Overdriveâ„¢ 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot by Sierra Wireless

[Stephen Locke]

A thread search did not reveal previous posts so I put this question. Is anyone familiar with this device? Will it work with a signal booster? Judgments, critism, commentary?

Link to Sprint website

 

[Matt Tottle]

I'm not a big fan of standalone data solutions like this or an Aircard. Unless you're a traveling businessman when you're not chasing, most people don't get enough use out of them outside storm season to justify a 2 year contract at $60 a month. Basically any of Sprint's smartphones can be used (with a little fiddling) as a data modem over USB or Bluetooth. Android phones don't even need to be hacked, you just buy a $20 app (pdaNet). Legitimately, their Mobile Hotspot plan can be added to certain phones for only $30 a month, and it works the same way as that unit. Not to mention that's an add-on feature that you can add/delete at will, so there's no contract making you pay for it on months you don't use it.

As for use with a booster, they will only work in 3G mode. There are no 4G capable boosters yet. But that's not a real big issue right now since there isn't much 4G outside the metro areas yet either..

 

[Jason Foster]

Unless that's a new version, no there is no antenna port, which for me renders it useless. Sprint lately from DC to NC seems to be weaker in signal strength than before...not sure what's up. Might just be my datacard though.

-------disregard, looks like I was wrong about the no antenna port----------

 

[chadvia]

I used the Overdrive last season and will continue with it again this year. Although I did lock into a two year service agreement, I enjoyed not having my phone tethered to my laptop in order to receive data. Use of the Wilson signal amplifier will increase signal strength provided you have a signal to begin with. I've still encountered dead zones despite using the amplifier and a 3' antenna. Not having a direct connect option to the amplifier is a drawback, however if you look in my picture below, I have the Wilson antenna beside the Overdrive to hopefully provide an optimal setup. If you decide to go this route, I'd suggest connecting it to your computer via the USB port so that the device is continuously charging its battery. The battery doesn't drain faster than it is being charged while in use, so you can use it all day long without concerns of it going dead. If you have any other questions feel free to ask.

 

[Stephen Locke]

FWIW I asked Gordon with Max Signal about this and here is his reply;

Re: Overdrive™ 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot by Sierra Wireless

Don't do it . Get your self a cradlepoint router to plug your card into, then you have the same results except better . Much better solution . No new contract and your direct connect amplifier will work still . These devices have no RF port so you need to buy a neqw wireless amplifier sysrtem . The Cradlepoint router does much more anyways . Best Cradlepoint dealer is www.wirelessnwifi.com

 

[Gordon Spencer]

Sorry for the spelling errors. Also If you are out of contract for data . Your best option is www.millenicom.com . Skip Talbot posted in another thread about a similar device the advantage of going through millenicom who are resellers of both Verizon and Sprint service

 

[Stephen Locke]

UPDATE; I bought the Cradle-point CTR500. So far I'm happy with it. It eliminates the Sprint Smart-view that was so problematic. Sprint Smart-view was never good at reestablishing a lost connection and would usually necessitate a computer restart meaning I lose GR3 and everything else. I've tested the Cradle-point CTR500 several times by disconnecting the Sprint 597 USB modem. When the USB modem is reconnected the Cradle-point CTR500 eagerly reestablishes the connection and my WIFI. I'm happy. I don't know why the Sprint Smart-view program is such crap... and updating software never helped and in some ways made it worse. I'm happy with Sprint coverage, just don't now why their interface is so poor.
But I think the Cradle-point CTR500 is the solution. Field test on the next chase.

 

[David Drummond]

I have owned/used over a dozen datacards over the years, and by far this Sprint Overdrive was the biggest turd I ever wasted money on. I could not wait until my anniversary date to get the upgrade credit and get the 250U.

The thing overheated ALL the time, to the point I would hang it in front of the AC vent to keep it cooled down, it would lock up all the time, and require a battery pull to reset. Would refuse to switch over to 4G when it was available, you had to force it in to 4G only, and then it wouldn't switch towers automatically without you having to disconnect/reconnect. Add to that the lack of antenna ports too. I can't recommend the Sprint Overdrive to anyone based on my experience with it over the last year or so.