VPC-Z2 Mobile Broadband - where is Verizon?

You're not going to fall for that old tears routine, are you? Man up here!

 

Wasn't worth a human sacrifice and I was out of time at lunch.

 

Just for fun(!) I went into the registry and at HKLM\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Sony Corporation\VAIO Mobile Broadband Setup, I added Verizon to the SupportedCarriers string.

That didn't seem to affect the Mobile Broadband Setup in terms of opening up Verizon as an offering. (I had already installed the setup program from the VPCZ2290X.)

I then built a little VS project and referenced \Program Files(x86)\Sony\VAIO Mobile Broadband Setup\WWANActivation.dll.

In the utilities class is a method called IsCarrierSupported(string). Plugging "Verizon" in, I got a positive acknowledgement. In fact, this method responds directly to the above named registry key. Just for a test I added "TMobile" to the registry key and it then became recognized in the method.

I had hoped to have the setup app suddenly recognize Verizon, but haven't done it so far.

 

Neat work rmcx. Some of us would like that kind of attention on the keyboard backlight, wink, wink

I'm headed to DC next week and need broadband, so I'm about out of time for the software/firmware fix on the GOBI3k.

For that reason, I pulled the 2k card from my Z1 and put it in the Z2.

The cards:



The 2k is thicker than the 3k due to some chips and a RF shield on the belly (top pic). I left the padding attached to the base alone when I reassembled the chassis. It is snug, but no real fitment problem. Don't know about heat issues, but I guess I'll find out.

The MAIN and AUX connections are reversed between the modems, so I tucked the longer AUX wire under the MAIN.


I'll post some VZAccess caps in a bit when I switch back to the Z2. Gladly, it works fine.

 

Working Verizon on a Z2

 

Two items:

1) How did you get to that sign-up page?

2) I did a little looking around at the backlight issue and have posted current results to that thread.

 

I installed the Gobi2k drivers from the Z1. Clicked on Get Access in VZAccess Manager. I used the VZA linked in this thread.

I left everything else stock Z2.

 

Is the Verizon access for 3G or 4G?

 

EDVO Rev A (3g). The Gobi3000 may support LTE, but not with the current firmware.

 

Go to : HKLM\Software\Wow6432Node\Sony Corporation\VAIO Mobile Broadband Setup

Change the string in the value "SupportedCarriers" to "Verizon" (no quotes, no Sprint, no ATT) and then run the Mobile Broadband Setup app. It will take you directly to the Verizon setup process.

I didn't go all the way because I'm not ready to sign up yet. But I got as far as the screen that asked me to switch to CDMA to make this work.

(BTW, I had downloaded the Broadband Setup app from the VPCZ2290X support site, although based on the file dates I don't think it did anything.)

 

I got to the CDMA prompt with the new VZA app. Problem is with the MEID

 

Just to clarify: this was with the Gobi 3000.

 

Yep, on the G3k

 

Hello, I would like to ask, doesn't anybody knows, where it would be possible to download "Images" for our device EM680 which would include GPS?

C:\Program Files (x86)\Huawei\Gobi\Images\3000\Generic

are all with suffix _noGPS

 

Note that the WWAN is not being offered as an option today for the VPCZ2190X CTO.

 

LTE coming?

 

I've read that the GOBI3k's support the Vz LTE spectrum but I haven't independently verified. I'd put this functionality in the "maybe, but don't count on it" category.

This leaves us with an option to replace the WWAN with one of our liking. Unfortunately, 3rd party WWAN cards that show they support Vz LTE are few and far between. I couldn't find a place to buy one. I haven't searched in a few weeks, so have at it if you want.

Now, here's what I'm doing for LTE....

I was one of the suckers, er, first adopters, to buy the Verizon Moto Xoom tablet when it launched. For those unfamiliar with the saga, Moto sold these in Jan of last year as the first LTE tablet, even before the LTE phones came to market. They shipped these tablets without any WWAN capabilites whatsoever. The deal was that after 90 days, you could ship it back to Moto and have the WWAN module retrofitted at no cost. That 90 days from Jan turned into this month (buttholes), and I'm just now shipping it out.

Anyhoo, the Xoom looks to be using a normal mini-PCI card for LTE operation.

Pic of the blank module that originally shipped with the Xoom (love you ifixit.com)


I have no idea if this will work other than knowing it will fit in the Z1/Z2. No clue on software either. It will be pre-registered with my Verizon data account too (I think it is SIMless)

What I do know is it will be yet another excuse to disassemble two expensive electronic devices. This is how I like spending Sunday mornings

 

No LTE today.

 

Hold the phone. How exactly did you do this? It looks like you used the factory gobi3000 card with the Z1 2000 drivers and voila???? Seriously?

I'm ok with 3G for now. AT&T sucks.

 

No. You missed some pictures at some point.

 

ok so you pulled your 2000 card from the Z1 and installed it in the Z2?

 

Read the post just before the one you quoted. Couldn't be clearer if I took pictures of the process. Oh, wait. I did

 

Thanks. I got it to work.

 

confirmed, got it worked too.

 

Hello all;

Quick update.

I gave up on getting the G3K to work, fell back to a mifi 3G. (note: I do have a Z1 with the G2K and many props to Zoinks for the transplant instructions as I may well use it later).

But, have continued to look for the 'real' solution. Some additional data:

-- the Z22 that is now available will definately support verizon. I broke down and bought a Z22 today, so we'll know more in a week about exactly what you get.

-- It's likely that the Z22 is just using the same Huawei card with new drivers, etc. (I say this because of the VZAM version that just came out which supports the Huawei card on Sony laptops). And sadly, this card will never ever ever do LTE. While Gobi can do it, the Huawei implementation does not have 700 MHZ HW. Just S.o.L. for Huawei people.

-- HOWEVER there is a slight possibility that they ditched the Huawei G3K for a diifferent card:

Sierra Wireless - MC7750 LTE, EVDO and HSPA+ wireless module

I point out this FCC filing for the Z2 with Sierra wireless LTE (props to NBR user ascariss for leading me to this):
https://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/eas/GetApplicationAttachment.html?id=1466712

This card DEFINITELY supports LTE. Which is quite exciting if it shows up in my machine next week.

And even if not, means that those of us who are willing to swap cards (say, from your Z1) may be able to buy one of these guys and swap them in. Assuming there isnt an antenna problem or something odd like that.

Anyway, just droppin a little more data. More next week when I have the new machine.

MS

 

Interesting if not a bit frustrating. This could explain why there are no carrier-specific driver packages available for download on the Z22's yet. If it has LTE, I'll be fairly pissed off.

Confirmed on the Vz option on the Z22

 

The Z22 will have a Gobi 3000 WWAN card and support Verizon

The drivers are here: Sony eSupport - VPCZ22AGX - News & Alerts

I'll try these drivers/app later

 

Has anyone tried these drivers on the Z to see if they work to make it Verizon compatible. Looks like the original Z2's came with Gobi 3000 modem and am hoping no change is needed. AT&T is no Verizon...

 

rvrrat and Ung_Kung Said they got it working with the new VZ Access Manager, although I don't recall if they completed the registration process in its entirety.

 

I read that as well but curious if anyone actually succeeded. A little worried it may mess up my at&t connection if I were to download these new drivers and try myself.

 

go to verizon website and download the vzaccess for gobi3000 (sony z), install it then follow the instruction.

*** note if you want 5GB month to month no contract @ 59.99 you have to call verizon. this option is not available for self activate. they will ask for number behind the machine ***

 

So do not download any of the new sony drivers which seem to include Verizon. Simply download the VZ access from Verizon site?
I have an unlimited 3g contract from my old z so will get that reconnected to the new z2. Would be great if it worked. Can you confirm it works and no need for the new sony drivers?

 

FWIW (and that's not much right now), I have the sequence to get the Verizon option into the Broadband setup program for the Z21.

It turns out that the version of the program that is shipped with the Z21 has a higher rev number than the version that's shipped with the Z22! So, you just can't install the Z22 version over the Z21 version because, even if it doesn't tell you, the installer recognizes the discrepency and doesn't actually do anything.

So, I figured I'd uninstall the Z21 version and install the Z22 version to see what would happen. But wait: there is no entry in the Programs applet for this app and no associated uninstall program in the Start menu!

So, doing a little searching in the registry based on the version number of the Z21 version I found the right entry. The uninstall program is in C:\Program Files (x86)\InstallShield Installation Information\{67271A8A-BB86-4F58-8162-1DA0B3844CD8}\ and is called Setup.exe.

Executing this program gives you an uninstall option, after which you can then download and run the Z22 version, which then presents you with the Verizon option along with the other two.

 

Were you able to get all the way through and register service?

 

But according to Ung_Kung (above) it may not be needed to download the new driver's and one can simply download the VZaccess from Verizon directly.
When I did that it does recognize the modem but states it need to switch to CDMA mode, which the program can do. A little worried to proceed as it may no longer work for my AT&T connection.
Curious if anyone has Verizon actually working and the best process.

 

Haven't gone that far yet. Not quite ready to sign up. I'll start traveling again in a few weeks and I'll do it then.

 

Yes, that's why I said this information might not be worth much now. More of an academic exercise for me.

 

Ok, so nobody has actually setup a new or transferred an existing Verizon account to the Z21's Gobi3k then?

I'm able to see the network, just not connect to it. The adapter gets rejected.

 

Question: If I go with Verizon now and then travel to a GSM country at some point in the future, will I be able to switch back and forth?

 

I have done it. It works fine. I did the registry thing and installed the VZAM and switched to CDMA.

 

You should be able to. I switched back and forth between Verizon and Sprint and it worked fine.

 

Here you go. I deleted my # and wifi stuff.

 

I was able to register as well Downloaded Verizon Access Manager for Vaio Z from the Verizon website. Changed the Network manually to CDMA. One can switch back and forth through Access Manager under Network selection.
Called Verizon and gave them my new MEID number which can be found under about access manager. They recognized it as valid and registered my account. Within minutes it worked normally and now shows active with my phone number.
I did not download any new drivers from Sony. Also able to keep my AT&T working as long as I switch the Network back to GSM using Verizon Access Manager.

 

Great! Thx.

 

I went through all the steps and loaded the Z22 software, and latest VZAccess manager. The Gobi can be seen, I can switch modes between GSM and CDMA, and About shows me the MEID.
When I try to use the web site to activate the MEID it says it is unable and I need to call customer support. The support rep says that it is not a valid device (GPS blah blah) and it cannot be activated. He has no way to override it.
Is there any way to get Verizon to activate a VPCZ21SHX?

 

I have a VPCZ22AGX. First thing I did when I recieved it was to put Windows 7 Ultimate (retail) on it, complete blow away. Took me a little while to figure out how to get the Gobi 3000 to work. I thought somebody might benefit from some documentation on this.

You have to install at least three things from the Sony Support website in order to get the Gobi 3000 to work. Downloads are here:

Sony eSupport - VPCZ22AGX - Support

From Network you need:

VAIO® Smart Network Software Update

From Wireless you need:

Huawei™ Gobi™ 3000 HS-USB Modem Driver
Qualcomm® Gobi™ Firmware Driver

Take special care when installing the VAIO® Smart Network Software Update. The software package will run the installation twice which is problematic if you do not have the original package installed due to wiping the hard drive. Took me a few tries to figure this out but basically if you quit the installer after the first run then the package VAIO® Smart Network Software works fine. If you do not have the VAIO® Smart Network Software installed the WWAN modem will likely end up in a disabled state and will be unusable.

I have my Gobi 3000 hooked up to T-mobile. There is a $30 a month prepaid plan with 5 GB of data (unlimited text and 100 voice minutes that are unusable). To get this plan you order the SIM card off of the T-mobile website. Once you get the SIM card you can activate it via their website. This plan is not available in stores according to the person I talked to in a store. Must be done 100% online. SIM card showed up in the mail two days after I ordered it. I simply removed the AT&T SIM card that came with the machine, put the activate T-mobile SIM card in and hit connect in the Windows network connection toolbar icon.