Problem connecting with internal HSDPA Module

[RadioRaiders]

I bought a Sierra Wireless MC8775 internal HSDPA card for my Fujitsu-Siemens laptop. I installed it, and it is recognized by Windows (ie: has drivers installed) and the "watcher". When I go to "Connections" a Dial-Up "3G" connection is there. (So far so, good, right?) But when I dial the connection (*99#, that's for all data connections, I beleive) it gives an error "Error 777: The connection attempt failed because the modem (or other connecting device) on the remote computer is out of order".



When I connect with my USB dongle, everything works fine.

I am thinking this HSDPA internal module may be SIM locked. Altho it's externally branded "Sierra Wireless", on the internal driver it shows as a HP hs2300 module. Also on the ESD bag, it says "replace with HP spare (CNG)"...I assume the "CNG" is a reference to Cingular. I'd like to try it with a AT&T SIM, but I'm in Europe Is there some way I can confirm it's SIM locked without an AT&T card? Can I run an AT command or something?

[RadioRaiders]

...actually, yes, it is SIM Locked (when opening the watcher it askes for "MEP Lock number" (or something).

...can I ask AT&T directly for an unlocking number? Is there a reputable un-locking service I can use somewhere on the internet?

[Ddeere2]

I assume you can unlock the card. I just did a search on google and found this page How-to unlock your EDGE-enabled Sony Vaio VGN-T350 - Engadget Hope it works for you because my laptop also has a slot for a HSDPA module and I may just add one if it works for you.

[RadioRaiders]

hey, thanks for the link. The AT command is good to know:

AT+CLCK=PN,0,(8 digit unlock code)

...however, in my case not necessary, since when I start my 3G watcher with my nonAT&T SIM it automatically pops up a box saying "MEP locked. Please enter special code." along with a blank space and "send" button, so all I need to do is enter the unlock code and hit send (much easier than the Hypertermianl and AT commands )

In the article from engadget, they say 2 interesting things:

1) that to unlock the HSDPA card, you need the original AT&T SIM card inserted. Is that correct/normal? When you unlcok a phone, does the original SIM need to be inserted? I imagine you shouldn't need the original SIM

2) They say to ask SONY for the unlock code Shouldn't AT&T provide the unlock code? If you unlock a phone, you get the unlock code from the carrier not the vendor, right?

[Ddeere2]

No problem. I guess its an older card you would need the AT commands. Hmm, Yeah, when I unlocked my phones, I put the non-orginal sim in and typed the code in. But like I said, it maybe that since it was an older card, you needed to do all that. You might be able to ask AT&T, but I know with Nokia phones, they have to get the code from Nokia. It wouldn't hurt to call and ask, I never unlocked anything besides a phone, lol. I'll keep looking though.

[Ddeere2]

Don't know if you found anything out yet, but I found this page when I was checking AT&T help forum. How to Unlock an 875U With MEP Code In-Hand? - PC Cards - Wireless Forums from AT&T Seems there you have to use the AT commands though.

[RadioRaiders]

Originally Posted by Ddeere2

Don't know if you found anything out yet, but I found this page when I was checking AT&T help forum. How to Unlock an 875U With MEP Code In-Hand? - PC Cards - Wireless Forums from AT&T Seems there you have to use the AT commands though.

Hey, thanks again. I also found some AT commands on the Sierra website:
BSQUARE+and+Sierra+Wireless+Collaborate+to+Reduce+ Development+Time+and+Cost+for+OEMs+Adding+3G+Cellu lar+Capability+to+Embedded+Devices%3c%2fbr%3e
...tho I don't think I'll need them since I can enter the unlock code directly in the "watcher".

Now I'm just waiting for an unlock code. A friend with an AT&T account is asking for one for me. Otherwise I found someone on ebay who can sell one for $10.

PS- One other strange thing: at work I took out my Sierra card and put in an Ericsson F3507g module and my laptop didn't detect it (even with the drivers loaded) It's a "test" module and not sold retail, and it's been "tested" by several people, so maybe it's trashed somehow....who knows. My laptop was suppoed to come with the Sierra module, but I don't see why other modules shouldn't be detected.

[RadioRaiders]

I finally got the unlock code from AT&T (took about 2 weeks), but it didn't unlock my device

I followed the instructions verbatim (see below). Twice
with the "manager" (ie: pop-up box) and then a few times using Hyperterminal and AT commands.

When I type ATI with the AT commands, it returns the name of my card (Sierra Wireless MC8775) along with APP2 (I'm wondering what that means )

When I type AT+CLCK=2 it should respond with a 0 to show it's unlcoked, or a 1 to show it's locked...but it just retrns OK

I'm wondering if maybe this has had the wrong code entered 5x and is permanently locked to AT&T....(but then it should show a 1 when the lock status is queried...hmmmm

Also, for anyone else interested, here's a list of AT commands for Sierra cards, and also 3GPP
http://www.sierrawireless.com/docume...d_Ref_r3.2.pdf

http://www.sierrawireless.com/resour...ce_Rev_2.1.pdf


3GPP specification: 02.22

INSTRUCTIONS: Sierra Wireless PC Card - Windows XP and 2000 via
Communication Manager

Step

Action

1

Insert SIM from another wireless carrier into PC Card and insert card
into computer.

2

Launch the Communication Manager program.



- Incorrect SIM displays.

3

In the "Please enter special code" field, enter the 8-digit unlock code.
- If the message does not appear or "No SIM" is displayed, proceed to
the HyperTerminal instructions.

4

Press Send.



The PC card is unlocked.

________________________________

Sierra Wireless PC Card - Windows XP and 2000 via HyperTerminal

Use these instructions if the Communication Manager software is not
installed in the customers' computer or if the Communication Manager
instructions did not work the first time.



Step

Action

Identify COM Port:

1

With PC card inserted in computer, go to the Start menu>Settings>Control Panel

2

In the Control Panel, double-click on Phone and Modem Options.

3

Click the Modems tab and the modems installed on the laptop are listed.

4

Locate the Sierra Wireless AirCard modem, and make note of the COM
port in the "Attached To" column.

5

Close all Windows and return to the desktop.

Enter Unlock Code:

1

With PC card inserted in computer, go to the Start
menu>Programs>Accessories>Communications>HyperTerm inal Program

2

In the Connection Description window, enter a name into the Name field
and click OK.
- Selection of an Icon is not required.

3

In the Connect To window, leave the Phone Number blank.

4

In the Connect Using field, select the COM port where the PC card
(modem) is connected. Click OK.
- Generally COM 1 is selected.

5

Under Port Settings, select the "Bits per second" field to display
115200. Leave the default values in all of the other fields and click
OK.

6

Type ATE1 and press Enter.
- An OK response returns.

7

Type AT+CLCK="PN",0,"<8 digit unlock code>" and press Enter.
- An OK response return.



The PC card is unlocked.

________________________________





Thank you,

Device Unlock Group