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basslab EVDO Newbie
Joined: 16 May 2005 Posts: 6
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Posted: Mon Dec 18, 2006 4:29 pm Post subject: 2 USB ports with the Novatel U720 all the time??? |
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Hi,
How often do you need to use the U720 with 2 USB ports? I understood that in low signal areas both ports should be used but does having a booster antenna help solve the problem without the 2nd USB port?
My laptop only has 2 USB ports and I 1 need one for something else but I would like to have the U720 instead of the S720.
Thanks for your help. |
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Scott EVDO Junkie
Joined: 18 Jul 2005 Posts: 530 Location: Central Coast of California
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Posted: Mon Dec 18, 2006 5:46 pm Post subject: |
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You don't have to use the USB extender/power sum cable all the time.
Some of my initial tests have shown that a Booster antenna will help push signal levels up enough to flip to Rev-A, or increase Rev-0 speeds at least. Still need to do more tests... but so far so good.
In the exact same spot, using the extender/power sum cable (and no Booster Antenna) I could connect at Rev-A speeds. Unplug just the extra power-only USB plug and I would step back down to Rev-0.
I think we are all still learning about exactly what it takes to step up from Rev-0 to Rev-A. Is it JUST signal level...some type of "handshake" between tower and client, or is there some some type of latency or triangulation calc that factors in.
We will eventually explore some more scenarios and post them, probably on the S720/U720 comparison thread.
USB extender/power sum cable questions should be posted in Why the Y thread. |
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dagemsmaker EVDO Heavy User
Joined: 17 Jun 2005 Posts: 100
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Posted: Mon Dec 18, 2006 6:36 pm Post subject: ? |
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| Scott wrote: | You don't have to use the USB extender/power sum cable all the time.
Some of my initial tests have shown that a Booster antenna will help push signal levels up enough to flip to Rev-A, or increase Rev-0 speeds at least. Still need to do more tests... but so far so good.
In the exact same spot, using the extender/power sum cable (and no Booster Antenna) I could connect at Rev-A speeds. Unplug just the extra power-only USB plug and I would step back down to Rev-0.
I think we are all still learning about exactly what it takes to step up from Rev-0 to Rev-A. Is it JUST signal level...some type of "handshake" between tower and client, or is there some some type of latency or triangulation calc that factors in.
We will eventually explore some more scenarios and post them, probably on the S720/U720 comparison thread: http://www.evdoforums.com/thread4009.html |
>>>Does this thread mean that if you have a very small computing device like an oQo or a Sony uX 280P which have only one (1) usb port that one shouldn't even buy the Novatel u720 usb modem since this thread seems to indicate that it only works well if two (2) usb ports are available?
Please help the somewhat non-technical out here...ty.  |
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Scott EVDO Junkie
Joined: 18 Jul 2005 Posts: 530 Location: Central Coast of California
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Posted: Mon Dec 18, 2006 8:38 pm Post subject: |
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| dagemsmaker wrote: | | >>>Does this thread mean that if you have a very small computing device like an oQo or a Sony uX 280P which have only one (1) usb port that one shouldn't even buy the Novatel u720 usb modem since this thread seems to indicate that it only works well if two (2) usb ports are available? |
What this thread means is that the U720 provides good connectivity to 1xRTT, EVDO Rev-0 and Rev-A with minimum requirements (one USB with 5v/500mA of power), and that it gets improved performance and increased working distance if two USB ports are used to raise power, or if an external antenna is connected to the U720 to increase antenna power.
If your single USB port supplies more power, you would not need the extender/power sum cable at all. Some USB ports actually provide 700-1000mA of current. Not many, but some. Likewise, if your single USB port doesn't quite provide standard power (less than 500mA at 5 volts) you'd expect lower performance.
USB extender/power sum cable questions should be posted in Why the Y thread. |
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dagemsmaker EVDO Heavy User
Joined: 17 Jun 2005 Posts: 100
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Posted: Tue Dec 19, 2006 6:56 am Post subject: |
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| Scott wrote: | | dagemsmaker wrote: | | >>>Does this thread mean that if you have a very small computing device like an oQo or a Sony uX 280P which have only one (1) usb port that one shouldn't even buy the Novatel u720 usb modem since this thread seems to indicate that it only works well if two (2) usb ports are available? |
What this thread means is that the U720 provides good connectivity to 1xRTT, EVDO Rev-0 and Rev-A with minimum requirements (one USB with 5v/500mA of power), and that it gets improved performance and increased working distance if two USB ports are used to raise power, or if an external antenna is connected to the U720 to increase antenna power.
If your single USB port supplies more power, you would not need the extender/power sum cable at all. Some USB ports actually provide 700-1000mA of current. Not many, but some. Likewise, if your single USB port doesn't quite provide standard power (less than 500mA at 5 volts) you'd expect lower performance.
USB extender/power sum cable questions should be posted in Why the Y thread. |
This is a generic usb port question. How do you find out how much power is in any particular computer's usb port? |
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DavidC166 EVDO Newbie
Joined: 22 Jan 2007 Posts: 2
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Posted: Mon Jan 22, 2007 9:38 pm Post subject: Powered hub ?? |
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I do not have a U720 --- yet, but I'm wondering if a self-powered hub could be used to not only move the modem away from the laptop, but also to provide increase amps for the operation. Would this solution work with a KR-1 as well ?
I'm still wavering between the S720 & U720... going to make a mobile hot spot in my truck... any advice, please don't hesitate. Thanks,
-DavidC166 |
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Michael Site Admin
Joined: 13 Jan 2005 Posts: 5140 Location: Cary, IL
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Posted: Mon Jan 22, 2007 10:10 pm Post subject: |
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Yes a self powered hub would allow you to do exactly that. More important then the power (really only needed in weak signal area), by getting the U720 away from the computer at least 6 inches and you can have additional gain.
Regarding U720 + KR1 compatibility, see this thread for the issues:
Novatel Ovation U720 and KR1 Compatibility Info
It is a tough call. We know the S720 plus the Kyocera with RK1008 firmware works great with the S720. Has some performance issues with the U720. The KR1 is the only router with a USB port, so it is the only router that can support the U720.
It would be helpful to find out about you application/needs in order to recommend the best solution. I think we have been emailing you today, feel free to respond here or via email. _________________ EVDO :: EVDO News :: EVDO Antennas :: Buy Verizon :: Buy Sprint :: EVDO Amplifier |
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jackrodgers EVDO Addict
Joined: 23 Mar 2006 Posts: 1131
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Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2007 10:22 am Post subject: |
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I used a USB extension cable to test it on my MacBook Pro in Okeechobbee FL. Some interesting results. The upload speeds indicate Rev A was just turned on, I think. Previous tests were about 100 for upload.
Extension connected but not plugged in:
Second Port used for power:
Retest to verify:
Remove exrtension and test just one port:
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