Category: A600 Broadband

Reviewing the Cricket A600 RF Connector

Paul

359921 - Cricket A600 359921 – Cricket A600 Connector

I also got two types of Antennas for this connector, ARC-FR0803R30 and AA-012 – Dual-Band Mini Magnetic Mount Cell Phone Antennas. Thanks to Wpsantennas for the chance to review them. I’ve found them to help reception and increase the response to load website. I also gained easily 1 bar of signal but in some cases I could gain 2 bars of signal with the ARC-FR0803R30. This product is useful because it can be used as an directional antenna and if you know the Cell towers and you can aim it, that way you get better signal.

I used the AA-012 around my area while my wife was driving and it helped keep the reception steady and not make it sluggish when you move from on tower to another. All in all, I find the Antennas from Wpsantennas.com to help signals. They have a full range of Antennas to use and also they have Amplifiers that will boost your signal, in case your on the edge of Cricket Broadband. This would give you a better chance at getting on the internet. The AWS (1700-2100 MHz) amplifier available yet but they assure me that they will be the first one to have it. I can’t wait to go on a long Highway drive and check out the Aa-012 on the Highway. In case you would like to know where the RF connector is [intlink id=”3337″ type=”post”]just check out this post[/intlink]

Extended Review : A600 Cricket modem

Paul6 Replies

So I recently went around town with this the [intlink id=”3059″ type=”post”]A600[/intlink] and wanted to provide some insightful outcomes.  I used Speedtest.net like I did before and the results are:

speedtesta600Understanding the speeds.

As you can tell I was getting some really good speeds from this test.  It seems with the added length of the modem has also added a better antenna to the USB Modem.   Although you have to be[intlink id=”2484″ type=”post”] cautious about where you go and the coverage[/intlink] area. Please mak sur you are in the Cricket Coverage area I’ve been looking for a way to get an [intlink id=”2931″ type=”post”]extender for the modem[/intlink], but have not found a hole for it. So that might be out of possibilities.

What are some possible uses of this modem.

It having the capability to have an Micro SD card, There is a lot of potential for multiple uses of the modem.   In one of my other posts about [intlink id=”3171″ type=”post”]Backing up[/intlink], I talked about some of the more common programs you could use to keep your passwords on you from time to time.  I wanted to add on some other programs that might be useful for the person on the go who might work on computers:[ad#Cricket_USB_Modem]

  • Technibble’s Repair tool section — There are a bunch of good software picks to put on this little modem for use with fixing a hardware or software problem you might come across.

  • Portable Apps — This is a great little program that will allow you to have a wide variety of uses such as Mozzila Firefox, and Thunderbird.  There is even a portable Open Office suite so you will never need to have to worry about find a way to read an important document or creating a important document while on the road.

  • [intlink id=”2646″ type=”post”]Roboform[/intlink] — I use this all the time and if you need to keep your passwords safe this is the best solution.  It also has a portable version for your cell phone and an USB.  No more worrying about keyloggers and other such malware, this will increase your security.

  • [intlink id=”3067″ type=”post”]The A600 Programs[/intlink] — This is good for those times when the modem refuses to install the software.  You can always have the software available to install and use at your convenience.

  • Portable Skype — This is good for those who want to [intlink id=”2601″ type=”post”]use skype with the modem[/intlink].  Although you will have to make some modifications and it may or may not work.  I’ve got the full version of skype but I heard it can be done.

  • Wikipedia Of portable applications — this is a good resource to find out even more programs that might work on the USB Modem.  It after all can hold 4 gigabytes of data.  So there is room for several programs.

I recommend buying this very reliable modem. You should always double check to see if you are in the Cricket Coverage area. If you would like to see some other comments about the A600 please check out my [intlink id=”3059″ type=”post”]other review of this A600[/intlink], you will see some glowing recommendations from other people to buy this modem.

Free Syncronization and Backup programs

Paul

So I talked about finding some free backup utilities on the Mike Tech Show Listener Roundtable Show # 234.

I said I would publish some good free ones programs to backup your system files and I think I have done it.  Here’s are some great ones that I recommend for anyone who doesn’t want to pay for a backup program:

Allway Sync —  Works with Windows Vista/XP.  It supports : Hard Drives, Removable Hard Drives, Network Drives, Amazon S3, FTP Server, Offsitebox.com, and WEBDAV Folder.  This program is also quite portable and can be used on more than one computer with the portable version.[ad#text-broadband2]

ViceVersa — Windows 98, Me, 2000, XP, Vista. Vice Verse FREE will compare files in two folders (source and target) and synchronize file differences.  There isn’t much else you can do with this but It does look to be good for small backups and older system.

Acebackups — is a powerful tool to create completely secure backups of your data. Store your data on any local storage device, on CD, DVD or on your remote FTP server!

The one I have been using that is the most useful for me is Allway Sync.  I have it set up to use my [intlink id=”3059″ type=”post”]A600 Cricket Modem w/the 4 Gig Mini SD card[/intlink] to back up my [intlink id=”2646″ type=”post”]Roboform[/intlink] Passwords.  I could buy the Roboform portable version and use this to keep backup’s on my hard drive.  Allway Sync also has a portable version for multiple computers.   I think this is the most versatile, for the needs of backup.  Something that I have done is backing up my important data to a portable Harddrive, Flash drive and backing up to a ftp server to make sure I don’t loose any data.  I have it set up to have redundancy.  You should always have more than one backup.

In the coming Miketechshow Listener Round Table Discussion, we will be talking about backing up and the need to back.  I encourage everyone to join on that discussion.  I would like to know what you do with how you back up and if you back up.  I’ll post the time and Date when I find out!!

Getting to the A600 Program Files

Paul

So you want to see this screen when you plug in the A600 Broadband Card:
cricketa600softwarecricketdrive1

[ad]But doesn’t pop up! I found out why. If you installed it one time or another and had a problem with the installation and it won’t pop up with that screen. You’ll need to take this first step:

Uninstall THE USB DRIVERS for A600
C:\Program Files\Cricket\USB DRIVERS\Uninstall.EXE

Once you do that you will see need to reboot and then try to insert the A600 Modem into the USB slot. It should pop up with t hat screen or you should see the drive become available.

I’ve also took the drive and copied the program files into a sub Directory of the 4 Gig drive installed in the A600 and I decided to help everyone else out by uploading the self-extracting program to rapid share:

Cricket-A600-Program.exe Bit torrent file

This is the file I created on Memory card for when I need it.  If you are uncomfortable downloading this because your worried about virus, then follow the directions on how to uninstall the software to get to your Cricket software for the A600.  I did this to make it easier later on to re-install the software without having to uninstall software.  Let me know if this helps. You should consider downloading Free Anti-virus Software and free Firewalls to protect your system if you haven’t already!!

Reviewing the 3G A600 Cricket Modem

Paul6 Replies

So I got the Modem and wanted to test out the speed being stationary, So I go to my usual site Speedtest.net look at the speed, check below for speed.
As you can see this went fairly well. It does depend on your Cricket Coverage area. So you want to hear all about it.

First thing if you are upgrading from the UM100 Broadband Card, You’ll want to uninstall the Quicklink Software.  To do that you can uninstall it by going to:

Computer > C: Drive > Program Files > Cricket > Quicklink > UNWISE.EXE

(This will uninstall the Quicklink software, I’d suggest after you uninstall it you reboot.)

a600cricketspeed

How does the USB Modem work?

Once you do that you can then insert the A600 Modem into your USB.  The Nice thing about this is the software for the Modem is on the Modem itself, so you don’t loose the CD for the modem.  It currently only supports Windows and MAC OSX operating system but I have seen there is a work around to use the A600 Modem with Linux if your wondering.Once you insert it into the USB you’ll find you have a new Drive.  It will say a Cricket CD Drive with 24 megs used.  You’ll want to run that program on the Cricket CD and that will install the software.

The Connection

A600Connection

As you can see this is the provided application to connect to the Cricket Network and the speed and signal strength can differ from location to location due to coverage areas. This application can do several different functions:

  • Connecting to Cricket

  • Text Messaging (Free with broadband connection)

  • Bandwidth Monitor (Helps makes sure you don’t use to much Bandwidth, they do have a soft cap of 5 gig’s but haven’t affected me yet.)

  • Statistics, this is good for those who want to try to get the most out of the modem.

  • Logs, Also good for those who want to keep track on how much they used the modem. It however only logs activity on the system it is connected to.

  • Activation — Seems to help get updated tower positions when your traveling and can be done as long as you can get a signal

Pro’s to this EVDO MODEM:

  • [intlink id=”3174″ type=”post”]Memory Slot[/intlink] to have backups on files in case the worst case scenario happens (1 to 4 Gigbyte Capabilities)

  • Speed and Bandwidth (See above for speed test)

  • No loosing CD — I have the [intlink id=”3067″ type=”post”]program files[/intlink] online if you need them.

  • Independent card reader without having to install the Modem Software.

  • Able to take the modem with you as you go. (There is a clip slot for you to carry it anywhere you go.)

  • Found out there is an External antenna connector and will be looking at Antenna’s for it in the future.

  • Swivel USB port, You can swivel it up or down 90 degrees or side to side 180 degrees. (X and Y Axis)

Cons:

  • If you use it primarily internet you’ll expect some slow downs from time to time during HIGH Peak Zones.

  • This has a dormant signal feature that I will have to figure out how to disable but easily fixed by reconnecting to the tower. You can get out of dormant mode by web surfing, just load up your browser and the dormant mode will go away.

Twitter Comments:

@Laforge129 I sure am trying out the Cricket broadband.!I just started it last week and so far it never ceases to amaze me! (Via Twitter)

Conclusion

I and others would recommend the Cricket Broadband Modem a600 to anyone who wants an inexpensive and portable internet connection for $40 dollars and no contracts. Though with all the things you can do with this modem makes it an invaluable extra incentive in buying this modem. You should always check the Coverage area for Cricket and make sure you are able to use this modem in the first place. I’ll have another update on this later on but I’m really impressed with all the features of this modem.

Clicker here to buy it now.

Check out my Extended Review of the A600 and All the programs that I added to my 4 gig MicroSD Card.

If you want to comment on the A600 just twitter me and tell me what you think. Maybe you’ll twitter will be on my review site.

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