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4G LTE Mobile Hotspot MiFi 4510L - Can't Charge and Use?

Unless I'm missing something, there appears to be a tremendous design flaw with the brand new 4510L - it's not possible to charge the device via USB and use its 4G data connection! It looks like the WiFi radio shuts down as soon as I plug the device into a powered USB port.

This seems insane. If my laptop is plugged into a power source, why can't I be charging the MiFi at the same time and still use the data connection?

Comments

notpeter

Out of the box, yes, this is true.

That said you can get a special charging only micro USB cable (with the data pins disconnected) which will let you charge via usb and connect via wifi simultaneously. Alternatively you can charge it from a non-computer connected USB port (included AC adaptor or a 12V DC MicroUSB car adaptor).

JaredM

Where might I find such a charge-only micro USB cable?

jmilford

You can also follow this guide. You'll just want to make sure you have another cable that can be used for firmware updates as they are released.

http://community.spiceworks.com/how_to/show/2146

dimap

This is especiallly nutty as you can't tether as a single mode device via USB either. I wouldn't mind losing wi-fi so much if you could, but you can't.

I'm geussing the reason wi-fi was disabled via laptop USB is becasue of the 500 mA maximum draw from a USB port being insufficent to power the wi'fi radio. I would think a double-plug cable that uses 2 ports would be necessary for this.

BenRapo

I tried modifying my cable (cutting the green and white) and it still shuts down and restarts when plugging it in. If this is an issue where the MiFi4510L cannot be charged from a single USB port due to low amperage, then I must return the product.

There is no excuse for designing the product in a manner that wifi would deactivate when charging from a computer. I probably represent a growing number of users who use MiFi (I upgraded from the 2200), not for the benefit of sharing my connection but for the simple reason that I have many wifi devices. When I sit down at a coffee shop i am using an iPad2 over wifi, my laptop over wifi, my iPhone via wifi, and sometimes my EyeFi card in my camera... via wifi. so when my 3 hours of battery is up, and I need to plug it in to my laptop to... Nothing works anymore! I would be fine with it not charging, but running the wifi.

I did not have this problem with the MiFi 2200 after I made a change to the config file.

If anyone from Novatel can let me know definitively, that this device is not capable of charging via USB port and operating wifi at the same time, I will swap this for the Samsung, and spread the word that they blew it.

fish4G

The procedure to modify the cable is missing a step to make it work for the 4510L. You need to tie the data lines (green and white wires) together on the micro USB end. Leave the USB (computer side) wires open. Connecting the data lines together makes the 4510L think that a charger is connected.

BenRapo wrote:
I tried modifying my cable (cutting the green and white) and it still shuts down and restarts when plugging it in. If this is an issue where the MiFi4510L cannot be charged from a single USB port due to low amperage, then I must return the product.

There is no excuse for designing the product in a manner that wifi would deactivate when charging from a computer. I probably represent a growing number of users who use MiFi (I upgraded from the 2200), not for the benefit of sharing my connection but for the simple reason that I have many wifi devices. When I sit down at a coffee shop i am using an iPad2 over wifi, my laptop over wifi, my iPhone via wifi, and sometimes my EyeFi card in my camera... via wifi. so when my 3 hours of battery is up, and I need to plug it in to my laptop to... Nothing works anymore! I would be fine with it not charging, but running the wifi.

I did not have this problem with the MiFi 2200 after I made a change to the config file.

If anyone from Novatel can let me know definitively, that this device is not capable of charging via USB port and operating wifi at the same time, I will swap this for the Samsung, and spread the word that they blew it.

B

Traveler10

So my brand-new high-speed portable WiFi device is only usable in a long meeting when it is plugged into an AC outlet and is thus not portable.

I used my MiFi 2200 on long road trips too. Mr Verizon, how do I do that now? Get a longer extension cord?

Where do I get my money back so I can go to another plan?

What idiot came up with this brilliant design? Is this a new marketing concept? Do I now need to carry a generator with me?

komitissa

@Traveler10 -- I have confirmed that my new MiFi 4510L works with the same micro-usb car charger that I used with my MiFi 2200. You will have wifi and charging when plugged into the car charger.

So far the ONLY micro USB cable and wall charger combo in my house that works to charge and leave the wifi intact is the one for my Jawbone headset. Any other USB cable plugged into a wall outlet fails. Their included power supply has a rather large transformer on it and is most definately NOT travel friendly. By comparison all I needed with my 2200 was the device itself and a USB cable - both of which easily lived in my purse.

This is a BIG problem for Verizon and Novatel. I can't help but wonder if Novatel uses their own product? I should not need to carry multiple types of USB cables to ensure that I have a "charge only" cable in my bag with everything else one must carry when travelling. Finding a power outlet in an airport is a difficult and precious commodity - we need to be able to plug in just ONE thing (that being our laptops) and be able to recharge all the rest of our devices from the laptop or the USB port on the side of the travel power supply for said laptop. I can currently charge my iPad from that USB port, my iPhone, I used to be able to charge my Mifi 2200.

Right now my DSL is down so I am using my 4510 for connectivity. I'm now looking at my two completely full power strips wondering where I'm going to find space to plug in their power supply - that I have to retrieve from my carry-on bag where I stashed it so I *would* have it traveling (and not have forgotten to pack it).

FWIW, I've been on hold with Novatel for 30 minutes to provide friendly feedback to help them better understand how we use their device and what the impact of disabling charging from most everything really is. I now have to drop for a teleconference and hopefully maybe they will get to my call this afternoon.

leftee

This works. I opened up the cable on the micro usb side cut the green and white, stripped off the end of the wires from the micro usb side and tied them together. I'm currently charging and broadcasting. Easiest hack ever!

Whether or not it wil actually charge or at least just run off the usb power I don't know.

bfalling

@leftee: How did it go? Did the MiFi charge and broadcast at the same time?

Thanks!

Traveler10

I purchased a charge-only micro USB cable from Seidio to try. Booted the MIFI, established a signal. Plugged the charge only cable into my MacBook Pro (unibody 6,2) and the MIFI switches off.

Tried plugging the MIFI into a USB iPhone wall charger with the same charge only cable and the MIFI switches off.

Plugging the MIFI into an AC wall charger is OK.

Plug the MIFI into my car's Belkin 12VDC car charger with the USB charge only cable and the MIFI swtches off.

Open to ideas. Not really interetsetd in disecting cables and making my own if possible.

jkannry

Supposedly in one review VZW was going to enable USB charging.

WarpNine

I just picked up my MiFi yesterday (6/8/11). I was aware of the 'no-use-while-charging' issue before I purchased it. I did my research and felt this one would best work for me (4G LTE, VPN, etc...).

I have experienced the same issue with the WiFi radio shutting down when I plug the wall charger into it. I also plugged it into my MacBook Pro using the USB cable I use to charge my Mophie Juice Pack for my iPhone. I got the same result. The WiFi shut down and it began charging. I was about to settle for the fact that I could at least charge on the road from my MacBook, but would have to work offline.

Then I thought to myself... has anyone tried to actually turn on the MiFi back on after charging has begun? Apparently... NOT!! I pressed and held the power button for a second or two. The battery symbol disappeared and then reappeared along with the antenna symbol! After the usual wait time, an internet connection was successfully established (3G only because my house is slightly out of area sometimes).

My iPhone, iPad, and MacBook are currently connected to my MiFi and ALL have internet access while the power adapter is connected and the MiFi is charging. The battery symbol on the display is still strobing from left-to-right and appears to be charging normally! This without purchasing any other items!

To be honest, I haven't tried this with my USB charging cable for my Mophie Juice Pack yet. I wanted to make sure the MiFi was actually charging while in use. I'm gonna give it an hour or so. I'll post again after I test it.

Everyone, please give this a shot before condemning Verizon, buying anything else, or chopping up your brand new cables. Let me know how it goes...

Later folks!

John_Getzke

I will comment to say that my WiFi 4510L was just returned as my 30 day demo recently expired. I would love to have tried WarpNine's suggestion about pressing the power button once the device turns off.

Has anyone else been able to reproduce his work around?

John_Getzke

I wanted to post an update on this issue.

When I recieved my permanent device I tried powering it on when USB connected to my laptop. Although the device did power up and stay powered on, the MiFi did not broadcast its SSID or allow me to connect to the internet. Its a little decieving to say the least but atleast its consistent with what I expected.

After researching the hardware specs on my laptop I was able to determine that my USB ports provide 500 mA of power. Perhaps Mac's provide more power to thier USB ports which is why it works for them. Some other forum postings had suggested that the MiFi needs a full 700 mA in order for it to remain powered on and charging at the same time. Although the wall/car chargers can provide that kind of power, the USB ports on my laptop cannot. Even if they would work they would not allow the device to charge and be in use at the same time. The best I could do would be to extend the battery life of the MiFi while it was USB connected.

If anyone ever finds a work around besides hacking apart the USB cable I would love to know. For now it seems like its a hardware compatibility problem more than anything.

georey

How do I charge and use my wifi 4G at the same time?

John_Getzke

georey wrote:
How do I charge and use my wifi 4G at the same time?

You have a few options:

1) Plug in the wall charger to the MiFi

2) Plug in a car charger to the MiFi

3) Purchase a $7.95 dongle/charging adapter from www.boxwave.com

a. Navigate to www.boxwave.com

b. Enter "iPad" into the search box

c. Click Apple iPad 2

d. Select the iPad 2 Charging Adapter near the top of the results window

Any of the listed options will allow you to broadcast and charge at the same time. When you plug in a regular USB cable to the MiFi and connect it to your laptop the broadcast/wireless will shut down. If we had drivers for the 4510L then we might be able to get a tethered connection to work but Verizon or Novatel have not released them yet.

mifiuserjwd

I've been to two major Verizon Stores, and have been given answers that do not work.

The fact that the 4510L does not require VZ Manager is not that big of a deal. When I wanted to use the computer USB Port to charge the device while I was using the mifi wireless, it was no problem to launch VZ manager and select that device.

Now, VZ Manager does not detect the device, and there is no Windows driver for teh 4510L that I can find.

I was told to turn off the unit, plug it into my computer, then it (whatever it is) would recognize the mifi 4510L, but that does not work.

So, we've got a serious feature that was taken away, and I'm wondering if I should go back to the prior wifi and return the 4510L.

I can't "Rule the Air" with this new device!

John_Getzke

mifiuserjwd wrote:
I've been to two major Verizon Stores, and have been given answers that do not work.

The fact that the 4510L does not require VZ Manager is not that big of a deal. When I wanted to use the computer USB Port to charge the device while I was using the mifi wireless, it was no problem to launch VZ manager and select that device.

Now, VZ Manager does not detect the device, and there is no Windows driver for teh 4510L that I can find.

I was told to turn off the unit, plug it into my computer, then it (whatever it is) would recognize the mifi 4510L, but that does not work.

So, we've got a serious feature that was taken away, and I'm wondering if I should go back to the prior wifi and return the 4510L.

I can't "Rule the Air" with this new device!

Charging and using the MiFI 4510L with most laptops is a known limitation. Please read back through this thread for more information and details.

If you want to charge and use your MiFi 4510L with a computer then you will need to purchase a USB power-only dongle like the one I posted above. Otherwise you will have to use a wall or car charger to charge and use your MiFi until Novatel comes out with the drivers.

Check back with this thread later to see if the problem is ever resolved or drivers are released. Im sure someone will let us all know when Verizon or Novatel comes up with a solution.

ClarDold

It really was pretty simple to hack a USB extender cable, $1.99 at the local store.

I cut off the insullation mid-way on the cable, unbraided a portion of the ground braid.

Left the red and black untouched.

Cut the green and white wires.

Twisted the green and white together on the side going to my MiFi 2200.

Taped them individually apart on the side going to the PC.

I soldered the twisted green and white, but there are other options for people who are solder-averse.

Now I can USB charge my MiFi 2200, and use the WiFi.

I have yet to discover if that will also provide a good charge on my car adapter, which is rated at 1 amp, but would never indicate charging.

Clarence

Aikidoka

Mine refused to broadcast on almost any wall charger. When I finally do get it to broadcast it is after plugging and unplugging multiple times. Being a highly mobile worker I really wish I had know this before I purchased it. Guess I will have to make it to a VZW store will the chargers I use and see what they say.

werd0213

allow me to state the obvious...

ARE YOU KIDDING?!?!

The engineers are too stupid to figure out how to charge and use, that we have to spend more money on an over priced device just to charge and use.

SAVE YOUR MONEY PEOPLE AND RETURN THE DEVICE.

BTW.. Got some inside knowledge, but wait until v2.23. It looks like it charges and syncs.

aarontoledo

Finally got my setup to work. I updated to the newest firmware today and then I used the USB cable that came with my New Trent external battery (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002YFDRHW). When first plugging in, the modem does power off. But, once you turn it back on, it starts broadcasting and charging at the same time! I'm using a late 2010 13" Macbook Pro and the modem is plugged into the USB port next to the MagSafe port.

Jibaro61

The Charge Only USB cable that came with my backup battery pack that I use for emergency backup to my cell works perfectly when connected to my PC. I get WiFi and charging. Will get another cable to keep with the MiFi unit. You'd think Verizon would make the cable available as an accessory.

evdotech

My electronics are important to me, I would not want to FRY the hotspot or Computer hacking a cable I rather order one:

http://3gstore.com/product/2030_3-foot_micro_usb_charging_tether_cable_for_blackberry_curve_8530.html

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