OK: 2 PowerBooks, OS X 10.4, Kyocera/Verizon

haralds · EVDO Fledgling Joined: 19 Nov 2005 Posts: 21

Update: used to fail with V1, now working well with V2. - HES

I have spent several days trying to resolve a bug that blocks a Kyocera 6250 on OS X 10.4 during maximum speed downloads (>60 kbytesps/sec.)

The bug is replicated reliably using two different cards and PowerBooks (TiBook 1GHz/1GB and PowerBook 15" 1.5GHz/2GB) with a virgin installation of Tiger (fresh partition, no updates or added applications) and Verizon Access Manager 1.1.0. I have downloaded the Manager application several times to avoid potential, hidden corruptions.

When a download transfer is held at maximum speed over a Broadband connection (above 60kbytes/sec up to 90+), the card will stop responding within 90 seconds or less. It requires powering down the card, reinserting and restarting the connection to bring the network back up.

The test is to initiate two or more file transfers against a well performing web site so you can hit the throughput limit.

The same cards perform flawlessly in the same cell site on a Windows (Dell) laptop doing identical downloads.

My current work-around is to throttle downloads to 50 - 60 kbytes/sec using Speed Download.

The problem has been escalated with the Verizon support. I hope, we can fix it, since I am currently paying for two cards and plans - when it works, this service is great!

Michael · Posted: Sun Nov 27, 2005 9:06 pm Post subject:

Hello,

I just tried on my PowerBook 15 inch (1.67mhz, 2gb RAM) 10.4.3 and I was unable to replicate this. I started a few downloads from multiple sites. I was downloading a 30mb file and a 20mb from from different web sites and they downloaded without problems. It took 2 - 4 minutes to download.

When completed, I was still able to use my KPC650 card without any lockups, for the next 20 minutes.

You state you are using 10.4, or are you using 10.4.3?

Does the hang happen while downloading, or within 90 seconds after completing?

Keep us posted on what Verizon has to say about this.
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haralds · EVDO Fledgling Joined: 19 Nov 2005 Posts: 21

It happens on both the 'virgin' 10.4 install and the one I am running - 10.4.3. What happens is that the transfer speed suddenly drops to 0 and stays there.

I wonder, whether it happens only on older systems with slower buses? Mine are 3 years (TiBook) and 1 year old (PowerBook 15" with 1.5Ghz processor.) My bus speed is 167MHz.

By doing the fresh install, I wanted to eliminate any software interference. I have spent many hours trying to debug this. Verizon is trying, but there are not that sophisticated.

I will keep you posted.

PS what is your card firmware? Mine is CG1.0.04 1 [Jan 05 2005 15:25:31]

leon77 · Posted: Mon Nov 28, 2005 11:08 am Post subject:

I have the same bug - new PB 1.67 + KPC 650, no problems connecting, speed 500 - 800, suddenly stops transferring data , VZaccess shows it's still connected but red & blue lines in stats are on 0 . After that I usually have trouble quitting Vzaccess - have to force quit or even kernel panic appears.

At first it seemed to happen only with large files ( updates, HD movie trailers ... ) but now it also happens with light browsing.

Verizon is supposed to call back today....

leon77 · Posted: Mon Nov 28, 2005 3:07 pm Post subject:

I just got off the phone with a Verizon technician - they say it's a " known issue " and they will post some kind of update to VZAccess soon. I hope it is going to be soon since I was promised an update two weeks ago Evil or Very Mad

haralds · EVDO Fledgling Joined: 19 Nov 2005 Posts: 21

I got a call back from support - same answer!

Nice to see follow up support like this, and an open response.

Meanwhile, Speed Download "throttled" seems to remove most of the problems - albeit by sacrificing some of that wonderful throughput...

-- Harald

haralds · EVDO Fledgling Joined: 19 Nov 2005 Posts: 21

Leon,
For me, a reliable way to recover function is to:
1. shut down the connection in VZAccess Manager.
2. after that is completed, power down the card using the little menu item of the card.
3. pull the card, pause, and reinsert.

Restart the connection. This works for me 100% If I just pull the card, I crash (unlike Windows!!!!)

Things stay fairly reliable by always using Speed Download throttled to 64kbps xfer speed, but I am looking forward to the real fix. The trouble starts, if there is a sustained, aggregate transfer for 30 sec or more in excess of 70 or kbytes/sec.

I have spent manyu hours isolating this. But I really want to make this work.

Hope that helps,

-- Harald

haralds · EVDO Fledgling Joined: 19 Nov 2005 Posts: 21

I am testing a beta of the next point release of VZAccess, and it is looking good so far.

I am also adding Apple's Broadband Tuner - I am getting throughput of about 90 kbytes/sec - and no stalling.

All of you frustrated, a solution is around the corner!

aixamon · EVDO Newbie Joined: 21 Feb 2006 Posts: 2

Kyocera/Verizon and Powerbook G4
I'd emailed EVDO support back and forth and they wanted me to re-install OSX ... almost convinced me this radical choice was my only option. I see you all already figured out what they refused to just come out and tell me: there's a bug and it won't work as advertised.
THANK YOU.
But, how do you "throttle down" the speed? I need this laptop to stay online and not freeze reliably, even if at the cost of speed. thanks!

Michael · Posted: Sat Mar 04, 2006 4:13 pm Post subject:

Aixa,

Check your email.

Your original problem was that you couldn't stay connected for more than 6 minutes or so, and I suggested the following:

First try our Dormant Killler, then try:

I would recommend the following:

1) Install and run the latest VZAccess 2.0 for Mac.

2) Run Disk Utility and "Fix Permissions"

3) If #1 doesn't work, do an archive and install of Mac OS X

You may still need to do #3.
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