MTN usb modem connection problems

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snowy

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Linux Mint 17.1

Hi all

I have been having poor signals issues with my MTN usb modem and after much struggling
I discovered that it was the modem. I bought a new one to-day and for the life of me I cannot
figure out how to get this modem to register.
The previous one just plugs into the usb and I connect & disconnect using the 'Wired' icon in the
bottom right hand corner (after I had created a connection in the3 Network settings), I have been
running this old one for a long time flawlessly on both Windows & Linux except for the signal issues
lately, this new one 'Fastlink X602' doesn't even register in the 'network settings but does have a
'MTNOnline EXE' which I have run and everything is loaded as per requirements but it still says the
'Device is not installed' I am using my old one again albeit a bit slow, to write this.

Hoping you can help guys,gals
 
Check the output of dmesg before and after plugging in the modem and post the results here.
 
Hi ginggs

Thanks for responding.
I checked in the 'Terminal' 'dmesg' both before and after but to be honest I don't
know what i'm looking at, it's 9 pages of before and after and cannot see any mention
of output (there is a section which mention the modem but nothing about output) can
you give me more help on that issue.
To continue with my problem, after i had no success with the 'MTNonline.EXE' or the 'Autorun.EXE'
I decided to remove all my connections so i was left with no Mobile Broadband connections in the
'Network Manager Applet.......bottom RH corner) and i uninstalled all the new modem stuff which was
loaded when i tried the first time, I then Restarted the pc and checked o see if the Mobile Broadband
connections were still empty, I then tried to reinstall the new modem 'fastlink X602' and now I get an
error which says the following......

C:\Program Files\MTN Online\ApplicationController.exe
An error occurred while trying to replace the existing file:
DeleteFile Failed; code 32
Click Retry to try again,ignore to skip this file (not recommended)
or Abort to cancel installation.


Sorry I can't submit a screenshot i'm only getting 2G so it is taking to long, note : I have tried the modem
on my wife's laptop and although it is a fluctuating signal it is pretty fast with this new modem, so it does
appear as though the old modem has had it's day.

Sorry such a long post

Regards
 
snowy said:
I checked in the 'Terminal' 'dmesg' both before and after but to be honest I don't
know what i'm looking at, it's 9 pages of before and after and cannot see any mention
of output (there is a section which mention the modem but nothing about output) can
you give me more help on that issue.
Click to expand...
dmesg will print the last messages from the kernel along with a timestamp
run dmesg before you plug in your modem and take note of the last timestamp, e.g. [ 583.87299]

now plug in your modem, wait a few seconds then run dmesg again
scroll up until you find the last timestamp from the previous step
everything after that should be related to the modem being inserted, e.g.
Code: 
[ 7584.666905] usb 6-5: new high-speed USB device number 2 using ehci-pci
[ 7584.799760] usb 6-5: New USB device found, idVendor=12d1, idProduct=14fe
[ 7584.799771] usb 6-5: New USB device strings: Mfr=2, Product=1, SerialNumber=0
[ 7584.799779] usb 6-5: Product: HUAWEI Mobile
[ 7584.799785] usb 6-5: Manufacturer: HUAWEI Technology

snowy said:
To continue with my problem, after i had no success with the 'MTNonline.EXE' or the 'Autorun.EXE'
Click to expand...
I don't think installing Windows applications will help you.
 
Hi ginggs

Thanks once again
these are the readings I found for both modems, not sure if that is what you want
I think it is.
Regarding installing the Windows application, I tend to agree as the first time I installed
the first modem I never did anything it just worked after i had created a connection.
I am writing this off my wife's lappy with the new modem and the signal is 3G..HSPA
but constantly fluctuating from 2G..UMTS and often disconnecting, which is a pain in the
backside but it is much better than the old modem, not if complaining to my local MTN shop
will make a difference (maybe it's time to think about ADSL) I'd like your advice on that too.

Thanks again & Regards

Old Modem
After the last time stamp

[ 310.096246] usb 1-4.1: new high-speed USB device number 6 using ehci-pci
[ 310.199367] usb 1-4.1: New USB device found, idVendor=12d1, idProduct=1003
[ 310.199372] usb 1-4.1: New USB device strings: Mfr=2, Product=1, SerialNumber=0
[ 310.199374] usb 1-4.1: Product: HUAWEI Mobile
[ 310.199376] usb 1-4.1: Manufacturer: HUAWEI Technology
[ 310.358854] usb-storage 1-4.1:1.0: USB Mass Storage device detected
[ 310.359395] scsi4 : usb-storage 1-4.1:1.0
[ 310.359864] usbcore: registered new interface driver usb-storage
[ 310.368790] usbcore: registered new interface driver uas
[ 310.430626] usb 1-4.1: USB disconnect, device number 6
[ 311.451708] init: usb-modeswitch-upstart main process (2120) terminated with status 1
[ 317.720237] usb 1-4.1: new high-speed USB device number 7 using ehci-pci
[ 317.823233] usb 1-4.1: New USB device found, idVendor=12d1, idProduct=1003
[ 317.823237] usb 1-4.1: New USB device strings: Mfr=2, Product=1, SerialNumber=0
[ 317.823239] usb 1-4.1: Product: HUAWEI Mobile
[ 317.823241] usb 1-4.1: Manufacturer: HUAWEI Technology
[ 317.827921] usb-storage 1-4.1:1.0: USB Mass Storage device detected
[ 317.828126] usb-storage 1-4.1:1.1: USB Mass Storage device detected
[ 317.828279] usb-storage 1-4.1:1.2: USB Mass Storage device detected
[ 317.828872] scsi7 : usb-storage 1-4.1:1.2
[ 317.829031] usb-storage 1-4.1:1.3: USB Mass Storage device detected
[ 317.829873] scsi8 : usb-storage 1-4.1:1.3
[ 317.860747] init: usb-modeswitch-upstart main process (2162) terminated with status 1
[ 317.875903] usbcore: registered new interface driver usbserial
[ 317.875928] usbcore: registered new interface driver usbserial_generic
[ 317.875942] usbserial: USB Serial support registered for generic
[ 317.898771] usbcore: registered new interface driver option
[ 317.898792] usbserial: USB Serial support registered for GSM modem (1-port)
[ 317.898915] option 1-4.1:1.0: GSM modem (1-port) converter detected
[ 317.899622] usb 1-4.1: GSM modem (1-port) converter now attached to ttyUSB0
[ 317.899682] option 1-4.1:1.1: GSM modem (1-port) converter detected
[ 317.900040] usb 1-4.1: GSM modem (1-port) converter now attached to ttyUSB1
[ 318.833545] scsi 7:0:0:0: CD-ROM HUAWEI Mass Storage 2.31 PQ: 0 ANSI: 2
[ 318.836895] scsi 8:0:0:0: Direct-Access HUAWEI MMC Storage 2.31 PQ: 0 ANSI: 2
[ 318.846397] sr1: scsi-1 drive
[ 318.846572] sr 7:0:0:0: Attached scsi CD-ROM sr1
[ 318.846651] sr 7:0:0:0: Attached scsi generic sg2 type 5
[ 318.846903] sd 8:0:0:0: Attached scsi generic sg3 type 0
[ 318.856537] sd 8:0:0:0: [sdb] Attached SCSI removable disk.










New Modem
After the last timestamp

[ 212.508271] usb 1-4.2: new high-speed USB device number 6 using ehci-pci
[ 212.601015] usb 1-4.2: New USB device found, idVendor=1bbb, idProduct=022c
[ 212.601018] usb 1-4.2: New USB device strings: Mfr=2, Product=1, SerialNumber=0
[ 212.601021] usb 1-4.2: Product: HSPA+ USB Modem
[ 212.601023] usb 1-4.2: Manufacturer: SCD
[ 212.646262] usb-storage 1-4.2:1.0: USB Mass Storage device detected
[ 212.646343] scsi4 : usb-storage 1-4.2:1.0
[ 212.646445] usbcore: registered new interface driver usb-storage
[ 212.657580] usbcore: registered new interface driver uas
[ 213.645579] scsi 4:0:0:0: CD-ROM USBModem Mass Storage 2.31 PQ: 0 ANSI: 2
[ 213.654932] sr1: scsi-1 drive
[ 213.655124] sr 4:0:0:0: Attached scsi CD-ROM sr1
[ 213.655224] sr 4:0:0:0: Attached scsi generic sg2 type 5
[ 214.015587] ISO 9660 Extensions: Microsoft Joliet Level 1
[ 214.039474] ISO 9660 Extensions: IEEE_P1282
 
snowy said:
[ 212.508271] usb 1-4.2: new high-speed USB device number 6 using ehci-pci
[ 212.601015] usb 1-4.2: New USB device found, idVendor=1bbb, idProduct=022c
[ 212.601018] usb 1-4.2: New USB device strings: Mfr=2, Product=1, SerialNumber=0
[ 212.601021] usb 1-4.2: Product: HSPA+ USB Modem
[ 212.601023] usb 1-4.2: Manufacturer: SCD
[ 212.646262] usb-storage 1-4.2:1.0: USB Mass Storage device detected
[ 212.646343] scsi4 : usb-storage 1-4.2:1.0
[ 212.646445] usbcore: registered new interface driver usb-storage
[ 212.657580] usbcore: registered new interface driver uas
[ 213.645579] scsi 4:0:0:0: CD-ROM USBModem Mass Storage 2.31 PQ: 0 ANSI: 2
[ 213.654932] sr1: scsi-1 drive
[ 213.655124] sr 4:0:0:0: Attached scsi CD-ROM sr1
[ 213.655224] sr 4:0:0:0: Attached scsi generic sg2 type 5
[ 214.015587] ISO 9660 Extensions: Microsoft Joliet Level 1
[ 214.039474] ISO 9660 Extensions: IEEE_P1282
Click to expand...

Looks like an Alcatel X602D modem, and only usb storage drivers are being loaded, no serial or network drivers.
I think you need a new version of the usb-modeswitch package.

See:
http://www.draisberghof.de/usb_modeswitch/bb/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=2422
http://www.draisberghof.de/usb_modeswitch/bb/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=2110
 
hi

yes you are correct 'Alcatel X602 MTN Fastlink'

I read the articles but unsure where to go now.
Also, when i tried the new modem to get the results i didn't have the
sim card in as i didn't see the point as it's not working anyway.
is that ok.
Where or how do I obtain the usb-modeswitch package

Cheers
 
snowy said:
Also, when i tried the new modem to get the results i didn't have the
sim card in as i didn't see the point as it's not working anyway.
is that ok.
Click to expand...
I don't know.
snowy said:
Where or how do I obtain the usb-modeswitch package
Click to expand...
Safest option is to get it from your distribution (Linux Mint), but seeing that Mint is based on Debian/Ubuntu you might be able to download and install the .deb file manually straight from Debian:
https://packages.debian.org/sid/usb-modeswitch
(version 2.2.6 was released in Debian today)

If that doesn't work, try following the instructions here:
http://www.draisberghof.de/usb_modeswitch/#download
 
Hi ginggs

First of all, I tried the 'dmesg' again with the sim card in just to clarify and it makes no difference
to the report as previous.
Thanks for the download info & all the instructions, it really is appreciated, hopefully I can make
some progress soon.

My next question/problem is :- I am unable to maintain a connection for more than 3 or 4 minutes
and that signal is very weak anyway, which now poses a problem with the download to my Linux
set-up, can I download to my Windows lappy and save to flashdrive and install that way or is that not possible.

I am writing from my lappy now as I can't get a connection the MyBroadband with my Linux.

Once again Thanks
 
snowy said:
My next question/problem is :- I am unable to maintain a connection for more than 3 or 4 minutes
and that signal is very weak anyway, which now poses a problem with the download to my Linux
set-up, can I download to my Windows lappy and save to flashdrive and install that way or is that not possible.
Click to expand...
You can download the .deb files that way, for sure.

Windows has/had a a feature called Internet Connection Sharing, that might let you use the Windows machine's internet connection from your Linux machine.
 
I am going to have to use the flash drive method due to the bad connection issues.

I will let you know how I go on.

Cheers
 
Hi
Quick update

I managed to download the package 'usb-modeswitch-2.2.6.tar.bz2

Not sure how to install it, never done this before.

Checked in Synaptic package manager and there is a usb-modeswitch
installed 2.1.1 +repack0-1 ubuntu1.

cheers
 
snowy said:
I managed to download the package 'usb-modeswitch-2.2.6.tar.bz2

Not sure how to install it, never done this before.
Click to expand...
I would only install from the source package if all else fails. Try installing the newer package from Debian first.
snowy said:
Checked in Synaptic package manager and there is a usb-modeswitch
installed 2.1.1 +repack0-1 ubuntu1.
Click to expand...
OK, that must the the version that Linux Mint have.
 
Hi

I am getting more confused by the minute.
Tried to download from debian and I get an 'Error:Wrong archicture 'amd 64'
tried a few others and got the same message

cheers
 
Hi
Ok I tried usb-modeswitch_2.2.6+repack0-1_i386.deb
That loaded but with an error requiring package libjim0.76
I manage to find that package and loaded it and then it says that is already loaded
I tried again and then I get the error
package usb modeswitch
Status Error: Dependency is not satifiable:
sub-modeswitch-date (>=20140529)

I,m lost now

Cheers
 
snowy said:
Ok I tried usb-modeswitch_2.2.6+repack0-1_i386.deb
Click to expand...
Whether you choose amd64 or i386 will depend on which architecture you originally installed.
snowy said:
That loaded but with an error requiring package libjim0.76
I manage to find that package and loaded it and then it says that is already loaded
I tried again and then I get the error
package usb modeswitch
Status Error: Dependency is not satifiable:
sub-modeswitch-date (>=20140529)
Click to expand...
This will usually fix broken packages (missing dependencies):
sudo apt-get install -f

But you will probably need to install this manually as well:
https://packages.debian.org/sid/usb-modeswitch-data
 
Hi ginggs

Everything installed in Synaptic Manager:-
usb-modeswitch-data……….installed version 20151101-1
usb-modeswitch…………….installed version 2.2.6+repack0-1

I did run sudo apt-get install -f again and it is clear.


This is the situation now.

Old modem still runs the same as before.
New Modem is installed and sometimes it finds it and sometimes not
once it gets disconnected I cannot get a option to reconnect in the
network manager, when I go to check in network settings, there is only
'Wired & Network Proxy' no 'Mobile Broadband' , also sometimes the
Windows packages appear as an applet at the bottom next to the Network Manager,
before I can continue I have to go to 'Computer' and you can see all the packages,
then I have to eject and start again, at least we are (or should I say you are) making progress.

I checked my signals strength in modem manager for both modems and they
are still the same as before 'Edge 51%' very bad.

I contacted I.T yesterday in Durban and they say they will be attending to it
to-day or sometime next week as they have had other calls about signals problems
(not sure that will happen….its Christmas)

Thanks for everything so far
Look forward to your response

Cheers
 
Last edited:
Update:

I had once instance when the modem registered and actually connected, but once it
disconnected and/or after I ejected from 'Computer' it never appeared again.
I have struggled to understand why and I tried other usb devices to see if they
register in 'Computer' and they all do including my old modem but the new modem doesn't ?????
With that I did another 'dmesg' see results.

before modem installed

[ 26.458372] init: plymouth-upstart-bridge main process ended, respawning
[ 26.770021] init: plymouth-stop pre-start process (1359) terminated with status 1

after modem installed
[ 26.770021] init: plymouth-stop pre-start process (1359) terminated with status 1
[ 280.544326] usb 1-4.2: new high-speed USB device number 6 using ehci-pci
[ 280.637055] usb 1-4.2: New USB device found, idVendor=1bbb, idProduct=022c
[ 280.637059] usb 1-4.2: New USB device strings: Mfr=2, Product=1, SerialNumber=0
[ 280.637062] usb 1-4.2: Product: HSPA+ USB Modem
[ 280.637064] usb 1-4.2: Manufacturer: SCD
[ 280.774622] usb-storage 1-4.2:1.0: USB Mass Storage device detected
[ 280.775507] scsi4 : usb-storage 1-4.2:1.0
[ 280.775631] usbcore: registered new interface driver usb-storage
[ 280.799184] usbcore: registered new interface driver uas
 
snowy said:
after modem installed
[ 26.770021] init: plymouth-stop pre-start process (1359) terminated with status 1
[ 280.544326] usb 1-4.2: new high-speed USB device number 6 using ehci-pci
[ 280.637055] usb 1-4.2: New USB device found, idVendor=1bbb, idProduct=022c
[ 280.637059] usb 1-4.2: New USB device strings: Mfr=2, Product=1, SerialNumber=0
[ 280.637062] usb 1-4.2: Product: HSPA+ USB Modem
[ 280.637064] usb 1-4.2: Manufacturer: SCD
[ 280.774622] usb-storage 1-4.2:1.0: USB Mass Storage device detected
[ 280.775507] scsi4 : usb-storage 1-4.2:1.0
[ 280.775631] usbcore: registered new interface driver usb-storage
[ 280.799184] usbcore: registered new interface driver uas
Click to expand...
And nothing after that? More drivers should be loaded after usb-modeswitch does its thing.
 
Hi ginggs

Correct, that is the last entry
[ 280.799184] usbcore: registered new interface driver uas

Cheers
 
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