Preparation

fatsister · Posted: Sun Apr 06, 2008 8:51 am Post subject: Preparation

I want to have everything in place before I commit to a contract that might be worse than I already have - Wildblue.

I have Alltel, the only signal I can get. Using my phone in "Field Test" mode, my signal strength is 95dBm-104dBm inside the house and 88dBm-91dBm outside. This is a Rev.0 signal.

I am 4.4 miles from the tower. My house is at 850' elevation and the tower is 1100' plus a 300' tower- lots of trees in between.
I am in NW Arkansas - rolling hills.

I have used my phone as a modem and the speeds and pings are very bad.
I know I have a two week trial period, but would like to have what I might need to maximize the signal.
I have read these forums and still don't have a handle on the ins and outs.
What I have learned is I need a Starcom UM 150 aircard and a cradlepoint router

I would like 'suggestions' on the best direction to take.
Should I have an antenna and/or amp already in place?
Will a data card get a better signal than my Motorola Q?

Thanks in advance,
_________________
Nancie

lewxam · Posted: Sun Apr 06, 2008 8:54 pm Post subject:

I was in the same boat (Wildblue) and I cannot describe how happy I am to be rid of it.

You don't have to start out with the router. It is only if you want to share the signal with other computers, either by ethernet or wireless.

I also have the UM150 card. I would suggest you buy one from ebay and avoid the 2-year contract with Alltel. Buy the card, call Alltel to activate and you will be ready to rock-and-roll. The UM150 will probably get you a stronger signal than your phone. Use the USB extension cable that comes with the UM150 and put it near a window. This should increase your signal strength.

Any more questions just ask.

--Good luck --