Is anyone using a MJ with a cellular wireless card?

[Gerry_52]

I have had call quality issues using a Sprint wireless card for internet connectivity. The problems seem to occur when the upload speed approaches 80kbps. My download speeds currently run about 700-900kbps, sometimes running in the 1.2Mbps range. I know that on my Vonage router I have the ability to adjust the bandwidth from about 30kbps to 80kbps. I have found no such adjustment within the MJ. The major problem I have have had is rapid dropouts. The dropouts occur roughly every couple of seconds and last for about 200-500 milliseconds. The actual voice quality is excellent when it is there. Any suggestions? We are looking at using these for emergency communications if they will work with wireless cards on the EVDO system.

[HolmanGT]

Gerry_52,

I have not heard anyone mention an ability to lower the bandwidth on the MagicJack.

What is the expected upload rate with your wireless card, are you pushing the card or networks ability with the 80 kHz?

I will offer a comment on the fact that "Emergency" and "Beta Phone Gadgets" don't sound like a good combination to me.

[msiam]

Yes, I bought My sister in FL a MJ she is on a Verizon Wireless card and it works like a champ for her..Quick and easy. The tech I asked first was David on the MJ Tech chat. He was right, it works

[Gerry_52]

Gerry_52,

I have not heard anyone mention an ability to lower the bandwidth on the MagicJack.

What is the expected upload rate with your wireless card, are you pushing the card or networks ability with the 80 kHz?

I will offer a comment on the fact that "Emergency" and "Beta Phone Gadgets" don't sound like a good combination to me.

Actually, voice should occupy no more than 30 kbps, generally it is less.
Emergency, from someone that has been there for the last 30 years leads to innovation. It will not be our ONLY means of communications. We also use cellular, landline (if it is up), satellite, amateur radio, local government systems, simplex radio, mesh etc. This will just be another tool for our tool box. If it works, it will be easier to hand someone a $40.00 MagicJack rather than a $3500 handheld radio. Not to mention the learning curve is greatly reduced and if they lose it, no big deal.

[Gerry_52]

I guess what I should clarify is what I meant by saying the call quality deteriorates when the upload speed approaches 80 kbps is that generally my upload speeds are in the 150-300 kbps, but when the upload speed drops into the 80kbps range or lower the call quality begins to deteriorate.

[dbarber]

According to DuMeter, my MJ calls use 83 kbps down and 75 kbps up. If you are short on bandwidth, your call quality will suffer.


Donn

[Gerry_52]

According to DuMeter, my MJ calls use 83 kbps down and 75 kbps up. If you are short on bandwidth, your call quality will suffer.


Donn

Excellent information. Have you run this test several times with the same basic results? This gives a good baseline.

[dc]

I have had call quality issues using a Sprint wireless card for internet connectivity. The problems seem to occur when the upload speed approaches 80kbps. My download speeds currently run about 700-900kbps, sometimes running in the 1.2Mbps range. I know that on my Vonage router I have the ability to adjust the bandwidth from about 30kbps to 80kbps. I have found no such adjustment within the MJ. The major problem I have have had is rapid dropouts. The dropouts occur roughly every couple of seconds and last for about 200-500 milliseconds. The actual voice quality is excellent when it is there. Any suggestions? We are looking at using these for emergency communications if they will work with wireless cards on the EVDO system.

Try it using the softphone and a headset or USB phone. I've been able to do that with a Verizon card with good results and full signal.

[dbarber]

Excellent information. Have you run this test several times with the same basic results? This gives a good baseline.

I look over at the laptop running the MJ EVERY time I make a call, with the same results. Occasionally, I will get different graph on DuMeter, and those calls don't go through.
When I first got the MJ, bandwidth was symmetrical, but one of the updates (don't remember which one) changed that.
Next time I make a call, I'll try to remember to get a screen shot for you.


Donn

[msiam]

This is an update.. I told you above that My sisters Verizon Wireless card was working great.. Wellllll... It started out great, no problems, now it is getting those Wobbly calls like a bad cell phone, jumpy.. I told her to try to spend some time with the tech chat, but she works all day in Fl and I'm in WI so I cant get her any support easily, I have had her try the Magic fix and next I will try to get her set up with a powered external usb hub.. I sure hope this works for her, I was thinking I had saved the day..I guess me and my red cape are gonna just mossy off..

[Gerry_52]

I have found that it really seems to depend upon the time of day. During known heavy loading periods like the evening from 7PM-9PM the MJ does not seem to have the processing power to help correct the signal losses. I would prefer to have poorer voice quality during these times rather than the drop outs. Vonage does have a slider where you can adjust bandwidth, this would be a nice addition to the MagicJack.