UMW190 and Cradlepoint MBR1000

suemeunier · EVDO Newbie Joined: 08 Nov 2009 Posts: 3

Has anyone successfully gotten the Verizon Pantech UMW190 modem to work with the Cradlepoint MBR1000? Before I bought the router (already had the modem) I sent an email to Cradlepoint support asking them if it would work. Even though it isn't in their listof supported devices, the answer I got back was that they 'heard' it works ok. I'm not having any success. Anyway have a working solution?

Sue

im_electronic · Posted: Sun Nov 08, 2009 4:45 pm Post subject:

you'd have to look into a similar supported device, then manually tell the mbr that device in the menus of the gui.
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PortoBatMBR1000

suemeunier · EVDO Newbie Joined: 08 Nov 2009 Posts: 3

I emailed cradlepoint tech support and got my answer. I was at firmware version 1.6.2. The UMW190 works at firmware version 1.5.2. I downgraded my firmware and poof...my router is working with my UMW190.

slywuf · EVDO Newbie Joined: 02 Dec 2009 Posts: 2

Thanks for that info for correct firmware in the router to work with the UMW190. I'm looking to add one of those routers to my modem. I was wondering, how did you cable up to the router, since there are two USB cables (Y type cable) from the modem that they recommend plug into 2 USB ports to get full power. I am about 10 miles away from the tower, so wondering if I use just one of the USB connectors will it hurt my performance?

suemeunier · EVDO Newbie Joined: 08 Nov 2009 Posts: 3

I'm only using one cable...I didn't see anything about 2 cables. It does seem to be slower than my older Kyocera KR2 with the USB727 modem...I get lots more timeouts. I thought it was a setting that I just haven't gotten around to looking into, but maybe it's the cabling. Can you post a link to the info you've found? Thanks.

slywuf · EVDO Newbie Joined: 02 Dec 2009 Posts: 2

In the UMW190 manual it states:

The USB modem extension cable connector labeled #1, is the
primary data power cable used to either extend the UMW190
modem away from your computer allowing you to locate
the modem in a more optimum signal location or solve any
computer USB port clearance issues. The USB modem extension
cable connector labeled #2, is a power boost cable and
must be used with connector #1 to provide the modem up to
1 Amp of current for use in weaker signal areas.

I currently use the UMW190 connected to my desktop PC via the extension cable, while I wait for my MBR1000 to arrive. I live about 10 miles from the cell tower, with hills in the path, so use an external antenna on the roof to improve the signal. Surprisingly, I am able to get a -80 dbm RSSI and my download speed is typically 1.5 M. I do use both USB connectors on the Y end of the extension cable, plugging into the PC.

I have not tested the performance of the modem by just using one connector - I should probably do that, so I will know what to expect when it is plugged into the MBR1000. I am wondering also - Does the MBR1000 have the capability to provide 1 Amp of current via a single USB connector that the modem plugs into? I have not found any specs on the MBR1000 addressing this issue. If full power is not available to the UMW190, it will certainly cause reduced output power, and if you are a long way from the cell tower, you want every bit of power possible!

Anyone had any experience with this Y cable to know how effective the "power boost" feature is?