Telstra 21 wirless modem
Submitted: Monday, Jul 05, 2010 at 18:46
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den57
Hi folks, does any body use the telstra 21 wireless modem and what is the general feeling about it. I have the MF636, 7.2 at the moment and as it wont take a patch lead and therefore an external aerial, I am thinking of changing over to the newer model 21.
Too much loss of signal through the walls of the van with the present one and dont like the thought of sitting under an umbrella in the rain trying to catch up on mail and follow the
forum.
Appreciate any thoughts on the matter
Reply By: Goldfind (Dunsborough) - Monday, Jul 05, 2010 at 19:05
Monday, Jul 05, 2010 at 19:05
den57
I have been using a next G MF626 from Telstra. I have'nt had it long but it does come with a short USB connection cord and USB plug. I have yet to use the lead as it seems OK inside (a tin shed in regional
East Augusta)
Wayne H
AnswerID:
423139
Follow Up By: den57 - Monday, Jul 05, 2010 at 20:27
Monday, Jul 05, 2010 at 20:27
Hi Wayne H, The MF 636 works fine but when using it inside the caravan i loose 2 bars and unless you are close to the tower you end up with 1 or 2 bars and trying to use skype or win live to see the grand kids just doesnt work. The problem is that you cant plug an external aerial into the MF 636. The 626 may be different. The 21 series will allow me to use the aerial for the phone to connect via a patch lead to improve reception. Thanks for the reply.
FollowupID:
693554
Reply By: Member - Phil H (NSW) - Monday, Jul 05, 2010 at 19:46
Monday, Jul 05, 2010 at 19:46
We also just picked up the Telstra next g MF626 and were able to use it whenever we had phone range right through Qld, Nt the Kimberlys and
Dampier Peninsular. Used the small extension lead that came with it.
Phil and Sue
AnswerID:
423147
Follow Up By: den57 - Monday, Jul 05, 2010 at 20:33
Monday, Jul 05, 2010 at 20:33
Hi Phil H. Have purchased a longer usb ext lead which will allow me to put the modem on the roof and altho this improves reception it has caused (maybe) the sys to crash a few times. Have read a report of similar prob on another
forum. The lead i was usind was 3 mtr aprox. Thanks for the reply..
Mine is the MF 636 and definately no plug recpticle for patch lead.
FollowupID:
693557
Reply By: Member - Graham H (QLD) - Tuesday, Jul 06, 2010 at 09:26
Tuesday, Jul 06, 2010 at 09:26
I had a Blue ZTE and it was terrible Sent it back twice and got new ones and no better. Got a refund via fair trading in the end.
Solution I bought an old
home modem a Maxon BP-3 if I remember correctly.
Cost me $85 on Fleabay and it sat on the wheel arch inside the van right around the country.
It connected no trouble and frequently better than my Iphone.
Had no troubles at all with it and its now away on its second circuit with the owners of the house we are looking after.
Not fast but very reliable. Has two aerials and one can be removed and a longer lead attached. Was never needed anywhere.
I asked Telstra if their wizbang new models would be better then my blue one and they said "Probably not"..
You can still buy these on Ebay They will run off 12 volts if you cut and join the wires to a ciggy plug.
Good enough for me and I like my gadgets.
AnswerID:
423223
Follow Up By: Member - Barry (NT) - Tuesday, Jul 06, 2010 at 16:24
Tuesday, Jul 06, 2010 at 16:24
we also use the Maxon = 3 years now. We have a Telsra external antenna mounted on the A frame of van,,, excellent reception
FollowupID:
693661
Follow Up By: den57 - Tuesday, Jul 06, 2010 at 18:01
Tuesday, Jul 06, 2010 at 18:01
Thanks for the replys. Took bigpond to task over the fact that i couldnt fit an external aerial and they have come to the party and have offered to replace the MF636 7.2 with a 21 modem. Aparently this is the same as the "elite" modem which they are now selling. The main thing i was after was to be able to plug in the aerial and if they are willing to do this at no cost, and there doesnt seem to be any adverse reports, i will take up the offer. Plenty of knockers for telstra but i have to give credit where its due and have had problems with them in the past but always been happy with there offer of a solution. Thanks again for the info.
Den.
FollowupID:
693677
Reply By: Tadooch - Tuesday, Jul 06, 2010 at 21:08
Tuesday, Jul 06, 2010 at 21:08
Hey den57,
You refer to the 21 modem. Do you mean a 21 USB.
What I've learnt is that changing from a USB to a modem requires a new account & that means a new email address. You will loose the current email when you close that account. Also on a new 2 year contract the 21 USB will still cost you $199.
Cheers.
AnswerID:
423283
Follow Up By: den57 - Tuesday, Jul 06, 2010 at 21:51
Tuesday, Jul 06, 2010 at 21:51
Hi Tadooch, Sorry if I've used the wrong terminology. Both the MF 636 and the 21 are usb drives. Took a bit of talking and i still have 18 mths to go on my present contract. Big pond agreed to replace the MF636 with the 21 at a cost of $399 but will give me a credit of $399. Cost neutral. The 21 is a higher transfer rate in capital cities but my only interest is being able to use the broom stick phone aerial to improve reception for the net when inside the van or in country areas. Will wait for the account to arrive before i activate the new usb drive. I believe i will still have 18 mths on contract but that is no prob if they want to make it a 2 year deal.
Thanks for the reply
FollowupID:
693713