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meganh

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#278513 20-Oct-2020 14:34
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Hi all,

 

I have purchased a used Huawei B315s-607 off TradeMe with the idea of putting my data SIM into it to access and share my existing Spark mobile data when I am away in my camper. If I can get it going I will put an external antenna on it to get maximum signal. The modem was advertised as being able to be used with any SIM card - "The B315 lets you connect using prepaid 4G SIM cards." but I suspect the seller has taken this off the internet somewhere and this is not the case with the Spark models.

 

From what I have now read, I suspect this is not the case and I have wasted my money.  I have factory reset the unit and with its SIM card that it came with, the WLAN light is red. When I put my prepaid SIM with prepay data into the modem, the light is blue and it shows three bars, but I cannot connect as it wants a dialup user and password. With my prepay card it shows a Cell ID, and various readings in dB for RSRQ, RSRP, RSSI and SINR.

 

From my reading on here and what Spark support told me, it appears that the modem is locked to the SIM that it came with, and has locked itself out as I've been playing with it. It also appears from my reading on here that others have had some success in using these with prepay SIM cards from other providers, so I am hopeful that with help I may be able to get this going.

 

I'm not adverse to buying a SIM from another provider if I can get a prepay data system to work, so I can load prepay data on when I need to use it when I am going away, rather than having to pay for a large data allowance for permanent use. I realise that Spark need to manage the load on towers which is why all the providers want the modems to be used at home, but all I am trying to do is to use my existing limited mobile broadband with a higher strength receiver that can utilise an external antenna rather than using that data in a cellphone or tablet with poorer reception.

 

Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated!


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hio77
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  #2588406 20-Oct-2020 14:38
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Modem is configured to use the FWA APN. your prepay sim isn't valid to connect to that APN.

 

 

 

the spark firmware is pretty locked down, so you might not be able to change the APN.





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Any comments made are personal opinion and do not reflect directly on the position my current or past employers may have.

 

 




  #2588411 20-Oct-2020 15:04
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If haxxing does not get you anywhere, reading your post reminded me that I have a D-Link DWR-921 4G router sitting in a box being useless. That would work with your prepay data cards, it was a retail purchase unrelated to any telco & therefore agnostic to the provider.

Hit me with a PM if you'd like to own it.




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coffeebaron
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  #2589440 20-Oct-2020 16:41
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Put the correct APN in and it should work.





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nztim
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  #2589457 20-Oct-2020 17:55
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coffeebaron:

Put the correct APN in and it should work.



Does the spark firmware let you change the APN?




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hio77
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  #2589459 20-Oct-2020 17:57
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nztim:
coffeebaron:

Put the correct APN in and it should work.



Does the spark firmware let you change the APN?

Depends on firmware. Generally not.

The ones used for skinny etc do




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Any comments made are personal opinion and do not reflect directly on the position my current or past employers may have.

 

 


coffeebaron
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  #2589468 20-Oct-2020 18:26
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I have changed APN on Spark B315 and B618 no problem.




Rural IT and Broadband support.

 

Broadband troubleshooting and master filter installs.
Starlink installer - one month free: https://www.starlink.com/?referral=RC-32845-88860-71 
Wi-Fi and networking
Cel-Fi supply and installer - boost your mobile phone coverage legally

 

Need help in Auckland, Waikato or BoP? Click my email button, or email me direct: [my user name] at geekzonemail dot com


coffeebaron
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  #2589469 20-Oct-2020 18:28
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coffeebaron: I have changed APN on Spark B315 and B618 no problem.

Slight correction/clarification. You add the additional APN and make it the new default profile.




Rural IT and Broadband support.

 

Broadband troubleshooting and master filter installs.
Starlink installer - one month free: https://www.starlink.com/?referral=RC-32845-88860-71 
Wi-Fi and networking
Cel-Fi supply and installer - boost your mobile phone coverage legally

 

Need help in Auckland, Waikato or BoP? Click my email button, or email me direct: [my user name] at geekzonemail dot com


 
 
 

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meganh

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  #2589491 20-Oct-2020 19:28
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Where do I find the APN in the menus?  I went to Spark and (of course) they said that it won't work, and it is also geolocked to the original install location.


meganh

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  #2589512 20-Oct-2020 20:06
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Found it. Set up a new profile for the Spark APN 'internet' with user and passwork blank and bingo, I'm connecting on it now with a bog standard Spark data SIM. Thanks all for all of the help!


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