Anyone Tried 3's MIFI?

neil40

I am thinking of getting one so i can use my ipod touch to connect to the internet at work.Anyone got one and whats the verdict?



Neil

xycom1

I got a couple off eBay, unlocked to all networks. The PC software that is used to configure it is the usual Huawei fare, serviceable but not fantastic. AFAIK there is no user accessible HTML config pages. Once configured, you can use the MiFi on its own, just using the three buttons on the unit - on/off, wifi on/off and network connect/disconnect. Using the unit on Three wouldn't require any extra config I wouldn't think - I wanted to set my own SSID and WEP key, etc. anyway.

The WiFi switches itself off after a certain amount of inactivity - power saving presumably. A bit annoying as I have to keep switching it back on again...

Also, the unit will not charge whilst switched on and transmitting (with the included mains power supply anyway - I have read online that people have had some success with more powerful USB PSUs?).

Overall it's a pretty good piece of kit, good value for less than £60 which is what I paid, unlocked, SIM less and including delivery.

Hope this helps, anything I've not covered?

Im_just_careful

A chap at work has one. It looks good and he is pleased with it.

Assuming you are happy with the "Three" deal, as I understand it it "just works".

gavinp

I bought one from 3 on PAYG - there is a review here:

http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2010/02/04/review_3g_modem_huawei_e5/

I got it unlocked for 15 euros (it is a Huawei 5830):

http://www.dc-unlocker.com/

There are allegedly some free unlocking codes available but I had used DC Unlocker before and 15 euros was worthwhile to me for peace of mind.

You can also install the firmware available here to allow wireless configuration via web page, disable the power-saving sleep mode and automatic connection when you switch the unit on rather than messing around with pressing the individual buttons in sequence:

http://www.netvigatoreverywhere.com/download/E5838Update_716.11.17.07.108SP02.exe

There is another firmware available here but this seems to prevent you from changing the APN used:

http://blog.brightpointuk.co.uk/huawei-e5-e5830-e5832-imo-firmware-update-available

Thanks

Gavin

xycom1

Nice one gavinp, had a search for stuff like that a few weeks ago when I got it but didn't manage to find anything. Will have a play later on, disabling auto-power off will be very useful.

:T

gavinp

No worries

One further tip: if you update the firmware and it fails, you may be able to recover the unit using the following process (as I just found out!):

1. Remove battery
2. Press and keep held in the connect button on the unit
3. Using USB, plug unit into a Windows XP machine - you should see the top two icons lit.
4. Run firmware updater again (it will say there is an unrecognised software version but it should still allow you to run the update to resolve this).
5. Put battery back in and re-test.

I tried the process on a Windows 7 pc and it did not work - unit is not recognised under Windows.

I hope this helps.

Thanks

Gavin

neil40

Thanks for advice.I will probably get one this week......Neil

xycom1

Thanks, ran the firmware update under Windows XP Mode virtual PC in Windows 7. Worked OK loading the firmware and then it said it failed when it tried to test it.

Managed to access the web config page through IE and it seems to be working OK, so phew...!

All seems good now, fixes the little niggles I had before.

Now, any source for spare battery packs? Think I'll need them with the WiFi enabled always on...

snoop85

hi all,

i want to get this for same reason as first poster. Was wondering how the singal has been for them?
Has anyone tried using on the move? i.e. in the car travelling
As i have a great app for listening to internet radio on the ipod touch - TuneIn worth the money for me.

thanks

tucker61

Bought mifi device today on 3 network. Slightly slower than my home broadband, but quick enough for using with iPod touch.
Seems a lot quicker then my virgin dongle.
Upgraded firmware within 1 hour.
Inserted micro sd card. Don't know why.
Need the update that allows access to micro sd card.

hillendale

I have an unlocked mifi with web admin, and wanted to ask is it possible to make the mifi 'lights ' stay on when using it ?

thanks if you can help