View Full Version : Using Vodafone modems on other networks
ginggs
06-11-2007, 11:08 AM
Vodacom do not sell network locked modems in South Africa. However, the software supplied with the modems; Vodafone Mobile Connect or Vodafone Mobile Broadband, does not allow the use of SIM cards from other network operators.
The purpose of this thread is to document various methods of circumventing this restriction.
The following methods do not modify the modem in any way, and thus should have no warranty implications. I have heard rumours that Vodacare check whether the device has been active on the Vodacom network when booking it in, so if you are returning a Vodafone modem under warranty, be sure to pop in a Vodacom SIM and allow it to register on the network first.
Add your network operator to VMB's configuration files, as done for Cell-C here (http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php/329152).
Use a generic dashboard such as MDMA (http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php/59080), or MWconn (http://www.mwconn.net/), or mAcme for OS X (http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php/321989).
Install the original manufacturer's dashboard; Huawei Mobile Partner for Kxxxx modems, ZTE Join Air for Kxxxx-Z modems. The K3805-Z modem has an Icera chipset and does not work with Join Air.
Sometime in 2009, Huawei drivers started to appear with the .inf files modified so that the device description appeared in Device Manager as 'Vodafone Mobile Broadband' instead of 'Huawei' devices. This prevented Mobile Partner from being able to detect Vodafone devices. It is possible to search and replace in all of the .inf files supplied with the drivers, but it seems that version 21 of Mobile Partner is able to detect Vodafone devices.
The following methods do modify the modem, and thus probably void the warranty.
Flashing the original manufacturer's dashboard to the device. Note: this is not the same flashing a new firmware, this changes the dashboard installer stored on the device's emulated CD-ROM.
Flashing the original manufacturer's original model firmware. e.g. Flashing the E372 firmware on a K4605. Besides changing the version of the firmware on the device, this also changes the USB VID/PID codes so that the modem is appears in Device Manager as a Huawei device instead of a Vodafone Mobile Broadband device.
Recent modems require a 'flash code' before flashing, one should be able to request this from Vodacom.
Alternatively, the code can be generated using the script here (http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php/259130), or one of the already compiled tools available.
Information on dashboard and firmware downloads here (http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php/363656?p=6815148#post6815148), thanks JimM!
Opcos.XML file for VMB 10.2 here (http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php/363656?p=7845885#post7845885), thanks Tun@!
robhob
13-06-2011, 03:04 PM
Hello!
A buddy of mine has a Vodafone K4505-z modem. He bought a Cell C sim but now the Vodafone software says "SIM not recognised".
Any ideas?
Cheers
Rob
Ockie
13-06-2011, 03:13 PM
You need to use MDMA or a generic dash from the ZTE as the Vodafone software dont like non Vodacom sims.
AND NO....the device aint network locked...it is the software that dont like it.
ginggs
13-06-2011, 03:38 PM
A buddy of mine has a Vodafone K4505-z modem. He bought a Cell C sim but now the Vodafone software says "SIM not recognised".
Try this:
How to use a Cell-C SIM with VMB 10.1 (http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php/329152)
Update:
Tun@'s fix for VMB 10.2 (http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php/363656-Using-Vodafone-modems-on-other-networks?p=7845885#post7845885)
robhob
13-06-2011, 03:39 PM
Where do I find ether?
robhob
13-06-2011, 04:07 PM
Found it!
http://www.nerve.org.za/mdma/
Thanks ginggs, worked perfectly!
Ginggs is the man! :)
Been using MDMA for my k4505-z on CellC for the past couple of months. No problems so far ... touch wood! :p
grabo
08-08-2011, 04:42 PM
Hi there was wondering if anyone knows how get this 3g modem (K4605) to work on the other network sims like 8ta and cell c?
Its a really fast modem but want use the 8ta deal sim in it !
Any idea will be appreciated
Graeme
system32
08-08-2011, 05:04 PM
Works fine on Cell-C - gives 12-14Mbps
On Windoze 7, I loaded the Voda software for the drivers, and configured a manual dialler.
Currently, I have it connected on a TL-WR1043ND with OpenWrt.
grabo
08-08-2011, 08:23 PM
Hi system 32, can u pls tell me how u did it ,config the manual driver etc ,when i put the cell c sim in it just cant seem to discover it ?im using vista
Thanks
Anyone use a TP-Link MR3420 ?
Anyone use a TP-Link MR3420 ?
OK, I tested it, it does not work - anyone have a solution ?
Vicehybrid
16-08-2011, 07:13 AM
good day
im currently using a Vodafone K3715 data card but i wanted to use the MtnFastLink dashboard on it but im confused which ver of dashboard should i install.
please help
I have been trying to flash the K4605 with the E372 firmware found on MTN's site, but the MTN upgrade asks for a password, anyone knows what that is ?
The K4605 and the E372 are firmware compatible, you just have to get past the software checks during the upgrade process.
BTW, I had no problems getting the K4605 to work on other networks, the problem is to get it to work on a router. Still can't understand why Vodafone downgrades their equipment like this.
sajunky
16-08-2011, 01:17 PM
BTW, I had no problems getting the K4605 to work on other networks, the problem is to get it to work on a router. Still can't understand why Vodafone downgrades their equipment like this.
What do you mean by saying there are downgraded?
sajunky
16-08-2011, 01:24 PM
Maybe you should use generic Mobile Partner (for Huawei modems) or MDMA.
Vicehybrid
16-08-2011, 01:34 PM
can you please give a direct link for Mobile Patner as im currently using my phone to download.
thanks
What do you mean by saying there are downgraded?
They take standard Huawei (and other equipment) and then they customise it, and IMHO downgrade it - the sticks never work as well afterwards.
For example, E372 becomes K4605, E1762 becomes K3765.
IceQB
17-08-2011, 12:15 AM
True Jola, i have had endless customers with vodafone sticks all with same problem.
How to use different provider, most wanting to change to cellc & now 8ta.
Mdma or normal dialup works fine, just disable your usb auton run in windows.
Yes, but it causes needless hassles, and lots of issues in 3G routers !
GreGorGy
17-08-2011, 10:22 AM
Yes, but it causes needless hassles, and lots of issues in 3G routers !
as well as OS X SL and Lion, although only with the ZTE rebrands. Huawei rebrands work just fine.
Wow, just had the weirdest issue with the K4605 and the MR3420.
I downgraded the MR3420 to the older firmware, ie the latest on the website, they pulled the previous June 2011 firmware.
Now the router picks up the K4605, and seems to work properly, with Cell C nogal.
Now how does this work, that older firmware supports new devices, but the newer firmware does not ???
Edit : Hmm, spoke too soon, this version of the MR3420 firmware is unstable, the router hangs every now and then.
May have to dump the MR-3420 and get something else that actually works ...
sajunky
18-08-2011, 01:36 PM
They take standard Huawei (and other equipment) and then they customise it, and IMHO downgrade it - the sticks never work as well afterwards.
For example, E372 becomes K4605, E1762 becomes K3765.
In my opinion there are customised, but not downgraded. Taking your example E372:
- Bands are customised for Vodafone use - UMTS: 850/900/1900/2100 to 900/1800/2100 more common in European market
- External antenna connector present (E372 is optional)
- MIMO on single carrier present (E372 missing)
- Type 3i advanced antenna support (E272 missing)
The last item is very important for stability connection near cell-edge. It looks like that Vodafone has adopted Type 3i antenna on all their new modems (starting 14.4mbps). In my books it is superior to standard Huawei offerings.
sajunky
21-08-2011, 01:03 PM
Try google "Mobile_Partner_11.302.09.01.539_Voice_USSD.zip"
nokiabsc3i
25-08-2011, 06:58 PM
I plan to buy K4605 for use with Cell C.
Please any one confirm.it working fine with Cell C sim
Remark : I will use in sandton city only.
Yes, it works on Cell C, but you cannot use the Vodafone dashboard, you have to use something else like MDMA or Mobile Partner.
nokiabsc3i
26-08-2011, 03:37 PM
I am just by K4605 now.but i got a lot of problem
1) Mobile Partner not detect my USB dongle.it alway looking for driver.
2) I cannot find MDMA.Please advise.
Remark :Please tell me.How you make it work with Mobile Partner (16.001.06.01.500) ? and where i can download MDMA?
ginggs
26-08-2011, 03:54 PM
2) I cannot find MDMA.Please advise.
MDMA Beta 1.0.0.31 Beta Testing (http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php/303489)
You can also try this:
How to use a Cell-C SIM with VMB 10.1 (http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php/329152)
nokiabsc3i
26-08-2011, 05:51 PM
Hi ginggs and all.
Thank you very much now it working fine.
But I am here in South africa for 1 month and flight back to UAE (DUBAI) also go to thailand .
in side of Opco i cannot find any operator in thailand .
Please advise.
tiekie
05-09-2011, 05:45 AM
Hi All
Can I use this modem K3675 on the MTN network?
If so where can I dowload the software to do that?
Thanks!
Those wanting Dashboard or Firmware upgrades should take a look here:
http://www.dc-files.com/
This includes Huawei, ZTE, Novatel and many other brands!
Navigation is via drop-down menu and clicking on the icon to the right of the drop-down menu.
The site does let one harmless pop-up when you're about to download, annoying but the site is free!
Note: When looking for Vodafone modems they are listed under Huawei, ZTE or ODM.
James Sneedon
13-09-2011, 10:50 AM
I had the same problem and managed to sort it out... It was a new Windows 7 - 64bit machine... I inserted the modem stick and let autorun install the vodacom software from the stick... I then went into device settings and disabled the USB disc drive components and left the rest as is... uninstalled the vodacom software... I now had the drivers for the stick installed and it didn't try to load the vodacom software each time I plug it in... next I downloaded the Join Air app and it says it is for the 622 but works fine for the 688... loaded Join Air, did the basic config info to set number to dial as *99#, APN to internet and set as default... works like a charm and I have none of the disconnect problems I used to get on XP.
system32
05-10-2011, 10:02 AM
Hello Gurus of E372/K4605
I have a K4605 with Voda firmware (Was the only device I could get locally at the time that did 42Mbps)
I'm connecting to Cell-C 900Mhz (5GB/60GB package).
Works with TP-LINK WR-1043ND with OpenWrt 10.03.1-rc4 and Trunk.
Also works with Windows 7 x64, using the VMB from vodaphone web site (10.1.108)
I'm not having any problem, and performance is good (10-15Mbps).
Usually, I prefer generic firmware as it's often more current.
I would like to try switching between Huawei and Voda firmwares.
Q1. Is there any benefit in changing to the generic Huawei firmware E372 11.113.17.20.00.B717 (from dc-files)?
Q2. How do I change back to the Voda firmware? (I only see VMB and no Voda firmware on the net)?
sajunky
05-10-2011, 11:09 AM
Wait for Voda firmware upgrades, otherwise you won't be able to switch back. General rule: don't mess up when everything works.
Yes, there has been no firmware update from Vodafone for the K4605.
I converted two K4605's to E372's, and am very happy, they work fine. But I had no interest in going back, I do this to all Vodafone modems that land across my desk - I just don't like the Vodafone software.
I am presently testing an E367 against a E372 (ex K4605).
Must say, these are definitely the best two modems on the market at the moment, but there is also no doubt that the E372 is the king, it is noticeably faster than the E367 (which is no slouch).
Biggest problem with these modems is the lack of support by the 3G router vendors - bit of a toothache ! Don't know why, they have been out for almost a year.
Mbuzi
24-10-2011, 08:35 AM
Heita, so I got myself the 8ta 2+1GB promo data for R149 on Friday. Inserted my 8ta sim on my VodaCon bought modem but it didn't want to work. Logged on to MyBB read through the 8ta threads and found something but it referred to another ZTE modem. Downloaded ZTE Join Air but it couldn't detect the modem, ended up downloading MDA it also didn't want to work. Use the VMB dashboard chose network 65502 after reading some recommendations from the forums but that as well didn't seem to work. Finally tried to call the 8ta call centre and to my surprise on all three attempts I tried to call them I was kept on hold for more than 40 minutes, emailing their contact centre is even worse, guess they take from their parent company :D. Can someone help me with connecting my modem using the 8ta sim? Thank you in advance fellow forumites
sajunky
24-10-2011, 10:41 AM
K3772-Z is a new modem, probably ICERA chipset. It might be not supported by generic dashboard yet. So use built-in software.
Secondly, you try to manually select 8-ta network and it refuses registration. Does it roam to MTN? If so, your SIM is not converted to non-roaming. Get to the call centre of back to the shop.
Check when your trying to use MDMA or Join Air that the voda dash isn't present/active in the sys tray(btm right)
Mbuzi
24-10-2011, 11:53 AM
K3772-Z is a new modem, probably ICERA chipset. It might be not supported by generic dashboard yet. So use built-in software.
Secondly, you try to manually select 8-ta network and it refuses registration. Does it roam to MTN? If so, your SIM is not converted to non-roaming. Get to the call centre of back to the shop.
Thanks, sim is non-roaming, works well on e220 connected to router (Netgear).
Check when your trying to use MDMA or Join Air that the voda dash isn't present/active in the sys tray(btm right)
Thanks I will try that today late. Must it be installed I mean the Voda dash because if I don't install it the modem doesn't blink.
sajunky
24-10-2011, 12:24 PM
Stupid me. Thanks Tun@. Of course it is Vodafone software, it won't dial other network.
:-(
Thanks I will try that today late. Must it be installed I mean the Voda dash because if I don't install it the modem doesn't blink.
MDMA i believe will try to use the Voda drivers but just make sure the voda dash is closed + not present in the systray.
JoinAir should have its own drivers if its going to work - but once again it won't load drivers if voda dash has already done so.
SAJ - ;)
Mbuzi
24-10-2011, 01:56 PM
MDMA i believe will try to use the Voda drivers but just make sure the voda dash is closed + not present in the systray.
JoinAir should have its own drivers if its going to work - but once again it won't load drivers if voda dash has already done so.
SAJ - ;)
Thanks for your assistance, will post results tomorrow
Mbuzi
24-10-2011, 08:59 PM
Well the modem is not responding, I am at wit ends. Emailed 8ta still no answer. Did as per suggestions on this thread
sajunky
25-10-2011, 10:29 AM
Does it still respond from VMB dashboard? I read from your original post it did respond. If it does, I suggest to test it with Vodacom SIM (R1 prepaid) to see if modem is still working. Then you can go next step (still using Voda drivers - but unloading dashboard) and try other software, MDMA first, as it doesn't install drivers.
Mbuzi
25-10-2011, 11:53 AM
Does it still respond from VMB dashboard? I read from your original post it did respond. If it does, I suggest to test it with Vodacom SIM (R1 prepaid) to see if modem is still working. Then you can go next step (still using Voda drivers - but unloading dashboard) and try other software, MDMA first, as it doesn't install drivers.
It works with Voda sim, how do I use Voda drivers but unload the dashboard? Thanks once again. i will be going to the Telkom shop in Alberton, will post after 14:00
Well I was with the 8ta technician and the only way we managed to do it was to create a dial up network. SO far it's working well, don't know if this is the right way or not.
sajunky
25-10-2011, 12:12 PM
Exit Voda dash and verify that is not present in the systray (as per Tun@). If it is still present in systray, click second button on the icon and select exit. I don't remember exacly, but should work that way. Voda drivers stay in the system unless you go to the Control Panel and uninstall Vodafone software.
carstensdj
03-01-2012, 05:06 PM
Please will someone help me out here...
I have a K3565 Huawei (Vodacom) Modem, and have got myself the 8ta Go Big deal. I have downloaded MDMA and it detects the network and Sim, but when i say connect it brings up a menu asking me to choose "Vodafone Mobile Connect" or "Bluetooth". Do i need to create an 8ta one? And if so what details do i use?
Please can someone help me out with this :(
helloise
23-01-2012, 08:56 AM
cant find the MDMA for use with K3772-Z modem
can some-one post link to download please?
thanks
e.cachucho
02-03-2012, 01:11 AM
any update on this thread?
Im trying to use the same modem with 8ta, and no luck so far...
eduardo
If you can't find a generic dash to use download this file (http://www.mediafire.com/file/dqt9wd3j3rr3k1o/Opcos.xml)
& paste it into the "Opco" folder of VMB.
Should be something like C:/Program filesx86/Vodafone/Vodafone Mobile Broadband/ - then you'll see the Opco folder it needs to get pasted into.
Choose copy & replace when it asks.
That file will now let u connect thru VMB with either Voda/CellC/or 8ta sim
Was created from VMB 10.2 - haven't tested on 10.1
1 issue i notice is the "connect" button is not working great with 8ta for some reason but just pop up your windows network connect icon from the task bar below & hit connect there.
Its ugly but i guess if nothing else is supporting your drivers its 1 way around it for now -
Should work for any of these other oddball K-series nightmares getting around as well.
*Edit* - file changed to include Mtn as well now
poiuy
03-04-2012, 07:54 PM
Hi
I first would to thank Tun@ for his post and the file he supplied, it worked beautifully. I'm now able the use my k3772-z modem from vodacom with a 8ta sim.
I would now like to know how do I check my account balance with VMB? Is there some file or setting I can change to allow VMB to check my account balance on the 8ta sim?
Thanks for the help in advance.
Hi there Poiuy,thanks for the thanks.
For 8ta you can either just bookmark http://onnet.8ta.com
or if you open the sms part of the Voda dash, select custom & make the message centre number +27829129
It will then support sending sms from the voda dash - send blank sms to 188 then 8ta returns a sms with your balance.
Khanya
07-04-2012, 06:32 AM
Please will someone help me out here...
I have a K3565 Huawei (Vodacom) Modem, and have got myself the 8ta Go Big deal. I have downloaded MDMA and it detects the network and Sim, but when i say connect it brings up a menu asking me to choose "Vodafone Mobile Connect" or "Bluetooth". Do i need to create an 8ta one? And if so what details do i use?
Please can someone help me out with this :(
If MDMA can detect it, that's all you need, now just create dial up connection and connect without MDMA.
rvk88
16-07-2012, 08:07 AM
ya its true unlocked modems used for any network
johndoe1983
02-11-2012, 06:19 PM
Do I need any special software if I plug 8ta sim into k4505-z which then plugs into a 3G router ? Do I need to unlock that k4505-z? (Cause it was through vodacom contract) or should it work immediately? Trying To find out before I buy :-/
iqbalmia
04-03-2013, 11:51 AM
Do I need any special software if I plug 8ta sim into k4505-z which then plugs into a 3G router ? Do I need to unlock that k4505-z? (Cause it was through vodacom contract) or should it work immediately? Trying To find out before I buy :-/
Hi,
Also looking to find out the answer. Reading through mbb and the web has led to some very confusing information/misinformation.
Want to use 8ta/cellc sim in k4505-z plugged into Asus wireless router.
Does the firmware need to be flashed, and if so, can someone provide a link that works AND explains how to do it.
The sites all say you need an IMEI number, straightforward enough.
Then they say you need a flash code, but don't say how to get it :(
The software download seems to launch the original Vodacom dash after doing some sort of flash.
What needs to be done, and how do I do it?
I am a relative newb, and am now totally confused.
Any help would be appreciated.
Iqbal
OGroteKoning
04-03-2013, 12:09 PM
Hi,
Also looking to find out the answer. Reading through mbb and the web has led to some very confusing information/misinformation.
Want to use 8ta/cellc sim in k4505-z plugged into Asus wireless router.
Does the firmware need to be flashed, and if so, can someone provide a link that works AND explains how to do it.
The sites all say you need an IMEI number, straightforward enough.
Then they say you need a flash code, but don't say how to get it :(
The software download seems to launch the original Vodacom dash after doing some sort of flash.
What needs to be done, and how do I do it?
I am a relative newb, and am now totally confused.
Any help would be appreciated.
Iqbal
The K4505-z is a ZTE modem and I doubt you can flash other firmware onto it (others can confirm/deny)
If the modem supports the 8ta/CellC frequencies, then there should not be an issue since devices are legally not supposed to be network locked. Best is to test the sim in the modem and see if you get a connection on your PC/laptop.
The next step would be to google to see if the modem is compatible with the router you have/want.
Aquacile
18-05-2013, 05:27 AM
Hi Guys
I have a Vodafone K3570-Z 3G Modem which I wanna use with a 8TA sim, how can i get this to work? Help will be greatly appreciated :)
OGroteKoning
18-05-2013, 06:45 AM
Hi Guys
I have a Vodafone K3570-Z 3G Modem which I wanna use with a 8TA sim, how can i get this to work? Help will be greatly appreciated :)
If the modem does not support the 8ta frequencies, then you are stuck. To check, pop in the sim and see if it works.
Aquacile
18-05-2013, 06:56 AM
If i POP in the 8TA Sim the modems turns blue flickering LED ..... does that mean its not locked? How to connect from there?
OGroteKoning
18-05-2013, 07:09 AM
As far as I know, the networks are not allowed to lock any device any more. So if it doesn't work, then the frequencies might not be supported. Just Google 8ta frequencies and compare it to the frequencies of the modem
sajunky
18-05-2013, 10:14 AM
If i POP in the 8TA Sim the modems turns blue flickering LED ..... does that mean its not locked? How to connect from there?
Your modem is good for 3G Vodacom, MTN and 8ta, but not for Cell C. Flashing blue means it had been registered in 3G network.
So far is OK. Now you need to unload Vodafone software from memory (including systray) and dial Windows dialup connection created by Vodafone software, or download MDMA. When blue light turns steady blue, your connection is active.
Aquacile
18-05-2013, 10:44 AM
I don't have any Vodafone software installed on my PC at all. So where can I download MDMA? Will I need to configure MDMA to dial specific settings and connect with it to my carrier?
sajunky
18-05-2013, 12:30 PM
If you don't have Vodafone software installed, there is a possibility that drivers are not installed. Do you see modem device and User Interface port installed in Device Manager? MDMA needs drivers. Download link in sticky section.
Aquacile
21-05-2013, 10:54 AM
Okay Guys so help me if I have this right?
The fact that when I insert my 8TA Sim into my K3570-Z Vodafone Modem and it has the dark Blue LED Flickering means I should be able to use the Modem With 8TA sim right? What the next steps to actually get it connected to the 8TA network? Drivers for Windows 7 x64? Do I install the Default Vodafone firmware on the Modem, then making sure it doesn't start up when I connect the modem and also remove the tray Icon and use MDMA to connect .... I am very stupid with this so please I would appreciate if someone can just set out the steps for me in order I need to do next to get my 8TA working on the K3570-Z modem. Much Appreciated :)