On 09/01/12 20:51, Panayiotis wrote: > On Δευ, 2012-01-09 at 10:52 +1100, Scott Ferguson wrote: <snip>
<snipped> > > What type of USB cable will I need? The same length as a piece of string. ;-p Depends on how far you have to reach - about a metre is handy for signal testing, depending on the weight of your computer and length of the extension cord (that's a portable isn't it?). > There are some USB extender cables, If you need to go 5 - 25 metres, then yes. These are what I use - you should be able to find something similar locally:- http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=XC4839 > or I can try a hub, right? I wouldn't recommend one for this. > What is the idea, to put the modem in a spot with better reception? Um. yes :-) When you've found where that spot is. If you have a one metre cable you can do some testing. If you know where the local tower is you'll have a head start. Make sure the cable you use is a heavy one - not one of those nasty skinny cables. > > My hope is based on the fact that my cellphone which also has a > Vodafone connection, can connect from the same places, at higher > speeds, usually 3G, while my laptop is connected to GPRS. Hence, I > deduce it's not a network issue. I would tend to agree - sort of. The phones seem to have better reception - the one sitting beside me shows 4 bars. I have three different USB modems I use, with three different carriers - none of them gets a decent signal in my office. Acceptable if placed up high - decent when put outside under the eaves - excellent 10 metres above the roof. Using a reflector to shield the modem from reflected signals helps too. > > Can you give me some names on the products you mentioned? Where > would I connect the antenna? There is no slot on the modem. You could open your modem (void the warranty), judiciously disconnect the on-board antennae. It'll be etched onto the circuit board so you'd just scratch to disconnect - then solder on a lead to a home-made Yagi or store bought antennae. But probably not necessary - or (recommended if you need instructions). > > You have my gratitude, you have given me a lot of help. > > BTW, I tried many methods (comgt and AT commands) to put the modem in > 3G-only mode, and they seem to be ignored... :-) Which AT commands and what responses did you get? And - are you sure you're not already locked to 3G? If you are getting a green light - you won't get 3G. Might have to get a decent signal first *if* the problem isn't elsewhere. Try this (patent pending):- http://paste.debian.net/151518 > > I guess the disconnects happen when signal strength drops beyond a > low level. That would be my "suspicion" - proof is nice :-) Green blinking A GPRS network has been found – you could connect Green solid Connected via GPRS Blue blinking A 3G network has been found – you could connect Blue solid Connected via 3G Light blue blinking A 3G Broadband network has been found – you could connect Light blue solid Connected via 3G Broadband. <snipped> Cheers -- Iceweasel/Firefox extensions for finding answers to Debian questions:- https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/collections/Scott_Ferguson/debian/ -- To UNSUBSCRIBE, email to debian-user-requ...@lists.debian.org with a subject of "unsubscribe". Trouble? Contact listmas...@lists.debian.org Archive: http://lists.debian.org/4f0ac96b.7040...@gmail.com
