Vodem Stick PRO Sketchy?

Forums › One New Zealand (including Vodafone, WxC, Farmside) › Vodem Stick PRO Sketchy?

FatFurryGuy

72 posts

Master Geek

#37665 16-Jul-2009 19:25

Got a new Vodem stick (K3715) because I thought I might be able to ditch the landline, but some deep seated fears are starting to be realised.

I have yet to get a WEB page to load completely (I am typing this thru my ADSL connection ‘cause I couldn’t logon to GeekZone using the Vodem). Repeated loss of connection (with no indication) and then extraneous “Unable to connect messages” after VMC reconnects automatically.

IE locks up repeatedly (doesn’t seem to be site related).

So, thought I would check S/W and Firmware just in case. I am NOW really confused. When I could finally find the info on the Vodafone site, they recommend S/W: 9.3.0.9237 – my device has 9.3.3.10523 and they recommend Firmware 11.314.12.02.00 but I have 11.104.05.00.00. The interesting thing is there is NO download button on either the Software or Firmware tabs (big red one on the MAC tab though!).

Now I probably don’t want to revert to their version of the software, but will the recommended Firmware work in my stick with my level of software?

So, any advice on the veracity of an upgrade and if so – know any good sites where I can download it from, and if not, any ideas on connectivity / thru put issues. As always, thanks in advance.

johnr

19282 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#236229 16-Jul-2009 19:35

The Vodem Pro software/firmware you have got is the latest no need to change it

I use one for testing on XP and have no issue

Might need more INFO are you using it in a USB Hub?

Are you in good coverage? Have you tried locking the device to 3G only?

John

FatFurryGuy

72 posts

Master Geek

#236240 16-Jul-2009 19:56

Thanks for the speedy reply John (and I should have noted the info you request after reading many other requests for same info - sorry).
Not thru a hub, straight into a rear USB on an Compaq Presario (I notice the stick is slightly warm to the touch when I remove it!)
Good coverage ? who knows, North of Otaki; it is supposed to acceptable but I know radio is fickle thing
Will try the 3G lock and return ? thanks.

FatFurryGuy

72 posts

Master Geek

#236250 16-Jul-2009 20:23

Locked to 3G:
Connect - signal strength low; IE claims not connected to Internet; connection dropped after a few minutes
Auto reconnect - signal strength VERY low; IE claims not connected to Internet; connection dropped after a few minutes
Auto reconnect - signal strength NONE; IE claims not connected to Internet; (How can I be connected with no signal?); Connection never dropped

This would seem to indicate that I can?t use the Vodem here, eh? Try for a refund?

Aaroona

3196 posts

Uber Geek

#236252 16-Jul-2009 20:24

FatFurryGuy: Locked to 3G:

Connect - signal strength low; IE claims not connected to Internet; connection dropped after a few minutes

Auto reconnect - signal strength VERY low; IE claims not connected to Internet; connection dropped after a few minutes

Auto reconnect - signal strength NONE; IE claims not connected to Internet; (How can I be connected with no signal?); Connection never dropped

This would seem to indicate that I can?t use the Vodem here, eh? Try for a refund?

If theres no signal, I think Vodafone have a return time.. I THINK. You'd have to double check

sson013

42 posts

Geek

#236481 17-Jul-2009 15:41

I got myself a K3715 Black Vodem on Monday which I got for free on the 24month contract 3GB.

But it does seem a little crap. My connection will timeout quite frequently.

This does not happen using the Vodafone Express Slot card or when I tether my Sony Xperia X1 & Z770i.

So it's not a network issue temporary or otherwise.

So my vodem is just sitting there being a useless piece of cheap plastic (is it just me or does this new black vodem look like its a piece of crap compared to the older white ones?) and I'm using my old z770i as my 3G device.

*Note: My area on the vodafone coverage map is 1 Bar 3G, no bar 3G Extended. However, both my Sony Ericcson Mobiles show an average/strong signal. The Vodem shows an average signal, but often fails to maintain the connection. My mobiles & a Express Slot card seem to have no issues.

johnr

19282 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#236485 17-Jul-2009 15:52

Vodem comes with a USB lead give it some height

Also try it with the Micro SD stick removed

John

FatFurryGuy

72 posts

Master Geek

#236486 17-Jul-2009 15:52

sson013

Thanks for the info. Just so I understand, you get satisfactory preformance from the Vodafone Express Slot card? Might be worth a swap, but I wonder if John could comment on the difference in technologies? Thanks again, mate.

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johnr

19282 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#236491 17-Jul-2009 16:03

FatFurryGuy: sson013

Thanks for the info. Just so I understand, you get satisfactory preformance from the Vodafone Express Slot card? Might be worth a swap, but I wonder if John could comment on the difference in technologies? Thanks again, mate.

This would depend where you live the express cards do not support 900mhz 3G yet

John

sson013

42 posts

Geek

#236493 17-Jul-2009 16:27

johnr: Vodem comes with a USB lead give it some height

Also try it with the Micro SD stick removed

John

I used it with the USB lead and stuck it outside the window. The internal antenna is fairly weak, at least relative to my mobiles & the express card. Personally I don't need 7.2Mpbs d/l so using my mobile phone at 3.6mbps is just fine, would be nice if I could get some use out of the stick though ;)

FatFurryGuy

72 posts

Master Geek

#236505 17-Jul-2009 17:22

Success, but…

Original location appears to be a dead spot in the house. Tried a few alternatives (as shown below). Workable now, but got quite few NO DEVICE incidents when moving from USB port to extension cable which led me inspect the connections – the slide out USB plug on the Vodem is dicky! So back to VF on Monday for a replacement. Now for questions on VMC and stuff – but another thread I think!

Thanks to all for the help – it is always much appreciated!

Original Dead Zone
USB Extension            USB Port
2 Bars                         2 Bars
560 kbps Down           547 kbps Down
351 kbps Up               350 kbps Up

Outside on the Deck
USB Extension            USB Port
4 Bars                         3 Bars
558 kbps Down           557 kbps Down
351 kbps Up               351 kbps Up

Computer Room
USB Extension            USB Port
3 Bars                         3 Bars
553 kbps Down           405 kbps Down
352 kbps Up               351 kbps Up

dragon

13 posts

Geek

#236676 18-Jul-2009 15:02

My brother is using the K3715 vodem stick in a NetComm 3G Wireless Router (N3G005W) and has frequent dropped connections. Frequent meaning 4-8 times per day. They have a strong signal at 64%. When it is connected it works fine but the dropped connections are a real nuisance. The dropped connections are far more frequent if I set their device to 3G Only mode so have it set to 3G Preferred and it doesn't drop down to GPRS (green light) at all. When I plugged it into a Windows PC (with the USB extension) it sometimes had the NO DEVICE issue.

I have the K3520 vodem stick in a wireless router also (same model) with a weak 19% signal. I couldn't hold a connection for longer than 10 mins until I bought an external antenna/booster - now my connection does NOT drop at all and I've been using the external antenna for two weeks now. The antenna has boosted my signal to 35-48%. Before getting the antenna I used it in a Windows PC for several days and never got the NO DEVICE issue.

I wonder if the K3715 is more problematic? Maybe Vodafone will swap my brother's K3715 for the K3520 if they have any left...

If anyone else is in a low signal area and interested in an external antenna I can recommend those made by R.F. Antennas on trademe http://www.trademe.co.nz:80/a.aspx?id=226654728

FatFurryGuy

72 posts

Master Geek

#236972 19-Jul-2009 21:16

Thanks foir the info on the antenna, I'll check it out