Which 3G modem for Raspberry Pi?

[Gemwolf]

In short my set-up is this:
I use a headless Raspberry Pi on a remote site to automatically connect to an APN. A bridge is then created through the Modem to the serial pins of the Pi, giving me access to a radio device connected to the Pi.

I've used the standard methods of initializing the modem and creating the connection, i.e. USBmode_switch, Wvdial, etc. And it all works great. Well worked. I've had the best success using Huawei E3131, but the latest batch of modems were all Firmware version 22.001.25, meaning HiLink. And although there are many suggestions on the Internet on how to disable HiLink, including This very informative local thread, however the "switchProjectMode" DOES NOT WORK on the latest batch of Huawei modems. I've tried every single tutorial on the Internet, every firmware upgrade (downgrade) method available, but nothing works. I have however managed to brick 3 modems thus far. And I also get no response from Huawei (South Africa) with regards to my problem.

I've searched SA modem suppliers left and right, and it looks like I won't be able to get any more Huawei modems with firmware version 21.x.x or lower...

So, I'm ready to cut my losses with Huawei. I purchased a Dlink 3G dongle (DWM-157), and alas it's got the latest firmware making it impossible to switch from memory to modem mode on the Raspberry Pi.

So, my actual question, before I purchase any more 3G modems:
What other 3G dongles are compatible with the Raspberry Pi - which will give me control over the modem so that I can use wvdial?

Thanks.

 

[ginggs]

First choice: any non-HiLink Huawei modem.
Second choice: any Sierra Wireless modem, but also beware of their HiLink equivalent.

Where are you based?

 

[Gemwolf]

I'm in Pretoria.
I've been struggling to find any non-HiLink modems. When I ask suppliers which firmware the modems have I either get no response or vague responses making it clear that they have no idea what firmware even is.

So if anyone can point me in the direction of a supplier who could supply non-HiLink Huawei modems, that would be the perfect solution...

Otherwise - is there a specific model Sierra modem I can look at?

 

[ginggs]

What kind of modem are you looking for? GSM/EDGE (2G), UMTS/HSPA (3G) or LTE?

 

[Gemwolf]

3G. I used GSM modems in the past but they are simply too slow for the amount of data I transfer. I haven't tried LTE modems yet, as they are more expensive and I need to keep the prices down on the scale I'm working.

 

[ginggs]

3G. I used GSM modems in the past but they are simply too slow for the amount of data I transfer.

Huawei E372 (aka Vodafone K4605) is the best UMTS/HSPA modem I've had.
The Huawei E367 is also highly rated on this forum.

Otherwise, Huawei E1820 (aka Vodafone K4505) is also good if you don't want to use an external antenna.
Beware, not the Vodafone K4505-Z.

 

[Gemwolf]

Thanks a lot. Now the R 1 000 000 question... Any idea where I could purchase a non-HiLink version(s) of any of those?

 

[ginggs]

Thanks a lot. Now the R 1 000 000 question... Any idea where I could purchase a non-HiLink version(s) of any of those?

Off the top of my head; Vodacom, Cell-C / Red Bull Mobile. Unfortunately, they are not current models, but you might be lucky.
Otherwise Gumtree / E-Bay / MyBB Classifieds.
On the upside, if you find one, it probably won't be HiLink.

 

[cypher912]

Why not use a router with a dongle and a lan cable between the pi and the router = problem solved

 

[Gemwolf]

Thanks I'll keep it in mind. I've managed to find a supplier that would be able to supply me with Huawei E3531's with old firmware - so here's to hoping.

 

[Gemwolf]

Why not use a router with a dongle and a lan cable between the pi and the router = problem solved

The Raspberry Pi's are used "in the field" on remote sites. They are built into existing casings and needs to be as small and compact as possible (as well as as cheap as possible) as they are vulnerable to theft. So the router route is not quite meant for me.

 

[ginggs]

Why not use a router with a dongle and a lan cable between the pi and the router = problem solved

Be aware that many routers have problems with these HiLink modems as well.

In fact, Huawei made an AF-23 router specifically for their E3276 LTE modem.
It works fine with the non-HiLink E3276 from Cell-C, but doesn't work with the HiLink E3276 from Telkom. See thread.