Mobile data cards upto 20% worse than good handset for signal

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bbman

646 posts

Ultimate Geek

#8231 14-Jun-2006 15:16

I am finding that both TNZ and Voda PCMCIA data cards perform 20% poorer than a normal handset, in the case of the VMC and the Aircard 580 often in low coverage and especially rural areas these cards arn't worth having.

The Gtran 6210 on Telecom is better and i seem to get better speeds than an Aircard but i am still not getting coverage where like i get on my handsets. With the USB cable the Gtran improves reception but it is a pain, i may as well use my Apache to connect.

My understanding is the laptops case shrouds the RF and thats why they struggle to get good coverage.

I have used external antennas on the Aircard but they are pricy and a pain and the adaptors keep breaking.

Any one else having similar probs or have found resolutions.

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jpwise

590 posts

Ultimate Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#38760 16-Jun-2006 11:37

It's not quite as portable, but depending on what laptop you have you could try the USB cable that comes with the GPC-6210. The usb cable included in the box can be plugged into the end of the card turning it into a usb modem.

It also of course gets it outside of your laptop case, so you should find it will help a little with the signal.

The only catch is that some laptops have under current usb ports. To use it as a usb modem you need a full rated usb port capable of supplying the full 5v, 500ma.

Jp.

Working for Service Plus - www.serviceplus.co.nz

Authorised Service Agent for Apple, BenQ, Sony, and Toshiba - warranty & non-warranty repairs.

bbman

646 posts

Ultimate Geek

#38763 16-Jun-2006 12:16

Thanks for this, i have used this USB cable with some success, but ideally the some of the new ethernet models with external antenna capability will be the best option. Installed in my vehicle.

I use a Maxon 5100 with USB in one of my clients trucks, works brillianlty and coverage is exceptional with good speeds on fringes of coverage. Just needs to be EVDO.

Seen a couple of USB based modems coming soon, they look quite good!

Gtran 6210 is certainly the PCMCIA card of choice!!! Wish TNZ actually made their 1gb plan available to all devices, not just Sierra Wireless

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jpwise

590 posts

Ultimate Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#38765 16-Jun-2006 12:30

mjsit&t: Gtran 6210 is certainly the PCMCIA card of choice!!! Wish TNZ actually made their 1gb plan available to all devices, not just Sierra Wireless

You certainly should be able to get the 1gb plan.

http://www.telecom.co.nz/content/0,8748,202032-201931,00.html

"Buy a Mobile Broadband Data Card on either a 24 month or open term plan before 9 July 2006, and you can get 1GB of mobile broadband data each month for only $49+GST per month on our Mobile Broadband 1GB data plan."

I know that if there is good reason the account managers should be able to supply the GPC-6210 instead of the Aircard (ie: coverage, etc.). Of if you buy it outright you should be able to put it onto the 1gb plan.

Jp.

Working for Service Plus - www.serviceplus.co.nz

Authorised Service Agent for Apple, BenQ, Sony, and Toshiba - warranty & non-warranty repairs.

bbman

646 posts

Ultimate Geek

#38766 16-Jun-2006 12:45

thx

Contacted my dealer partner, seems on special approval they do it. Open term it is only on the Sierra wireless. I have done some solutions on remote modems for a couple of businesses, have 1xrtt modems but we can't offer that rate plan. They are disadvantaged unfairly and not happy about it!

Anyway i have emailed an account manager and asked them to see if this rate can be offered on any device especially future ethernet devices.

will see.

By the way is the 6210 upgradable to Rev A or do you require a new card?

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jpwise

590 posts

Ultimate Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#38768 16-Jun-2006 12:54

Unfortunately it's new hardware for Rev A.

I have also heard that Rev A doesn't fall back to EVDO (Rev 0?). Both devices fall back to standard 1xRTT if they go out of EVDO coverage, but I haven't had a chance to confirm that yet.

As for ethernet devices - if you haven't seen it yet: http://www.cdma.co.nz/solutions/fixed_wireless/router/

Jp.

Working for Service Plus - www.serviceplus.co.nz

Authorised Service Agent for Apple, BenQ, Sony, and Toshiba - warranty & non-warranty repairs.

bbman

646 posts

Ultimate Geek

#38769 16-Jun-2006 12:58

thx, shouldn't rev a coverage match EVDO and Telecom most likely will roll out to EVDO existing sites??

Have seen the ethernet device - the only thing holding me back is the rate plan availability!

once this is sorted, my vehicle and remote solutions will start including these instead of 1xrtt modems.

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jpwise

590 posts

Ultimate Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#38772 16-Jun-2006 13:21

I'm not sure how it's going to be implemented. Eventually I expect it will be the same coverage footprint, but they'll probably do a similar thing to EVDO when it was released. Upgrade main centres first, and slowly go from there. But that's just speculation.

Working for Service Plus - www.serviceplus.co.nz

Authorised Service Agent for Apple, BenQ, Sony, and Toshiba - warranty & non-warranty repairs.

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SilentOne

290 posts

Ultimate Geek

#38839 17-Jun-2006 16:20

Hmm I was sure I read somewhere reputable that Rev A does fall back to EVDO (rev 0) or that its at least backwards compatible so that EVDO (rev 0) would work on the Rev A... *shrugs*

If only I could remember where I read it, I did retratce my habbits but didn't come across it again :/

Jama

1420 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#38852 17-Jun-2006 20:31

jpwise: Unfortunately it's new hardware for Rev A.

I have also heard that Rev A doesn't fall back to EVDO (Rev 0?). Both devices fall back to standard 1xRTT if they go out of EVDO coverage, but I haven't had a chance to confirm that yet.

As for ethernet devices - if you haven't seen it yet: http://www.cdma.co.nz/solutions/fixed_wireless/router/

Jp.

RevA hands over to Rev0 and 1xRTT. Then back the other way. RevB does not hand over to Rev0 just RevA.

Jama

1420 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#38853 17-Jun-2006 20:38

mjsit&t:
I use a Maxon 5100 with USB in one of my clients trucks, works brillianlty and coverage is exceptional with good speeds on fringes of coverage. Just needs to be EVDO.

Gtran 6210 is certainly the PCMCIA card of choice!!!

The Maxon is a good modem. There is a new firmware on the way that adds a number of new features. The modems are heading towards EVDO. Just ethernet and USB though.