Simultaneously Charging the Novatel MiFi 2200 via USB and using Wifi, and Other MiFi Thoughts
Updated 7/27/2009
I recently upgraded my wireless USB modem from a Sprint Novatel Ovation U727 to a Sprint Novatel MiFi 2200. The MiFi 2200 is a great, tiny device that integrates a 3G modem with a wireless router so that you can connect multiple wifi-enabled devices to your 3G modem. There are all sorts of reviews of the MiFi 2200 on the Web already, so I won't add an in-depth review. I will say, though, that:
- The Sprint version of the MiFi 2200 doesn't come with an included USB Micro data cable, so you'll need to get one if you want to tether or charge from your computer. On the other hand, unlike the Verizon version which does come with a cable, the Sprint version doesn't require being connected to a Windows PC for activation, so it's easy to setup
- The Sprint version of the MiFi 2200 includes GPS, but it's pretty useless. You have to go to a Web page on the router and go to linked searches from that specific interface for local resources
One of the limitations of the MiFi 2200 is that if you connect it to your computer with a USB Micro, it won't work as a wifi router. This creates problems if you want to charge your MiFi 2200 via USB while also sharing your connection or using an operating system/laptop without adequate drivers for using the MiFi 2200 as a tethered modem. I've worked around this limitation in two ways:
- Purchase a Belkin Mini Surge 3OUT.
This is a fanstastic, travel-sized power strip with 3 outlets and 2 USB jacks. You can use this to power your MiFi 2200 via USB and also share a power outlet with other devices, like your laptop. The Belkin Mini Surge is great if you want to use a power outlet in public, but it's already full. By plugging in the Mini Surge, you can share that power outlet with other people
- Purchase an iPhone USB Charging Adapter.
Even though this adapter says its for iPhones, what it really does is take a USB cable and strip out the data across it, leaving only power. By plugging this adapter to a USB Micro cable, you can then attach your MiFi 2200 to your laptop's USB port to charge it but still have the MiFi 2200 function as a wireless router
One important thing to note is that the MiFi 2200 requires a lot of power to charge, and many off-the-shelf USB micro cables won't be able to send enough power to the MiFi 2200 to charge it from a USB port. In fact, I've tried several different USB micro cables with my MiFi with varying degrees of successful charging. So, if you buy an iPhone USB Charging Adapter or try using the Belkin Mini Surge but aren't able to charge your MiFi, the chances are that it's your USB Micro cable which is the problem.
I've recently purchased a Tekkeon TekCharge MP1800, which is a portable battery back that can power and charge the MiFi 2200 as well as other power-hugry devices (like my iPhone).
The TekCharge comes with a retractable cable that is able to charge the MiFi from a computer's USB port, and it also provides a compact battery for giving your other electronic gadgets additional runtime and charge. Since purchasing the TekCharge, I just use the cable that came with it and no longer need the iPhone USB charger.
31 comments:
Thanks for the tip Bryan. My problem is actually a little bit worse - my laptop's wireless card is fried.
So I need wired data, and ideally, it would also still broadcast wifi. Any idea how to make that happen?
One other question - this device runs linux, do you know if anyone has tried to crack it open and install a patched version with more features?
Rather than buying the iPhone USB Charging Adapter (which would require you to carry two cables), has anyone tried the Seidio Micro USB Charging Cable? The description says "this cable is for charging only". It'd be great if this cable would charge and let you use WiFi.
aghhh noooo! I can't believe they would make that device so you can't charge and do wifi at the same time. say it aint so! I don't see any value in having a physical connection (unless they ever release a firmware update to fix this problem??) so I'm going to try to mangle my cable - essentially block the data wires in the USB connection with something - and see if that fixes the problem :)
I have device similar to the first item listed in this post. It plugs into the wall and then I can plug my iPod Touch's USB cable into it to recharge. I tried to plug the provided Verizon MiFi USB cord into it to recharge but it didn't juice up. Any reason why?
I ended up purchasing the cable from thinkgeek and, while it effectively allows me to use the wifi, it isn't charging and eventually dies. Has anyone else had success with that cable or was it just a guess?
Looking forward to any power suggestions anyone has.
I've only the Verizon MiFi for a few days (going the Day Pass route) and so far my main complaint is that to buy a Day Pass I have to connect the MiFi to the computer that's running the Verizon software. I find this to be a huge pain.
Once the MiFi has been set up I should be able to connect to it with any computer any time. If I have no Day Pass time left then I should be taken to a Verizon web page where I can add money to my account.
Bookstores and coffee shops around the globe do this: connect to their wireless network but pay before you surf.
By the way, Apparently you CAN call the broadband customer support number to refill your Day Pass but on two different occasions when I tried this a recorded voice said they were "performing system maintenance." So if I needed to be online but didn't have the computer that the Verizon software is on, I was out of luck.
Perhaps this is an RTFM question but I'm confused, can you still get both EVDO and WiFi service if the MiFi is plugged into the A/C adapter? (i.e., not tethered to your computer)
Yes, if the unit is plugged in with the provided AC adapter the wifi still works AND it connects to EVDO. (I'm doing that right now.)
I added another section to this entry that answers some of the questions regarding cables and charging.
I just ordered a Universal Micro USB charging only cable for our companies Sprint MiFi.
http://www.discountcell.com/cellular/pn/USBV9
It's so great of Sprint not to include the cable. Since the device is so small, we wanted a way to tether it to a computer so users don't leave it behind. I'm curious to know if anyone else has had luck with cables like these. In hind-sight, I hope the cable is Micro B not Micro A. I'm pretty sure the MiFi is Micro type B.
Hi Brian - let me know how that cable works out. I tried the iphone cable listed in the post but it didn't work for long. I believe my Lenovo T61 just doesn't put enough power into the USB ports to effectively charge and run the mifi at the same time. Unfortunately, that means it isn't a cable issue but a power issue - the MiFi is too power intensive to be run off of a standard USB port (500ma) while using WiFi. No cable will solve that problem...
As I stated in my update, I can charge my MiFi fine from my notebook (a Lenovo T60) with the cable that comes with the Tekkeon TekCharge MP1800.
Now that just doesn't make much sense to me but if you say so I'll give it a shot. I just don't want to buy a tekkeon just for the cable it comes with (unless you can buy it separate?). Brian - let me know if that new cable works, please!
yeah I'll let you know. There was a large list of compatibles on that cable. I was hoping it would be hefty enough to work for the MiFi.
I ordered it yesterday and when it gets here I'll let you know how it works.
This is to confirm that the generic $6 cable will charge the MiFi as well as allow it to keep it's multiclient router capabilities.
http://www.discountcell.com/cellular/pn/USBV9
Regards,
Brian
any questions? ask.........
You can charge your mifi, through your computers usb connection and connect to the router simultaneously, go in to where you can back up the configuration file to the mifi, download the file, once downloaded, open up the file with notepad, once open scroll down to where you see routeroverusb 0 routeroverusb, change the 0 to a 1 and, click save, upload the config file back to the mifi, and bam, you can now connect and charge at the same time, also for a little power boost scroll down to where you see txpower 13 txpower, change the 13 to 25 and bam you now are using max power, make sure that you save after you edit file, and then upload.........
Bought the MiFi today after a week-long battle with Verizon, who first sold me a USB stick modem and router to connect my two wireless-less card desktops. I installed the MiFi on one desktop and it worked well as a wireless modem, connected immediately via the included software. But...my laptop (new/ that I know has a good wireless card because I use it all the time in WiFi spots) can't find it, says the wireless network does not exist.
I installed it on the laptop, and again, it works well as a wired modem, but as soon as I unplug, it disconnects and will not reconnect (network not found).
Hoping SOMEONE out there will tell me what I'm doing wrong. After I get this part figured out, still have to configure USB wireless adapters to each desktop, would be thrilled with tips for that. I've scoured the internet and nobody seems to be able to help...
I know it's simple, and usually I'm fairly computer savvy, but...I'm at a loss.
Bobbye
bobbyesox@gmail.com
Bobbye - By default the MiFi does not function as a hotspot when connected to a computer. Don't know why they did that but there is a fix, see the post just before your's.
Thanks for the tip whoever posted it.
James
but thats why if you do what i said as for changing the setting in the configuration file,
change the routeroverusb*0*routeroverusb to routeoverusb*1*routeroverusb then it will work you can connect to your laptop and it will charge also work as a hotspot, if you can not figure it out, let me you know that you know where to download the config file. If you make this simple change within the card it will work flawlessly, I could take a picture right now that is how my setup is right this moment, Im on the laptop, mifi connected charging, my sons in there room , on XBOX live, using this connection, also wife in kitchen with laptop looking up recipes................ Once you learn how to tweak it a lil, you will be amazed to grand this thing is............ goodluck, let me how you do,,, I can give you a step by step procedure , if need.
so has everyone been successful besides Bobby? with this mod?
Re: the config file
Where do I find this file? Is there a setting to have the mifi function as both wireless modem (connected to my laptop with broken wireless via usb), and wifi router?
Are there any speed advantages to using the USB connector rather than the wifi?
I wanted to say thanks for the "how to simultaneous charge and use WiFi" post. I tried the tip and it worked like a charm. Probably 2 minutes turn around time between downloading, editing, uploading and then testing the MiFi 2000.
Need some help--
I have the belkin adaptor, and modified my mifi router so it will charge over USB and work as a router. Here is the weird part - it works and charges when plugged into my T60p (as a hotspot). It does not charge when plugged into the belkin adaptor with the USB cable. Thoughts?
Hello everyone,
Todd did you see or adjust the power setting for TX and RX, I mentioned? Okay, now Mike, It charges when it is directly connected to the laptop correct? And does not charge when you plug it into THE BELKIN USB ADAPTER,Whats happening is that the usb ports on the laptop ARE "HOT" they have power,and the hub, or belkin adapter is not powered................ Bobby are you sure you have the MiFi setup on the right channel? Like a/b/g or N , also on the right channel 1-22, let me know thanks,
I switched to using the power cable that came with the device and scrapped the belkin adaptor -- works fine. The belkin adaptor usb charges my other applicances -- just not the mifi.
I have a question for .
My Sprint mifi 2200 config file doesn't have a routeroverusb entry to edit?
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