CradlePoint CTR350 - Your Success Story

tz1 · Posted: Mon Dec 31, 2007 7:46 am Post subject:

For two years I've been using a KPC-650 in my KR1 (and hacking it to do GPS - that will continue for a little while at least).

But with my new Nokia n810 I wanted something more portable.

First, I've been asking for a while for an EVDO modem with signal strength indication. I get that and a micro SD reader in the UM-150. (It reminds me of the old TV shows where someone is moving a set of rabbit ears to get a distant station when I tried watching my laptop while moving an antenna to boost the EVDO signal). It is worse in a router as there is no way to see the signal at all. Others might be smaller, but I have more than enough space for the added functionality.

Second, something smaller than the KR1 but with similar functionality. I held of on the Cradlepoint until they enabled the LAN port. (I held off on both since the UM-150 wasn't supported anywhere). If I'm using a wired-only desktop and I don't want to install any software or do any configuration, I can now connect it to the internet.

I already had 5 volt rechargable lithium packs (woot closeouts, originally from www.zapworld.com, and another set ) and a solar charger version (http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=SC1000&cpc=SCH). The ZAP batteries power the CP for 2+ hours, and other various chargers.

Oh, and batteries.com has until 1/2/8 a 25% off coupon code "NEW2008" and a 12V 15W solar binder: http://www.batteries.com/productprofile.asp?appid=386433

The UM-150 seems a little less sensitive than my KPC650, but I didn't test them head-to-head. The UM-150 apparently gives "no carrier" if the signal is too low.

The Cradlepoint has very good wifi (I'll just note I generally left it off on the KR1 since it would tend to reset).

I didn't get the battery powered Cradlepoint since I already have the powerpacks and really wanted the LAN port.

The Nokia n810 - CradlePoint CP350 - UM-150 combination works very well.

scatterbrain · Posted: Wed Jan 02, 2008 8:06 pm Post subject:

I live in a rural area that Sprint actually shows as roaming/limited access on their map. With no alternative except for (14k) dial up I’d been using a Sierra 580 card and getting speeds in the 100s down and 30s up as long as it wasn’t during peak usage times, when things would slow down even more.

I noticed that when I took the card outside behind my home I could pull a slightly faster connection, so I started exploring options.

This fall I upgraded to a 727U and saw no noticeable improvement, then ordered the CTR350 from 3g – not so much for the networking capability but for the ability to pull a signal from a different spot in the house than I typically work. Not sure if it’s just the CTR350 or the combination with the 727U, but WHAT a difference. After finding the sweet spot in my home, which happens to be suspended in an upper back window, (truly “redneck” internet!!) I’m averaging 1100s down and anywhere from 200-500 up. It’s practically a miracle. Got a Zune, Xbox 360, making up for lost time of being internet deprived. Still haven’t gotten the Xbox to work with the Cradlepoint but that’s likely because of my limited knowledge of home networking.

Still, I’d highly recommend the Cradlepoint to anyone – particularly those that are signal challenged – unless of course you live in the vicinity of my tower Wink

vpnavy · EVDO Heavy User Joined: 29 Jul 2005 Posts: 118

Well, I received my CradlePoint CTR-350 from 3Gstore today.

I was having a problem with my default password. I called up 3Gstore, spoke to a rep and he isolated my problem in about 5 seconds! Oh yea, my problem was OPERATOR ERROR. Come on - who ever worries about having their CAPS LOCK on? Laughing

I updated the firmware (per the instructions) - no problem.

I'm going through the CradlePoint right now - it just doesn't get any better than this...

rjs2015 · EVDO Fledgling Joined: 28 Dec 2007 Posts: 23

We were stuck with 28kps internet dial-up. It was agony. I was afraid to move to satellite internet because of the reviews I read.

I know enough about computers that I can use one (my knowledge ends there); so I am NOT computer savvy.

Then one day I found the 3GStore and this forum. I now have the CTR350 set up with my 2 home computers and Macbook. I was literally on the net within 10 minutes of receiving my new CTR350 and my new USB727. It was easy even for me! It still sounds too good to be true--but it is true.

normalee35757 · EVDO Newbie Joined: 22 Jan 2008 Posts: 6

I received my CTR350 from a friend who decided it wasn't what he wanted. (I'm not sure where he bought it, but believe he's got a Kyocera now.) At any rate, it works great. It has the 1.7.3 firmware - I have my old PC hooked up via ethernet.
This was a great find for me.
Now, if I just knew how the CTR350 signal quality compares to the RSSI numbers, I'd be a less curious camper. Razz

aztec · EVDO Fledgling Joined: 18 Jan 2008 Posts: 11

Just got my CTR-350 today and upgraded my client's old card to a U727.

Setup was easy as pie.

I'm up and running though connection is an abysmal 300kbps down and half that for uploads. I'm thinking this is Sprint still as speed is the same regardless of the card being on the router or the laptop.

I've got to give Sprint a call tomorrow and re-activate the card.

*Do you need to dial the 1-888 number to activate the account?

I'm curious about this, as I have a working connection to the Web without calling anyone from Sprint.

I'm happy with the delivery from 3GStore and looking forward to deploying this on the clien't site. (they currently have Satellite a.k.a dial-up)

BTW. I'm in SW Las Vegas at the moment.

normalee35757 · EVDO Newbie Joined: 22 Jan 2008 Posts: 6

[quote="aztec"]Just got my CTR-350 today and upgraded my client's old card to a U727.

I'm up and running though connection is an abysmal 300kbps down and half that for uploads. I'm thinking this is Sprint still as speed is the same regardless of the card being on the router or the laptop.

This happened to me at first (Verizon USB720). I rebooted the router and sped up to 1500 down, 850 up.

Did you figure out the signal quality rating on this router?

kalen43 · EVDO Heavy User Joined: 30 Apr 2007 Posts: 131

I have a question for everyone who has used the or is using the 350.

What wireless adapters are you using to get to your desktop and laptop computers? D-link, linksys? Have you run into any brands that are not compatible with the CTR-350?

normalee35757 · EVDO Newbie Joined: 22 Jan 2008 Posts: 6

Michael · Posted: Sat Jan 26, 2008 11:53 am Post subject:

Can we keep this thread on topic.

The topic is "Your Success Story". If you have problems/questions/issues, please post to a different thread or start a new one.

Thanks!
_________________
EVDO :: EVDO News :: EVDO Antennas :: Buy Verizon :: Buy Sprint :: EVDO Amplifier

tbhausen · EVDO Junkie Joined: 12 Dec 2006 Posts: 158

I took my tablet PC (Motion M1400) to the Chili Bowl Midget Nationals (auto race) in Tulsa a couple weeks ago. I also took my CTR-350, Sprint U720, and a long extension cord. We zip-tied the tablet to the front railing of a ~200 seat grandstand and streamed both Saturday NFL games, dozens of us watching both in their entirety without one single dropped connection. Everyone was really glad I brought the stuff! Wink

Todd/Indy

smurphy77077 · EVDO Newbie Joined: 23 Jan 2008 Posts: 1

Back before Christmas I decided to upgrade my KR-1 and Merlin S620 combination for traveling.

I purchased the CTR350, Novatell U727, the WilsonTrucker Antenna. I took my family on a road trip from Houston to Dallas, Albuquerque, Flagstaff, Grand Canyon , Sedona, Phoenix and points west, El Paso, Big Bend County, Del Rio and back into Houston, with many detours along the way. The only time I lost connection was in the Big Bend Area. (Which is only served by Verizon in Alpine) I mean, I had amazing coverage, and at least some internet access 98% of the time.

The rig was temporarily mounted with suction cups to the interior of the rear side window of a Jeep Cherokee, and the antenna was on the luggage rack.

We even used the setup in hotels, provided I could park within 50' or so of the laptops.

Back at home, the coverage of the little CTR350 is good, and by elevating it (suction cups to interior of a window again) I can get full coverage over approx. 1800 SF.

Very, very pleased. A rock solid product. Buy it.

Anyone need a KR-1?

Thanks, 3GStore.

aztec · EVDO Fledgling Joined: 18 Jan 2008 Posts: 11

Finally got to CTR-350 and U727 deployed at the client's site in Pahrump, NV.

DL was above 1,000kbps on all tests and sometimes registered 1.5Mbps.

UL was between 200-500kbps.

Curiously, speeds were best on the newer DELL laptops than on 2 older Sony Vaios. The Sony's however had upload speeds of 600kbps. Go figure...

WiFi coverage was excellent inside the huge wharehouse. Anything around 100feet of the router, which is in an office on the ground floor....maintained a strong/consistent signal.

I just need to log activity for about a month and figure out if this setup is stable enough to replace the satellite the client currently has.

I'm thinking an MBR and a Sprint/Verizon combo should do the trick. (praying for the MBR1000 to have load balancing).

Client is exteremely pleased. He couldn't believe how small the router was. He thought it was an adapter to attach the U727 to the existing router.

I'm tempted to get a signal booster. You guys think its necessary with these already good speeds? Very Happy

Thanks!

Alex · Posted: Fri Feb 01, 2008 8:11 am Post subject:

jeramief · EVDO Newbie Joined: 29 Jan 2008 Posts: 3

I am using my CTR350 with a V640 verizon card have a signal strength of -31 and seeing speeds of 120 up and 1200 down I am in a revA area and will be soon upgrading. I am glad I am finally able to dump the land lines completely. I should add that I bought my cradle point from the 3gstore.com I also purchased the express card to usb adapter also I just opened the box and set everything up and it all worked with no problems I will be ordering from the 3gstore.com again now I am going to try and see if it will work with motoQ phone. I have also noticed the internet connection is much more stable using the CTR350 router.