Something better than CDU-550 (Alltel)???

speed_freek170 · EVDO Newbie Joined: 08 Mar 2008 Posts: 3

Newbie here looking for a few thoughts. Background.......Michigan, 49076, Alltel seems to be the only thing that works reliably around here. Bought a CDU-550 for the short amount of time Alltel sold them, not entirely happy with the connection quality. Typcial RSSI is inthe low to mid -90's, ocassionally the moons align and I am teased with RSSI's around -70, plus plagued with frequent drops. Had used my neighbors UT PC5740 in the past and never experienced any drops?

I'm looking at either picking up a KPC680 (I need either express or USB) or a Cradlepoint router for the CDU-550. I like the idea of the router, but with the 550, what might be a 4 bar sweet spot on night, turns into a 1 bar wonder another night? I would appreciate any thought any of you may have to offer.

taxmantoo · Posted: Sat Mar 08, 2008 8:26 am Post subject:

My thoughts? Go away, that tower on the north end of town by Bellevue highway is mine. Very Happy

Actually, if that tower slows down I can always hook up my yagi and point it at Charlotte. I bought a UM150 and activated it last week. Was having some problems holding EVDO until I called Alltel and had the CSR send an email to the tech team and have them send a new PRL to my device. Now that my PRL is 40036 I'm doing much better, I haven't dropped to 1X since.
I live off Ainger road, about 3.7 miles from the Olivet tower. I put my UM150 in a box lined with foil on two sides, and get about -80 pointed at Olivet and -78 pointed at Charlotte, about 1M downloads in either case, but a bit more consistent from Charlotte, although that tower must be farther away. Where are you?

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

speed_freek170 · EVDO Newbie Joined: 08 Mar 2008 Posts: 3

Thanks for the input guys. I'm about 3 miles east of Olivet off of Butterfield, or about 2.8 miles from the tower off Belleveu. Looks like a KPC680 off Ebay with the options for an external antenna is the way to go.

Another quick question...how do I check what roaming list I'm using, can't seem to locate it?

speed_freek170 · EVDO Newbie Joined: 08 Mar 2008 Posts: 3

Posted to quick, found my PRL, simply overlooked it on the "about" screen. I'm using 40007.

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

Might try loading the new 40036 PRL and see if it doesn't give you better performance. Won't get Rev A but might get better speeds for now.