Save Me

T

Tweak

Expert Member
Joined
Jul 10, 2008
Messages
1,658
Reaction score
3
Location
CT
Hi

Got this problem with my Data Card can somebody please help me?

Device:
Hauweii E220 Usb Data Card​
Firmware:
VodaFone Methinks​
Client Software:
Vodafone Mobile Connect(didn't check version yet)​
Client Software:
MDMA(1.0.0.29)​
Operating System:
Windoze Xp​
Problems:

While browsing on the intarwebs this Usb Dongle sometimes just disconnects(loses signal) and client software
fails to detect it until I remove/insert the dongle again. Sometimes
I even have to restart the computer.

I try using MDMA to access the internet but how do you stop Vodafone
app from activating when dongle is inserted(it interferes with the
communications port)?

Sometimes when I use USSD commands I get alot of garbage. I end up
re-sending the same command 3-4 times before I get a responce in english.

I also recieved this error(Click Here Please) when the signal was lost while
using the MDMA client software.


My question is:

Is the problem with the vodafone firmware, or is it just the device that
is going bonkers? Have any of you ever experienced problems like these?

Incase it did end up being the firmware, would I stil be able to use Vodafone
client software to manage the data card, or will it struggle with std.
hauweii firmware?

Best Regards

Tweak
 
Tweak said:
While browsing on the intarwebs this Usb Dongle sometimes just disconnects(loses signal) and client software
fails to detect it until I remove/insert the dongle again.
Click to expand...
Sounds like your modem is crashing and then rebooting. Could be power related, try using the double USB cable.
Tweak said:
I try using MDMA to access the internet but how do you stop Vodafone
app from activating when dongle is inserted(it interferes with the
communications port)?
Click to expand...
You can prevent the modem from being assigned a drive lettter, disable autorun, or with the latest version of MDMA you can turn off the virtual CD-ROM in the modem itself.
Tweak said:
Sometimes when I use USSD commands I get alot of garbage. I end up
re-sending the same command 3-4 times before I get a responce in english.
Click to expand...
That was a problem with early E220 firmware versions, check exactly which version you have.
Tweak said:
I also recieved this error(Click Here Please) when the signal was lost while using the MDMA client software.
Click to expand...
When your modem reboots, Windows executes the autorun again, starting the Vodafone software.
Tweak said:
Incase it did end up being the firmware, would I stil be able to use Vodafone
client software to manage the data card, or will it struggle with std.
hauweii firmware?
Click to expand...
The firmware and the dashboard software are completely separate. You can update the firmware (which runs on the device) without updating the virtual CD-ROM (which contains the dashboard installer that runs on your PC), and vice versa.
 
Could you please advise me if we can update the firmware our self and if so, where do I download the latest versions? Same question for the MD MA client software.

Perhaps you wouldn't mind elaborating more on this Usb cable that you talked about. I don't know if I understand what it is.


Thank you Ginggs
 
Tweak said:
Could you please advise me if we can update the firmware our self and if so, where do I download the latest versions?
Click to expand...
You can get an updated E220 firmware from Vodacom's device downloads page. Downloads are zero-rated if you download using a Vodacom SIM.
Tweak said:
Same question for the MD MA client software.
Click to expand...
There's a sticky thread in the MTN subforum.
Tweak said:
Perhaps you wouldn't mind elaborating more on this Usb cable that you talked about.
Click to expand...
3G USB modems are often packaged with a couple of different USB cables.
The standard one would have one Type A connector for plugging into your computer and one Mini Type B connector for plugging into your modem.

Some USB ports are unable to supply enough current through one USB port to reliably power the modem under all conditions, so you should have a cable with two Type A connectors (one might be marked "Assistant Power") and one Mini Type B connector. Plugging in both Type A connectors should provide sufficient power to your modem to prevent it dropping out when it draws a lot of current.
 
Do the following ...

1. Start , run , type in "msconfig"
2. Click on services , select "hide all Microsoft services"
3. Look for Vodafone Mobile Connect and take the tick off the box , select apply
4. Click on the Startup tab and make sure that Vodafone Mobile Connect / Mobile Connect is not ticked & if it is then untick it.
5. Click apply , click ok , let the PC / laptop restart then try MDMA again.

Once you get that working you can then (provided you successfully connect to the internet with MDMA) download the newest version of Vodafone Mobile Connect should you desire to use it (to manage connections ie multiple APN's and so on)

Standard Huawei software works fine as well as firmware however on some versions of their connection manager software they do not allow authentication against an APN so if you connect to a corporate APN (which is in effect a VPN tunnel) then you may not be able to authenticate (this is one of the nicer "features" of VMC and MTN's dashboard)

Note "feature" should be a standard offering and yes Ginggs MDMA does support authentication because that comes from within the dial up connection by ticking the relevant tabs (it does become more complicated and that is why that function is within VMC)

VMC software for E220 downloadable here -> remember it is ZERO-RATED from a Vodacom data card connection so ie "GRATIS" even though it counts against your MB/GP used you will not be charged for it -> http://www.vodacom4me.co.za/vodacom...om/option/VMCLite_E220_3_2_1_156_standard.zip

I would normally recommend downloading the bigger version ie -> http://www.vodacom4me.co.za/vodacom4me-personal-resources/downloads/vodacom/Setup-9.3.6.12095.zip since it contains support for the E220 as well.

PDF guide -> http://www.vodacom4me.co.za/vodacom...odacom/option/E220 Firmware Upgrade Guide.pdf

Actual link for firmware -> http://www.vodacom4me.co.za/vodacom...awei E220/E220Update_11.117.09.04.00.B268.exe
 
@fismail: Tweak's asking how to stop the Vodafone software from starting up, and here you are, telling him how to load more Vodafone software.
Do you work for them, or something? ;)
 
How do we check our sms' messages on this MDMA Software?
 
Hi again

I found that the Modem is still restarting even after I installed the 2 usb port cable.

any ideas?
 
They only have one pc at the moment. I am considering buying a netbook(built in hsdpa) and selling this dongle soon. might solve all my problems xD
 
Hi folks,

Same problem here. I have a Huawei E220 which I upgraded the firmware recently, following religiously the instructions on Vodacom's website. It's connected to a desktop running Vista 32bit. It disconnects in the middle of a session and when I try to reconnect it tells me that the modem "is already in use or is not configured properly". I have to uninstall and reinstall the thing before I can connect again. It doesn't even help to go to the task manager and kill all the VMC processes and then try to reopen the dashboard. I have checked all the configurable features which seem to be ok. Any answers appreciated.

One thought, If I plug it into a USB 4-port hub with its own DC power supply will it help?
 
Hi, Me again.

I followed advice given above and in PM's from Tweak. Downloaded MDMA (big thanks Ginggsie!) and now use this instead of the bundled rubbish that came with the modem. I plugged in the double USB connector and attached an independent power supply to the USB 4-port hub, so no power problems presumably as long as eishkom keeps pumping about 230VAC. It still disconnects itself with monotonous regularity so I am left with the conclusion that there is a congenital defect in the design or manufacture of the E220 modem.
 
I'm also having disconnect problems with the E220. Very frustrating, it will work after a disconnect error but sometimes will not work even after rebooting! It doesn't like to work for long periods... the modem does get warm maybe we should try to keep it cool :confused:
 
Step 1. Lose the vodacom rubbish and install the Huawei native dialler firmware.

Step 2. See Step 1

Step 3. See Step 1

PS- Also set your software to either WCDMA only, or GPRS only. Leaving it on Auto or WCDMA preferred will cause it to "jump" around all the time given our wonderfuly stable cellphone towers and their awesome 3G connectivity.....
 
I tried to stop the bish application from running each time I restart the pc but it has been fruitless.

I go to Run: then typed "Msconfig": Startup and removed Vodafone Live from the startup applications but it still keeps running itself at startup.

What is this hax?!

Also, how do you remove items from the startup list permanently? Cheers
 
rurapente said:
Step 1. Lose the vodacom rubbish and install the Huawei native dialler firmware.

Step 2. See Step 1

Step 3. See Step 1

PS- Also set your software to either WCDMA only, or GPRS only. Leaving it on Auto or WCDMA preferred will cause it to "jump" around all the time given our wonderfuly stable cellphone towers and their awesome 3G connectivity.....
Click to expand...

/me wishes he knew how to follow step 1.

._.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X