New Setup Questions

EVGA · EVDO Newbie Joined: 11 May 2008 Posts: 4

Well, after moving home from college for the summer Im faced with using the dreaded dialup again. After considering the options at our house it seems satelite and LOS where our only options for broadband(too many trees for LOS) until I discovered EVDO...

On my phone (LG AX8600) I can get 3 bars and the "EV" symbol while standing on the ground at my house so I assume I can get evdo internet service..Standing on my truck I can get 4 bars so I think if I mounted an antenna off the second floor eve I could get a great signal.

So here are the questions:

1. I plan to buy a tether for my AX8600 and add the $25 data plan just to see if I can get the EVDO. Can this easily be cancelled and where should I buy the tether cord/software? The alltel store has it for $60+..little expensive for a few days of testing..

2. If I can infact get the service, is it possible to use the $25 /month plan and use the cradlepoint + ud150? How would I go about setting this up? (I need to be able to use my phone so a 24/7 tether setup is out of the uestion, thus the need for a permanent setup)

3. What would be the best antenna / booster setup for the cradlepoint (if need be)?

I will continue to search and browse the forums for my answer. There is such a wealth of info here...almost information overload.

Thanks for any help.

EVGA · EVDO Newbie Joined: 11 May 2008 Posts: 4

Happiest person in the world right now.. Found my old IOGear usb bluetooth dongle, hooked it up, spent all night trying to get drivers over dialup. Finally got it configured and got it to recognize my AX8600's modem feature..

Long story short, I now know I can get evdo speeds without having to buy the link cable to test it out..saved some money and Im super happy to be surfing on broadband again.

First speed test returned 600kbps down / 98kbps up 329ping. Acceptable by me way out here in the sticks, about 4miles from the alltel tower. Running off my free night minutes atm..

So next step, get a permanent setup, cradlepoint, ud150, and perhaps a directional antenna.

Big question that I cant seem to find an answer to...

Is there any way to use the router/150 modem setup on the $25 plan? Can I add the $25 plan to my AX8600 then use the ud 150 or cradle to dialout with my ##@alltel.net ? Complete "newbie" to this.

Thanks

EDIT: After more reading and testing I may be able to get much better speeds. From what I've read tethering using the phone as a modem is limited to about 400-500kbps due to the bluetooth.. Is this correct> I hope so, the faster the better :] All my latest tests have had me capped at around 500 give or take a few kbps..

Also, looks like I have to go with the $50/month deal, bummer. I'll be sure to purchase my own modem to prevent being locked in the contract. If thats not the vase let me know.

karlyn · Posted: Mon May 12, 2008 5:06 am Post subject:

Only phones can tether for the $25/month. If you're going to use the UM150 with a router you'll have to pay $60/month (the UM150 will be assigned a separate phone number). If you don't want a long-term contract you'll need to buy the card outright then you can purchase service on a month-to-month basis.

Edit: LOL, you edited your post while I was replying. Yes, Bluetooth can limit your throughput.

EVGA · EVDO Newbie Joined: 11 May 2008 Posts: 4

Thanks for the reply, looks like I'll be going the "buy my own, no contract route".

Do I just walk into the store and say "hey I need this card activated." Or how should I go about it.

Also, how can I keep the phone connected for long durations? If Im not surfing it will DC after a minute or 2. It will then reconnect as soon as data is needed (says dormante when not connected) but after doing this 3-4 times it doesn't reconnect on it's own.. Not that big of deal since Im going to the router soon, but I will be on this a week and its already annoying me lol.. I may just leave ventrillo open or something to keep data flowing..

Thanks again.

gulfguppy · EVDO User Joined: 10 Mar 2008 Posts: 28

After I received my UM150 I just called Alltel and said "I have a UM150 I need to get set-up".
The rep did all the financial set up then transferred me
to tech then I was set up.

It took all of about 10-15 minutes and I was up and running.

EVGA · EVDO Newbie Joined: 11 May 2008 Posts: 4

Sounds great, thanks. Very Happy

EDIT: Here's what I've been getting pretty consistently with my AX8600 on top of a shelf in my room, on the second floor.

GUH: Spam filter doesnt allow "h ttp://ww w."... 510Kbps up / 110 down 325 ping

Went to the base of the tower (about 500ft away) from the alltel tower that is serving me, got 600kbps.. hoping it's the bluetooth limiting my speed atm. Even if it stays at these speeds I'd be very content. Now Im just waiting on a pay check to grab that um150 and cradlepoint :[/img]