no gps signal

[meyerus]

My microcell worked fine for at least 18 months, rarely needed to re-boot.  However, over the past few weeks, I've had to re-boot several times.  Now, we have no service, the gps light is not coming on at all, and the 3g light flickers randomly. Has anybody actually determined if this was due to a firmware update, or is it just an equipment failure?  After reading some of the other posts, I'm not confident a new unit is going to fix the problem.  Customer service was no help, not sure they even know what a microcell is.  Hate to buy a Wilson amplifier because the microcell worked so well in the past and was a cleaner instllation.  Any suggestions?   

[Otto Pylot ACE - Czar]

Is the blinking 3G red (possible hardware failure/failure to reset properly after update) or blinking green (no connection)? The blinking GPS means, of course, that it can't find a satellite. Usually if it's a reset failure, the GPS will stay lit so it sounds like it's a GPS-related issue. Have you moved the MicroCell away from a window? Have you knocked the MicroCell over, and if so, does it rattle when you shake it gently? I'd try a complete power cycle (including disconnedting the power cords), de-registering/re-registering, etc. Have you tried priority setup (modem -> MicroCell -> router) to rule out any router-related issues?

[meyerus]

3G light is blinking green.  Unit has never been moved since original installation, and we always had an excellent signal even though it's about 10 feet to the nearest window.  Never been knocked over or damaged any other way.  I've done the power cycling many times, and I tried moving it as close to the window as my cables would allow, but no luck.  Not sure exactly what you mean by "priority setup".  I have disconnected everything, including the power cords, and reconnected one piece at a time.  The microcell is connected between my 2Wire dsl router and my computer, but there hasn't been any loss of wi-fi signal or dsl service.  Only other thing I haven't done yet is the de-register / re-register.  

[Otto Pylot ACE - Czar]

The "normal" setup for a MicroCell is:

1. Set the unit within 18" of an open window with an unobstructed view of the sky

2. Keep it at least 2' away from any WiFi device

3. Connect the MicroCell: modem -> router -> MicroCell

Priority setup is a troubleshooting method where  you basically take the router out of the equation and connect the MicroCell directly to the modem/gateway: modem -> MicroCell. If that works, then it indicates that there may be a setting in the router that has been changed preventing the MicroCell from communicating like it needs to to AT&T. If that doesn't work, then something has happend to your internet connection preventing the MicroCell from establishing a solid connection or the MicroCell itself is failing. The fact that the 3G light is blinking green and not red indicates it's more of a connection issue than a hardware failure. If your computer is in the chain (I never connect my computer to the MicroCell setup) something may have been changed there which interferes with the communication between the MicroCell and AT&T. Check your cable integrity.

If the unit is knocked over (the cat jumped on it ) there are anti-tamper clips inside that if knocked loose, will render the unit useless. The idea is to prevent people from opening up the unit for whatever reason. That's why I asked if you shake it gently and you hear something rattling inside, one of the clips may have come loose. However, that would result in the blinking red 3G or no lights at all.

You may have to setup port forwarding to a static IP to get solid, reliable service. That's what I had to do and mine has worked flawlessly (knock on wood) thru multiple power outages, updates, ets. I've got a post further down in the forum that has a link to the MicroCell Troubleshooting Guide with port forwarding instructions for various routers.

Finally, if you still can't get it resolved, AT&T now has a direct link to customer support that is available during businees hours CST. Just click on the envelope, New Message, and ATTCustomerCare.

[meyerus]

Does the microcell need to be connected to anything other than power to get a gps signal? Also, what is the routine for using the reset button, and what exactly does it reset?  I tried setting the microcell outside with power only, but again, no luck.  The only reason I have it connected with my computer is because my wireless receiver failed on my computer many months ago, and there is only one wired ethernet plug on the back of the router, so in a pinch I just connected through the microcell and it all worked fine until now.  I know the router is functioning, because we connect to it wirelessly with many other devices.  Guess I could just add a hub.  I'll try the reactivation tonight, and I'll also check your suggestion about the port forwarding, but I'm not gonna hold my breath.  My brain is a little too simple to understand how something can work fine for so long and then suddenly it may or may not require jumping through all these hoops to see if it will ever work again.  

[Otto Pylot ACE - Czar]

The MicroCell needs to have an internet connetion for the GPS to work because that's how AT&T verifies your location. Once verified, then it tries to connect 3G. If you only have one ethernet port available on your router a simple switch might be the answer. The MicroCell is a funny beast and sometimes logically figuring out why it worked before and now doesn't can be an exercise in futility. As I stated, for me, using port forwarding to a static ip has made my MicroCell rock solid. Others have just plugged their's in, followed the setup instuctions, and have never had an issue.