CMoore2004
Premium
join:2003-02-06
Jonesville, MI
| reply to rawgerz
Re: EVDO Questions...
My PX500 transmits at a normal output of 7-10dBm according to the manual, with a max of 24dBm. The U720 is also 7-10dBm normal with a max of only 23dBm. It seems the U720 puts out a slightly nicer signal, though. The AC595 seems to lack reasonable documentation...
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Charter 5M | Windows XP MCE SP2 | Mobile AMD Athlon 64 4000+ | 1.5GB RAM | ATI Mobile Radeon X600 128MB | 120GB HDD |
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rawgerz
In Debt we trust
Premium
join:2004-10-03
Grove City, PA
 ·Verizon Online DSL
 ·Sprint Mobile Broa..
| reply to CMoore2004
Last I checked, I think all the devices transmit the same power, about 17dBm I believe. If there's anything I've learned from evdo cards it's that the transmit power should not be a priority, just distance from tower and the geography of the area. Even with an amplifier, (maybe 500mw?) it's no substitute for distance off the ground.
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You can't make all the people happy all of the time. But it should be common sense to shoot for the majority. |
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CMoore2004
Premium
join:2003-02-06
Jonesville, MI
| reply to CMoore2004
Just a note... it looks like the 595U is capable of using the most power. I'd guess the more power it uses, the stronger it broadcasts, but I'm not any radio expert.
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Charter 5M | Windows XP MCE SP2 | Mobile AMD Athlon 64 4000+ | 1.5GB RAM | ATI Mobile Radeon X600 128MB | 120GB HDD |
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CMoore2004
Premium
join:2003-02-06
Jonesville, MI
| reply to hitman_001
Ok, here's the real deal with the Y-connector. A single USB port is supposed to have a max of 500mA. The Novatel U720 averages around 400mA while in use. However, the max is 700mA. To get that extra 200mA, it needs to be connected to a USB port that doesn't share its power with the one already plugged in. Some computers will have a "hub" and 2-4 ports may share the same 500mA. If you really want to be sure it's receiving all the power it can, buy a USB hub with its own power supply.
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Charter 5M | Windows XP MCE SP2 | Mobile AMD Athlon 64 4000+ | 1.5GB RAM | ATI Mobile Radeon X600 128MB | 120GB HDD |
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Ryley
join:2002-11-05
Neptune, NJ
| reply to hitman_001
Great answer, just what I've been looking for. I've been trying to decide on Sprint or Verizon, and whether to go with usb or express card. I'd like usb but have read about all the problems with the 595u. I want to be able to move the card to different computers, desktop and laptop, and will be traveling, so I'm bound to be in fringe areas at times. I'll have to look closer at the u720, and I'm leaning toward Sprint.
Thanks again. |
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hitman_001
Premium
join:2006-11-20
Laredo, TX
| reply to rawgerz
I dont think its necesarilly to save power. I just believe the configuration is different on a PCMCIA card and a USB card. I suppose the PCMCIA card allocates more pins for power giving the card the power it needs. The USB modems all supply a different power route that adds basically an another source of power aside from the single usb port. The U720 provides a Y adaptor that draws power from two powered usb hubs and funnels it into the U720. The 595U on the other hand, tries to be a little more slick in this by implementing an onboard battery that is charged from the usb hub while the connection is disconected/dormant.
Will the U720 work without the Y adaptor in place? YES, but its not able to power up to its full capabilities when connected that way. Just like the 595U will operate with the battery low/discharged, but again not at optimum levels.
The benefit of the U720 over the 595U is that you have no battery to worry about. However you do need a second USB port, which is not allways available. That is where the 595U has its potential, but you also need to consider your coverage on the 595U, battery expenditure is higher the weaker your signal is, and you can ultimately drain your battery with heavy use. You need to weigh the pro's and cons when deciding on a USB modem to determine whats best for you and your situation.
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Hn7000s Small Office plan/.74m dish & 1Watt Trans on Satmex 5 Signal: 86/Win XP Pro SP2/P4 3gig, 2Gigs Ram, Radeon X1300 500meg video |
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rawgerz
In Debt we trust
Premium
join:2004-10-03
Grove City, PA
·Verizon Online DSL
·Sprint Mobile Broa..
| reply to hitman_001
Why would a USB modem need a battery anyways? If it's the save power on a laptop I don't see why, these modems transmit less power than a SOHO router, 17dBm max I believe.
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You can't make all the people happy all of the time. But it should be common sense to shoot for the majority. |
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hitman_001
Premium
join:2006-11-20
Laredo, TX
| reply to LiquidSean
The 595U is not the preferred modem to use in "fringe" areas. It carries an onboard battery that has to work harder to push out the power to connect and stay connected, especially during high bandwidth usage in less than ideal coverage areas. After a while you'll see your battery begin to deplete and ultimely even die. Then it will be sitting there with a red light on continuously and possibly not putting out as much power as it should be and effecting your connection.
The U720 comes with a Y adaptor that allows you to plug it into 2 powered usb ports and doesnt need a battery. Less stuff to go wrong, does the same job.. = better product.
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Hn7000s Small Office plan/.74m dish & 1Watt Trans on Satmex 5 Signal: 86/Win XP Pro SP2/P4 3gig, 2Gigs Ram, Radeon X1300 500meg video |
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jjgb10
Premium
join:2004-11-24
Kasson, MN
clubs:
 ·VOIPo
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| reply to LiquidSean
The U720 and 595U are both very good USB adapters. The U720 is only $50 while the 595U is $100. The 595U also has a battery that has caused some problems because it will run dead in a low signal area such as your own and then you're screwed.
I would order the U720 through Millenicom and then order the $82 external omni from 3gstore or a yagi if you can find one. |
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LiquidSean
join:2007-08-05
Purcellville, VA
| reply to LiquidSean
Is the Novatel Ovation U720 the best EVDO USB card from Millenicom? Or is it the 595 thing?
What Do you recommend as an antenna? I need it to be EXTREMEly good at dissipating noise and improving signal. I think I'm gonna buy it from 3gstore.com. I'm going to buy the amp from 3gstore.com (The only one that they have)
THANKS EVERYONE |
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jjgb10
Premium
join:2004-11-24
Kasson, MN
clubs:
·VOIPo
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| reply to LiquidSean
I'm gonna recommend not buying a router yet just so you can test the USB adapter first with the external antenna to see if you can get service.
The best USB card right now is the Novatel U720. Go to 3gstore.com and click on the Novatel U720 on the left. Then you will see the KR1 router and antennas as well as an amp. I would try the external omni antenna and if you really want an amp get one but I think they're too expensive. I would just try it with the antennas first.
So now I would order the U720 through Millenicom and the Omni External antennas through 3gstore.com and get them setup right away to see if you can get service. |
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LiquidSean
join:2007-08-05
Purcellville, VA | reply to jjgb10
Cool. Now I just need to know what a good (i.e. cheap) Booster antenna and amp is. (I think I'll buy a Kyocera Router) Also, what's the best USB card from Millenicom? |
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jjgb10
Premium
join:2004-11-24
Kasson, MN
clubs:
·VOIPo
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| reply to LiquidSean
You have 30 days for Millenicom to return everything. I think you are out shipping though but that's not much at all. 3GStore has a 14-day policy and you are also out shipping through them too.
So if nothing works, you'll probably have ended up paying $30 for shipping maybe a little more. It's not much. You will probably end up picking it up though especially with an external antenna. |
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LiquidSean
join:2007-08-05
Purcellville, VA | reply to LiquidSean
So say my reception isn't good enough, or that I get no bars at all, even with the point-to-point antennas, I can return the stuff to 3g store and Millenicom, for full refund and free shipping? |
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jjgb10
Premium
join:2004-11-24
Kasson, MN
clubs: | reply to LiquidSean
They don't sell those accessories direct. A good place to order them is »3gstore.com They sell good Wilson Omnis and other antennas as well as an amplifier. |
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LiquidSean
join:2007-08-05
Purcellville, VA | reply to jjgb10
Hmmm... Now I'm thinking about ordering service from Millenicom, as it's the same price as SERO, so do they supply you with antennas and amps? |
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jjgb10
Premium
join:2004-11-24
Kasson, MN
clubs:
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| reply to LiquidSean
Millenicom also has a trial which I have talked to them about. They said try it anywhere you want for a month and if it doesn't work out for you, just return everything back to us for a full refund.
Their customer service and support is MUCH better than Sprint. It is a no-brainer to go with them over Sprint directly. I don't know why anyone would go with Sprint direct now. This is cheaper with no contract. |
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Fox McCloud
Crazy like a fox.
join:2006-07-23
1 edit | reply to LiquidSean
Sprint and Sprint SERO (www.sprint.com/sero) ...those 2 come to mind.
3GStore (whom I personally detest) has a return policy of 14 days. |
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LiquidSean
join:2007-08-05
Purcellville, VA | reply to Fox McCloud
Fox McCloud, which people give you the 30-day trial? |
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jjgb10
Premium
join:2004-11-24
Kasson, MN
clubs:
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| reply to LiquidSean
You own the equipment after one year. But who cares about owning the equipment. You can cancel at any time in two years. I would rather have a way out than to own equipment.
The AC595 is also a very high rated PCMCIA card. There is also a Franklin CDU-680 coming out shortly for $49.99 at millenicom that has the Sprint connection managers for Windows, Mac, and Linux built in to the USB adapter so there is no need to install anything.
I would highly recommend going with Millenicom. If you want to cancel, why would you need the device anyway, right? |
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