Sierra EM9190 stuck in PCIE mode

[leopardus2]

Ok, so I got this EM9190 modem from aliexpress only to discover it defaults to PCIe mode and in order to have it switch to USB3 mode, a specific pin on the M.2 connector needs to be tied to a 1.8 volt signal.

What options do I have to make this modem visible by either ROOter or my windows machine?
Can I convert this back to PCIe connector, then use a PCIe to USB3 adapter (assuming one exists)?
Ideally an adapter to make this modem work in native USB3 mode would be the right thing to do, but I lack the skills to build it

Thanks in advance for any suggestion you may have.

Rick

[leopardus2]

Just a follow up to my original question.
I confirm this modem requires that PCIE_DIS signal is connected to 1.8v and also the VBUS_SENSE needs to be high,
or it will not work in USB mode.

OTOH my unit has an outdated firmware and Sierra refuses to give me a more recent one. I am willing to pay a finder fee if someone can find me a working EM9190 firmware, mine is even unable to aggregate more than 2 carrier (where my EM20 aggregates 4)

thanks
Rick

[Didneywhorl]

What do you have it working in currently?

Will your vendor not get it for you? They should.

I'll try to dig for a new version, though I doubt I have access to one.

[leopardus2]

I got it off aliexpress in China. Hence no "official" vendor, so to speak... but the unit is not an engineering sample, but a commercial unit. I find Sierra attitude quite harsh, I have a paid for production product and they refuse to provide an updated firmware for it.

It is installed in a modified m.2 to USB3 unit (off The Wireless Haven) and I have tested it with WG1608+GoldenORB and with my Mikrotik RB3011 router. The issue is, it will not do CA properly, it is a firmware problem for sure.

[Didneywhorl]

Try the guys over at whirlpool. I think they have been adding support to the WG1608 firmware for it. One is using a modified sled as well.

https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/thread/ ... =-1#bottom

[leopardus2]

I posted there already, I guess the guy you're talking about it's me
I really would need someone with vendor access to the sierra wireless source site.
Or, patiently wait for them to post a firmware there which may mean one year waiting or so.
I have this gem of a modem and can't use it. I guess that's what you get when you buy on aliexpress....

[Didneywhorl]

How did you modify your sled to power it up? Can ya share?

[leopardus2]

I shared above. You need to feed 1.8v to PCIE_DIS to enable USB, and 3v to VBUS_SENSE. If you don't it will be PCIE only.
This is clearly stated in the documentation. I did not do the modification myself because to solder such tiny terminals special equipment and skills are required, so I had a friend do it for me.

[Didneywhorl]

Nice! Thanks for the picture too.

[punkguy00017]

So the em9190 won't work in a 1608? I'm curious cause I'm planning on buying one or should I stay away?

[leopardus2]

it works if you do the mods I explained above
but stay away because sierra refuses to publish the firmware for them, mine has clearly an early firmware and performs very badly

[punkguy00017]

So will only work with the mods? Not plug and play

[leopardus2]

correct. unless you have a PCIE slot . PCIE is default.

[Didneywhorl]

I've not tried, but I'm going to say, not at this time. The EM9190 doesn't yet work in anything I've found out about. At least not off the shelf

[leopardus2]

again DO NOT buy it until they publish a working firmware for it

[punkguy00017]

10-4 boss I'll wait on purchasing a 5g modem . No 5 g where I live anywho. Been looking around for another em20-g but they are not sold anymore? Sorry didn't mean to go off topic or steal your thread.

[leopardus2]

EM20 will never be produced, replaced by EM160

[punkguy00017]

Is the em160 better than the em20? Em160 is a cat 18 modem I believe and em20 is a cat 20 no?

[leopardus2]

correct but this is what quectel decideed it seems, EM20 will not receive firmware updates anymore and you can only buy it second hand now. I have one and is a decent modem, I am now waiting for the EM160 to arrive and compare the two.

[punkguy00017]

Yea I have an EM20-g and it's a beast

[punkguy00017]

I need another em20 since they aren't available what modem do u recommend?

[Didneywhorl]

EM160 is cool, but might need time to work up more support and get kinks out.

Some of us just like the latest newest coolest though