CF30FQSAXAE-BP WWAN Modem Issues

I've been trying for the last couple days to get the WWAN modem up and working on my CF30FQSAXAE-BP on Telus here in Alberta. The sled that came installed on the machine has a Novatel EU860D modem card installed on it. I installed the Mobilink software-actually, I have tried 3 different versions found in 3 different places on the Web. Last one came from Panasonic Canada's driver website, so it should be most correct for Canada and is the most current of the 3. The WWAN light on the front of the machine lights up, I can get the Novatel software to recognize the card, and Device Manager shows the modem in the system. But I cannot get it to show any service or attempt to connect to the network. The modem itself is unlocked as per DC-Connect, and Telus recognizes the IMEI as a valid non-Telus device that should work with a simple SIM swap from my Huawei stick. I can get service on the stick in the same physical location, so I assume the built-in modem should work better with the telescoping lid antenna. I have looked at the DIP switch configuration-it appears to be set to HSUPA service by the pictures I have found in searching threads on here. Just in case I was looking at things upside down, I flipped the switches mirror-image, with no different results. So.....does anybody have any thoughts on what am I missing? Is it possible something is physically wrong with the card? Should I try flipping the DIP switches around for a different combination? Hit it with a hammer?

Thanks in advance.
Jason

 

Forgot to put in the original post: running XP SP2 as an OS. Also upgraded the modem firmware with a Panasonic patch I found on the driver website as well.

Thanks
Jason

 

Model Number: CF-30FQSAXAE
Status: DISCONTINUED
MSRP: $4,299
Description: Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional (Vista COA), Intel® Core 2 Duo L7500 1.60GHz (Centrino), 13.3" XGA Touch Screen, 80GB HDD, 1GB RAM, Intel® 802.11a/b/g, TPM1.2 Security Chip, Bluetooth, Wireless Ready, Dual Pass (Upper:WWAN/Lower:WLAN), No Optical Drive, UK distribution

Model Number: CF-30FQSAXAE
Status: DISCONTINUED
MSRP: $4,299
Description: Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional (Vista COA), Intel® Core 2 Duo L7500 1.60GHz (Centrino), 13.3" XGA Touch Screen, 80GB HDD, 1GB RAM, Intel® 802.11a/b/g, TPM1.2 Security Chip, Bluetooth, Wireless Ready, Dual Pass (Upper:WWAN/Lower:WLAN), No Optical Drive, UK Distribution

IOW: it did not come from Panasonic with a Wireless Broadband Modem installed.

And, offhand, I'd say the "-BP" means it was configured for British Petroleum.

What about this one?

Novatel EU860D modem firmware update for 7.2 Mbps.
This version is optimized for Canadian Carriers.

 

Yes, I have installed that firmware update as well with no change in the results. Wondering if there is a physical issue with the card. I won't have a lot of time to mess with it for the next few days with the holidays.

Thanks
Jason

 

Leaning more and more towards an issue with the card/sled itself? WWAN light now only lights up the odd startup, and the modem doesn't show up in Device Manager, or wireless WAN in the BIOS on those starts. If I was to start looking for a replacement EU860D card to try in the sled, does anyone have a good place to start?

Thanks
Jason

 

Sometimes a plug/socket arrangement which is disturbed only infrequently - as in this case with the mini pci-e of your wwan card, sled socket & sim socket if there is one - can develop poor contact on some of the pins. Often causes intermittent and strange symptoms prior to complete failure and again when disturbed during fault diagnosis.
It's at least worth checking before spending on a replacement. Just work the plugs in and out of the sockets repeatedly to "scratch-clean" the contacts by metal-to-metal friction.
The card in my 19 didn't show up until about the third time of doing this so don't give up right away!
I think I may have read here that the position of the wireless switch at power-up can be important but I can't remember the details, sorry.
Good luck!

 

I will give it a try a few more times-I have had the card in and out a few times now looking at it. It's not going to hurt anything trying it.

Thanks
Jason

 

http://forum.notebookreview.com/7302565-post2.html

This worked for me and thanks again to Glen/Ohlip.

Jeff

 

Hi Jason
Unable to help you with your problem as I do not use the WWAN card. I have the same unit, purchased it a couple of months ago, it is in very good conditions, I hope yours is as well. I live in the US and will be fitting a GOBI in a short time.
I have upgraded to WIN7, SSD C drive, and a 1tb HDD in the optical bay, the computer works very well and is fast. The case is nice and cool to the touch.
I wish you luck with your computer. Bob.

 

So I bought another (actually 4) cards off eBay-guess what? Card appears not to be the issue....sigh.....as long as at least 1 of the 5 I now have is functional, which I find hard not to believe. Guess I need to have a close look at the connector inside the bay itself. Should the WWAN show up in the BIOS regardless of whether the card is installed or not? I assume it's looking for it on the initial startup and doesn't show it if it can't find it?

Thanks for any help.
Jason

 

From your first post you said, it recognized the card,. It means you have working system. Now! you said you don't after changing some setting, right?

Set the unit from what you said on the start from where the card has been detected. The problem that you having why you are not connecting is that telus prolly have their own software setting.

Anyway, you can create your own profile from system manager of mobilink software. Name the new profile to whatever you want and then on VPN enter the corresponding VPN. You can get the VPn by contacting telus. Other setting set auto. and your good to go.

ohlip

 

I have verified that the switches on the new cards are in the same place as the old card which matches up to the pictures on here. Tried uninstalling and reinstalling the Mobilink software with no change. Before the original card quit working it would only show up intermittently in the system, despite no changes being made between startups, which in my mind points to something physical like a bad connection as suggested to me before. Thinking about trying to hunt down the connector & PCB assembly inside the machine & change it out now as a process of elimination.

Jason

 

... once I get home tonight I'll try to dig up the drivers I use. I have the exact config (and on Telus) as well.

You have to do a full power cycle (not even a restart will do) each time you want to insert it or else it won't be recognized. I was looking for a DC-HSPA board but now that Telus kicked me off Connect 100 Unlimited I'm cancelling my aircard plan.

From what I can see right now, I'm using
Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1

Novatel Mobilink 3.00.21
APN: isp.telus.com

In Device Manager, under Modems:
Novatel Wireless Expedite HSDPA modem v3.0.20.1

 

Why I am always talking about Vpn. Its twice in row. canuckcam is correct its APN not VPN that I keep mentioning above..


ohlip

 

Well your VPN won't work on the wrong APN if you don't have vpn.telus.com as the APN, given your plan has the VPN addon thus changing the APN.

 

OMG-WT-EFF-BBQ?!?!?

If the VP is such a VIP, shouldn't we keep the PC on the QT? Otherwise the VC might find out, and we'd all wind up MIA PDQ...

mnem
Abusing Acronyms since 2 BR (Before Reagan).