What Modem should I use to replace coolpad hotspot from Mobile Citizen - sprint

[Andy_t]

I have a coolpad hotspot from Mobile Citizen - sprint, which I cannot change the band priority (it always defaults to band 25). To change, it requires a MSL input which I don't have.

Is there any other router I can buy which will work with Mobile Citizen, by just inserting the mobile citizen sim which came with the coopad hotspot?

[Didneywhorl]

TL:DR version: Yes, suggestions at the bottom.


Long general slightly noobie version:

So, lets Clarify...

The Sprint based devices do not allow SIM swapping. But! That is a completely literal statement. SPRINT based, official Sprint device, firmware will not allow you to use a SIM from another Sprint based device. Sprint registers the SIM to the device upon activation.

BUT!!!

Oddly, it (Sprints network) ignores this rule if you are using a "Generic" firmware in the device you wish to transfer the SIM to. It just works! This may change in the future, it may not. T-Mobile is not as restrictive, and as a matter of fact I have not found modem modules to even have official T-Mobile firmware images.

So, all that to say: You can swap your SIM to any modem that can run generic, non-officially certified branded firmware.


Next thing....

A "router" and a "modem" are two important distinct items. Routers can have interfaces for modems and, by extension for the modem, SIM cards. Modems are the key device in your question. Hotspots devices like yours are mini routers with a modem built in, not unlike a cellphone.

I distinguish this because BOTH routers and modems have their own firmware. This is just the software that runs the hardware.

The router firmware is often updated and is what runs the show, and is what you will interface when accessing settings. This, in my case, is usually an openWRT based firmware, or maybe routerOS from Mikrotik. Modems can be used by multiple different firmwares, but not typically by hour home use popular router brand firmware like TP-Link, Netgear, etc. We overwrite those devices branded firmware with an openWRT variant like "r00ter" or goldenOrb. We need to do this to add support for the 4G LTE modems, as they are not supported by the routers factory firmware.

The modem has its own firmware, separate from the router. This is the modems manufacturers firmware image(s). This is usually not necessary to even update with the manufacturers firmware updates. It's usually a bit more complicated to do as well.
This is where the generic firmware is, and this is our focus for your question.

Now to answer part of your question:

Is there any other router I can buy which will work with Mobile Citizen, by just inserting the mobile citizen sim which came with the coopad hotspot?

Router? Lots! Any router that's on this list CAN do it: https://ofmodemsandmen.com/routers.html

They key is the modem. Some of those routers do NOT have a slot that accepts a modem directly. This case requires a usb adapter like: https://thewirelesshaven.com/shop/pcie-m-2/m-2-ng ... card-slot/


Other Routers do, like:
https://thewirelesshaven.com/shop/routers/lte-rou ... te-router/

or

https://thewirelesshaven.com/shop/routers/cradlep ... furbished/
This Cradlepoint is an example of an LTE router that uses a proprietary firmware. It isn't one that gets written over with openWRT, it supports modems on its own.

I use, and have used:
https://thewirelesshaven.com/shop/routers/lte-rou ... te-router/
Simple small router. Max LAN speeds of about 90Mbps (rated at 100Mbps) and honestly spotty wifi. Its cheap, just add a dedicated hotspot to it.

https://thewirelesshaven.com/shop/routers/lte-routers/wg3526-p/
Gigabit LAN, also spotty weakish wifi so add an AP if you like. BUT this one is one of my favorites. Powerhouse.

https://mikrotik.com/product/rbm33g
Honestly this one is big brain mode, as the routerOS firmware is engineer level not user friendly. I'm still struggling with it, but I included it for transparency, and you may run across Mikrotik at some point and wonder about them. Great stable products, not beginner friendly firmware.

ZBT routers are popular for these setups. WE826, WG3526 (both above) WE1326. These are listed in the ofmodemsandmen router support page.


NOW for modems!

Popular choices are...

Sierra Wireless EM7565, EM7511, MC7455/EM7455
Quectel EM20, EM12, EP06A
Telit LM960A18

The best entry level modems are the MC7455/EM7455 and the EP06A, but they are dated and don't support many of the newer cellular bands.

Newer modems: Sierra Wireless EM7565, EM7511, and Quectels EM12 (There is also a newer Quectel EM16) These will be your best focus I'd bet

Top tier modems without getting into 5G: Telit LM960A18, Quectel EM20

The modems are categorized by the level of technology. The older modems tend to have lower category numbers (cat4, cat6, cat12, etc) The Quectels are actually called by their category. (EM12, EM16, EM20)

The "EM" and "MC" typically define the modems "form factor". This means what type of interface it has. AKA what does it plug into? These cards are usb bus interfaces via pcie slots. EM cards use a slot that tends to be used for high speed SSD drives, called M.2 slots. These modems use an M.2 slot type called "Key B" ... M.2 Key B interface. That is EM cards (EM20, EM7565, etc) The MC cards, and the Telit LM960 use mPCIe slots.

The slot / form factor designation is important because the different LTE routers that have pcie slots tend to have mPCIe slots and NOT M.2 Key B slots, therefore you have to use an adapter like: https://thewirelesshaven.com/shop/pcie-m-2/mini-p ... card-slot/
This or you can use a usb adapter like I posted above and plug it into a usb slot on the router.


So to end my rambling.

Yes you can swap the SIM, as long as the modem you use has a generic firmware ( all the above modems do ).

You probably should use either a popular router type of which is listed on the ofmodemsandmen router support page, like the Netgear R7800, and plug your modem into an usb3.0 adapter housing and plug it into the routers usb port.
OR
I like using LTE routers like the WG3526 or WE1326 and plug the modem (like the Quectel EM12 using an m.2 to mpcie adapter) into the routers' board directly.


After you decide on one of these, your next journey will be signal strength optimizing via antennas.

[fcp818]

I currently subscribe to a Sprint data plan for my Cradlepoint CBA850 with a MC400LP6 modem. When I receive my Calyx hot spot and move the SIM or transfer the account the my CBA850 via the Mobile Swap service offered by The Wireless Haven will I need cancel the Sprint data plan service I currently have as it is connected to my IMEI?

Thanks for the Help.

[Didneywhorl]

Sprint is weird about SIMs, Id say get it running for about a week then cancel.

[Andy_t]

@Didneywhorl

Thank you for the detailed explanation, after reading it a couple of times i think, was able to grasp all of it, I do have a couple of questions, tried to represent my understanding in an image.

In the image below, I can buy any of the 3 routers which take any of the modems listed in the image and require m.2 adapter to place them in the router.

1) is the image representation correct ? i can just install the modem and plug the sim, that should make it work.

2) For the routers listed in the image, do they need to have generic firmware? or is it just the generic firmware that is needed on the modem.

3)Since the routers in the image are not available in stock right now,
Can i install one of the modem's listed in the image using USB3.0 To NGFF M.2 Key B Adapter Enclosure With SIM Card Slot
to connect to my netgear r7000 router which i will fash ROOter to?

image.jpg

[Didneywhorl]

I typed a response in my phone. The phone isnt liking me right now. Ill get my full response to you when I get home, in an hour.

[Didneywhorl]

lets try this again....

[Didneywhorl]

Ok, lets try this again....

Your very well done graphic is correct.

I would shy away from the we826 personally, unless your really on a budget, since it only has 100Mbps LAN ports.

...

[Didneywhorl]

Get a router
Flash to r00ter
Change appropriate settings
Power Down
Pop in SIM
Pop in adapter
Pop in Modem
Attach proper antenna connectors to modem
Power unit up
Test connections

The generic firmware is something that is needed on the modems, all of those modems listed have a generic firmware, usually. Updating them is also not usually needed.

If you already have a Netgear R7000, I would just buy the usb.3 to m.2 adapter and the modem (and the appropriate antenna pigtails and antennas), flash your router to r00ter, and call it a day. The routers listed typically have meh WiFi at best. The Netgear will have way better WiFi. Save your money, go with other routers later if you feel you need it.

Youv'e honestly gotten a great grasp of it thus far.

[Didneywhorl]

For some reason I had to post in pieces, sorry about that. I must have settings jacked on my browser or something.

[Andy_t]

Thank you Didneywharl, I greatly appreciate your help with answering all the questions and the recommendations .

For now I am planning to buy the following:


USB3.0 To NGFF M.2 Key B Adapter Enclosure With SIM Card Slot



Quectel EM12-G CAT12 M.2 Modem



For the "USB3.0 To NGFF M.2 Key B Adapter Enclosure With SIM Card Slot" , do you recommend any specific antenna or can I use any of the following recommendation on the website?

700-2700MHz Cradlepoint 3.5dBi 4G LTE Omni Flat Antenna with SMA Male Connector (Requires Two)
698-2700MHz Cradlepoint 3dBi 4G LTE Omni Flat Antenna with SMA Male Connectors (PAIR)
700-2700MHz Rectangular 3.5dBi-4dBi 4G LTE Omni Antenna with SMA Male Connectors (PAIR)
700-2700MHz Rotating 3.5dBi–4dBi 4G LTE Flat Omni Antenna with SMA Male Connectors (PAIR)
700-2700MHz Round 3dBi 4G LTE Omni Antenna with SMA Male Connectors (PAIR)
698-2700MHz Remote 4.5dBi 4G LTE Omni with SMA Male Connectors (PAIR)

If i want to install a external antenna do you have any recommendation?

[Didneywhorl]

All those are good to hook directly up to the enclosure, I believe.


External, outdoor, antennas are a big discussion. I always recommend the highest gain antennas you can afford, always a pair if you can.

I prefer directional flat panels. They are less picky as yagi type directionals, as they seem to scavenge signals better; makin them more forgiving, but no less powerful. My current project uses the The Wireless Haven quad mimo flat panel. Its a beast.

Omnis are only really for travellers, smaller indoor units, or if you just can not figure out your towers. They arent bad, they just arent that great. Pairs of omnis, when going with bigger onea, tend to need special spacing out too.

No boosters! Just no. Good antennas are where its at.

[Andy_t]

I flashed r00ter on the router,
installed the sim in adapter and placed the modem, attached the antennas..
i get a red light on "USB3.0 To NGFF M.2 Key B Adapter Enclosure With SIM Card Slot"
I am not able to get it to work , I seem to be getting some errors, could you help me identify what i am doing wrong?

Debug Information
AT Command Execution
------------------------
Quectel
EM12
Revision: EM12GPAR01A17M4G
OK
AT+CNUM
ERROR
AT+CPBR=?
+CME ERROR: 100

Tue May 12 15:02:01 2020 : /dev/ttyUSB2 AT+CGMI
Quectel
OK

Tue May 12 15:02:02 2020 : /dev/ttyUSB2 AT+CGMM
EM12
OK

Tue May 12 15:02:03 2020 : /dev/ttyUSB2 AT+CGSN
OK

Tue May 12 15:02:05 2020 : /dev/ttyUSB2 AT+QCFG="nwscanmode"
+QCFG: "nwscanmode",0
OK

Tue May 12 15:02:06 2020 : /dev/ttyUSB2 AT+CIMI
+CME ERROR: 3

Tue May 12 15:02:08 2020 : /dev/ttyUSB2 AT+CRSM=176,12258,0,0,10
+CME ERROR: 100

Tue May 12 15:02:09 2020 : /dev/ttyUSB2 AT+COPS=0
+CME ERROR: 13

Tue May 12 15:02:10 2020 : /dev/ttyUSB2 AT+CGDCONT=?
+CGDCONT: (1-42),"IP",,,(0-3),(0-4),(0-1),(0-1)
+CGDCONT: (1-42),"PPP",,,(0-3),(0-4),(0-1),(0-1)
+CGDCONT: (1-42),"IPV6",,,(0-3),(0-4),(0-1),(0-1)
+CGDCONT: (1-42),"IPV4V6",,,(0-3),(0-4),(0-1),(0-1)
OK

Tue May 12 15:02:12 2020 : /dev/ttyUSB2 AT+CGDCONT?;+CFUN?
+CGDCONT: 1,"IPV4V6","r.ispsn","0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0",0,0,0,0
+CGDCONT: 2,"IPV4V6","ims","0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0",0,0,0,0
+CGDCONT: 3,"IPV4V6","sos","0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0",0,0,0,1
+CFUN: 1
OK

Tue May 12 15:02:27 2020 : /dev/ttyUSB2 AT+CMGS=?;+CMGL=?;+CMGR=?
+CME ERROR: 14

[Didneywhorl]

I dont think it sees the SIM card.

You should change the nwscan mode to 3

Enter the following in the AT Command Terminal under the menus on the left, Modem-->>Miscellaneous-->>AT Command Terminal

Code: Select all

AT+QCFG="NWSCANMODE",3,1

Ignore the red light on the adapter for now.

Go to menu Network-->>Interfaces-->>wwan->click edit
Enter your APN there and select NONE for the authentication options at the bottom there.

Hit Save and Apply at the bottom right

I'm going purely off memory here, Im not near my setup, sorry if the options are off. I'll check back tomorrow

[Didneywhorl]

What router are you using? I didn't see where you said which you chose.

And to be certain, you put the SIM card in the usb adapters SIM slot?

[Andy_t]

Thank you for your response Didneywhorl
The router I am using it netgear r7000 with r00ter firmware.
Yes I put the SIM card in the usb adapters SIM slot.

executed the following command in Modem-->>Miscellaneous-->>AT Command Terminal

Code: Select all

AT+QCFG="NWSCANMODE",3,1

I set the APN under Modem -->> Connection Profiles -->> General tab
apn= r.ispsn
Authentication Protocol = none
connected to internet , very slow though and keeps disconnecting is there any tutorial for me to change to connect to better towers.

Following is the modem debug information :
Sat May 16 22:38:22 2020 : /dev/ttyUSB2 Can't open device /dev/ttyUSB2.

Sat May 16 22:38:22 2020 : /dev/ttyUSB2 Can't open device /dev/ttyUSB2.

Sat May 16 22:38:36 2020 : /dev/ttyUSB2

Sat May 16 22:38:36 2020 : /dev/ttyUSB Can't open device /dev/ttyUSB.

Sat May 16 22:38:37 2020 : /dev/ttyUSB Can't open device /dev/ttyUSB.

Sat May 16 22:38:38 2020 : /dev/ttyUSB Can't open device /dev/ttyUSB.

Sat May 16 22:38:39 2020 : /dev/ttyUSB Can't open device /dev/ttyUSB.

Sat May 16 22:38:40 2020 : /dev/ttyUSB Can't open device /dev/ttyUSB.

Sat May 16 22:38:42 2020 : /dev/ttyUSB2 Can't open device /dev/ttyUSB2.

Sat May 16 22:38:42 2020 : /dev/ttyUSB2 Can't open device /dev/ttyUSB2.

Sat May 16 22:38:42 2020 : /dev/ttyUSB2 Can't open device /dev/ttyUSB2.

AT+QCFG="nwscanmode"
+QCFG: "nwscanmode",3
OK
AT+QTEMP
OK
+QTEMP: "xo_therm_buf","37"
+QTEMP: "mdm_case_therm","37"
+QTEMP: "pa_therm1","37"
+QTEMP: "tsens_tz_sensor0","39"
+QTEMP: "tsens_tz_sensor1","39"
+QTEMP: "tsens_tz_sensor2","39"
+QTEMP: "tsens_tz_sensor3","39"
+QTEMP: "tsens_tz_sensor4","39"
AT+CNMI=0,0
OK

Sat May 16 22:42:53 2020 : /dev/ttyUSB2 AT+CPMS="SM"
+CPMS: 0,0,0,0,0,0
OK

Sat May 16 22:43:00 2020 : /dev/ttyUSB2 AT+CSQ
+CSQ: 18,99
OK
AT+QENG="servingcell"
+QENG: "servingcell","NOCONN","LTE","FDD",310,120,C623111,238,8615,25,4,4,2F8A,-104,-9,-72,13,0,-32768,-
OK
AT+QNWINFO
+QNWINFO: "FDD LTE","312530","LTE BAND 25",8615
OK
AT+QCAINFO
OK
AT+QCFG="nwscanmode"
+QCFG: "nwscanmode",3
OK
AT+QTEMP
OK
+QTEMP: "xo_therm_buf","37"
+QTEMP: "mdm_case_therm","37"
+QTEMP: "pa_therm1","36"
+QTEMP: "tsens_tz_sensor0","39"
+QTEMP: "tsens_tz_sensor1","39"
+QTEMP: "tsens_tz_sensor2","39"
+QTEMP: "tsens_tz_sensor3","39"
+QTEMP: "tsens_tz_sensor4","39"
AT+CNMI=0,0
OK

Sat May 16 22:43:04 2020 : /dev/ttyUSB2 Can't open device /dev/ttyUSB2.

Sat May 16 22:43:04 2020 : /dev/ttyUSB2 Can't open device /dev/ttyUSB2.


-------------------------

Following is the connection log keeps disconnecting.

Sat May 16 22:54:20 2020 : Connection Log Cleared by User
Sat May 16 22:54:55 2020 : Disconnect (Removed) Modem #1
Sat May 16 22:55:33 2020 : Attempting to Connect Modem #1 (Quectel EM12-G)
Sat May 16 22:55:38 2020 : Modem #1 Connected (Quectel EM12)
Sat May 16 22:56:36 2020 : Disconnect (Removed) Modem #1
Sat May 16 22:57:14 2020 : Attempting to Connect Modem #1 (Quectel EM12-G)
Sat May 16 22:57:19 2020 : Modem #1 Connected (Quectel EM12)
Sat May 16 22:58:05 2020 : Disconnect (Removed) Modem #1
Sat May 16 22:58:26 2020 : Disconnect (Removed) Modem #1
Sat May 16 22:58:46 2020 : Disconnect (Removed) Modem #1
Sat May 16 22:59:26 2020 : Attempting to Connect Modem #1 (Quectel EM12-G)
Sat May 16 22:59:31 2020 : Modem #1 Connected (Quectel EM12)

[Didneywhorl]

Are you also using the aux power slot on the modem adapter to supply power to the modem? Just a good, newer, phone charger.

Ill look at some details after I get some coffee and kolaches in me

[JimHelms]

Have you tried locking the EM12-G to Sprint Bands 25/41:

Code: Select all

AT+QCFG="band",0,10001000000

I have had to do this with the Quectel modems on a few occasions.

[Didneywhorl]

Dont forget 26!

Code: Select all

AT+QCFG="band",0,10003000000

[Didneywhorl]

Go to menu Network-->>Interfaces-->>wwan->click edit
Enter your APN there and select NONE for the authentication options at the bottom there.

Hit Save and Apply at the bottom right

MEANT WAN1 here, not WWAN ... Sorry about that.


I find that creating custom profiles for my modem/SIM combos makes for a much better experience, no idea why. The custom profile will detect the setup your using and load the exact configuration you specify for that setup. It's mainly for multi modem setups, but it works really well in eliminating setting faults.

Also I like to run the command :

Code: Select all

at+qindcfg="all",0,1

at startup. I put this at the bottom of the advanced tab of the custom connection profile.

This command turns off unsolicited responses and seems to generally help on the em20 for me. It WILL, though, stop the Network Status page from reporting the modems temperature. You can look at the debug screen for that though if you like. OR just don't use that command

[Didneywhorl]

....

AT+QCFG="nwscanmode"
+QCFG: "nwscanmode",3
OK
....
Sat May 16 22:43:00 2020 : /dev/ttyUSB2 AT+CSQ
+CSQ: 18,99
OK
AT+QENG="servingcell"
+QENG: "servingcell","NOCONN","LTE","FDD",310,120,C623111,238,8615,25,4,4,2F8A,-104,-9,-72,13,0,-32768,-
OK
AT+QNWINFO
+QNWINFO: "FDD LTE","312530","LTE BAND 25",8615
OK
....

Following is the connection log keeps disconnecting.

Sat May 16 22:54:20 2020 : Connection Log Cleared by User
Sat May 16 22:54:55 2020 : Disconnect (Removed) Modem #1
Sat May 16 22:55:33 2020 : Attempting to Connect Modem #1 (Quectel EM12-G)
Sat May 16 22:55:38 2020 : Modem #1 Connected (Quectel EM12)
Sat May 16 22:56:36 2020 : Disconnect (Removed) Modem #1
Sat May 16 22:57:14 2020 : Attempting to Connect Modem #1 (Quectel EM12-G)
Sat May 16 22:57:19 2020 : Modem #1 Connected (Quectel EM12)
Sat May 16 22:58:05 2020 : Disconnect (Removed) Modem #1
Sat May 16 22:58:26 2020 : Disconnect (Removed) Modem #1
Sat May 16 22:58:46 2020 : Disconnect (Removed) Modem #1
Sat May 16 22:59:26 2020 : Attempting to Connect Modem #1 (Quectel EM12-G)
Sat May 16 22:59:31 2020 : Modem #1 Connected (Quectel EM12)

Ok so one thing at a time. I edited down the comment for brevity.

AT+QCFG="nwscanmode"
+QCFG: "nwscanmode",3
OK

This is good, it took the NWSCANMODE command, keeps to LTE only, avoids 3G stuffz

Sat May 16 22:43:00 2020 : /dev/ttyUSB2 AT+CSQ
+CSQ: 18,99
OK
AT+QENG="servingcell"
+QENG: "servingcell","NOCONN","LTE","FDD",310,120,C623111,238,8615,25,4,4,2F8A,-104,-9,-72,13,0,-32768,-
OK
AT+QNWINFO
+QNWINFO: "FDD LTE","312530","LTE BAND 25",8615
OK

This is decent signal. Your SINR numbers "13" towards the end of the servingcell output, shows you have a good clean noise free signal. Excellent.

The overall signal strength isn't bad at all, it's not great, but not bad. The CSQ number is the simplest to use. It is where the "Signal Strenth: 75%" type info comes from. CSQ ranges from 0-31. The percentage is proportionally computed from it. (IE: ((CSQ/31) *100 = Signal_Strength%) )

Following is the connection log keeps disconnecting.

Sat May 16 22:54:20 2020 : Connection Log Cleared by User
Sat May 16 22:54:55 2020 : Disconnect (Removed) Modem #1
Sat May 16 22:55:33 2020 : Attempting to Connect Modem #1 (Quectel EM12-G)
Sat May 16 22:55:38 2020 : Modem #1 Connected (Quectel EM12)
Sat May 16 22:56:36 2020 : Disconnect (Removed) Modem #1
Sat May 16 22:57:14 2020 : Attempting to Connect Modem #1 (Quectel EM12-G)
Sat May 16 22:57:19 2020 : Modem #1 Connected (Quectel EM12)
Sat May 16 22:58:05 2020 : Disconnect (Removed) Modem #1
Sat May 16 22:58:26 2020 : Disconnect (Removed) Modem #1
Sat May 16 22:58:46 2020 : Disconnect (Removed) Modem #1
Sat May 16 22:59:26 2020 : Attempting to Connect Modem #1 (Quectel EM12-G)
Sat May 16 22:59:31 2020 : Modem #1 Connected (Quectel EM12)

This is an indicator that the usb adapter isnt getting enough power for the modem, but that is slightly strange as I have a WG3526 powering the same adapter using just the usb port on the board, no external power.

Try turning off your wifi radios and see if that makes a difference. It may just need an external power supply plugged into the micro usb port on the adapter for backup power. The EM20 is a hungry one.

Side note, what power supply are you using on the Nighthawk? My r7800 has a 3.5 amp.

[Andy_t]

Thank you Didneywhorl
As recommended I am now powering the modem adapter with a phone charger.
I have not noticed any disconnections today, so far so good (Fingers crossed )

I have added the code to run at startup

Code: Select all

at+qindcfg="all",0,1

Should I Lock the EM12-G to Sprint Bands 25/41 and 26, I did not do that yet?

Code: Select all

AT+QCFG="band",0,10001000000
AT+QCFG="band",0,10003000000

is there some priority setting to connect to a specific tower or towers using band 41?

[Didneywhorl]

Thank you Didneywhorl
As recommended I am now powering the modem adapter with a phone charger.
I have not noticed any disconnections today, so far so good (Fingers crossed )

I have added the code to run at startup

Code: Select all

at+qindcfg="all",0,1

Should I Lock the EM12-G to Sprint Bands 25/41 and 26, I did not do that yet?

Code: Select all

AT+QCFG="band",0,10001000000
AT+QCFG="band",0,10003000000

is there some priority setting to connect to a specific tower or towers using band 41?

The second AT command covers all 3 bands, and will overwrite previous commands.

Just use:

Code: Select all

AT+QCFG="band",0,10003000000

10000000000 is Band 41
00001000000 is Band 25
00002000000 is Band 26

Add em all up to : 10003000000

It's a weird system but, :shrug:

That's good to hear your modem is good so far!

[Didneywhorl]

To note, generally using band locking isn't a panacea and is usually only used if certain bands on your tower are being used, but aren't very good.

Using the Band mask of 10003000000 is basically the same as using no band lock, if your using just Sprint.

NOW, Tmobile comes into play for Sprint. You CAN connect to Tmobile bands as well if they are available, and if you band lock to just Sprint bands, you eliminate the possibility of using the Tmo bands. Of course you could just include them all.

Here's a link to the Band builder spreadsheet ....
https://wirelessjoint.com/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=943



Just something to think on.

[Andy_t]

Thank you Didneywhorl I am very grateful for all your help.

Could you review if i have connected the antenna's correctly to the modem (image below), since i was not sure if i did it correctly?

also how could i connect 2 more antennas to the modem

modem.jpg

[Didneywhorl]

That is correct! the G is for a GPS antenna.

The EM12 only supports 2x mimo, so you cant use another 2 on that modem.

[Andy_t]

Thank you,

I am currently using the following antennas
700-2700MHz Cradlepoint 3.5dBi 4G LTE Omni Antenna (2 of them)

I was thinking of buying the Netgear 6000450 MIMO Antenna with 2 TS-9 Connectors
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DN3J03O/

And connect to it, using RG316-Female-Pigtail-Coaxial-Cable, do you think that is a good idea?
https://www.amazon.com/RG316-Female-Pig ... 07XVDYFJ4/

or should i just get an outdoor antenna.
You recommended the The Wireless Haven quad mimo flat panel is this the one?
https://thewirelesshaven.com/shop/antennas/4g-lte ... o-antenna/

[Didneywhorl]

It really depends.

First, gotta remind you the quad mimo uses 4 connectors, you only have 2. So the dual mimo would be better ...https://thewirelesshaven.com/shop/antennas/4g-lte ... o-antenna/

I've never used the antennas you posted from Amazon, so I can't help there, but I do know that ts9 connectors aren't many peoples favorites.

The dual mimo panel is kinda big, but it works pretty dern well;. You would need Type N Male to SMA male low loss coax (LMR200 or LMR400) cables to connect from that particular antenna I linked to the majority of routers' LTE antenna connectors (SMA female); as well as your adapter housing.

But, if the price scares you back, there's no harm in trying anything else.

[Andy_t]

Thank you I will try to experiment with the internal antennas for now.

I don think this might be a modem issue, but i am having frequent wifi disconnections for devices connected. even if i just have 1 device connected to wifi.

Cannot see any log of the wifi disconnections on r00ter.

[Andy_t]

Hi I am seeing slow speeds.
I am not able to figure out what the issue is , I would be very grateful for any help.

Code: Select all

+QTEMP: "tsens_tz_sensor2","49"
+QTEMP: "tsens_tz_sensor3","49"
+QTEMP: "tsens_tz_sensor4","49"
AT+CNMI=0,0
OK
  
Mon Sep 14 17:11:48 2020 : /dev/ttyUSB2 AT+CSQ
+CSQ: 17,99
OK
AT+QENG="servingcell"
+QENG: "servingcell","NOCONN","LTE","TDD",310,120,C768133,221,40189,41,5,5,2F8A,-114,-16,-77,11,0,230,-
OK
AT+QNWINFO
+QNWINFO: "TDD LTE","312530","LTE BAND 41",40189
OK
AT+QCAINFO
+QCAINFO: "pcc",40189,100,"LTE BAND 41",1,221,-114,-15,-81,12
+QCAINFO: "scc",39991,100,"LTE BAND 41",1,221,-119,-18,-91,0
DL
+QCAINFO: "scc",39793,100,"LTE BAND 41",1,221,-111,-13,-87,0
DL
OK
AT+QCFG="nwscanmode"
+QCFG: "nwscanmode",3
OK
AT+QTEMP
OK
+QTEMP: "xo_therm_buf","46"
+QTEMP: "mdm_case_therm","47"
+QTEMP: "pa_therm1","45"
+QTEMP: "tsens_tz_sensor0","50"
+QTEMP: "tsens_tz_sensor1","51"
+QTEMP: "tsens_tz_sensor2","50"
+QTEMP: "tsens_tz_sensor3","50"
+QTEMP: "tsens_tz_sensor4","50"
AT+CNMI=0,0
OK
  
Mon Sep 14 17:11:50 2020 : /dev/ttyUSB2 AT+CPMS="SM"
+CPMS: 0,0,0,0,0,0
OK
  
Mon Sep 14 17:11:56 2020 : /dev/ttyUSB2 AT+CREG=2;+CREG?;+CREG=0
+CREG: 2,3
OK
AT+CEREG=2;+CEREG?;+CEREG=0
+CEREG: 2,1,"2F8A","C768133",7
OK
AT+C5GREG=2;+C5GREG?;+C5GREG=0
ERROR

[radec]

Hi I am seeing slow speeds.
I am not able to figure out what the issue is , I would be very grateful for any help.

Have the speeds recently gotten slower? were the speeds faster when you were on band 25? I see you are now on band 41.