was on HDR only mode and the tower lost power, there was no where for my card to connect to, so the software says it is on VZ global access, which actually doesn't exist in my area and my card is not global access capable. This is why the card simply powers off--there is nothing to connect to!

THey told me that they are aware of the "power fluctuation" issue in the REVA tower near me, but that it can only be fixed by building another tower (which I don't buy) and that there are no plans to address the issue until mid-2010.

I guess I'm screwed!

paperdart · EVDO Newbie Joined: 07 Apr 2009 Posts: 2

The third modem they sent me is actually working. The tech guy I talked to from Verizon seemed to think it was an overheating issue of the modem itself. I'm not convinced.

I'm also using the non updated version of VZ access manager. V6.7.8

The issues somewhat coincided with the timing of when I upgraded VZ access manager. So I uninstalled it and reinstalled from the original CD they sent with the modem.

Its been working well for 3 weeks now, but I'm still not sure why.

FrankRizzo · EVDO Fledgling Joined: 05 Jan 2009 Posts: 23

That is very strange, paperdart. Keep me posted!

Currently, it has been 7 hours since I was able to get an EVDO signal. When I go to help and then about VZAccess manager, the EVDO signal is bottomed-out at -117dbm. Right now, I have a -85dbm signal with national access.

I called support again and they said that "one of the 5 specs on our switch is showing as halted or non-operable" or something like that. They are going to check on it and get back to me. However, they all keep implying that this is a coverage issue and that I must be in a bad location. That really frustrates me because normally I am able to get 2-3 bars with EVDO and my download speeds are around 1000 down and 500 up. I have NOT moved the card or antenna one single inch, so I am convinced it is a problem with verizon's network.

kocoman · EVDO User Joined: 07 Jun 2007 Posts: 54

Has anyone tried upgrading to latest firmware?

I also have this problem, but only on Bell (Nortel??), while I switch the PRL to Telus (Lucent EVDO?), the problem does not appear. the Diag/status port also 'resets' when viewed under QPST Configuration.

Is it a low power problem where the AGC is overrun?

Also, my card (according to QXDM/CAIT) is using diversity mode (both antenna on), but the other one is not attached, would that affect power levels?

Dynosaur · Posted: Sun May 17, 2009 10:28 am Post subject:

I have the exact same problem. I bought the below listed antenna from Antennas Plus. It helped a great deal, enough so that I did not regret the expenditure. But, because I live in a basement apartment in a Victorian house (San Francisco), I have marginal reception. Beyond that, your equipment is no doubt fine. Prior to having my V740, I had a UM150 with which I used an 8' USB cable so that I could try to find a 'sweet spot'. It helped, but not enough. I later determined that the cable was defective, but by then I had switched to the V740. Should you find a solution I would love to hear it; likewise I will keep you posted. Right now I am looking into an option I came across in "Window Hacks", by Preston Garcia. He offers a way to take an old Primestar, or DirectTV, satelite dish and convert it to an Aircard USB antenna. The author claims that "...[it] will send and receive a signal in one direction that's up to 16 times more powerful than the built-in antenna on your wireless card." If you, or anyone else, is interested in building one of these (it's fairly simple and relatively inexpensive) I can scan the instructions and post them.

Item Name:
AP85/18-B-SIDE Antenna
Item #:
AP85/18-B-SIDE
Price/ea:
$100.00

The Hockey Puck Antenna™ is the low profile 3 dB gain external antenna for use with Wireless Data Cards. It can be used in an office or home situation to get the signal out of the building and improve connectivity to the network. It comes with a built in ground plane and 15 feet of cable so you will realize best performance.

*******************************

Key Benefits:

Bigger Wireless Footprint
* The Hockey Puck Antenna™ provides up to 25% more wireless coverage, depending on the geography you live in.
Faster Data Speeds
* Better reception translates to faster speeds. The data gets through the first time, correctly.
Long Product Life — Low Profile Design
* The Hockey Puck Antenna™ stands only 1¼ inches high. It withstands the natural elements.
Effective Usage
* To get the best performance from the Hockey Puck Antenna™, place it outside of the house, perhaps out a window. If you can’t get it out of the building, get it near a window, ideally on the side of the house where the nearest cell site is. It comes with a 15 foot cable. This is the longest cable that can work with this product and still achieve signal improvement.

SilverMoon77 · EVDO Newbie Joined: 25 May 2009 Posts: 2

I just wanted to say that I used to use this very wireless broadband modem under Slingshot (now defunct) and had this very problem! As Slingshot had crappy tech support, I never found any solution to it.