Various questions about the new MTN Data card

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chop

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I have the new MTN data card but have really struggled to get any answers from the MTN support guys on anything. So here goes;

1 - Did some of them come with a headphone and microphone in the package? (mine didn't but I was told the later ones did).
2 - Can the pc speaker and microphone be used to make/receive a call? (My computer rings but there is no sound on the speakers after answering, I also can't change the volume slider)
3 - How do you know you are connected with HSDPA? (the fastest I've downloaded is 50Kbs).
4 - How much is an external arial and were can I get one?
5 - I have a Sentech arial, is there a connector so that I can connect it to the data card?
6 - What pings are you getting? (I get 242 to saix.co.za, I'm sure that is 3G only)
 
chop said:
I have the new MTN data card but have really struggled to get any answers from the MTN support guys on anything. So here goes;

1 - Did some of them come with a headphone and microphone in the package? (mine didn't but I was told the later ones did).
2 - Can the pc speaker and microphone be used to make/receive a call? (My computer rings but there is no sound on the speakers after answering, I also can't change the volume slider)
3 - How do you know you are connected with HSDPA? (the fastest I've downloaded is 50Kbs).
4 - How much is an external arial and were can I get one?
5 - I have a Sentech arial, is there a connector so that I can connect it to the data card?
6 - What pings are you getting? (I get 242 to saix.co.za, I'm sure that is 3G only)
Click to expand...


Answers to your questions:

1. I also did not receive a headset with my card. (I got my card on Thursday 11/5). See my post.

2. I can't see any settings on the MTN dashboard program where you can select to use your PC's microphone and speaker.

3. You can force the card to use 3G only. But AFAIK, there is not a way to determine if you are connected via HSDPA. If you do a speed test and get download speeds of more than 380 kbits/s, you are probably on HSDPA. I managed to get 540 kbits/s, but it could be better if I had a stronger 3G/HSDPA signal.

4. Ellies have aerials for cellphones check it out here.
A more extend range of cellular antennas are available from Poynting. You can check it out here

5. I phoned MTN at 1555 to and asked them about the antenna connector.
They told my to contact the local branch of Huawei Technlogies in Woodmead. Their phone number is 011 517 9800. I will phone them tomorrow to find out.
 
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Thanks zaphod

zaphod said:
Answers to your questions:

2. I can't see any settings on the MTN dashboard program where you can select to use your PC's microphone and speaker.
Click to expand...

On the call screen there is a sliding bar with a speaker on the left and a microphone on the right. In the manual it says slide to increase volume.

What is the point in giving us a dialer function but we can't hear or say anything.
 
Mams said:
You can only use the mic and speaker that plugs into the card and not the laptops own speaker..
Mic and speaker is not supplied with any of the cards.You have to buy it seperately
Click to expand...

That sucks. That means even more cables to carry around.
 
1.) The F@stlink Data card is retailed with the headset. There was a packaging issue with Huawei that has been addressed. You should go back to the dealer to get a headset (PM me if you experience problems)
2.) PC Speaker phone cannot be used - hence the headset.
3.) SW Update (on the F@stlink window) can be done to sort this out - this was an issue that was reported to Huawei.
4.) No price info yet on antennae for the E620. Can be purchsed from Huawei directly or MTN SP Service Center
5.) Sentech MyWireless technology is WCDMA so should be fine. Unfortunately antenna input on E620 is not coax. MTN NWG will be receiving Poynton WCDMA antenna soon will advise when NWG will be distributing.
6.) More than likely 3G yes.
 
MTNer said:
3.) SW Update (on the F@stlink window) can be done to sort this out - this was an issue that was reported to Huawei.
Click to expand...


Where can I download the lastest version of the F@stlink control program?
 
zaphod said:
Where can I download the lastest version of the F@stlink control program?
Click to expand...

Click on "main menu" in the control panel (button on the right bottom). A menu will appear, click "online update". Follow the instructions.

Can't remember the exact procedure but you have to exit the control panel before installing or it will fail.
 
chop said:
Click on "main menu" in the control panel (button on the right bottom). A menu will appear, click "online update". Follow the instructions.

Can't remember the exact procedure but you have to exit the control panel before installing or it will fail.
Click to expand...


Is that an update of the F@stlink control program or the firmware of the card ?

:confused:
 
zaphod said:
Is that an update of the F@stlink control program or the firmware of the card ?

:confused:
Click to expand...

The update is for both. Depending on the availability of the respective update.
 
HSDPA coverage in central Cape Town

Hello

Can anyone comment on success/failure in connecting on HSDPA in central Cape Town (Foreshore area). I have had Sierra Aircard 850 with MTN contract for a week now, and apart from two occasions when the card software indicated "HS" (for about 30 seconds), the best connection I have been able to achieve is 3G, occasionally dropping into Edge.

Thanks & regards
 
zaphod said:
Is that an update of the F@stlink control program or the firmware of the card ?

:confused:
Click to expand...

Since updating I get "MTN 3G/HSDPA" next to the signal strength, although I still haven't been able to download faster than 500kb/s (according to the control panel).
 
chop said:
Since updating I get "MTN 3G/HSDPA" next to the signal strength, although I still haven't been able to download faster than 500kb/s (according to the control panel).
Click to expand...

If my muddled memory serves me correctly, I think I read somewhere that the achievable download speed is dependant on the number of users online and sharing a particular cell (whatever that is), similar to the contention ratio effect - I'm no expert but it seems that this phenomenon could be applicable here.
 
chop said:
Since updating I get "MTN 3G/HSDPA" next to the signal strength, although I still haven't been able to download faster than 500kb/s (according to the control panel).
Click to expand...

That is also about the best transfer rate that I got. But that was was with a very weak 3G/HSDPA signal. (0 bars on the F@stlink dashboard program).

How is your 3G/HGDPA signal strength?
 
zaphod said:
That is also about the best transfer rate that I got. But that was was with a very weak 3G/HSDPA signal. (0 bars on the F@stlink dashboard program).

How is your 3G/HGDPA signal strength?
Click to expand...

The rate I got was with 4 to 5 bars. Unfortunately I only get that on one side of the house.
 
chop said:
The rate I got was with 4 to 5 bars. Unfortunately I only get that on one side of the house.
Click to expand...

Your signal strength looks good. The throughput could also be influenced by the amount of traffic through cellphone tower to which your data card is locked on.

500 kbits/s sounds like HSDPA, although at the lower end of its potential throughput.

Try to do the test late in the evening or early in the morning as well to see if your transfer speed increases.

I managed to get (on one occasion) 500 kbits/s transfer on the Telkom ADSL speed test, and a peak at 800 kbits/s.

As mentioned before, my signal strength is 0 bars on the F@salink dashboard program.

An external antenna could improve the situation. (Hopefully)

I phoned the local branch oh Huwaei technologies. They told me that MTN did place an order for external antennas for the F@stlink cards, and it should be available in the MTN retail outlets within a week or so. Does anybody know anything about that?
 
zaphod said:
Your signal strength looks good. The throughput could also be influenced by the amount of traffic through cellphone tower to which your data card is locked on.

500 kbits/s sounds like HSDPA, although at the lower end of its potential throughput.

Try to do the test late in the evening or early in the morning as well to see if your transfer speed increases.

I managed to get (on one occasion) 500 kbits/s transfer on the Telkom ADSL speed test, and a peak at 800 kbits/s.

As mentioned before, my signal strength is 0 bars on the F@salink dashboard program.

An external antenna could improve the situation. (Hopefully)

I phoned the local branch oh Huwaei technologies. They told me that MTN did place an order for external antennas for the F@stlink cards, and it should be available in the MTN retail outlets within a week or so. Does anybody know anything about that?
Click to expand...

Do you have any idea how the antenna looks like and how much it will cost? [I barely have any reception in my study]
 
chop said:
Do you have any idea how the antenna looks like and how much it will cost? [I barely have any reception in my study]
Click to expand...

The antennas come in various shape and forms.
You can get antennas from Ellies and Poynting. See my previous post.
You have to contact them regarding prices.

The antenna with the highest gain is probably a Yagi antenna.

You have to contact them regarding prices. The problem is that the F@stlink card has a very small connector for the external antenna, which I assume, is non-standard.

You need an adaptor connector for the card to connect a cellphone antenna. The local branch of Huawei recons that they have an antenna with the correct connector. According to them these antennas should be available at MTN outlets within a week or so. I am also not sure what the price would be.
 
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Can anyone tell me where to get the bloody ear-piece. It didn`t come with the card.
 
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