USB 727 Verizon Modem & External Antenna Issue

tcottom

I am set up with a Verizon USB727 modem on a CradlePoint MBR1000 Router. I live in a very rural area so this is the only option I have after trying and discarding Hughes.Net satellite access.
I like my cellular modem but the signal strength isn't very good, usually -95 to -97db. On some days I can get -85db.
So I bought an Omni External Antenna and mounted it at the peak of the house. This is supposed to be one of the best on the market.
Here is the problem. When I connect the antenna the signal level gets worse, not better. I get a lower signal % and higher db. With the external antenna connected Internet speeds slow WAY down. When I disconnect the external antenna everything gets better.
Anyone have any ideas? I have checked the cable and antenna. All are good, almost new. The short connector cable from the antenna cable to the modem doesn't seem to fit as well as I think it should in the modem, so I have ordered a new connector cable from the 3Gstore to try.

Jim_in_VA · Posted: Fri Aug 28, 2009 2:11 pm Post subject:

did you screw the radial spikes (groundplane) into the antenna?
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tcottom · Posted: Fri Aug 28, 2009 3:33 pm Post subject: yes, it is assembled properly :)

Yes, the antenna is assembled properly Smile

It comes with good instructions and is pretty much fool proof. The two sets of radial spikes are even differant sizes so you can't get them in the wrong position.
It looks like it is a pretty well built antenna if I could just get it to work right for me. Smile

Tim

tivoboy · EVDO Newbie Joined: 01 Aug 2009 Posts: 10

what sort of adaptor does the U727 use? I have a couple of cell antenna which I would like to try, but none of the FME cables or adaptors I have will mate with the antenna plug on the U727?

tcottom · Posted: Wed Sep 02, 2009 12:16 pm Post subject: Adapter

The adapter I have I purchased from a local Verizon store when I bought the modem. However, I just ordered a new one from the 3gstore to see if the short adapter cable was the problem. The adapter I ordered is at:
http://3gstore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=694

It should be here this week and I'll post if it fixes things. If not I'm almost out of ideas.

Tim

tcottom

The new adapter cable arrived a few days ago. Hooked it up but again no joy.

What I'm seeing is if I re-boot the MBR1000 router, or disconnect and then re-connect via software sometimes I get great stats. I may see 70% signal and -72db. However, in just a few seconds it will drop down to something like 28% signal and -92db. The re-boot or disconnect and reconnect doesn't always work.

Anyone have any other ideas? Coax has no kinks, breaks, etc. Connector is good, antenna looks good, etc. Any ideas are welcome.

Thanks!
Tim