Vista Updates for Novatel s620, s720 and u720 plus Firmware for Linksys Router

Vista updates for the Novatel s620/s720/u720 along with the Firmware upgrade for the Linksys Mobile Broadband Router.

Novatel Vista Updates

Script Error with Pantach PX500

Thanks to Shawn Peters!

Occasionally, when installing the Pantech PX500 you will get an error message "ISScript.exe is missing or not found" and the software will not allow and installation. There is an easy solution to this, but it requires an internet connection to download what you need. For this process you will not use the CD that comes with the product at all.

go to http://sprint.com/downloads
select the operating system (ex: Windows XP)
then select the first instance of the Pantech PX500 you see, should be the 2nd or 3rd selection available.
Be sure that when you download this file it is saved to the desktop!
Once this is done open the file on the desktop.
Open the setup folder inside it.
Run the ISScript setup/install first then the Pantech Setup/install

Now you are done!

Windows Vista & AirCards

Most new laptops are now shipping with Windows Vista. I have heard of truckers looking high and low for XP computers, and not finding them. So, like it or not, the latest evil Microsoft product is something we are just going to have to get used to dealing with more and more. Why evil? Windows Vista has the ability to "turn off" anything it pleases, and it pleases Windows Vista to turn off products from manufacturers that have not paid Microsoft a hefty licensing fee... This includes many of our AirCards.

For now, the safe bet is to sell the U720 or S720 to those customers. It is the easiest one to deal with as far install with Vista goes. Also, if they scoff at the higher price, point out that when they get spoiled having SUPER fast internet in the truck, they don't have to go without at home. They just plug it into their desktop, or anyother computer (including a Mac), sit back, and relax.

Here is Sierra's list of Vista supported AirCards:

Windows Vista Support Available AirCard 595, AirCard 850, AirCard 860, AirCard 875
Windows Vista Support Planned AirCard 580/PC5220, AirCard 775
No Windows Vista Support Planned AirCard 550, AirCard 555, PC 3300, AirCard 710, AirCard 750, and all other legacy AirCard PC Card modems.

It will also work with the Pantech PX500. Here is how:

The Pantech PX-500 card works flawlessly with Vista (Build 5600). Needs to first be activated under XP.

Install the Sprint software in Vista - this may hang during or towards the end of installation. If it hangs, cancel or reboot. The drivers are loaded which is what you're looking for. A Pantech dial up connection will be created in Network Connections or you will need to manually create a dial up connection using the Pantech card as the modem.

When I get a chance to research more, I will add more info on AirCards and Vista.

u720 flies on Mac

I am writing this to you using the U720 on my iBook. You can use this method on any Mac G3 and up. I put the package here Ovation U720 Mac Driver.

Once you activate and update the U720 on a Windows computer, click the dmg file to uncompress it on the Mac. There is a Read Me file. Read it! It will explain how to set up everything else.

Here is a low down:

Wait a moment, the go to the Apple icon in the top left bar. Click System Preferences. Go to Network.

Under PPP put in the provider, put #777 into the phone number. Leave the rest blank. Click Apply Now.

Click the Modem button. Choose Sprint PCS Vision from the drop down menu of modems. Uncheck "Enable Error Correction". Uncheck "Wait for Dial Tone". Check "Show Modem Status." Click Apply Now.

You will see a little phone modem on the top bar near a piece of pie that indicates the Airport connection. Choose "Connect". If it does not connect, make sure to click it again and choose the Sprint U720 from the menu.

Guess what? You are up and running!

One quirky thing: I had to plug in both USB connectors. This usually only has to be done when there is not enough power. My light was on, but it wasn't "juicing". If the Mac has trouble recognizing the modem, you might try plugging both in.

Enjoy!

Sprints EVDO Rev A Broadband Reaches Benchmark of 60 Million

Sprint released to the press today that it has added EVDO Rev A coverage to 10 more markets. This increases their high speed coverage to include 60 million customers. Plus, increasing PowerVision to include 20 markets.

Read the Press Release

This release comes on the heels of Verizon touting coverage to "blanket" the US by the year's end. Actually, if you read the Verizon releases, their coverage is far behind Sprint's. They had added in such states such a MA, ME & RI. Hardly a blanket you could use without your toes hanging out. And by my count, year's end means they only have 5 days to roll out the holes.

EVDO Coverage

U720 USB EVDO with Mac - Two Solutions

Here it is... The post you have been waiting for. How can we capitalize on the U720 for Mac users?

First, the biggest difference between the U720 and other AirCards is that it is faster (clocked at up to 3.1Mbs) and like it's card counter part, the S720, it has GPS built in.

Sprint does not offer OSX connection manager and Novatel does not have OSX drivers yet. Other cards were supported by OSX 10.4 and higher. So where can we go for a little bit of help until Apple adds in the support? To Verizon, of course!

We'll have to get a little help from their OS X VZAccess Manager. You will still have to initially activate it on a Windows machine and make sure the U720 runs the OTA updates.

Another option is that one user of EVDO Info forums has extracted the U720 drivers and packaged them into a handy installer app that can be downloaded via the forums. If you go this route, once you install the drivers, restart the Mac. (Don't forget to first activate the U720 on a Windows machine!) Here is a link to that post.

Once you are sure that the U720 is activated and ready to go, plug it into the USB port. Make sure the status light is shining green. That means it is getting enough power to work. If, by chance, it does not, use the included Y-adapter use two USB ports with modem. This should seal the deal!

Verizon Math

Verizon Math is a blog that one man started a few months ago. It seems that he purchased an EVDO aircard and plan from Verizon in the states and is in Canada quite a bit. He ran into a whole can of worms with how data cost is explained by Verizon. This is something you should all be aware of. I have used this as a sales tool. After all, if you are going to be charged roaming, don't you want to have a clue what you will be charged vs what you are billed?

Apparently one issue is that the rate they charge is confusing, but also that none of the reps in customer service have a solid understanding of how to explain it in an understandable way to customers.

He documents his experiences and Verizon's responses. This has become a wildly popular site simply because so many other people have the same experiences. This guy doesn't rant or get emotional. He puts his posts in a cut and dry way, which is much better in order to get things resolved.

His first post gives the background of the issue:

Here's the background:

I have a Verizon unlimited data plan in the U.S. and recently crossed the border to Canada. Prior to crossing the border I called customer service to find out what rates I'd be paying for voice and data. The data rate I was quoted was ".002 cents per kilobyte."

I was surprised at the rate so I confirmed it with the representative I spoke to, and she confirmed it "point zero zero two cents per kilobyte." I asked her to note that in my account.

I received my bill and was charged $.002/KB - which is dollars - "point zero zero 2 dollars per kilobyte". As it is translated to cents would be .2 cents or 2 tenths of a cent - which is a 100 times greater rate than I was quoted.

My bill for my data usage in Canada was therefore much greater than I had expected - using the quote I was provided before my usage.

I have tried to resolve this issue with customer service reps on the phone, but noone seems to see the difference between ".002 cents" and ".002 dollars".