VF K3805-Z - Dongle will only connct to 2G

[bookeyuk83]

Hello,

The above mentioned dongle does not connect to 3G or EDGE, it will only connect to GPRS.

I have a Blackberry 9700 next to the dongle and it shows full 3G signal.
If i switch to 2G only mode on the BB 9700 it shows full EDGE coverage.


Why can my dongle not pickup / use anything better than GPRS?

Version of mobile connect software.

9.4.8.21929 ZTE

Any advice is welcome!

thanks
Paul

[Retired-George]

Hi bookeyuk83,

This sounds like quite a frustrating issue, I'm confident that a solution can be found though .

I've taken a look at the postcode in your profile and can see that the 3G coverage is fairly weak where you are. As the antennae in the modem and the Blackberry work slightly differently, I would assume what's happening is that your Blackberry is automatically picking up the small amount of 3G signal available, but your modem is automatically reverting to GPRS instead.

As a way around this, I'd recommend setting VMC (Vodafone Mobile Connect) so that it only connects to 3G. This can be done by going to Manage Devices > Network Mode.

Give that a go and let me know if it makes any difference.

George
eForum Team

[bookeyuk83]

Hi bookeyuk83,

This sounds like quite a frustrating issue, I'm confident that a solution can be found though .

I've taken a look at the postcode in your profile and can see that the 3G coverage is fairly weak where you are. As the antennae in the modem and the Blackberry work slightly differently, I would assume what's happening is that your Blackberry is automatically picking up the small amount of 3G signal available, but your modem is automatically reverting to GPRS instead.

As a way around this, I'd recommend setting VMC (Vodafone Mobile Connect) so that it only connects to 3G. This can be done by going to Manage Devices > Network Mode.

Give that a go and let me know if it makes any difference.

George
eForum Team

Hi George,

I tried that but the dongle is only picking up 2 bars of coverage and fails to connect.
If i set it to 3G preffered it only connects to GPRS.

There is one other issue here, the device when first inserted shows as EDGE connection when connect is pressed it reverts to GPRS and never goes back to EDGE.

Dongle shows full signal on 2G, as does my blackberry.

Is there some VMC software where I can select between GPRS / EDGE / 3G?

Thanks
Paul

[Retired-Wayne]

Hi Paul

Thanks for your post here. I appreciate how frustrating this must be for you

There isn't a VMC that will allow you to select EDGE or 3G only. The one you have is the miximum it will allow you to do.

I think the problem might be with the sheilding on your computer. Within the computer there is 'sheilding' to protect your computer from interference and also to stop it interfering with other wireless devices. I suspect that this is not working correctly and as such is emitting wireless signal that is stopping your modem from working to its full ability. Do you have a USB extension cable lying around anywhere? If you do I would suggest pluggin the modem into this and moving the modem as far away from your computer as possible. Then see what signal levels you get.

Alternatively if you do not have an extension, try it on another Laptop/PC in the same location and see if the signal levels differ any.

Please let me know the results of this test and if you have any further questions just give me a shout

Thanks

Wayne

eForum Team

[bookeyuk83]

Hi Paul

Thanks for your post here. I appreciate how frustrating this must be for you

There isn't a VMC that will allow you to select EDGE or 3G only. The one you have is the miximum it will allow you to do.

I think the problem might be with the sheilding on your computer. Within the computer there is 'sheilding' to protect your computer from interference and also to stop it interfering with other wireless devices. I suspect that this is not working correctly and as such is emitting wireless signal that is stopping your modem from working to its full ability. Do you have a USB extension cable lying around anywhere? If you do I would suggest pluggin the modem into this and moving the modem as far away from your computer as possible. Then see what signal levels you get.

Alternatively if you do not have an extension, try it on another Laptop/PC in the same location and see if the signal levels differ any.

Please let me know the results of this test and if you have any further questions just give me a shout

Thanks

Wayne

eForum Team

Same signal strength using 2 diff laptops at the same location.
With and without the extended cable.

The biggest annoyance is it shows full EDGE coverage but as soon as I connect it drops to GPRS.
the blackberry next to the dongle shows full EDGE coverage and lets me use it via the blackberry browser.
If I connect the Blackberry via USB to my laptop I get EDGE type speeds.

So why will the dongle not connect via EDGE?

Given up on 3G as it seems to be too marginal for a usable connection.

I notice the coverage map shows planned coverage improvements for 3G, can you see how far away these are?

[Retired-Reidar]

Hello Bookey and thanks for your post.

Please can you provide the full post code of the location in question and we'll have a look for you.

Thanks

Reidar

eForum Team

[bookeyuk83]

The one listed in my profile.

[bookeyuk83]

Hello anyone there?

[Retired-George]

Hi bookeyuk83,

I've taken a look at your postcode and can see that there is a planned 3G mast about 1.7 miles to the northwest of your location. I don't have a timescale for when this is due to go live as there's many factors that need to be taken into account, such as planning permission and the granting of licenses etc....

When this does go live, I would anticipate that your 3G coverage should improve.

George
eForum Team