So now that the U720 is discontinued...

GTO_VR4 · EVDO User Joined: 29 Apr 2007 Posts: 52

What does it mean really?

Ever since Sprint discontinued the U720, my signal strength went from -85dBm to over -100dbm. is it because my modem isnt supported anymore? its in the same spot and can barely go online and check my bills.

Is it possible to return this to sprint and receive some type of credit towards a new modem? i spent over 200$ about 2 months ago on this modem\service and now they discontinue it? thats NOT cool.

So whats the deal?
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U720-sprint-XP

Alex · Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2007 1:53 pm Post subject:

the idea that a device no longer sold means its no longer supported, is ludicrous, really.

there are folks out there using old PCMCIA cards from sprint like the S620 and they never caused any rumor about not being supported.

also a bunch of people using PC5740's from sprint. and CDU550's.

think about what you're perpetuating by posting stuff like this.

you are on a CONTRACT with sprint with that U720. they have to support you and the device, throughout that contract.

right?

jfulmer · EVDO Junkie Joined: 30 Jun 2007 Posts: 155

And to be honest, the tower doesn't know if you are using a U720 or any other kind of Sprint EVDO modem. It can't change signal strength just based on what model your hardware is. RF doesn't work that way... Smile

mickeymouse · EVDO Fledgling Joined: 22 Nov 2006 Posts: 11

MAYBE GotSprint FRIEND ? Laughing

Michael · Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2007 2:53 pm Post subject:

Also....

There are 694 U720s in our Sprint Warehouse as of this morning.

When these run out, Sprint may be out of them and not ordering more. However, we are working on other sources to fulfil orders.

Look for lots of changes to the Sprint USB Devices over the next few months Smile

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Bigdave · EVDO Addict Joined: 08 Nov 2006 Posts: 1069

Maybe the title of this thread should be changed to help stop perpetuating this rumor?

One thing to check for anyone experiencing sudden slow downs (to 1xrtt from EVDO especially) is your billing status. I discovered the hard way myself that, although I have had my account on the auto pay system for some time now, there had been a glitch in their new system they're switching over to and my payment hadn't been credited properly. (Even though they had certainly taken my money from my bank!) Anyway, their first line of defense appears to be limiting you to 1xrtt. I actually ended up being disconnected completely before I got it all straightened out (talking about a nightmare of incompetence!!) I just thought there might be somebody else out there who this could apply to.

nightdriver10 · Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2007 4:10 pm Post subject:

Bigdave, I wish you had posted that comment like 3 weeks ago! lol I thought I was having issues all over the place with my EVDO cause I was only getting 1xrtt no matter where I was and it was the same issue as yours, my autopay went someplace else and it took me talking to level 2 tech support THEN financial care or whatever to find out that my status on billing was the reason for the slow connection! Gotta love Sprint...

magicjimmy · Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2007 4:55 pm Post subject:

"glitches" like those are one of the biggest reasons I choose to decline autopay enrollment wherever offered. I'll take my bill online and pay it online, but I don't let anybody help themselves to my money. That way I have hard copy printouts of all transactions with confirmation numbers when I pay the bills. The only ones I trust to "help themselves" is the credit union that holds the title on my truck. And in that case.... I HAVE THE TRUCK! Laughing

LOL

And it's still worth more than I owe on it! <giggle> (only 5 more months to pay... then the rearview mirror can fall off.)

Hmmmm.... seems I went a little off topic there..... So why stop now?

Way OT... I'm moving to Tucson in a week and a half and will be fully testing my U720's GPS capability w/ S&T 2007 the whole way. If I have the time during rest stops along the way, ( I-5 -> I-10 -> I-19), then I will post to the maps as well, location and service. The house I rented there is only half a mile from the RevA tower with very nice LOS. (I wonder what the backhaul is like???) Very Happy

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Nevermind...

Joel Schmidt · EVDO User Joined: 30 Jan 2007 Posts: 38

I just spoke to 4 people at Sprint. I was originally calling because my second U720 is starting to bend at the usb connector and causing erratic connections, just like my first one did. In the course of trying to figure out what my options were for replacing/repairing/upgrading my device, I talked to first a Tier 1 tech and then a Tier 2 tech, both of whom told me that they did not show anything that indicated that the Ovation U720 has reached EOL. I then asked to be transferred to sales and was again told by a sales rep and a supervisor that this device is still available and has not been discontinued.

Additionally, on July 25th... two days after the supposed EOL date, I was notified of a firmware update being available for my U720. I downloaded it, fully expecting to get an error message that the firmware was already upgraded (I was thinking it was an error in Sprint's systems and it was the same as the Rev A firmware update in April/May), but it did not give an error and sucessfully installed the firmware. The new FW version is 147 (was originally 145) and my PRL is now 60808 (was originally 60807).

I'm currently on the way home from a trip to North Dakota, so I don't have the information I wrote down regarding what was/is new in the firmware upgrade handy; but when I get home in approx 5 hours, I will log on and post the information.

jackrodgers · EVDO Addict Joined: 23 Mar 2006 Posts: 1131

Michael · Posted: Fri Aug 03, 2007 12:09 pm Post subject:

The USB cable doesn't act as an additional antenna, it allows you to move the modem away from the RF noise that the computer generates and that can help performance (by moving the computer away).

Here is the released details:

Joel Schmidt · EVDO User Joined: 30 Jan 2007 Posts: 38

Bigdave · EVDO Addict Joined: 08 Nov 2006 Posts: 1069

Well, unless you mean that you work while actually walking down the sidewalk or something like that, when you actually sit down and open your laptop the U720 will simply lay next to your laptop while plugged in via the cable IF you choose to use the cable. Thus keeping it a little ways away from the laptop and the RF noise Michael mentioned. I do the same as jack suggested. Keeps all the pressure of the bulky U720 off of my USB ports on my laptop.

I can't imagine needing to velcro it to the case.

nightdriver10 · Posted: Sat Aug 04, 2007 1:57 am Post subject:

Does that two USB port cable REALLY make a difference or does it perform the same as when you just use a regular single port extension cable? I haven't really noticed... just curious.

jackrodgers · EVDO Addict Joined: 23 Mar 2006 Posts: 1131

To replay something I posted along time ago:

Signal strength can be reduced by a household object between your card and the tower. I was staying at a motel. There was a motel style refrigerator next to the desk. I placed the U720 connected via the Y cable on the desk next to the refrigerator and my signal was very weak. Then I placed it on top of the refrigerator and walah the signal strength maximized itself. So I assume the refrigerator was between me and the tower.

Thus there may be hot spots and cold spots inside for signal strength.

If you use a router, try moving it to different locations.

It would be nice if there was some very inexpensive device that would point to the tower locations much like a compass needle points to North (or south for those who think outside the box). Of course there are those maps.