Contributor
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3 Messages
Microcell needs power cycle daily
I have a 3G Microcell and it works only after being power-cycled. So every day I must go to the Microcell, unplug for 10 seconds and wait a few minutes for it to start working. I bought it used and have activated it properly, added the phone numbers, etc. Is this normal to have to do or was I sold a bum Microcell? Is there anything I can do about it technically, such as an update?
Thanks in advance!
OttoPylot
ACE - Expert
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21.8K Messages
8 years ago
You should not have to unplug/replug it everyday. Are the lights off or is one of them blinking, like the 3G light?
It could be a faulty ac adapter. They aren't the best in the world and they do go bad resulting in all kinds of odd behaviour. I would check the ac adpater with a voltmeter. It should read 16VDC with no load. If you do need to replace the adapter, replace it with one of the same power rating because the MicroCell is really finicky about its power. See my Tech Guide for details (link in my sig).
If AT&T pushes an update, it usually happens in the middle of the night and you probably would never know it. However, everytime you power cycle the MicroCell it goes thru the Initial Activation sequence, part of which is looking for and downloading any updates that may be available. The MicroCell can not be repaired if it dies.
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farmergeoff2003
Contributor
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3 Messages
8 years ago
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farmergeoff2003
Contributor
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3 Messages
8 years ago
The 3G light is always showing red or flashing red just before I reset it. I think I need to try moving it up from the basement. I just need to run the cable first, which isn't the easiest thing to do. I does seem to get signal okay after the reset so I haven't been thinking that cell tower reception has been the issue. I haven't really considered the power supply but I will test that with a voltage meter as well.
One thing I read also is that certain ports must be open for it inbound and outbound. It is behind a real firewall, Cisco ASA, so maybe if I can allow those ports inbound to the Microcell only that would be okay. Do you have any confirmation on how those affect the Microcell?
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OttoPylot
ACE - Expert
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21.8K Messages
8 years ago
A blinking red 3G light usually means one of two things. Either there is a hardware failure or the MicroCell received an update and didn't successfully reset itself so now it "thinks" it is broken.
I take it you didn't get the Setup/Installation instructions that came with it becuase you bought it used. I would suggest reading my Tech Guide then for what you need to do to set it up properly. There are basic router requirements that must be met for the MicroCell to work reliably.
The best connection is a direct connection from the MicroCell to the router. Switches can cause problems as well as Powerline Adapters. All of this is covered in the Tech Guide.
Basement installations can be tricky if you don't have access to a window with an unobstructed view of the sky.
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