CTR350 usable range record?

n6gn · Posted: Sat Mar 22, 2008 8:57 am Post subject:

OK, pretty sure it's just a switch- a temporary contact for testing during manufacturing. They come down with a pin (and ground) from a test fixture and push through the center. This bypasses the antenna and allows them direct access to the input of the device for receiver and transmitter testing. But pressure is required to maintain contact and keep the switch to the on-board antenna open.

However looks like there's a blocking capacitor just to the right that could be unsoldered and turned 90 degrees to allow bringing connections out to the end of the card (as seen in the previous picture). I think a piece of .085" semi-rigid coax with an SMA connector on the far end is the way to go.

All this still requires a soldering iron, but not much more than some care if you have really good eyes, or preferably a stereo microscope. Shouldn't take more than about 10 minutes once the cover is off.

n6gn

Jim_in_VA · Posted: Sat Mar 22, 2008 9:15 am Post subject:

ah, ok..I thought maybe this would work if it is indeed MHF:

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wterns · Posted: Sat Apr 12, 2008 9:58 pm Post subject: CTR 350 Usable Range Record

The last post has a connector that plugs into the antenna test port, does anyone know for sure if this is a MHF plug, would be interested to know exactly what plug it is, if it isn't a MHF.

Peterfield · EVDO Heavy User Joined: 09 Mar 2008 Posts: 132

I am one who wouldn't try this due to lack of knowledge and my propensity to break things. I have read somewhere (can't find it now) you can hook your Cradlepoint to a Linksys router with an ethernet cable and by changing some settings, your wireless is broadcast by the Linksys (better range) than the Cradlepoint. Does anyone know how this is done?

wterns · Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2008 11:31 am Post subject: CTR 350 Usable Range Record

Jim_in_VA · Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2008 2:57 pm Post subject:

If the router you want to use has "use as access point" in its configuration settings then simply choose that and run a Ethernet cable from the CTR350 LAN port to one of the numbered LAN ports on the second router. That is all you need to do. It will auto-configure the IP address.

IF the second router does not have a selection for "use as Access Point" then simply turn off DHCP on this router and run the cable as above and give it an IP (if using the CTR350) of 192.168.0.254.

Make sure you have the CTR350 configured to use the port as LAN, not WAN. Thats it, yer done.
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Peterfield · EVDO Heavy User Joined: 09 Mar 2008 Posts: 132

I'll give it a try - thanks.

gohawk08 · EVDO Heavy User Joined: 24 Mar 2008 Posts: 104

HOwever, WHat is the average range on one of those types of router? From 50 feet away is is good for gaming?
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WD0AFQ · EVDO Newbie Joined: 02 May 2008 Posts: 7

I wonder if anyone has done further work on installing an external antenna to the 350? I did hook my SMC router to mine using an eathernet cable. Works great.
Dan

WD0AFQ · EVDO Newbie Joined: 02 May 2008 Posts: 7

MichaelDorsey · EVDO Newbie Joined: 09 May 2008 Posts: 2

I'll respond to the first post. I got the CTR350 yesterday and have a 3 bar signal on the entire first floor of our house and in our basement as well. My download speeds have varied wildly from 200kbs to 500kbs wired to the router, but on my daughter's laptop only 200-250kbs. We got 4/5 or 5/5 bars at all times. Any ideas?

karlyn · Posted: Fri May 09, 2008 3:12 pm Post subject:

Michael -- it sounds like you may have a signal strength problem between your USB modem and the cell site instead of a router signal strength problem. What kind of downloads do you get with the modem connected directly to your computer?

It's not uncommon for download speeds to vary since other folks use the same cell site and add congestion. Mine can drop significantly during busy periods. That said, 200 kbps is pretty low and suggests that your connection is weak.

What's your RSSI when your modem is connected directly to your computer? Also, if you bought your card and router from 3Gstore don't hesitate to call them. They provide great support.

MichaelDorsey · EVDO Newbie Joined: 09 May 2008 Posts: 2

What exactly is the number you're asking about? If it is the signal strength number it is usually -70ish when the 881 is directly connected to the computer. And unfortunately I bought my CTR350 from somewhere else. Now I am at 211kbs on the LAN line. Ugh