Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » [GMCnet] Verizon National Access...
| [GMCnet] Verizon National Access... [message #97079] |
Tue, 24 August 2010 20:08  |
KRDietz
Messages: 133
Registered: July 2010
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I've been using my cell phone as a modem for years. Someone here gave
out great instructions for doing it and there were two choices.
New cell phone and I KNOW I've gotten at least one of the options (QNC)
to work but the National Access, which is significantly faster, seems to
be gone.
Anyone still doing this successfully? I could get the QNC option to
connect this weekend but even though it seemed to be working I wasn't
able to get e-mail or do anything else with it.
Just wondering if one of you Wizards has figured out how to keep this
working.
Kelvin
'73 23' that hates not being connected...
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| Re: [GMCnet] Verizon National Access... [message #97112 is a reply to message #97079] |
Tue, 24 August 2010 23:59  |
idrob
Messages: 645
Registered: January 2005
Location: Central Idaho
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| KRDietz wrote on Tue, 24 August 2010 18:08 |
I've been using my cell phone as a modem for years. Someone here gave
out great instructions for doing it and there were two choices.
New cell phone and I KNOW I've gotten at least one of the options (QNC)
to work but the National Access, which is significantly faster, seems to
be gone.
Anyone still doing this successfully? I could get the QNC option to
connect this weekend but even though it seemed to be working I wasn't
able to get e-mail or do anything else with it.
Just wondering if one of you Wizards has figured out how to keep this
working.
Kelvin
'73 23' that hates not being connected...
_
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Good luck, Verizon has been restricting those options on the new phones for some time now. There might be someone who could hack it but questionable. Best Verizon option for net service is their USB air card, which is $60 a month for 5 gb service.
Rob Allen
former owner of '76 x-PB
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| Re: [GMCnet] Verizon National Access... [message #97145 is a reply to message #97127] |
Wed, 25 August 2010 10:11 |
gmcrv1
Messages: 839
Registered: August 2007
Location: Memphis
Karma: -1
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Dan.
A little more info please.
What are you using for an antenna and that 3 watt amp? Did you home brew
something?
I have Verizon and a cell phone that is way smarter then me. I do have
their "unlimited plan".
It is supposed to be compatible with my laptop, but I have not tried it yet.
Thanks,
Tom Eckert N2VWN
73 Glacier
Oakland, TN
On Wed, Aug 25, 2010 at 8:02 AM, Dan Gregg <gregg_dan@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
>
> Kelvin, what Rob said.
> Now, you might find an old "new" phone like the one you were using, on
> ebay. Then you could get back in buisness. They have really clamped down on
> internet through the phones without paying. Almost 3 years ago I just
> decided to pay up and get the air card with Verizon. With my rooftop antenna
> and 3 watt amp, I have had internet everywhere we have traveled. I used to
> carry a directional beam but never needed it so I put it back in the house.
> I am sure the mifi is great but it is not for me as no way to hook the
> external antenna and amp to it. We use the card in a mobile modem and can
> handle up to 12 or so users. Have you checked into the cell phone nets? Lots
> of smart guys there trying to beat the monthly payments.
> Dan
> --
> Dan & Teri Gregg
>
> http://danandteri.blogspot.com/
>
>
>
>
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| Re: [GMCnet] Verizon National Access... [message #97156 is a reply to message #97127] |
Wed, 25 August 2010 11:05 |
idrob
Messages: 645
Registered: January 2005
Location: Central Idaho
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| WD0AFQ wrote on Wed, 25 August 2010 06:02 |
Kelvin, what Rob said.
Now, you might find an old "new" phone like the one you were using, on ebay. Then you could get back in buisness. They have really clamped down on internet through the phones without paying. Almost 3 years ago I just decided to pay up and get the air card with Verizon. With my rooftop antenna and 3 watt amp, I have had internet everywhere we have traveled. I used to carry a directional beam but never needed it so I put it back in the house. I am sure the mifi is great but it is not for me as no way to hook the external antenna and amp to it. We use the card in a mobile modem and can handle up to 12 or so users. Have you checked into the cell phone nets? Lots of smart guys there trying to beat the monthly payments.
Dan
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And I also have a Wilson 3 watt amp, but find that I almost never need it to have a good signal. However, the external Wilson Antenna is very helpful, and I consider it necessary.
As I write this, I am camping in a National Forest Campground out of Helena Montana. The USB modem is plugged into a Cradlepoint 350 router and attached to the Wilson antenna, all in the car. It only takes 200 mA, so I leave it on all the time. I am in my travel trailer, on the wireless connection. Excellent service in most places. In fact I rarely am anywhere that it does not work (other than in my very remote home, where there is absolutely no cell phone service from anyone).
Dan and I have similar setups, and similar results. Like me, Dan and Teri travel all over and seldom are without net service, via Verizon USB Air cards.
Rob Allen
former owner of '76 x-PB
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| Re: [GMCnet] Verizon National Access... [message #97161 is a reply to message #97156] |
Wed, 25 August 2010 11:22 |
gmcrv1
Messages: 839
Registered: August 2007
Location: Memphis
Karma: -1
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Rob,
Do you have a model number on the Wilson antenna?
How does the Wilson hook up?
Thanks,
Tom Eckert N2VWN
73 Glacier
Oakland, TN
On Wed, Aug 25, 2010 at 11:05 AM, Rob Allen <profmail@wildblue.net> wrote:
>
>
> WD0AFQ wrote on Wed, 25 August 2010 06:02
> > Kelvin, what Rob said.
> > Now, you might find an old "new" phone like the one you were using, on
> ebay. Then you could get back in buisness. They have really clamped down on
> internet through the phones without paying. Almost 3 years ago I just
> decided to pay up and get the air card with Verizon. With my rooftop antenna
> and 3 watt amp, I have had internet everywhere we have traveled. I used to
> carry a directional beam but never needed it so I put it back in the house.
> I am sure the mifi is great but it is not for me as no way to hook the
> external antenna and amp to it. We use the card in a mobile modem and can
> handle up to 12 or so users. Have you checked into the cell phone nets? Lots
> of smart guys there trying to beat the monthly payments.
> > Dan
>
>
> And I also have a Wilson 3 watt amp, but find that I almost never need it
> to have a good signal. However, the external Wilson Antenna is very
> helpful, and I consider it necessary.
>
> As I write this, I am camping in a National Forest Campground out of Helena
> Montana. The USB modem is plugged into a Cradlepoint 350 router and
> attached to the Wilson antenna, all in the car. It only takes 200 mA, so I
> leave it on all the time. I am in my travel trailer, on the wireless
> connection. Excellent service in most places. In fact I rarely am anywhere
> that it does not work (other than in my very remote home, where there is
> absolutely no cell phone service from anyone).
>
> Dan and I have similar setups, and similar results. Like me, Dan and Teri
> travel all over and seldom are without net service, via Verizon USB Air
> cards.
>
>
>
>
>
> --
> Rob Allen
> former owner of '76 x-PB
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
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| Re: [GMCnet] Verizon National Access... [message #97164 is a reply to message #97079] |
Wed, 25 August 2010 11:45 |
Luvn737s
Messages: 1106
Registered: June 2007
Karma: 2
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I use a Virgin Mobile Broadband To Go modem which allows you to buy time for just the time you need it (30 day increments). Pretty fair service I'd say. I like the no contract, no monthly payment aspect.
Randy
1973 26' Painted Desert
Ahwatukee (Phoenix) AZ
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| Re: [GMCnet] Verizon National Access... [message #97165 is a reply to message #97079] |
Wed, 25 August 2010 11:46 |
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Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
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Kevin,
I lost QNC when I changed phones, and it also made DUN access a bear, but here is my plan that I use a lot and is not expensive.
No Investment in hardware and no commitment. The only problem is coverage, and that has gotten much better.
Go to www.vzam.net/ to find VZAccess Manager. Pick supported devices. See if your current handset is supported, if no, get a used one from the list that is supported. Ebay is a good start for that (in stead of a 2 year tie in). If you have to change phones on the plan (a no cost operation if you own the handset), you will have to go to a service store front. My current is a Mot V3M that Verizon wants me to replace, some newer are supposed to be faster. I can not run the newest version of Access manager either.
With a broadband capable handset and the appropriate cable - most are some size of USB - you can always buy at the store while you are setting up the new phone - to connect to the computer, you are ready to roll.
Load VZAccess Manager and get it configured for your handset. The call either a Verizon store or *611 and tell them you want to enable broadband on your phone. The human at the other end should say "Fine". You cannot connect while you are talking to them.
Once you have connected, you will find it adequately fast for most use - not for streaming anything.
Here is the best part. When you get home (or cross into Canada - that may be expensive), call them again and cancel the service. It will cost you about 2$ a day and that is all - ever. The only problem comes if you have the feature on at the end of the billing cycle because, then you get billed in advance for the next month but, when you pay it and have discontinued the broadband you will get a credit on the next bill.
Again, No Investment in hardware (well, maybe you had to buy a cable) and no 2 year commitment to a billing plan.
Before you get too far, check Verizon's Broadband coverage where you plan to travel:<http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/CoverageLocatorController?requesttype=NEWREQUEST&coveragetype=broadband>
If it isn't blue, you may have trouble. We lost coverage on the Blue Ridge Parkway this spring, but not for very long.
Like others here, I have a repeater in the coach, and if you are not sure of where you will be you might consider it.
I already know that coverage is supposed to be solid in DuQuoin.
If I left something out - sorry, tell me and I will try to fill it in.
Matt
Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
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| Re: [GMCnet] Verizon National Access... [message #97166 is a reply to message #97161] |
Wed, 25 August 2010 12:11 |
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Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
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| gmcrv1 wrote on Wed, 25 August 2010 12:22 |
Rob,
Do you have a model number on the Wilson antenna?
How does the Wilson hook up?
Thanks,
Tom Eckert N2VWN
73 Glacier
Oakland, TN
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Tom,
As the is a call sign after your other name, I am going to shorten some descriptions.
The antenna model makes little difference. They are all gain limited by cell equipment manufacturer protocols. I am running a "Trucker" mostly to attract possible business installing repeaters and boosters. I used to have a straight antenna and it worked as well.
Definition time:
A Booster requires a direct connection to the cell device. The booster then controls the bi-directional system gain.
A Repeater has no direct connection to the cell device. It is fixed gain and the cell device controls the gain as required.
Wilson sells both boosters and repeaters. As a repeater has two antennas (one in and one out) that must be carefully separated to prevent feedback, a booster is a better choice in some cases.
As a repeater's input is from a pickup antenna close to the cell device, it does not require any special attachment to the cell device. It will repeat anything that it happens to receive, and can even do so for multiple users simultaneously. All it requires is DC power.
I don't have model numbers, but Wilson has a good website and lots of effective dealers. There are also less expensive packages than Wilson. Ebay is good hunting ground.
Matt
Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
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| Re: [GMCnet] Verizon National Access... [message #97170 is a reply to message #97161] |
Wed, 25 August 2010 12:16 |
Steve Stolley
Messages: 61
Registered: April 2008
Location: Ivins, Utah
Karma: 0
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Rob or Dan - I'm curious whether you're using directional or omni-directional external antennas and what internal antennas you use. Do you ever run into oscillation issues between the two due to separation distance and prevailing signal strength?
I also have a 3 watt amp, but it's a 800MHz and 1900 MHz cellular GSM and CDMA, 62db Cellphone-Mate. I purchased the system to use in my GMC at a very remote lot I own in the mountains in Utah at 8000 feet elevation that's about 30 miles from three different Verizon cell towers, none of which are "line of sight". Without amplification I was lucky to get 1 bar on either 1X or EV on my phone or internet card, with constant reception drops. I initially bought the system with an omni-directional outside antenna that I mount about 40 feet from the GMC and a wall antenna inside so I can move around and still get reception. Now I get 3 to 4 bars on both cell and internet with excellant reception, but lousy outbound signal (i.e. I can hear anyone I call very clearly, but they can't hear me). The company I bought the system from thinks that my omni-directional external antenna can't deside which tower to use for outbound signal and tries to switch to the most powerful one at the moment causing my lack of clear outbound reception as well as slow upload speed. They want me to try a directional antenna instead.
Steve Stolley
76 Glenbrook
Ivins, Utah
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| Re: [GMCnet] Verizon National Access... [message #97186 is a reply to message #97170] |
Wed, 25 August 2010 13:55 |
Steve Stolley
Messages: 61
Registered: April 2008
Location: Ivins, Utah
Karma: 0
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By the way, if someone is looking for a simple mobil signal booster that you can use in your car, house of motor home, I have a nice Wilson 801242 pro travel kit unit that will work well enough in areas where you have some signal (i.e. 1-2 bars), but drop calls and need a little more download speed. It't not going to work well in the boonies. For that you'll need a repeater. It cost me $225 when I bought it and it's like new. The link below will show you what's included, give you some info on specs and let you buy a new one for $210, but I'll let mine go for $125 if anyone is interested.
http://store.getreception.com/wilson-signalboost-mobile-professional-801242-deluxe-package.html
P.S. Sorry if I should have posted this in the Swap Meet instead
Steve Stolley
76 Glenbrook
Ivins, Utah
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| Re: [GMCnet] Verizon National Access... [message #97208 is a reply to message #97156] |
Wed, 25 August 2010 17:35 |
George Beckman
Messages: 1085
Registered: October 2008
Location: Colfax, CA
Karma: 11
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[quote title=idrob wrote on Wed, 25 August 2010 09:05]| WD0AFQ wrote on Wed, 25 August 2010 06:02 |
Kelvin, what Rob said.
Almost 3 years ago I just decided to pay up and get the air card with Verizon. With my rooftop antenna and 3 watt amp, I have had internet everywhere we have traveled.
Dan
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I, like Dan and Kelvin, use the Verizon USB. Love checking gas prices on http://autos.msn.com/everyday/GasStationsBeta.aspx and saving money.
There is also a way to not save money. Let's say you decide to go into Canada through Detroit, and you have the USB plugged into a Cradle Point. And let's say you stayed for three days. And let's say you were amazed that you still had Internet, because you expected it to quit like phones do when you crossed the boarder. And let's say you thought, wow, the signal must be coming clear across the Lake. And let's say you just left it plugged in, as normal, during your stay. I am thinking you might want to be sitting down when you open your Verizon bill.
(Verizon did forgive half of the $300+ (American) but wondered why I didn't get the Roaming out of counry notice. I guess the Cradle Point didn't pass that little bit of trivia along.)
'74 Eleganza, SE, Howell + EBL
Best Wishes,
George
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| Re: [GMCnet] Verizon National Access... [message #97210 is a reply to message #97079] |
Wed, 25 August 2010 17:53 |
Firefly
Messages: 98
Registered: May 2008
Location: Augusta, Maine
Karma: 0
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Are you trying to replicate the same level of service that you had with the previous phone tethering? If so, please describe the hardware and method used then and what you have to work with now - that isn't working.
Mark Scoble, Lunenburg, MA - 1973 23' Palm Beach Stretched to 32' and in residence at the GMC Co-Op in Orlando, FL
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| Re: [GMCnet] Verizon National Access... [message #97211 is a reply to message #97161] |
Wed, 25 August 2010 18:16 |
idrob
Messages: 645
Registered: January 2005
Location: Central Idaho
Karma: 0
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| gmcrv1 wrote on Wed, 25 August 2010 09:22 |
Rob,
Do you have a model number on the Wilson antenna?
How does the Wilson hook up?
Thanks,
Tom Eckert N2VWN
73 Glacier
Oakland, TN
|
It is simply a Wilson "Trucker" omni directional antenna. They make a short and a tall version. I use the short one and made a magnetic base for it for my car. It uses a standard cell antenna connector (sorry, I don't know the exact type, all Wilson's use them) That can either be connected to the 3 watt amplifier and then to the cell phone or USB modem or directly connected to either device via an adaptor that Wilson will also make.
One caution: The number of cell phones and USB modems that take an external antenna is becoming increasingly limited. I have a 2 year old Verizon phone with an antenna input, but many newer ones do not have that. The newer Verizon USB modem also does not have an antenna input, but the older Verizon USB 720 does, and it is a super product. You may have to find one on eBay.
I have experimented with a Wilson Yagi cell phone antenna, but have not found any situation where it really was any better than the Omni directional Trucker they make.
Another caution: Cell towers have a set maximum range beyond which they simply will not allow a call. It apparently is set by the timing of the signal out and back. I was experimenting on a mountain top near my home, and found that even with a good signal strength, I could not make a call. I moved a few miles closer and was able to get a call through, same signal strength. Apparently this is done for to limit some interference issues between towers. So, just having a strong enough signal may or may not help matters.
You will not go wrong with Wilson products. They seem to be universally well made.
Rob Allen
former owner of '76 x-PB
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| Re: [GMCnet] Verizon National Access... [message #97238 is a reply to message #97237] |
Wed, 25 August 2010 21:18 |
gmcrv1
Messages: 839
Registered: August 2007
Location: Memphis
Karma: -1
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Senior Member |
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Thanks Dan,
Guess I didn't realize you were on the road. As you can see, several
replies in your absence answered my concerns. That's one of many great
things about this group, no matter what the question, someone will have an
answer.
Thanks Again - and get that trans cooler back on! And have a safe journey.
Tom Eckert N2VWN
73 Glacier
Oakland, TN
On Wed, Aug 25, 2010 at 9:08 PM, Dan Gregg <gregg_dan@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
>
> Tom and Steve, once again, what Rob said. We have been on the road most of
> today in the GMC towing the baja to a Vdub rally in Eureka Springs. I did
> not run the amp on the road. We had good internet all day. We are parked in
> a spot tonight and for the next 5 nites, that we need the amp. I am using it
> now tied to my short Wilson Trucker mounted to one of my solar panels. Had
> the long one but it was just too tall and I hit some limbs. Tore down Bert
> Curtis' phone line with it. Rob has it now. I used to carry a yagi
> {directional} antenna but never once used it so it is at home now. I have
> the cradel point 500 router. It has an external wifi antenna connection and
> an s meter on it.
> When Teri wants to make a fone call I will unplug the 720 air card and plug
> her fone into the amp with a different cable. She has a Samsung with
> keyboard, slider. I got it on ebay because it has the external antenna jack.
> I think I covered everything but ask again if I didn't. Rob is very good
> with this stuff and a great friend to Teri and me.
> Dan,
> in Eureka Springs
> --
> Dan & Teri Gregg
>
> http://danandteri.blogspot.com/
>
>
>
>
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