Thread: Sprint overdrive 3G/4G hotspot (Sierra Wireless), can't QPST or CDMA workshop to it?

I got a Sprint overdrive super cheap on ebay figuring I'd mess with it to see if it could be flashed to Cricket, but am having trouble getting connected with either QPST or CDMA WS.

After installing the drivers, in device manager I have:
Sierra Wireless Application Interface NMEA (COM6)
Sierra Wireless NMEA Port (COM7)

QPST Configuration showed COM7, not COM6
Adding COM7 in QMST Configuration shows it as "Enabled" but "no phone"
Trying to manually add COM6 results in an error that the port may not be working, or is busy.

CDMA WS connects to both ports, but when I click Read I get:
"Searching phone in DM mode..." for a little bit, then the error:
"Failed.. Phone does not answer"

I'm guessing I need either different drivers, or the device needs to be put into diagnostic mode (similar to dialing ##diag# on the EVO before doing QPST stuff)

Any ideas?

I installed the app/drivers that showed up when the device was plugged in (mounted drive with it on there). I can now browse to the web interface on the device over USB (not connected by wifi to it, 100% sure). Tried turning it off (pulled battery to be sure) then connecting to USB, powered on, still can't talk to it with QPST
in the web interface, I can see the MDN, MIN, NAI, SID, PRL, but can't change them (well, aside from PRL, looks like I can upload a file)
If I click "Manual Activation" it wants the SPC code.

On a sidenote, with the little 1x1 screen, I think this would be an awesomely fun piece of hardware to have open source stuff developed for, but for now, a wifi hotspot would be great

Ah well, I'm leaving town for a few days tomorrow, I'll see if I can post the request for info a few other places before/while I'm gone. Can't do any testing while I'm away, but will get back to it when I return. I'll post here with additional info if I'm successful.
Worst case though, it was only $6, sold as "bad ESN" but I just checked with the online ESN checker and it's clean, so I'm sure I can regain my cost at least

OK, I've made some progress, turns out people root these things so they can flash the Clear firmware on them, and use Clear vs Sprint for 4G...

http://ispotunrestricted.com/overdrive.html




I obviously stop short of flashing the Clear firmware though, just obtain root.
With root I can modify the html pages to get around the SPC code request on the manual registration page, and update my mobile IP settings... but there's a few problems...
1) "HA SPI" should be 12C for Cricket, but if I try that I get the error "Invalid number "C" at position 3. Must be a number.".
-So I tried it as just "12" and AAA as "2", but does not connect to 3G.
-Tried HA and AAA as hex values (313243 and 32), still not connecting...
buuut, that could be a result of:
2) can't change MDN and MSID, I can see them on one page, but not modify them anywhere =/

Any thoughts on either?

Update: Contacted Sierra support, but they weren't too supportive:


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No, only Sprint has the authority to do that, please contact Sprint if you have any follow up questions.


This ticket will auto close.


Regards,
SWI Support
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any luck with getting WS to read the sierra wireless modem? I have WS 3.8 which Cdma-Ware claim it will connect and repair esn

Connect to device with WiFi. Use "HW Virtual Serial Port" with "NVT enable" unchecked. Modem Port is 5503.

Sierra Wireless 16 digits password is 563085992436B40A to get SPC Code.

Install HW-VSP3 But only Drivers Software is not Needed
Installl VSPM - Chinease VSPM - Select English Language and take all Default Options

Connect OverDrive to PC via MicroUSB Cable or WIFI
In DOS type this Command IPCONFIG to check for IP if its Connected with USB if you have IP like 192.168.0.16 then OverDrives IP = 192.168.0.1

Create VSPM - Virtual Serial Port like Following Images



Now Connect the CDMA Workshop to said port and Send the Password = 563085992436B40A

SPC will be automatically Seen - Change the SPC if you need and Change what ever you like as per Cricket Settings

BIG THANKS to PM
bangeko for Password and TCP Port Numbers

EVen though Programming it via CDMA Workshop it dont catch the Network may be its trying for MIP only Profile and my Network use Simple IP profile ??

any clue ?

I think we need linux expert here.

Originally Posted by piercedgeek

I got a Sprint overdrive super cheap on ebay figuring I'd mess with it to see if it could be flashed to Cricket, but am having trouble getting connected with either QPST or CDMA WS.

After installing the drivers, in device manager I have:
Sierra Wireless Application Interface NMEA (COM6)
Sierra Wireless NMEA Port (COM7)

QPST Configuration showed COM7, not COM6
Adding COM7 in QMST Configuration shows it as "Enabled" but "no phone"
Trying to manually add COM6 results in an error that the port may not be working, or is busy.

CDMA WS connects to both ports, but when I click Read I get:
"Searching phone in DM mode..." for a little bit, then the error:
"Failed.. Phone does not answer"

I'm guessing I need either different drivers, or the device needs to be put into diagnostic mode (similar to dialing ##diag# on the EVO before doing QPST stuff)

Any ideas?

I just want to ask you, did you try going to 192.168.1.1 longing as admin and advanced options setting WAN settings to default 3G only? Because in my opinion its not showing up on com 6 is because its not in 3G mode. It could be in 4Gmode if it is in 4G coverage area. It has a Qualcomm chip set : Qualcomm MDM6085 (EvDO) . All Qualcomm chipsets support diag mode. This chipset is used in many devices including Novatel Expedite E120 card for netbooks etc.