question about better signal

RaDiX · EVDO Newbie Joined: 07 Jul 2008 Posts: 1

Hello I have the Franklin CDU-650 through Alaska Communication Systems (ACS). I work on the North Slope, the external of our living quarters is metal siding, This produces a weak signal from inside. I do have a window I can stick an antenna out of though.

The description for the Franklin CDU-680 Omni External Antenna w/cables and Mount says CDU-680 I am curious if this product will work with my CDU-650? My CDU-650 does have a external antenna port.

As of now my provider does not sell the CDU-680, would it help to upgrade to it and would they support it even if they do not sell it? Would getting a cradle point, is there something stronger than an antenna like a signal amplifier? Any information would be greatly appreciated.

When I first got my CDU-650 USB evdo modem I was getting 180 KB sec. About 1 month after I signed the 2 year contract I was getting about 10 to 30 KB sec. under the same environment, same location, same signal strength, is it possible they over sold the connection and now I am getting screwed?

Thanks for any info you can give me,

Joshua

Kirsten · Posted: Mon Jul 07, 2008 4:18 pm Post subject:

The CDU-650 actually uses the same adapter cable as the Sierra Aircard 595, so if you wanted to purchase the Omni External Antenna for your card, you should purchase this antenna:
http://3gstore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=62&products_id=360

I looked up the CDU-650 and it appears that it is Rev 0. Rev A is the latest technology, with dramatically increased upload speeds, but I am not sure if your carrier supports Rev A, so purchasing a Rev A card may not be any benefit. If you decide to upgrade your device, you should purchase it through your carrier directly to be sure it will work on your carrier - the cards are provisioned to work specifically with a particular carrier.

A decrease in speed could be the result of more people accessing the tower, or trees filling in with leaves, or any number of things. Trying an external antenna might help especially since that metal siding is most likely causing a lot of interference.

Give a call to 866-3GSTORE and let them know the signal strength you are seeing so they can recommend an antenna that might work for you.