Thread: Internet connection in deepest darkest Issan.

Originally Posted by blackgang

Download Speed: 875 kbps (109.4 KB/sec transfer rate)
Upload Speed: 193 kbps

i'm getting double that with tot blackgang.

You are not welcome on this thread CmN.

Did you get my email?

Originally Posted by MeMock

Norton, I can't believe that CAT guranteed to a money back if it didnt work.

The deal was. If the CDMA2000 (dangly one) didn't work he would return and opt for the Wireless modem version I have. They said they would credit him the difference.

oh okay.

Well like I said, I am assuming that a USB dangly will be no good for me seeing as I am 11km away.

So if I was to buy this Merlin X720 CDMA thingymebob, I would need to sign up with CAT and hook it up to my aerial and hope for the best is that right?

Any thoughts on why my phone is constantly swapping between 3 locations and what kind of affect that might be having on everything?

The MerlinX720 EV-DO Rev A Express Card is an extreme speed wireless modem that offers you the freedom to access data anytime, anywhere** at EV-DO broadband-like speeds of up to 3.1 Mbps* (download) and up to 1.8 Mbps* (upload).

The Merlin X720 EV-DO PC card has an advanced dual band diversity antenna system design that incorporates an external flip antenna, maximizing data speed performance and allowing for stronger network signal reception.

The advanced dual band diversity antenna system design incorporates an external flip antenna, maximizing data speed performance and allowing for stronger network signal reception.

Supports EV-DO Revision A Networks (backwards compatible to Rev 0 and 1xRTT) CDMA 800 MHz and CDMA 1900 MHz.
GPS Capability allows you to retrieve location data from GPS satellites and utilize GPS navigation and location-based applications.
Transmits wireless data at speeds up to 3.1 Mbps on the downlink and up to 1.8 Mbps on the uplink on EV-DO Rev A capable networks.
2 Flip-up embedded diversity (receive) antennas.
Supports Windows XP, 2000, Vista and Mac OS X.
Service State LED displays performance of device.
Field firmware upgradeable.

Originally Posted by MeMock

So if I was to buy this Merlin X720 CDMA thingymebob, I would need to sign up with CAT and hook it up to my aerial and hope for the best is that right?

Think so. Should work.

Originally Posted by MeMock

Any thoughts on why my phone is constantly swapping between 3 locations and what kind of affect that might be having on everything?

The swapping could be causing the interruption in the internet. When it switches does it change carriers (AIS, DTAC etc.)?

Originally Posted by MeMock

So if I was to buy this Merlin X720 CDMA thingymebob, I would need to sign up with CAT and hook it up to my aerial and hope for the best is that right?

yes.
But there is a slight problem, I just checked what type of external antenna connector the X720 has.
It is a mini connector (because the card is small) and an adapter to a normal
SMA antenna connector will cost you a fortune.
100 USD

Hi Norton, I have only found my phone using two towers this morning and not the third. The two that it is using are both saying TH GSM.

Is there an option on your phone where you can just lock into one location?

Lom, thanks so much for that research, it is just getting more and more expensive by the sounds of it. Especially for something that may not work. It has been 6 days and the AUS tech still hasn't called....funny that isn't it

MM when you get to bkk do a google for "wifi 3g router"

There seems to be a few options out there which is kind of good. They also so what freq they operate on as well.

Here's a good example LINKSYS WRT54G3G Router

Actually this looks to be prefect... lom/norton any thoughts??







A good selection of frequencies there - could almost guarantee one of those is being used by MM already.

Unfortunately I can't find a rear view of it to confirm if the antenna will unscrew

The Linksys, while being a good product, is not exactly what MeMock should be looking for.
That router has a PCMCIA card slot in the top where you have to insert a GSM data card of your choice.
That still leaves you with the problem of connecting an external antenna.

I have seen routers (if I only could remember which brand) where the mobile part
is built in so you only insert a SIM card.
It had the usual SMA antenna connector for the mobile part so no antenna
adapter cable was needed.

Yes, the one Telstra sells looks ok from the picture.
Just make sure that the mobile antenna is detachable and has a standard connector
so you easily can connect your roof antenna.

Now we are getting somewhere I am following with great interest. Cimboc, and chance you could find out about the antenna for me. Do the have a telstra shop in Kal?

The Telstra Turbo 7 is locked to Telstra/BigPond, and access is via a slot in the side for a SIM card.

I started a thread on an Australian internet site and someone took a picture of the rear of the unit for me

http://i379.photobucket.com/albums/o...2/IMG_1095.jpg

As to if its locked to Telstra I will need to do some more research on that.

^It is manufactured by NetComm but they don't sell it in Australia, Telstra has
exclusive rights.

Reviews I read says it is locked to Telstra.

The antenna connector in your picture looks like a standard SMA connector.

Yes CDMA2000 is fine.
Tell your guru that MeMock has a Mac so he needs a Mac USB driver if the modem
only can connect over USB.

I suppose that MeMock's Mac has both built in WIFI and a cable ethernet port so that would also work if you can get a standalone router with WIFI or cable ethernet port.

Both you and MeMock should check on google images for "SMA connector" which is
the standard connector for antennas on routers and on many PC WIFI-cards.
There is an image there with the connector placed on a yellow ruler.
They are available in normal (cable male) and reverse (cable female) type.
I hope the one MeMock has on his roof antenna is a normal SMA in which case
he probably won't need an adapter cable.

I'm mentioning this because Bangkok is prolly the only place in Thailand where
you can get an adapter cable so better be prepared and know what type of connectors are involved.

I can unfortunately not see from MeMock's antenna cable photo what connector he has there.

Originally Posted by lom

SMA connector"

I'm familiar with this as it is what I have so will recognize. Understand the rest so I will go down tomorrow and have a look. I am optimistic something can be found to solve the problem. Memock's situation is not unique in Thailand so some enterprising vendor will have found a market nitch. Lord knows what it will look like however.

Hi Norton, your offer is above and beyond the help you would usually give to a stranger, thank you so much.

I will be in Bangkok enroute to Laos in 2 days returning in 3 weeks via bkk if necessary so can purchase and pick up anything that is recommended.

This is what the end of my aerial looks like which currently plugs into the phone wrap around thingy.



" Lord knows what it will look like however."

It could look like this for all I care.

Looks like a TNC connector or maybe a N connector.

A TNC connector has a diameter of 14-15 mm.
The N connector is a bit bigger, around 20mm.

Both types were commonly used for mobile and wifi hardware in the past.

Originally Posted by MeMock

Now I know your settling in to the Thai way of life MM but to see you with this on the back of your motorcycle heading back to the village.... I WOULD PAY MONEY TO SEE



Good luck with the trip Norton I hope some success comes from it

^ He's been out shopping a small genset