USB720 nothing but trouble

[metalheledagen]

Ever since I got the USB720 adapter for use with wireless broadband (about 2 years ago), it has given me nothing but trouble.  For whatever reason, it keeps powering off.  This problem has gotten worse in the past month or so.  I tried changing the power management options in Windows, I tried plugging the device directly into the computer (without the Y-shaped adapter), nothing seems to help the problem.  I'm really annoyed that I have to keep unplugging the device and then plugging it back in every time I want to use the internet.  Please help!

[AckAck]

This must be a universal problem as I've had my USB720 for about 2 yrs as well, and then started having the most horrendous experience with my USB720 for the past month - nothing but constant disconnects and power off, then having to unplug, go to Task Manager, end process, plug in, connect, log back onto internet, etc.    It starts getting worse after 6:00 pm and then even worse after 11:00 pm (coincidentally after the tech support dept is closed for the evening).  I've spent hours on the phone during the day with tech support and all they've had me do is uninstall and reinstall and that really changes nothing.   There are no additional suggestions because every time I call, I'm usually so frustrated at the end of the long time spent on the phone with them, and they don't seem to know what the problem is.  Since I thought my device was faulty, I asked about replacing it, since I'm not getting the service I'm paying for, but since it's been 2 yrs (ironically), I would have to pay for a new one.

I've disconnected 3 times just while trying to register for this forum!

If you find any solutions to your problem, please let me know too!  Sorry about your problem.  I thought I was the only one.

[papertrader]

Root Problem Remains Weak Signal. 

All of you look at signal strength where you are getting dropped connections.  I must compose this in Word and use copy n paste just to post from home. 

Often the signal fades to nothing in seconds dropping the connection.  Signal strength is at the bottom edge of VZAccess Manager Window.

Where you have a weak signal focus on active complaining about Weak Signal. 

Do not let these Tech's bull**bleep** you about your equipment.

You can probably suspend the account rather than being fined for cancellation. 

Weak signal is not good service.

Weak signal is Fraud.

Unckecking the default setting:

 “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power”

Reduces Windows lockup conflict with VZAccess Manager.

The path is:

 

Tools,  Control panels,  Modem,  Properties,  Power Management

 

Saving power would only be of value conserving battery on a stand alone laptop with no charger.

 

Thank you Rockoome.

 

 “Duh”  Verizon Techs.

 

[#4]

A lot of us can understand that a weak signal may cause us to lose our connection.  I use my laptop alot as we travel along the highway and often lose connections, however, with my business laptop, once a signal is back, the connection can be reestablished.  My business laptop employs a Verizon PC5750 modem, however.  With this USB720, not only does the connection drop, but the modem is removed from the computer an must be reset and restarted in order to reestablish, at least that is my situation.  That is the part I don't understand.

I have also set my business laptop right beside my desktop and connected both at the same time.  Only the USB720 drops number of bars from "4" to "2" then disconnects.  And by switching the modems between the computers, the same result with the opposite machine, and that is while setting still at the desk.

[papertrader]

I had a PC 5740 that worked well around Muncie, IN.  Never had a dropped signal.

Lived near 465 and Rockville road Indianapolis about a year, never had a dropped signal.

Moved to Avon, IN. and have never had a consistent signal above 2 bars, often no bar.

The PC 5740 only had to be reconnected by clicking reconnect when the signal dropped.

Store front sales at Verizon, Avon, said I should upgrade free to USB720 it was faster and would work better, not so.  Mid July this year, I got a free exchange to a USB727, Both USB devices lock up the VZAccess Manager when signal is dropped. 

Now that I have unchecked the default setting in Power Management there is less lockup conflict with windows from dropped signal.  Less remove and reinsert from USB socket.  After a few seconds I can now click reconnect in the VZAccess Manager window.

Obviously the software VZAccess Manager version has conflicts with windows and the USB727 is not an improvement for me.  I had an unlimited data account with the PC 5740 that I was talked out of.  Service was no worse on dropped signal.  I do not remember having to unplug and reinsert or locking up the VZAccess software.  The tech reps have been friendly trying to help but they don't seem very smart.

We are back to low signal strength with inferior software & conflicts as I see it.

Thanks Katman for the thoughtful description of your 2 systems operation.  If everyone will bring in a little more detail maybe a fix will emerge.  

You are not running the same version of VZAccess Manager for both  the PC5750 and USB720 are you?

In VZAccess/ HELP/ ABOUT next to SmithMicro logo will be the version number.

I have Version 6.10.2 (2205a)

Love and kisses WENDY.

 

[siroiszoo]

I was using the PC5750 and happy as a clam with it.  My nightmare didn't start until a fast talking rep talked my husband into upgrading me "for free" to the  USB720 which was "much better" and "much faster".   Well, to keep the language clean, I'll not tell you what a load of bull that was.

By the time I was on my 3rd USB720 device and convinced the techs to upgrade me lest we play the trade the USB every month game for 2 years, I had to completely reformat my Vista notebook's hard drive to get rid of the USB720 software so I could install the USB760 software.  This rendered my XP useless since it was given to me by my brother who has since died and I don't have the Operating System's software.  And since Verizon was just positive that it was something wrong with my Vista notebook and not their problem, I think they shoud pay to have my XP notebook fixed.

Anyway, I was't have much better luck with the USB760 until rockoone discovered the power saving switch.  So far, that does seem to be working.  However, I got better service with the PC5750.  USB760  starts dragging after a few hours online.  Ihave to disconnect and sometimes even reboot my computer to get it to speed up.

I think Verizon should toss all of the USB modems.  They dont work very well and leave us stuck with sorry service and a two year contract.

[siroiszoo]

I'd also like to add:

I think it's a pretty sorry representation for a major company when their customers can get better problem solving/troubleshooting help from the community forum than from a paid tech.

I suffered through 5 Verizon Techs who all made me repeat the exact same steps with the exact end results.  NOT ONE of them could come close to solving the problem.   I finally got disgusted.  Once I figured out that the techs didn't know what was going on and had to stick to their script for problem solving, I started working on the problem myself.  When I got stuck, I came to the Verizon Community Forum where I finally started finding solutions.  I also found that I wasn't the only one experiencing this problem like the Verizon Techs would have me believe. Because they couldn't fix the problem they were convinced that it was my computer causing the problem, not their device.  Obviously, they are not very educated regarding the equipment they are selling.  Maybe they should be required to follow these posts and learn a thing or two.

THANK YOU VERIZON COMMUNITY!  You are worth more than all the Verizon Techs put together.

[papertrader]

Thanks Siroiszoo, I looked at the postings:

HomeMade Antenna RSS-72 copied n pasted Pantech/UTStarcom UM175 from one of the posts into google search.  Google took me to : http://www.evdoinfo.com/content/view/2421/64/  a review article comparing UM175 and USB727.  Photos of both and text show and tell how to plug in a booster antenna that fits both.  Cost is $47.95.  at http://3gstore.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=138_245

First thing Monday I will try to get the window mount antenna from the store at Avon.  They had never seen one and offered to return it for me.  The antenna jack is well hidden on the side of the USB727 and the clerk couldn’t see it either.  It is under a close fitting rubber flap on the side near the antenna hinge. 

Fedx has no place near here so I left the return package and antenna at the storefront Friday.  Now that I have found the jack I hope I can get the antenna back.  That window mount antenna was about $26 and the tech I talked with last week sent it for free saying it would solve my problem. 

That is my Bad for not finding the jack, but looks like some cheap direction could have been included.  The package had none.

Good luck all.

  

[papertrader]

Here is a link to a very good page describing how to evaluate if an antenna will help.  Probably to long to paste in the entire atricle so this is the link:

http://3gstore.com/index.php?main_page=page&id=13

Good luck all.

[TexTom]

I experimented with exteranl antennas and found that they improve your signal strength by one bar at most. If that is enough to get a steady signal, great. If not, then an amplifier in addition to the external antenna will be needed. Wilson Electronics makes a line of fine amplifiers for this prupose as well as a variety of compatible antennas. Make sure you get the appropriate adaptor for your device. There are at least a dozen different sizes. Wilson can help you select the right one.

[papertrader]

Thanks TexTom,

While connected, holding the mouse pointer over the signal strength icon, bottom edge of VZAccess Manager window,

the numbers -88 to -98 display at Avon,  IN.

At my work location in Indy the signal displays -75 to -80.

-88 to -99 is weak bad signal strength while -75 to -80 remains connected a good signal, a consistent 3 bar display.

If I can get by with the cheaper external antenna I will be glad.

The Wilson amplifier is more expensive and I may have to go that route. 

On the way home today I am going to stop at Verizon store front and ask about location of the relay tower.  If there are no obstructions in the path to the relay tower at least I will have an idea what window to try the antenna with.

[wandathomas]

Now there's 3 of us.  Exact same symptoms.  If I power down the PC overnight, it seems to do better longer, but other than that, I've tried everything including two premise visits from an engineer.  The day he comes out it is working great and continues for about another month or two, then the downhill slide again.  Doesn't even make sense from a troubleshooting logic standpoint.

[rockoone]

make it 4, i posted a new detailed message about it today. The one thing ive noticed on mine is the modem goes dormant before it disconnects, whether im working or not. And much like the previous comments it will often disconnect right in the middle of a situation like this. Click open the vz application window and watch the lower left corner of the box, it shows the status. Mine repeated goes into dormant even if im connected to steaming sites or even game sites. I also have vista, have adjusted power settings to maximum and, after the modem disconnects i unplug it for a few seconds, reconnect it and them my laptop can again find it and power up.

[Macriver]

I have mac osX . I have had only a few problems of hanging while trying to download  but not much .Who knows what the cause might be. Then again this is just a first generation divice IMHO. My  2 year plan is up 8/9 and I guess I'm going to have to go in and sign up for the new 5-gig limit plan. I wonder  can I keep the USB-720 or will I have to fork out some more money for USB-UM175 or USB-760. I really don't feel like paying out more money for the same bells & whistles. I could see some new technology that's worth paying for when G4 comes out.

[papertrader]

Unckecking the default setting:

 “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power” Reduces Windows lockup conflict with VZAccess Manager.

 The path is: Tools, Control panels, Modem, Properties, Power Management

Saving power would only be of value conserving battery on a stand alone laptop with no charger.

Thank you Rockoome.

 “Duh” Verizon Techs.

{keep it courteous}

Message Edited by WendyM on 07-25-2009 05:19 PM

[Beanie]

Me too!

[Beanie]

I actually did not have this problem at first and it was a pretty fast connection.  Now for quite a while, I have had very, very similiar problems as the others in this post; the modem disconnects and I have to reconnect and then the system says that "another user is using this connection" and I am the only "user".  I have to go to the Task Manager to end the process of VZ Access Manager and then reconnect.  And, while I have not talked to tech support, I have uninstalled VZ Access and reinstallled, I have downloaded the Firmware for the device.  You have got to provide an answer as to what else I have to do.  I am paying a lot of money for the connection and believe it is "your problem" to "help me" and not the other way around.  I have acted in good faith purchasing Verizon products and continually ordering items for myself and my family.

I have been with Verizon for a very long time and have always been pleasantlly surprised by the Customer Service reps when I do have to call for assistance so, please do not dissapoint me this time.!

[WendyM]

Hi Beanie,

Sorry you are experiencing problems with your service. The proper Verizon Wireless point-of-contact has been made aware of your situation and this thread and will be contacting you shortly. Thanks for your patience,

-Wendy

[TexTom]

I had the USB720 for about 18 months and it started doing the same thing to me - shutting off frequently - even while I was using it. Then it got REALLY slow.. I noticed that my actual net speed into my computers was 1/10th the speed shown by Verizon on VZ Access Manager under Options>Statistics. The statistical speed would gyrate wildly between 350 MBPS and Zero while my net transfer speed through the USB720 into my computer was in the range of 20-25 MBPS.

A VZW tech told me over the phone that my USB 720 was likely getting old and tired and needed to be replaced. I took the thing to my local VZW store and they tried it on several different computers with the same results as I was getting. Since we were unable to get it any better I bought a MiFi 2200.

The 2200 is a cool gadget but unfortunately the download speed works exactly the same as my "old and tired" USB 720.That is the statistical performance is in the 350 MBPS range while the actual transfer speed into my computer is in the 20-25 MBPS range. Realistically this is no better than a poor dialup connection.

Something is obviously wrong since this same thing happens on both of my computers as well as the computer at the VZW store.My net download speed used to be in the 100 to 125 MBPS range. Not great considering the monthly cost, but liveable.

Does anybody have any suggestions?

[siroiszoo]

Don't get me wrong, I have always had good service from Verizon but this device is W O R T H L E S S!    I was using a PC card which worked fine - no problems for close to two years.  It has its own slot, not in the way of any of my USB ports - unlike the 720 which hogs two ports no matter how they are positioned.   All was fine.  Once in a while I'd lose my signal and get booted from the net but that was NOTHING compared to what this USB 720 is doing to me!  My husband went into a Verizon store back in March or May (I think) to get a battery for his phone.  Surprise of all surprises the batter would cost more than the phone was worth.  So the fast talking salesman sold him a bad phone AND a bad USB 720.  I've had nothing but trouble ever since!  Verizon was good about replacing the bad phone but this USB has been replaced twice and I still have the same problem!!!!!  As a matter of fact, I am on my third device.  I wondered why Verizon was shipping me new ones every time I called in until I read this thread.  Granted, this third device has worked longer than the others but it eventually does the same thing everyone else is reporting.  But unlike some of you guys, I'm barely getting one month out of these devices.  It starts cutting off and i have to unplug it & replug it - sometimes even shutting down Verizon Access Manager and restarting the program.  Worst case scenarios, I have to reboot my entire computer!!!!!   All of the devices cut off at least once the very first day I got them.  I would think, "Naw!  Surely this is happening all over again!"  Then there would be a time that would go by where all would work perfect.  THEN! It would start happening more and more and more.  Now I'm really done with this device and looking to see what my alternatives are - if any exist besides getting ugly and going to the BBB.

Anyway, this post is mostly to let you all know how much I appreciate your postings.  Now I know I'm not the only one out here experiencing the very same problem.  And I should think that a 3 for 3 repeat in my case, combined with your problems would tell Verizon to ditch the devise and make good to their Valued Customers! 

[patricia_hal]

We also are having the same issue with the USB720 mode--we have had it for approximately 1 year and did not have any problems with it until a couple of months ago.  It continuously disconnects.  We also have uninstalled and reinstalled the software several times on a couple of laptops and still have the problem.  We visited 2 Verizon locations and each location stated that the only fix for us was to upgrade.  Not sure where we will go from here.  Any suggestions???