3G Datacard 

The ExpressCard is the latest 3G Datacard in the market. CLICK HERE to ask for a no obligation quote!

With the ExpressCard you can have....

• Future proof: 7.2Mbps top download speed
• Compatibility: It includes adaptor allowing them to be used in PC Card slots
• Convienence: Mobile broadband access with one single click
• Highly portable: fits snugly into to your laptop so it goes where you go

Installing datacard and software

How do I install the Vodafone 3G datacard on Microsoft Windows NT4?

Before you start, make sure your system is ready to run Windows NT4.0. Service Pack 6a is required on your NT4 notebook. For more information on Service Pack 6a and other software updates, please check the Microsoft support and download website. For more information on installing the 3G datacard, please seek guidance withNeil Howard Telecoms.

 

How to perform a clean uninstall of the VMC Dashboard software?

Click the Start button
Click <Settings>
Choose <Control Panel>
Select <Add/Remove Programs>
Remove with the <Change/Remove> button:
<Drivers>
<Vodafone Messenger>
<Vodafone Mobile Connect Card>

 

Using the datacard

What are the system requirements for the Vodafone 3G/GPRS card?

The 3G datacard requires:

• An Intel compatible PC that runs Windows 98SE, ME, 2000 Pro, NT4-SP6a or XP Pro/Home Edition.

• Win98 must be the Second Edition (SE) - the First Edition is not supported. This is because Microsoft implemented advanced features for the dialup networking in 98SE. These features are necessary for the VMC.

• WinNT4 must be updated to Service Pack 6a (SP6a) or later releases. No older versions are supported.

• 90 MHz Pentium-compatible CPU

• 32 MB of RAM (64 MB recommended)

• 50 MB minimum (100 MB recommended) of available space on Hard Disk

• CD-ROM drive

• PC Card (PCMCIA) version 2.1, Type II or Type III card slot.

What are the maximum speeds the card can achieve?

The maximum downlink speed (receiving data) is 384 kilobits per second (kbps).
The maximum uplink speed (sending data) is 64 kilobits per second (kbps).

 

How can I manage my connections to 3G or GPRS? / What are the profiles?

Go to the "Tools" button on the Vodafone Mobile Connect software. Click the "Tools" option, select <Profiles> and <Edit>. You will then be asked to select which profile you'd like to edit. Select the profile you wish to edit and click OK. On the "Profile Manager" edit profile screen click "next".  To change your connection options only edit the "Service" field and click "next".

 

There are four main connection options available you can choose from:

 

3G Preferred

3G will be detected wherever it is available. If there is no 3G signal, the Vodafone Mobile Connect software will connect to GPRS if available.

 

3G Only

Vodafone Mobile Connect will only search for 3G service. If no 3G signal is detected, no connection will be made.

 

GPRS Preferred

GPRS will be detected wherever it is available. If no GPRS signal is detected, Vodafone Mobile Connect software will try to connect to 3G.

 

GPRS Only

Vodafone Mobile Connect will only search for GPRS service. If no GPRS signal is detected, no connection will be made.

 

How do I know whether I am on the 3G or GPRS network?

The network indicator is located in the bottom left status bar on the Mobile Connect software. This will display either 3G or GRPS and the signal strength will be indicated by the bars to the left of the network description.

 

What happens if I lose the 3G network during a data session?

If you move out of 3G coverage or the signal is poor, if you are on the "3G preferred" profile, you will experience 3G to GPRS hand-over. This means you will seamlessly be disconnected from the 3G network and connected to the GPRS network without having to manually reconnect.

 

How do I get back onto the 3G network if I am downgraded to GPRS during a session?

You will need to start a new data session by disconnecting from GRPS and clicking on the Connect button.
The software should revert back to 3G for a new session, if 3G preferred is the profile selected and 3G coverage is available.

 

Can I use an external antenna and what advantages would this have?

An external antenna for the 3G datacard is available. We recommend the use of an external antenna when:

• Travelling in fringe areas that do not have optimum network reception

• Using the Vodafone service in trains

• You experience interference problems on your notebook.

What is the meaning of the blinking LEDs on the card?

LEDs	Description
Both LEDs blink fast	No Network selected
Both LEDs alternating	Card crashed
Green LED blinks once slowly	GSM CS attached
Green LED blinks twice slowly	GSM CS and GPRS PS attached
Blue LED blinks once slowly	UMTS CS attached
Blue LED blinks twice slowly	UMTS CS&PS attached
Both LEDs Off	No power or safely removed

(CS=Circuit Switched, PS=Packet Switched)

 

What happens if I move outside of 3G coverage?

The 3G datacard is a dual 3G/GPRS datacard so, if 3G coverage is not available, the card will connect to GPRS. When you install the 3G datacard, the "3G preferred" service type is the recommended profile.

 

Can the 3G Card be used on an Apple Macintosh computer?

Yes, there will be special software for Apple Macintosh computers. The software is not the same as the Vodafone Dashboard, but will allow connecting to the 3G network easily. The software will be released for Apple Mac OS X only (no older versions). It is currently tested and will be released soon.

 

Troubleshooting

Why does the 3G Card sometimes connect to GPRS when 3G is available?

This is a software issue which will be fixed in one of the next releases. To make sure that the 3G datacard connects to a 3G network, choose <Profile Manager> from the <Tools> >> <Profiles> menu.

Click on the "Connection Type" drop down menu on the right side and choose <3G only>. Then click <OK>, close the whole dashboard software and start it again. Now go back into the profile manager and switch back to <3G Preferred>. The detection should work better now.

 

Why does the Operating System hang after removing the 3G card?

You need to perform the following steps to remove the 3G datacard correctly:

First, close the VMCC Dashboard. Afterwards double-click on the "Unplug or Eject Hardware" tray icon in the tray bar. Highlight <OPTi 82C861 PCI to USB Open Host Controller> by clicking it once. Then click the <Stop> button. Now you can remove the card from the PC Card slot.

 

When clicking the "Connect" button, the error message "Card not inserted" is shown.

Please check if the "Remote Access Connection Manager" service is started on your notebook. Go to <Control Panel> <Administrative Tools> <Services> to see if the service is started. If it is not started, change the startup type of the service by doubleclicking it, and then choose "Manual" as startup type. This is the default start up type which will usually launch the service when Windows starts.

If you want to make 100% sure that the service is started when Windows starts, change the startup type to "automatic".

 

Why can I not set up a data service with my Vodafone 3G Card?

Check whether your SIM card has been activated for Vodafone 3G. Check whether the Vodafone Mobile Connect software has been properly installed. When roaming, check whether 3G/GPRS service is available (check the connection details in VMC). Check whether the blue or the green LED on the card is flashing. When none of the LEDs is flashing, reboot your notebook and try to set up the required service again.