how-to block ads
|
|
Uniqs:
1210 |
Share Topic
 |
 |
|
|
| Slingshot (Novatel) modem deactivates randomly I've posted this question on message boards all over the place and have received absolutely no helpful responses.
I have the Novatel Ovation U727 wireless USB modem from Slingshot for use on my Toshiba Satellite X205-S7483 laptop (Windows Vista Home Premium x86, SP1). The modem is plugged into one of the two primary USB ports on the left and typically receives anywhere from 20 to 80% signal strength.
The problem is, at just about any time when I'm online, the green LED will suddenly turn off and then I'll hear the "device has been unplugged" sound, as though I had removed it from the port. which I have not.
I have gone into Device Manager and unchecked the option to allow Windows to deactivate USB devices to save power. I have uninstalled and reinstalled the Connection Manager software and have removed the modem from Device Manager and allowed Windows to redetect it.
The "unplugs" can be as frequently as every five minutes or two or so days can go by between.
I've called Slingshot's tech support. They said they'd "find a solution" and call back; they never did. This was last Wednesday.
So... anyone out there have this problem with their Slingshot modem? Is this a widespread problem, or did I just happen to get a defective modem? Does Slingshot allow returns/exchanges? Their site has absolutely no helpful info.
Thanks... | |
jlsoaz
join:2005-06-17
Rio Rico, AZ | I don't know the answer to your question. I haven't seen this happen on my computer. I don't have the sound turned on which might help me notice I guess if something goes awry very infrequently.
I have XP Media Center on this particular HP laptop.
I haven't been using slingshot much lately, so there are probably better people to ask.
jl | |
| reply to OmegaWolf747
Some thoughts on possible causes and solutions.
If it's an OS issue, suggest doing a windows update to make sure you have the latest software and driver updates. Also try the software update feature on the Slingshot menu; maybe the new Slingshot software package that was supposed to auto-download a month or so ago did not do so. Also, on the Novatel website, they also have software, driver downloads and manuals (although I'd be careful because some are probably written for Sprint postpaid service rather than prepaid resellers); maybe try alternate software packs or drivers if nothing else works or peruse the manuals to see if there's a solution? You could also contact Novatel directly to see if there are any known compatibility issues with your machine and solutions they found.
If it's a signal strength issue (the 20% signal you mentioned may cause a connection to drop), generally what will happen is I will get a red light for lost signal, and then a green light and a new browser window will open once the signal is reacquired. Possible solutions are reposition laptop for stronger signal (different window, higher location in building or vehicle, moving it a few inches, etc.), using a USB extension cord to get the modem really close to a window, adding a wired or wireless signal booster and antenna (Zboost, Wilson, Cyfer, etc.) or just the antenna can help.
Another thing I will see is if I am in a multiple CDMA carrier area, Slingshot will go for Sprint first and hang on for dear life until there's only a scrap of a signal. Not a problem at my office for my laptop where I'm right near powerful Sprint towers, but back home Slingshot will generally login to a very weak Sprint signal, then switch to Verizon(there's also Pocket but I doubt Slingshot has an agreement with them). Unlike a cellphone, switching data networks generally causes a brief signal loss while the modem reauthenticates on another carrier; might have to redo a page load that stopped when this occurs. There should be an icon of a celltower with a red x on it if you are in a roaming situation. Maybe there is a bug where a situation like this is actually causing the modem to reboot. If it's a hardware problem with your modem suggest either doing a warrantee exchange or repair (dealer you got it from, Novatel or Slingshot), or an independent repair shop if they will do warrantee repairs (some credit cards also double manufacturers warrantees up to an additional year). | |
| Thanks for the reply. I believe I found the solution to the problem. The problem was being caused by Novatel's Phoenix MFC app (PHOENIX.EXE), which allows the Slingshot Connection Manager software to communicate with the modem.
Phoenix crashed one day and after that, the modem had no more shutdowns, though I still got a disconnection, but those will happen.
What I do now, is run the Slingshot Connection Manager to establish a connection, then immediately kill PHOENIX.EXE in Windows Task Manager. After that, I just close the Slingshot software, which can no longer communicate with the modem.
It's a weird solution, but I guess whatever works... | | |
|
|
