Huawei E172 not picking up network?

AirWolf

AirWolf

Honorary Master
Joined
Aug 18, 2006
Messages
24,890
Reaction score
1,696
Location
Port Shepstone, KZN, RSA, EARTH
Hi

The E172 I got recently, seems to be messed up already. On Thursday, I popped in an MTN sim (had some airtime on it), but when it didn't pick up a network, I just thought that the E172 might be network locked because it is Vodafone branded.

But today I put a Vodacom sim and it is still not picking up a network. I had already flashed the software to HMP, and it was working fine until Thursday:confused:. I also noticed today, that the E172 is getting very hot:(.

Any suggestions?

[I'm on my old faithfully E220 now.]
 
do you got 3g in your area?

Otherwise open the mobile connect and goto settings or something and check that it does not just search for 3g networks but gsm networks too...
 
Peder said:
do you got 3g in your area?

Otherwise open the mobile connect and goto settings or something and check that it does not just search for 3g networks but gsm networks too...
Click to expand...

I'm picking up 3G/HSDPA just fine with my E220. I did try the other network options, but the E172 is not picking up anything.
 
Peder said:
what about if you use the E220's cable? same thing?

Have you tried uninstalling the E220's Mobile connect and installing the E172's new?
Click to expand...

Definitely not the same thing:

E220 - mini USB to standard USB cable;
E172 - mA USB to fA USB cable (USB entension cable).

The software installed is the latest for the E172.
 
um, dumb question, but is the SIM card activated? for data?

because "not finding a network" is a sign of an un-activated SIM. Maybe the SIM has to be activated with the device? Is the device from Vodacom or another provider... like M-Web? cos then you have to activate your account with them.
 
Last edited:
Garyvdh said:
um, dumb question, but is the SIM card activated? for data?

because "not finding a network" is a sign of an un-activated SIM. Maybe the SIM has to be activated with the device? Is the device from Vodacom or another provider... like M-Web? cos then you have to activate your account with them.
Click to expand...

The sim [directly from Vodacom] works perfectly fine in the E220.

I put VMC back on before dinner, and tried it again after dinner. It picked the a network signal for 5 to 10 seconds then lost it again. There is something definitely wrong with it - after 5 minutes plugged into my laptop it becomes so hot you can't hold it. This was not the case before [even with HMP installed].

Looks like something popped inside. Will have to take it back on Monday.
 
My money would be on the overheating issue.

As a matter of interest, the USB port that the E172 was plugged into, was it near your notebook's CPU heatsink & hot air outlet?
 
ic said:
My money would be on the overheating issue.

As a matter of interest, the USB port that the E172 was plugged into, was it near your notebook's CPU heatsink & hot air outlet?
Click to expand...

Yes, the port is, but I don't normally plug the E172 directly into the port - I use the same 3 metre extension cable I use with the E220.

I did try it direct as well as on the extension today, and it overheats regardless.
 
AirWolf said:
Yes, the port is, but I don't normally plug the E172 directly into the port - I use the same 3 metre extension cable I use with the E220.

I did try it direct as well as on the extension today, and it overheats regardless.
Click to expand...
Ok, my guess is that some time after the E172 was last known to be working, one or more ICs [not ics] overheated and fried, and that your E172 now needs to meet with its maker, i.e. take the E172 back and get it exchanged.
 
ic said:
Ok, my guess is that some time after the E172 was last known to be working, one or more ICs [not ics] overheated and fried, and that your E172 now needs to meet with its maker, i.e. take the E172 back and get it exchanged.
Click to expand...

I've had my E220 for almost 2 years. I've opened up the E220 and drilled holes in the cover, and it still works 100%. And the E172 just dies on its own:p.
 
AirWolf said:
I've had my E220 for almost 2 years. I've opened up the E220 and drilled holes in the cover, and it still works 100%. And the E172 just dies on its own:p.
Click to expand...
The E172 was jealous of your relationship with the E220, and decided to commit suicide.
 
ic said:
The E172 was jealous of your relationship with the E220, and decided to commit suicide.
Click to expand...

That or it saw what was in store for modems that double as heating elements and decided death by IC was better than being drilled :p
 
I took the E172 back today. A data techie had to check it before they booked it in. Their system was off-line. The lady said that she'd enter it into the system as soon as they came online. If they decided to swop out, it would take 48 hours or if they have to send it to Jozi, it could take 2 weeks :(.
 
AirWolf said:
I took the E172 back today. A data techie had to check it before they booked it in. Their system was off-line. The lady said that she'd enter it into the system as soon as they came online. If they decided to swop out, it would take 48 hours or if they have to send it to Jozi, it could take 2 weeks :(.
Click to expand...

Thats REALLY SWAK service...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X