My Dell Mini Forum

mbbrocks · #1

If you've got a Mini 9 with the Dell 5530 HSPA / Mobile Broadband module, here's what you need to know to get it going:

Download the following modem script: http://www.mobilebroadbandrocks.com/...-broadband.zip
Unzip the script and place it in your root:library:modem scripts folder.
Go into system preferences and select Network
Select ‘Dell Wireless 5530 HSPA Mobile’ from the list on the left
Click on advanced
Under the modem tab, change the vendor to ‘other’ and select ‘Dell Mobile Broadband’ from the list, click on ok
Back on the network screen, enter ‘none’ as the telephone number. This means the modem script will use the default APN. If you want to specify the APN you want to use, enter it in the telephone number field (e.g. ‘internet’). Leave account name and password blank.
Select ’show modem status in menu bar’
Click on apply
When you want to connect, click on the phone icon on the top menu bar, near the time. Click on ‘Connect Dell Wireless 5530 HSPA Mobile’ and you’re away.

If you're having problems, you may need to enter your APN manually. Back in the connection properties, change the 'telephone number' to the name of your APN. The APN will vary depending on which mobile operator you use - for example, if you're a contract Vodafone UK customer, the APN will be 'internet'. Try http://www.filesaveas.com/gprs.html for details on UK APNs.

DanielN

I've attached the script locally.

GreyPaint

Hi
This method works very well, but takes time to connect - about 5 - 10 seconds for me.
Also, with no easy indication of HSDPA, Edge etc. you are unsure if the connection is giving good throughput. From experience, you can be in a good signal area, but getting a persistent connection to a poorer connection. Sometimes re-instigating the conneciton makes all the difference.

I have used this same method for a t-mobile USB 3G card in the UK - then replaced it with a custom Launch2Net program - free for their modems but $80 or so otherwise.
This shows the connection info + the monthly up/down totals + the signal and connects quicker than the script

Don't want to invest in this in case it does not work. Can anyone else try?

whmcr

I've attempted to load the launch2net software and it doesnt appear to be working at the moment with the 5530, bombs out with a modem initalisation error

Bobeee

I am having the same problem. I have tried everything. Both of the suggested scripts including the Mobilebroadbandrocks + the launch2net software and which as whmcp says, results in a modem initalisation error.

I even purchased an EU850D card with integral SIM, but this is not even seen by Mac OS

I am in the UK, and the problem is with the Vodafone model.

Mac OS X10.5.6 runs great - its really fast installed on a Runcore 32GB SSD

If I could crack this problem, it would be the perfect Mini Macbook & truly mobile

Any suggestions?

GreyPaint

My WWAN works fine... no issues, other than as mentioned above...

ukbodypilot

Worked for me. I thought it had failed as there are 2 Dell HSPDA modems listed - perhaps my 10.5.6 install had already picked it up. No idea how to get rid of the other one but I am not going to bother messing with it as it works great.

Thanks for the script

spathi

This also works great with my Dell Mini 9 from Vodafone Australia. You will need to enter the APN of vfinternet.au

pr6srm

Quote:

Originally Posted by ukbodypilot

Worked for me. I thought it had failed as there are 2 Dell HSPDA modems listed - perhaps my 10.5.6 install had already picked it up. No idea how to get rid of the other one but I am not going to bother messing with it as it works great.

It's supposed to show two devices. Not wuite sure why, but that is how it works - perhaps one does 3G and one does GPRS, who knows? Anyway, it works