Antenna adapter for Novatel Merlin P720

microchip01 · EVDO Newbie Joined: 11 Aug 2007 Posts: 2

I am planning to upgrade my Kyrocera kpc650 to 1 of 2 PCMCIA cards offered by Bell Mobility here in Canada.
I am trying to decide between the Sierra Wireless Aircard 595 and the Novatel/Merlin P720. If anyone has any experience with either of these, I'd appreciate it if you'd share it.

Second question, more importantly,
I want to use a external antenna with the P720 if I purchase it, but cannot find a adapter for it. Alternative Wireless has a connector for the V720. Isn't the V720 just a verizon version of the same card?
And what is the M720?
Anyone?

CraigCraig · EVDO Heavy User Joined: 15 May 2007 Posts: 141

I use the S720 connecting through Sprint and like it a lot. I've used some other cards as well and found their performance and usability to be equal to the Novatel Merlin 720. Other than the 720 having a built in GPS I don't know of any significant differences.

Regarding the antenna adapter I'd guess that the adapter for the V720 would fit the P720 or S720 (see any naming pattern here, LOL) and if it doesn't just return it.

Species8472 · Posted: Sun Aug 12, 2007 3:07 pm Post subject:

I am also with Bell Mobility- I use the 650 and I must admit, I am going to keep using it. I have it working just right with my KR1 Router as well. I also have a Verizon V620 and I am going to go with teh V720. I know peeps who are using the 595 and just love it. Perhaps Mobility will let you try one 1st and if it sux then the other. I have read the 595USB may not be as good for fringe coverage. My Mobility store told me they will let me try their Demo at my house if I wish. Hmmm problem is, I do not beleive the KR1 router supports it. However the 720 is supported.

Why do you want to go away from the 650?

Species 8472

microchip01 · EVDO Newbie Joined: 11 Aug 2007 Posts: 2

Our company has 12 of these kpc650 cards. A number of our laptops have great difficulty communicating with the card.
Also, the kpc650 does not support EVDO Rev A. The 720 and 555 do. We're eligible for a highly subsidized upgrade, anyway.

Thanks for the help, guys!

Steve

Species8472 · Posted: Mon Sep 03, 2007 6:18 pm Post subject:

i just received 2 p720s. so far works OK on the Bell system and my KR1. The Bell Mobility Manager is more complex of an install vs the 650. It also attempts to manage your WiFi. Bit of a pain in the A%$. It does install though and works pretty good. I find it is not as good as my 650 re keeping a hold of a signal. Seems like I get more dead spots in the house when it is installed in teh laptop and I move it around. I do not have an external antenna for it yet and it seems to stay 1x vs EVDO in my KR1. Bell nor I have figured out a way to lock down teh EVDO. I am able to do this with my 650 and even prevent it from roaming when I am along the US/Canada border.

species