3G modem with best reception?

Park@82

Park@82

Honorary Master
Joined
Jun 6, 2008
Messages
14,421
Reaction score
1,833
Location
Pretoria
I am looking for a 3G that will provide the best possible reception. My parents live on a farm and would like to go 3G but the reception is horrible.
I had a look at some of poynting direct's products but would first want to try a modem without an antenna and maybe later get one...

Any modems with particularly good reception?
Which modems have a external antenna socket that can still be bought in stores? And where can I buy?
(Don't want to buy online)

Thanks.
 
I don't think the modem makes that big a difference if you have poor signal, just get one with an antenna connector and buy one from Poynting.
 
Park@82 said:
I am looking for a 3G that will provide the best possible reception. My parents live on a farm and would like to go 3G but the reception is horrible.
I had a look at some of poynting direct's products but would first want to try a modem without an antenna and maybe later get one...

Any modems with particularly good reception?
Which modems have a external antenna socket that can still be bought in stores? And where can I buy?
(Don't want to buy online)

Thanks.
Click to expand...

depends also on the coverage in your area that is prob more important than modem.
 
gifs said:
I don't think the modem makes that big a difference if you have poor signal, just get one with an antenna connector and buy one from Poynting.
Click to expand...

thanks, which modems that are still being sold have an external antenna connector?
 
gifs said:
I don't think the modem makes that big a difference if you have poor signal, just get one with an antenna connector and buy one from Poynting.
Click to expand...

Does not have to be a connector the poynting guys came up with a device meant for the E220`s but will work on E620 cards if streched .It has a clamp type rubber that sits on the modem wrapping around it improves dbm if positioned right .

Check coverage map 1st to see if you have signal.

Regards
VodacomData
 
Might also want to look into the wireless 3G routers. Since i switched to a wireless router [which you can place anywhere in the house and plug an antenna into that if need be] i've noticed a significant improvement.

Most Wifi 3G routers have their own antennas , nevermind the part where you can place it in that obscure corner where reception is good...

Obviously Vodacom sells their range [which you can get on contract i'm sure] , there's also the multi-purpose ones like the Dovado one [you plug your USB modem into the router instead of pc ].

The other advantage of a router is you don't need to set up any drivers or software on your pc. You just connect via a network cable OR wifi connection and off you go....and instant home network really..

In fact, in all my years of setting up the USB/PCMCIA modems on various PCs and Windows Versions, a wireless router is by far easiest to set up and get going.
 
Last edited:
As mentioned the thing that will make the biggest difference in a low signal area is a decent antenna. You may want to take a look at the B970 router. It has a connector for an external antenna and you can attach and analogue phone to make voice calls.
 
morkhans said:
As mentioned the thing that will make the biggest difference in a low signal area is a decent antenna. You may want to take a look at the B970 router. It has a connector for an external antenna and you can attach and analogue phone to make voice calls.
Click to expand...

I never knew that. Spoke to vodashop, apparently they sell for R2100 now- not bad! but they don't have in stock and have to order... my dad wants the modem yesterday so Ill buy a cheapy for now and get the B970 later.

Thanks for the help guys.
 
Park@82 said:
I never knew that. Spoke to vodashop, apparently they sell for R2100 now- not bad! but they don't have in stock and have to order... my dad wants the modem yesterday so Ill buy a cheapy for now and get the B970 later.

Thanks for the help guys.
Click to expand...

Speak to ocleroux on the forum. He has helped forumites out with B970's and other stuff.
 
On modems: PoyntingDirect will be getting the E161 shortly; R 940.00 excluding VAT. It has a connector (Huawei) for an antenna.

On routers: The OPTION Globetrotter II that PoyntingDirect stock has the same functionality as the B970- it has an additional nifty feature - the LCD screen indicates if there was any missed calls. You can also plug in a cordless phone as with the B970. The OPTION connector allows for an external Edge/3G antenna and is WiFi enabled. Have a look on the website
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X