Normal signal or not????

crystalterrie · EVDO User Joined: 12 Jan 2008 Posts: 32

Those speeds are similar to what I was getting with 1x. Yesterday, I called Alltel for a PRL update because the UM150 they had sold me was running the PRL 30029. When they updated it to PRL 40036, I was able to get EVDO instead of 1x. Might want to check that out.

lumbergirl 59 · Posted: Sat Mar 08, 2008 8:27 am Post subject:

I was advised to try the wireless booster from alltel for $299. Any info on that route?

taxmantoo · Posted: Sat Mar 08, 2008 8:31 am Post subject:

With my quicklink software, if I don't want all the data from the field test screen, I can simply click on the antenna bars to the right side of the Quicklink Mobile screen, and leave my mouse pointer there. It will give the RSSI for the mode that I'm currently connected in (I believe it displays signal strength as a percentage in 1X and as -db in DO and RA) and update it when it changes.

Bigdave · EVDO Addict Joined: 08 Nov 2006 Posts: 1068

lumbergirl 59 · Posted: Sun Mar 09, 2008 8:01 am Post subject:

The PRL Version is 40029
the icon changes, sometimes is says rA and other times it is 1x
anything else? thanks

crystalterrie · EVDO User Joined: 12 Jan 2008 Posts: 32

The PRL that I just got upgraded to the day before yesterday was 40036. Before they did the upgrade I could only get 1x. Maybe you could call Alltel and ask them for the 40036 prl and see if that helps. It is very good news that you are seeing the rA icon. That means that EVDO speeds are at least available. (some areas only have 1x). I do think you can rig something up, much less expensive than $299, by talking with the 3G store here about booster antennas or maybe external antennas. Most of us have found that the customer support at 3G, far surpasses what Alltel can deliver right now.

I'm using a booster antenna purchased from 3G along with my UM150. It cost $44.95 + the cable at $13.00. My signal strength did not increase dramatically, but it does seem to lock in the connection for me much better. As far as external antennas, I don't have any experience with them at all, but lots of other folks here do.

lumbergirl 59 · Posted: Sun Mar 09, 2008 12:37 pm Post subject:

ok, thanks Very Happy

I just called Alltel and they are sending me the PRL version 40036. He said it could take up to three hours. So I will post back after I get that. Again, I really appreciate all the help Smile

crystalterrie · EVDO User Joined: 12 Jan 2008 Posts: 32

3 hours?! Now this is what really grinds my gears about these people..your level of service, the answers you get..it's all such a crap shoot! Here is how my experience went:
1)I called Alltel, got customer service, told them I needed data support. She asked if she could possibly help me. I said nope..just get me data support.(had enough fussin around with regular customer service)
2)Told the data support tech the PRL I was running, and that I had noticed many people were using the PRL 40036, and could she plese set me up with that PRL.
3)She emailed the PRL while I was on the phone, talked me thru it, and the whole deal was done in under 10 mins.
4)I commented on the rA icon showing up for the first time ever, she said she didn't really know what that means, but that the people asking for PRL updates seemed to be happy when they saw it. Rolling Eyes

sorry you have to wait 3 hours for something that apparently can be done in minutes!

Bigdave · EVDO Addict Joined: 08 Nov 2006 Posts: 1068

Don't be surprised if it never comes. If you want to you can load it yourself.

Download the PRL at www.corolada.com/prl and save it to your desktop. (40036 is at the bottom of the column on the far left.)

Open QLM and click disconnect.

With the QLM showing and disconnected type "Control d"

Password is 000000

When the activation window opens type 000000 as your activation code then at the bottom of that window browse to your desktop where you saved the new PRL and double click on it and then click OK on the activation window. It will let you know if the activation was successful and then check the PRL again and it should be the new PRL.

crystalterrie · EVDO User Joined: 12 Jan 2008 Posts: 32

BigDave, I tried that exact procedure several times before giving up and calling Alltel. Every time I tried it by those directions, it just kept saying activation failed.
The data rep had me type in an actual word, but she spelled it out, and the whole thing went so fast I can't possibly re-trace what exactly happened...she spelled the word out with letters rather than saying the word. Something like diag... it ended in an i, I think. The password was 000000, but there was a word typed in there somewhere. Sorry I'm not being super specific here, I'm just trying to save the OP additional frustration.

Bigdave · EVDO Addict Joined: 08 Nov 2006 Posts: 1068

You're talking about something else. You don't use the password "diagsmsi" when you're changing the PRL. The password is 000000. I just changed it on mine and changed it back to make sure before I posted those instructions.. DO NOT use the "diagsmsi" password. That gets you into the field test menu which is not where you change the PRL. Also, doesn't work unless you're disconnected.

So, you couldn't have followed my "exact procedure" Smile

if you were using the "diagsmsi" password since, if you look at my post, I never mentioned that password. Smile

Also please read between the lines and note my sarcasm and attempt at being funny here and not trying to flame or be a jerk!! My wife tells me I don't have to try too hard sometimes in that area. Can't imagine what she means but . . . . .

lewxam · Posted: Sun Mar 09, 2008 1:59 pm Post subject:

crystalterrie,

Be SURE you are -- disconnected -- from Alltel when updating PRL.

That is what solved the problem for me.

lumbergirl 59 · Posted: Sun Mar 09, 2008 3:25 pm Post subject:

Thanks, that did work, I now have PRL 40036, but nothing changed with my signal. Crying or Very sad

Anything else?? Thanks

Bigdave · EVDO Addict Joined: 08 Nov 2006 Posts: 1068

PRL won't help your signal. I was hoping it would maybe get you picking up a tower closer to you or something. Of course the big benefit of the new PRL is EVDO roaming on Sprint and since Sprint's nowhere near you at the time . . . . .

It seems you may benefit from a booster antenna like crystalterrie mentioned. You may also benefit from an omni antenna which is mounted outside. With your RSSI where it is, you need to get it lower (think in the -70dBm range) and then maybe you can lock onto the EVDO signal. It sounds like you're getting the 1xrtt signal stronger since you're actually getting really good speeds for 1x. Other than a booster antenna or an omni there really doesn't seem to be much else you can do. Call or email 3GStore tomorrow and see what they suggest. Since they aren't Alltel reps they can't do anything for you in that area but they definitely know antennas, amps, etc.