Can't get PHS-300 and UM150 to work.

LittleHoov · EVDO Fledgling Joined: 03 Dec 2008 Posts: 11

Recently purchased a supposedly brand new Cradlepoint PHS300. Part # on box says PHS300CP.

HW Ver 2.0 FW Ver 2.5.3 if that makes any difference.

I have Verizon Pantech UM150 which is listed right on the side of the box as supported.

After reading many reviews of how easy this router was to use I was surprised to find it wouldnt establish an internet connection.

When I first turned it on, my laptop saw it as "SprintPHS-0e2" which made me a little nervous, as I said I have Verizon...then when I logged onto the router, I was greeted with a big Sprint splash screen telling me more or less that it couldnt establish a connection.

I know Sprint made a version of this router, but I don't see the word Sprint on anything or anywhere on the router, on the box, on the documentation, nothing, by all accounts its the universal version and Im officially stumped.

Any ideas? My modem works great using VZAccess on my laptop, and I was under the impression this router would get the necessary info from the device and immediately establish a connection. Thanks for any advice or help.

cradlepoint-scott · Vendor Joined: 19 Aug 2008 Posts: 140

LittleHoov,

Where did you purchase this product? From everything you have written, it appears as if this PHS300 has been flashed with the Sprint firmware version. The Sprint version, or PHS300S, will only allow modems with Sprint accounts to work. Since you are using a UM150 with a Verizon account, this will not work.

I would recommend you return the product and request a new one with the correct FW

LittleHoov · EVDO Fledgling Joined: 03 Dec 2008 Posts: 11

I bought it from a seller in good standing on Ebay, I kind of thought the same thing about the firmware, but it just seems odd that it has a non-sprint box, model number, documentation, and everything right down to the stickers on the router haha.

Is it possible to update the firmware on my existing unit to a universal firmware? Im assuming if mine actually is the universal model that it could be flashed with sprint firmware or universal firmware, but if it was a sprint only model it would be locked somehow?

Sorry, I used to be somewhat computer-savvy back in the day, but Im a little out of practice.

I suppose my question would be is it worth a shot to try flashing the firmware myself?

Matt · 3Gstore Employee Joined: 02 Apr 2008 Posts: 1207

I agree with Scott and it sounds like you ended up with a Sprint version. The different models can't be interchanged or loaded with any other firmware. IE - Universal models like the PHS300 we sell are designed to work on any carrier, but can't be loaded with Sprint only software.

cradlepoint-scott · Vendor Joined: 19 Aug 2008 Posts: 140

LittleHoov,

My suggestion still stands - contact the eBay seller and let him know what as occurred. Maybe he can get you a replacement that does not have Sprint only FW. If he is in good standing he should honor this request because in reality he has sold you something under false advertisement. If that doesn't work then I would contact eBay itself and see if you can get some resolution that way.

LittleHoov · EVDO Fledgling Joined: 03 Dec 2008 Posts: 11

Thanks very much for your help guys!

I don't know why I didn't think of this sooner, but I popped off the battery cover and looked at the ID tag under there and the model number says plain as day "PHS-300S" making it the Sprint only version of course.

I did try to update the firmware with the newest version from Cradlepoint but as mentioned, it did not work.

Can't imagine how this happened, I wouldn't think someone would go so far as get a different box, different stickers, different documentation and everything just to make 40 bucks, but who knows.

I have contacted the Ebay seller, the purchase was covered under Ebay buyer protection, so if the seller will not provide a refund, I can only hope Ebay will follow through on their end.

Thank you very much for your quick and helpful replies.

CPEmployee_SJ · Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2011 6:01 pm Post subject:

LittleHoov,

If the router faceplate says CradlePoint instead of Sprint, then this was a manufacturing error at CradlePoint not an error of the seller. I suggest you get in touch with CP support and ask for a replacement.

Support@cradlepoint.com
_________________
~Steve

Poulin · EVDO Newbie Joined: 23 Feb 2012 Posts: 3

Purchased PHS300 these days. I wonder, guys, does it work with Sprint USB modems like the Franklin CDU680, Sierra Wireless 595U, and the Novatel U720 /U727? Thanks.