OK, now what?

kalen43 · EVDO Heavy User Joined: 30 Apr 2007 Posts: 129

A little history.
I am one of those unfortunate folks on the fringe. Before I knew better I got a sierra 595U.
To date I typically get 20% and around -93dbm. So....
First I tried the booster antenna.......That didn't seem to help much.
Second, bought a powered USB hub and that didn't help either. I spoent time trying combo's of powered hub with and without booster antenna. No joy!
With the latest CM it no longer recoqnizes any device when 595U is plugged into USB hub?!?!?!
Third I bought the omin-antenna and this is where it gets strange. I have a walk out basement and the roof is about 25 ft up. So I also bought an extension cable. I think the cable is bad since the connector to the 595 adapter only goes in half way where the booster antenna and omni antenna both screw in all the way. So, how do I return it for another?
So, I attach the omin antenna directly. It doesn't seem to help a lot either. I put it thru a fence post (aluminum) and it gets to 100% signal at -67dbm and I'm thinking it's party time. But speed test and actual performance are worse then 20% -92dbm, what the heck?!?!?!

Then I removed the poll and the antenna is as high as I can get it outside and sitting on my wooden deck, antenna is upright not laying on the floor. There is nothing elctrical around it and my reading fluctuate terribly. One second it's 0% -125dbm the next it's 100% -67dbm and speed tests still suck!!!!!

HELP!!!!

magicjimmy · Posted: Sat Jul 14, 2007 1:31 pm Post subject:

As a general rule, if you can't get a usable signal WITHOUT an antenna, you're out of luck. An antenna/amp will only help boost a marginally usable signal to usable levels.

Poop in, poop out...
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Nevermind...

kalen43 · EVDO Heavy User Joined: 30 Apr 2007 Posts: 129

But I do get a useable signal WITHOUT an antenna. I am trying to boost it to a better signal.

I get around 200-300 down withoout an antenna but only like 40 up. I'm trying to increase speed both ways.

magicjimmy · Posted: Sat Jul 14, 2007 3:53 pm Post subject:

Okay. First of all the powered USB hub isn't likely to make any signal difference at all since it's only purpose is to allow full current to the card. This is accomplished by whatever USB port you plug the card into unless the port itself is power challenged.

Second, usually the omni antenna requires some sort of metal ground plane. Like the roof of a car or a steel shed roof or something. Why you got a killer signal when you "put it thru a fence post " I have no clue. By all rights, assuming that fence post is in the ground, you merely grounded out any signal you would have otherwise gotten. That would explain why you had no connectivity.

I would consult with Alex or Michael here at 3GStore for their recommendations for an antenna and amp combo for your specific location.

And last, make sure any old connection software is COMPLETELY removed before installing any new ones. This is a known issue. You have to uninstall, delete the folders, reboot and reinstall the new stuff.

Also if you ever had any satellite ISP or AOL crap on your puter make sure they are COMPLETELY cleaned out as well.

One last thing, if you are within 30 days of service activation, you can exchange that 595U for a U720. Proven track record with less issues. And no stupid battery crap.
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Nevermind...

kalen43 · EVDO Heavy User Joined: 30 Apr 2007 Posts: 129

The only thing I was using the powered hub for was maintaining the charge on the battery as I'm in a weak signal area and this drains the batterry. According to folks who are suppose to know in a signal challenged area the usb port cannot keep up with the drain on the battery.

I am well out of the 30 day service window.

According to documentation on the store page and on the package the antenna came in there is no need for a grounding plate

"Sierra Aircard 595U Omni External Antenna w/cables and Mount
$82.95
This antenna is a Dual Band Omni External antenna that does not require a ground plane. "

And I'm hoping to get either Alex or Micheals help but I'm fairly sure that won't be till monday.

Alex · Site Admin Joined: 19 Sep 2006 Posts: 1893

don't have a lot of time for forum duty this weekend...

that description sure looks like an omni from 3gstore, but i didn't see a purchase from someone using same email address.

on the assumption it is an omni from 3gstore, did you properly install all the spire/spars/spikes into antenna body? those are the ground plane for the omni antenna.

kalen43 · EVDO Heavy User Joined: 30 Apr 2007 Posts: 129

Invoice #17366 and thats the correct email addie.

And it is an omni and yes I screwed in all the spokes and coated the threads with the enclosed lcok tite stuff.