How do you properly install a Novatel Turbo Stick USB modem?
 

SUSE 11.2 on Lenovo X61 laptop
Bell Canada Novatel Wireless u998 USB modem HSPA+
I think equivalent to: Ovation MC998D

Hello:

What would be the proper sequence of the steps involved to get this *%&!$ thing up and running?

Thanks for any help,

Rob.

There are several threads on here that deal with Novatel devices, perhaps one of them can help you out:

http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...-linux-531408/
http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...hlight=novatel
http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...hlight=novatel

They don't specifically address the model you have, though, but chances are they're close. If you can't make any headway with those threads, come back and post the output of "lsusb" and "dmesg", after you plug the device in. Clear dmesg first, though...run (as root) "dmesg -c", then plug the device in, and run "dmesg" again...you should then just see the events related to the new device.

Some folks have also reported success with using "wvdialconf", to set up devices like this...just a thought.

This going to be a problem...

I can't connect under Linux and I do not know how to save a txt file of the dmesg dump in my windoz 'my documents' folder - something about not having sufficient permissions, I think.

Got any ideas?

I did find out a few things:

The dmesg said that the vendor id was 1410 (which is correct) and that the product id was 7030. In windoz I got the same info - Hardware ID: USB\Vid_1410&Pid_7030&Rev_000&MI_00.

The phone properties says TYPE: HSUPA and COM6

Did you try the wvdialconf program, as I suggested? Also, check in the /dev directory under Linux. In a terminal window, before you plug your modem in, type in "ls /dev/tty*". Then, plug it in, and repeat. Look for any differences. If something else comes up, that's your modem.

wvdialconf will detect the device, and set it up. You can also use a PPP dialer, like kppp, and select the device. That's no different than setting up a dial-up networking device under Windows, except for COM1, you'll use /dev/ttyUSB1, etc.

Sorry but I don't know where to find the wvdialconf program nor how to run it.

Thanks for your time.

Rob.

Go to a terminal window (the same place you type in lsusb, etc.), and type in "wvdialconf". If you don't have it, type in:
Then try again. You need to be root and/or SUDO to run it, like "sudo wvdialconf"..

Hello:

I am now connected to the net so I can send the info that you requested:

Before connecting:
rob@linux-3bi1:~> lsusb
Bus 001 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0002 Linux Foundation 2.0 root hub
Bus 001 Device 004: ID 17ef:1000 Lenovo
Bus 002 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0001 Linux Foundation 1.1 root hub
Bus 002 Device 002: ID 0a5c:2110 Broadcom Corp. Bluetooth Controller
Bus 002 Device 003: ID 0483:2016 SGS Thomson Microelectronics Fingerprint Reader
Bus 003 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0002 Linux Foundation 2.0 root hub
Bus 004 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0001 Linux Foundation 1.1 root hub
Bus 005 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0001 Linux Foundation 1.1 root hub
Bus 005 Device 002: ID 046d:c00e Logitech, Inc. M-BJ58/M-BJ69 Optical Wheel Mouse
Bus 006 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0001 Linux Foundation 1.1 root hub

After connecting:
rob@linux-3bi1:~> lsusb
Bus 001 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0002 Linux Foundation 2.0 root hub
Bus 001 Device 004: ID 17ef:1000 Lenovo
Bus 001 Device 008: ID 1410:7030 Novatel Wireless
Bus 002 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0001 Linux Foundation 1.1 root hub
Bus 002 Device 002: ID 0a5c:2110 Broadcom Corp. Bluetooth Controller
Bus 002 Device 003: ID 0483:2016 SGS Thomson Microelectronics Fingerprint Reader
Bus 003 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0002 Linux Foundation 2.0 root hub
Bus 004 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0001 Linux Foundation 1.1 root hub
Bus 005 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0001 Linux Foundation 1.1 root hub
Bus 005 Device 002: ID 046d:c00e Logitech, Inc. M-BJ58/M-BJ69 Optical Wheel Mouse
Bus 006 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0001 Linux Foundation 1.1 root hub

dmesg after clearing & then connecting the Novatel modem:

linux-3bi1:/home/rob # dmesg
linux-3bi1:/home/rob # dmesg
[ 1862.520149] usb 1-3: new high speed USB device using ehci_hcd and address 9
[ 1862.655542] usb 1-3: New USB device found, idVendor=1410, idProduct=5010
[ 1862.655563] usb 1-3: New USB device strings: Mfr=3, Product=2, SerialNumber=4
[ 1862.655581] usb 1-3: Product: Novatel Wireless HSPA+ Modem
[ 1862.655594] usb 1-3: Manufacturer: Novatel Wireless, Inc.
[ 1862.655608] usb 1-3: SerialNumber: 012067000105221
[ 1862.655858] usb 1-3: configuration #1 chosen from 1 choice
[ 1862.659004] scsi6 : SCSI emulation for USB Mass Storage devices
[ 1862.659427] usb-storage: device found at 9
[ 1862.659433] usb-storage: waiting for device to settle before scanning
[ 1863.660185] scsi 6:0:0:0: CD-ROM Novatel Mass Storage 2.31 PQ: 0 ANSI: 0
[ 1863.671027] sr1: scsi-1 drive
[ 1863.671186] sr 6:0:0:0: Attached scsi CD-ROM sr1
[ 1863.671267] sr 6:0:0:0: Attached scsi generic sg2 type 5
[ 1863.677689] usb-storage: device scan complete
[ 1863.839773] sr 6:0:0:0: [sr1] Unhandled sense code
[ 1863.839791] sr 6:0:0:0: [sr1] Result: hostbyte=DID_OK driverbyte=DRIVER_SENSE
[ 1863.839805] sr 6:0:0:0: [sr1] Sense Key : Medium Error [current]
[ 1863.839814] Info fld=0x0
[ 1863.839818] sr 6:0:0:0: [sr1] Add. Sense: Unrecovered read error
[ 1863.839827] end_request: I/O error, dev sr1, sector 167808
[ 1863.839834] Buffer I/O error on device sr1, logical block 20976
[ 1863.842771] sr 6:0:0:0: [sr1] Unhandled sense code
[ 1863.842785] sr 6:0:0:0: [sr1] Result: hostbyte=DID_OK driverbyte=DRIVER_SENSE
[ 1863.842798] sr 6:0:0:0: [sr1] Sense Key : Medium Error [current]
[ 1863.842807] Info fld=0x0
[ 1863.842811] sr 6:0:0:0: [sr1] Add. Sense: Unrecovered read error
[ 1863.842819] end_request: I/O error, dev sr1, sector 167808
[ 1863.842826] Buffer I/O error on device sr1, logical block 20976
[ 1863.844507] sr 6:0:0:0: [sr1] Unhandled sense code
[ 1863.844515] sr 6:0:0:0: [sr1] Result: hostbyte=DID_OK driverbyte=DRIVER_SENSE
[ 1863.844523] sr 6:0:0:0: [sr1] Sense Key : Medium Error [current]
[ 1863.844532] Info fld=0x0
[ 1863.844536] sr 6:0:0:0: [sr1] Add. Sense: Unrecovered read error
[ 1863.844545] end_request: I/O error, dev sr1, sector 167920
[ 1863.844548] Buffer I/O error on device sr1, logical block 20990
[ 1863.845901] sr 6:0:0:0: [sr1] Unhandled sense code
[ 1863.845908] sr 6:0:0:0: [sr1] Result: hostbyte=DID_OK driverbyte=DRIVER_SENSE
[ 1863.845915] sr 6:0:0:0: [sr1] Sense Key : Medium Error [current]
[ 1863.845924] Info fld=0x0
[ 1863.845928] sr 6:0:0:0: [sr1] Add. Sense: Unrecovered read error
[ 1863.845936] end_request: I/O error, dev sr1, sector 167920
[ 1863.845942] Buffer I/O error on device sr1, logical block 20990
[ 1863.847273] sr 6:0:0:0: [sr1] Unhandled sense code
[ 1863.847279] sr 6:0:0:0: [sr1] Result: hostbyte=DID_OK driverbyte=DRIVER_SENSE
[ 1863.847287] sr 6:0:0:0: [sr1] Sense Key : Medium Error [current]
[ 1863.847295] Info fld=0x0
[ 1863.847299] sr 6:0:0:0: [sr1] Add. Sense: Unrecovered read error
[ 1863.847307] end_request: I/O error, dev sr1, sector 167928
[ 1863.847313] Buffer I/O error on device sr1, logical block 20991
[ 1863.848672] sr 6:0:0:0: [sr1] Unhandled sense code
[ 1863.848679] sr 6:0:0:0: [sr1] Result: hostbyte=DID_OK driverbyte=DRIVER_SENSE
[ 1863.848687] sr 6:0:0:0: [sr1] Sense Key : Medium Error [current]
[ 1863.848695] Info fld=0x0
[ 1863.848699] sr 6:0:0:0: [sr1] Add. Sense: Unrecovered read error
[ 1863.848707] end_request: I/O error, dev sr1, sector 167928
[ 1863.848713] Buffer I/O error on device sr1, logical block 20991
[ 1863.850146] sr 6:0:0:0: [sr1] Unhandled sense code
[ 1863.850153] sr 6:0:0:0: [sr1] Result: hostbyte=DID_OK driverbyte=DRIVER_SENSE
[ 1863.850171] sr 6:0:0:0: [sr1] Sense Key : Medium Error [current]
[ 1863.850180] Info fld=0x0
[ 1863.850184] sr 6:0:0:0: [sr1] Add. Sense: Unrecovered read error
[ 1863.850192] end_request: I/O error, dev sr1, sector 167928
[ 1863.850198] Buffer I/O error on device sr1, logical block 20991
[ 1863.851519] sr 6:0:0:0: [sr1] Unhandled sense code
[ 1863.851526] sr 6:0:0:0: [sr1] Result: hostbyte=DID_OK driverbyte=DRIVER_SENSE
[ 1863.851539] sr 6:0:0:0: [sr1] Sense Key : Medium Error [current]
[ 1863.851553] Info fld=0x0
[ 1863.851557] sr 6:0:0:0: [sr1] Add. Sense: Unrecovered read error
[ 1863.851565] end_request: I/O error, dev sr1, sector 167928
[ 1863.851572] Buffer I/O error on device sr1, logical block 20991
[ 1863.852916] sr 6:0:0:0: [sr1] Unhandled sense code
[ 1863.852923] sr 6:0:0:0: [sr1] Result: hostbyte=DID_OK driverbyte=DRIVER_SENSE
[ 1863.852930] sr 6:0:0:0: [sr1] Sense Key : Medium Error [current]
[ 1863.852938] Info fld=0x0
[ 1863.852942] sr 6:0:0:0: [sr1] Add. Sense: Unrecovered read error
[ 1863.852951] end_request: I/O error, dev sr1, sector 167928
[ 1863.852957] Buffer I/O error on device sr1, logical block 20991
[ 1863.854270] sr 6:0:0:0: [sr1] Unhandled sense code
[ 1863.854277] sr 6:0:0:0: [sr1] Result: hostbyte=DID_OK driverbyte=DRIVER_SENSE
[ 1863.854290] sr 6:0:0:0: [sr1] Sense Key : Medium Error [current]
[ 1863.854304] Info fld=0x0
[ 1863.854308] sr 6:0:0:0: [sr1] Add. Sense: Unrecovered read error
[ 1863.854317] end_request: I/O error, dev sr1, sector 167928
[ 1863.855644] sr 6:0:0:0: [sr1] Unhandled sense code
[ 1863.855651] sr 6:0:0:0: [sr1] Result: hostbyte=DID_OK driverbyte=DRIVER_SENSE
[ 1863.855658] sr 6:0:0:0: [sr1] Sense Key : Medium Error [current]
[ 1863.855678] Info fld=0x0
[ 1863.855681] sr 6:0:0:0: [sr1] Add. Sense: Unrecovered read error
[ 1863.855690] end_request: I/O error, dev sr1, sector 167928
[ 1863.857129] sr 6:0:0:0: [sr1] Unhandled sense code
[ 1863.857136] sr 6:0:0:0: [sr1] Result: hostbyte=DID_OK driverbyte=DRIVER_SENSE
[ 1863.857143] sr 6:0:0:0: [sr1] Sense Key : Medium Error [current]
[ 1863.857152] Info fld=0x0
[ 1863.857156] sr 6:0:0:0: [sr1] Add. Sense: Unrecovered read error
[ 1863.857164] end_request: I/O error, dev sr1, sector 167872
[ 1863.858562] sr 6:0:0:0: [sr1] Unhandled sense code
[ 1863.858569] sr 6:0:0:0: [sr1] Result: hostbyte=DID_OK driverbyte=DRIVER_SENSE
[ 1863.858577] sr 6:0:0:0: [sr1] Sense Key : Medium Error [current]
[ 1863.858586] Info fld=0x0
[ 1863.858590] sr 6:0:0:0: [sr1] Add. Sense: Unrecovered read error
[ 1863.858598] end_request: I/O error, dev sr1, sector 167920
[ 1863.864893] sr 6:0:0:0: [sr1] Unhandled sense code
[ 1863.864896] sr 6:0:0:0: [sr1] Result: hostbyte=DID_OK driverbyte=DRIVER_SENSE
[ 1863.864900] sr 6:0:0:0: [sr1] Sense Key : Medium Error [current]
[ 1863.864903] Info fld=0x0
[ 1863.864905] sr 6:0:0:0: [sr1] Add. Sense: Unrecovered read error
[ 1863.864909] end_request: I/O error, dev sr1, sector 167928
[ 1863.866274] sr 6:0:0:0: [sr1] Unhandled sense code
[ 1863.866287] sr 6:0:0:0: [sr1] Result: hostbyte=DID_OK driverbyte=DRIVER_SENSE
[ 1863.866300] sr 6:0:0:0: [sr1] Sense Key : Medium Error [current]
[ 1863.866309] Info fld=0x0
[ 1863.866313] sr 6:0:0:0: [sr1] Add. Sense: Unrecovered read error
[ 1863.866322] end_request: I/O error, dev sr1, sector 167928
[ 1863.914841] ISO 9660 Extensions: Microsoft Joliet Level 1
[ 1863.915951] ISOFS: changing to secondary root
[ 1864.241987] usb 1-3: USB disconnect, address 9
[ 1864.258741] scsi 6:0:0:0: rejecting I/O to dead device
[ 1864.608119] usb 1-3: new high speed USB device using ehci_hcd and address 10
[ 1864.742800] usb 1-3: config 1 has an invalid interface number: 6 but max is 5
[ 1864.742826] usb 1-3: config 1 has no interface number 4
[ 1864.744785] usb 1-3: New USB device found, idVendor=1410, idProduct=7030
[ 1864.744806] usb 1-3: New USB device strings: Mfr=3, Product=2, SerialNumber=4
[ 1864.744823] usb 1-3: Product: Novatel Wireless HSPA+ Modem
[ 1864.744837] usb 1-3: Manufacturer: Novatel Wireless, Inc.
[ 1864.744851] usb 1-3: SerialNumber: 012067000105221
[ 1864.745121] usb 1-3: configuration #1 chosen from 1 choice
[ 1864.760867] scsi7 : SCSI emulation for USB Mass Storage devices
[ 1864.761398] usb-storage: device found at 10
[ 1864.761404] usb-storage: waiting for device to settle before scanning
[ 1865.761505] scsi 7:0:0:0: Direct-Access Novatel Mass Storage 2.31 PQ: 0 ANSI: 0
[ 1865.761919] sd 7:0:0:0: Attached scsi generic sg2 type 0
[ 1865.762677] usb-storage: device scan complete
[ 1865.764811] sd 7:0:0:0: [sdb] Attached SCSI removable disk

ls /dev/tty* before connecting the Novatel modem:

linux-3bi1:/home/rob # ls /dev/tty*
/dev/tty /dev/tty17 /dev/tty26 /dev/tty35 /dev/tty44 /dev/tty53 /dev/tty62 /dev/ttyS5
/dev/tty0 /dev/tty18 /dev/tty27 /dev/tty36 /dev/tty45 /dev/tty54 /dev/tty63 /dev/ttyS6
/dev/tty1 /dev/tty19 /dev/tty28 /dev/tty37 /dev/tty46 /dev/tty55 /dev/tty7 /dev/ttyS7
/dev/tty10 /dev/tty2 /dev/tty29 /dev/tty38 /dev/tty47 /dev/tty56 /dev/tty8
/dev/tty11 /dev/tty20 /dev/tty3 /dev/tty39 /dev/tty48 /dev/tty57 /dev/tty9
/dev/tty12 /dev/tty21 /dev/tty30 /dev/tty4 /dev/tty49 /dev/tty58 /dev/ttyS0
/dev/tty13 /dev/tty22 /dev/tty31 /dev/tty40 /dev/tty5 /dev/tty59 /dev/ttyS1
/dev/tty14 /dev/tty23 /dev/tty32 /dev/tty41 /dev/tty50 /dev/tty6 /dev/ttyS2
/dev/tty15 /dev/tty24 /dev/tty33 /dev/tty42 /dev/tty51 /dev/tty60 /dev/ttyS3
/dev/tty16 /dev/tty25 /dev/tty34 /dev/tty43 /dev/tty52 /dev/tty61 /dev/ttyS4

ls /dev/tty* after connecting the Novatel modem:

/dev/tty /dev/tty17 /dev/tty26 /dev/tty35 /dev/tty44 /dev/tty53 /dev/tty62 /dev/ttyS5
/dev/tty0 /dev/tty18 /dev/tty27 /dev/tty36 /dev/tty45 /dev/tty54 /dev/tty63 /dev/ttyS6
/dev/tty1 /dev/tty19 /dev/tty28 /dev/tty37 /dev/tty46 /dev/tty55 /dev/tty7 /dev/ttyS7
/dev/tty10 /dev/tty2 /dev/tty29 /dev/tty38 /dev/tty47 /dev/tty56 /dev/tty8
/dev/tty11 /dev/tty20 /dev/tty3 /dev/tty39 /dev/tty48 /dev/tty57 /dev/tty9
/dev/tty12 /dev/tty21 /dev/tty30 /dev/tty4 /dev/tty49 /dev/tty58 /dev/ttyS0
/dev/tty13 /dev/tty22 /dev/tty31 /dev/tty40 /dev/tty5 /dev/tty59 /dev/ttyS1
/dev/tty14 /dev/tty23 /dev/tty32 /dev/tty41 /dev/tty50 /dev/tty6 /dev/ttyS2
/dev/tty15 /dev/tty24 /dev/tty33 /dev/tty42 /dev/tty51 /dev/tty60 /dev/ttyS3
/dev/tty16 /dev/tty25 /dev/tty34 /dev/tty43 /dev/tty52 /dev/tty61 /dev/ttyS4

wvdialconf

linux-3bi1:/home/rob # wvdialconf
Editing `/etc/wvdial.conf'.

Scanning your serial ports for a modem.

ttyS0<*1>: ATQ0 V1 E1 -- failed with 2400 baud, next try: 9600 baud
ttyS0<*1>: ATQ0 V1 E1 -- failed with 9600 baud, next try: 115200 baud
ttyS0<*1>: ATQ0 V1 E1 -- and failed too at 115200, giving up.
Modem Port Scan<*1>: S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7


Sorry, no modem was detected! Is it in use by another program?
Did you configure it properly with setserial?

Please read the FAQ at http://open.nit.ca/wiki/?WvDial

If you still have problems, send mail to <wvdial-list@lists.nit.ca>.


edit /etc/wvdial.conf

[Dialer Defaults]
Modem = /dev/modem
Baud = 57600
Init1 = ATZ
Init2 = ATQ0 V1 E1 S0=0 &C1 &D2
Init3 =
Area Code =
Phone = 0
Username =
Password =
Ask Password = 0
Dial Command = ATDT
Stupid Mode = 1
Compuserve = 0
Force Address =
Idle Seconds = 300
DialMessage1 =
DialMessage2 =
ISDN = 0
Auto DNS = 1
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
~
"/etc/wvdial.conf" 21L, 302C 21,1 All

That's it.

What do I do next?

Thanks, again, for all your help.

Rob.

Well, that gives a lot of detail, thanks.

Apparently, the device has a flash-drive on board...these are problematic, since (usually), they're shoved into a Windows PC, and it 'auto-runs' the connection stuff/driver installation, etc. Since it doesn't work that way on Linux, we have two options:

1. Do an "ls /dev/sd*", before and after you plug the gadget in. Look for the differences...based on what you posted, you should get another drive showing up, like /dev/sdb1, etc. You can then mount that drive, if it doesn't auto-mount already, like this:
[CODE]
mkdir <name of a new directory> (can be anywhere, just an empty directory...for testing purposes, I'd put it in your home directory)
sudo mount /dev/sdb1 /path/to/directory (obviously, change the sdb1 and directory to match what you saw)
cd /path/to/directory
ls (see what's in there)
[CODE]

It could be the software/drivers/etc., are on that device, and we just have to run them.

2. And I know this is a crappy answer, BUT....according to the Novatel site, they don't provide support/drivers/pretty much anything, for their stuff. Their documentation on the device specifically says it supports Linux, so that's good news. But, they say you have to contact your provider for such things/information/software. If your cell phone providers are anything like ours, I'll say a prayer for you. :)

Hello:

Here is what I get:

Before plugging in the modem:

rob@linux-c18c:~> ls /dev/sd*
/dev/sda /dev/sda1 /dev/sda2 /dev/sda3 /dev/sda5 /dev/sda6 /dev/sda7

After plugging in the modem:

rob@linux-c18c:~> ls /dev/sd*
/dev/sda /dev/sda2 /dev/sda5 /dev/sda7
/dev/sda1 /dev/sda3 /dev/sda6 /dev/sdb
rob@linux-c18c:~>

I made a directory called 'novatel':

linux-c18c:/home/rob # ls
ls: cannot access .gvfs: Permission denied
.adobe .fontconfig .icons .pulse-cookie
.bash_history .fonts .inputrc .recently-used
.bashrc .fprint .local .recently-used.xbel
.beagle .gconf .macromedia .skel
bin .gconfd Maildir .smolt
.bogofilter .gnome2 .mozilla .ssh
.cache .gnome2_private Music .tasque.log
.config .gnupg .nautilus Templates
.dbus .google novatel .themes
Desktop .gpilotd .ooo3 .thumbnails
.dia .gpilotd.pid .opera Videos
.dmrc .gstreamer-0.10 .orca .vimrc
Documents .gtk-bookmarks Pictures .wapi
Download .gvfs .profile .xim.template
.emacs .hplip Public .xinitrc.template
.esd_auth .ICEauthority public_html .xsession-errors
.evolution .icedteaplugin .pulse .xsession-errors.old

Then I tried the 'mount' stuff:

linux-c18c:/home/rob #
linux-c18c:/home/rob # sudo mount /dev/sdb /path/to/novatel
mount: mount point /path/to/novatel does not exist
linux-c18c:/home/rob # sudo mount /dev/sdb /home/rob/to/novatel
mount: mount point /home/rob/to/novatel does not exist
linux-c18c:/home/rob # sudo mount /dev/sdb /to/novatel
mount: mount point /to/novatel does not exist
linux-c18c:/home/rob # sudo mount /dev/sdb to/novatel
mount: mount point to/novatel does not exist
linux-c18c:/home/rob # sudo mount /dev/sdb /rob/to/novatel
mount: mount point /rob/to/novatel does not exist
linux-c18c:/home/rob # sudo mount /dev/sdb /home/rob/novatel
mount: /dev/sdb: unknown device
linux-c18c:/home/rob #

I don't think this worked out too well.

Anyway, I changed directories:

linux-c18c:/home/rob # cd novatel
linux-c18c:/home/rob/novatel # ls
linux-c18c:/home/rob/novatel #

I used 'Nautilus' and I could see 'Novatel Mass Storage' but when I used the Nautilus 'mount' option I got:

"Unable to Mount Loaction" "No Media in the drive"

What did I do wrong?

Thanks,

Rob.

It's not "/path/to/novatel"...that was an example I used. It should just be "/home/rob/novatel".....

Also, I commented on your other thread, about Lancelot (the KDE4 widget)....that may be an easier option for you. And did you try to check with your provider? Since it's supposedly supported under Linux, they may already have detailed instructions....

Hello:

I did try that 'combination' previously but here it is again:

nux-c18c:/home/rob # sudo mount /dev/sdb /home/rob/novatel
mount: /dev/sdb: unknown device


No, I have not yet contacted the provider (Bell Canada) mainly because I do not know what I am talking about. (I know, it didn't stop me from writing to this forum, so why should it stop me from speaking with Bell?).

How do I get 'Lancelot (the KDE4 widget)' and does it matter that I am using SUSE 11.2 GNOME?

Thanks,

Rob.

That really may be the best thing, though...don't want to sound like I'm blowing you off, but as I said, Novatel specifically says that the device is supported under Linux, and to contact the provider for technical support. They may have a complete document that tells you everything you need to know/do, to get it going.
You've already got it. Chances are, KDE was installed during your installation. Even though Gnome is your desktop of choice, log out, and log back in...but on the login menu, click "Session", then choose KDE as your desktop. Once there, right-click the screen, and you should see an "Add Widgets" option come up. Click it, and then look for the Lancelot widget on the menu. Click the "Add" button. That's it....you'll see a chalice on your screen, and you can go from there.

Hello:

Thanks for all of your help and patience.

If I ever get the thing to work, I will try to post how it got done to this thread.

Rob.

Almost there....
 

I am trying to make the Ovation MC998D (Novatel's Turbo stick U998) work
on Ubuntu 9.10 and I'm almost there, but I need help to finish.

Step 1:
Connecting the device, it starts as a usb-storage device but at this point the device has the idVendor: 0x1410 and idProduct: 0x5010, Ubuntu recognizes and mounts the device automatically and puts the icon on the desktop

Step 2:
Right-click on the mounted icon named "Mobile Connect" and select Eject, now the device will change its idProduct id from 0x5010 to the more re-assuring 0x7030 but somehow Ubuntu doesn't know it's supposed to be a usbserial device...

Step 3:
sudo rmmod usbserial
sudo modprobe usbserial vendor=0x1410 product=0x7030
and /dev/ttyUSB0, /dev/ttyUSB1 etc.. up to /dev/ttyUSB5 should appear on your file system.

Step 4: (beware, some words may differ lightly, I'm using a french version of Ubuntu and I am giving here my translation of the words I read)

sudo apt-get install kppp (if you haven't done so before)
Configure->Accounts->New (don't use the assistant, select the other option)
Name the connection whatever you like, click on Add for the phone number:
On similar 3G usb device the phone number is normally *99#
but that could be where I'm wrong and where I make it fail...
Authentication: I selected "based on a terminal" (another possible failing point)but I'm not usually aware of any type of authentification with such devices...
Press OK then click on the Modem tab.. press on New
Select /dev/ttyUSB0 and you could name it Novatel
Select 230400 (but I strongly suspect that the serial port speed is totally ignored on such device)
Press OK then OK again

Step 5
If you select to display the connection window (or whatever the wording is here) you can now press "Connect"

I will have this messages:

ATZ
OK
ATM1L1
OK
ATDT*99#
CONNECT HSDPA 7.2

But I can't go further than this, pppd is failing with the handshaking.

Anyone can help?

OK I finally connected to the internet with a Novatel U998 to Bell Canada's cellular network on Ubuntu, what was missing was this command:

AT+CGDCONT=1,"ip","inet.bell.ca"

There is a series of fact that makes my blood boils, it's that this very simple information...

...is not present on the net anywhere
...is not present on any documentation included with the device
...is not a known fact of any "bell telecommunication specialist"
...is not a known fact of any "bell telecommunication expert"

WTF!!!!

ok, let me breath in, breath out and I'll cut and paste you the whole steps again with the small corrections:

,,,,,,'''''''''',,,,,,,,,


FOR THE NOVATEL U998 (Ovation MC998D) USING BELL CANADA ON UBUNTU 9.10
Step 1:
Connecting the device, it starts as a usb-storage device (at this point the device has the idVendor: 0x1410 and idProduct: 0x5010), Ubuntu recognizes and mounts the device automatically and puts the icon on the desktop

Step 2:
Right-click on the Desktop's mounted icon named "Mobile Connect" and select Eject, (now the device will change its idProduct id from 0x5010 to the more re-assuring 0x7030) somehow Ubuntu doesn't know it's supposed to be a usbserial device...

Step 3:
sudo rmmod option
sudo rmmod usbserial
sudo modprobe usbserial vendor=0x1410 product=0x7030
and /dev/ttyUSB0, /dev/ttyUSB1 etc.. up to /dev/ttyUSB5 should appear on your file system.

Step 4: (beware, some words may differ lightly, I'm using a french version of Ubuntu and I am giving here my translation of the words I read)

sudo apt-get install kppp (if you haven't done so before)
kppp
Configure->Accounts->New (don't use the assistant, select the other option)
Name the connection whatever you like, click on Add for the phone number:
On similar 3G usb device the phone number is normally *99#
Authentication: I selected "based on a terminal" (when connecting later this will make a small empty terminal window to appear and you'll just have to click "continue" on it)
Press OK then click on the Modems tab.. press on New
Name it Novatel U998 and Select /dev/ttyUSB0.
Click on that other tab named "Modem" and click on "modem commands"
replace or fill the init string 2 with AT+CGDCONT=1,"ip","inet.bell.ca"

Press OK then OK and then OK.

Step 5
If you select to display the connection window (or whatever the wording is here) you can now press "Connect"

I will have this messages:

ATZ
OK
AT+CGDCONT=1,"ip","inet.bell.ca"
OK
ATDT*99#
CONNECT HSDPA 7.2

And after a few seconds you should see the window minimize itself with a time counter starting at 00:00, you're on the net.

Novatel U950 (Ovation MC950D) with Bell Canada on Ubuntu 9.10

In the turmoil of me trying to reach experts and other supports guys at Bell they sent me a Novatel U950 as a "solution" to my problem, little did they know that this U950 also had the very same problem, but anyway, it helped me find the solution.

So if you wish to make a Novatel U950 (Ovation MC950D) work with Ubuntu 9.10 on the Bell Canada networks it's exactly the same steps as described above for the U998 except that you don't have to do the rmmod and modprobe commands (somehow Ubuntu already knows that the U950's 0x1410:0x4400 usbid is a usbserial device)

If you wonder how I found out the "inet.bell.ca" (which would be comprehensible if you are not a bell canada customer) I used a Windows XP PC, installed the Bell Windows compatible software to connect to the internet and then did a Start->Run->regedit
and then I parsed the info related to the software... hint: in regedit use the Ctrl-F feature and look for: gprsAPN

after hitting the F3 button a couple of times it should bring you to the setting that interests you.

Hello Denis-Carl:

Thank you very much for the detailed instructions - at my level of linux experience the way you presented them was extremely helpful.

I got as far as:

ATZ
OK
AT+CGDCONT=1,"ip","inet.bell.ca"
OK
ATDT*99#
CONNECT HSDPA 7.2

and then a 'Login Terminal Window' appears with 'Cancel' and 'Continue' buttons at the bottom. I pressed 'Continue' and it failed and the following appeared in the log:

"The remote system is required to authenticate itself but I couldn't find any suitable secret(password) for it to use to do so."

When I use the modem in Xp, it never asks for a PW, it just connects. I tried 'regedit' to see if a PW was buried in the registry along with 'inet.bell.ca' but I found no PW there.

Also, in the 'terminal window' I get: "Authentication Rejected, reason: None of the authentication protocols specified are supported and host-based authentication failed."

If you have any suggestions as to how to proceed, I would appreciated them.

Thanks,

Bell Stick on Ubuntu 9.10
 

Man!!!! I didn't know you guys were already so close to the solution... I hacked my way into linux and spent days trying to get the Bell stick working on Ubuntu 9.10, and finally got it working but used the wrong APN and guess what? Bell calls me and says I got a $500 bill!!! I refuted this bill over the phone and they said I wrecked my service agreement when I installed linux so you are SCREWED. LOL WHAT THE CRAP?!

Anyways I had a rough day to say the least.

So now I got it all working in Ubuntu:

1. Turn Off the Laptop
2. Put the stick in
3. Turn it on
4. When it tries to connect, Enter *99# in the broad band's number field
5. Enter inet.bell.ca in the APN field

That's it. Tell me if this works for you.

S5

Thank you.

I just solved my problem too! I am writing this from my Linux/Novatel U998 connected laptop!!!!!

Because I am a real newbie and I don't know wtf I am doing, I never properly read the error msgs I was getting.

I followed Denis-Carl's instructions, Dec 18 2009, to the letter but could not get connected. I kept getting a number of error msgs from kppp, so, I kept fiddling with the configuration - the error said something about the remote system is required to authenticate itself. I figured that this was caused by how I set up my 'account' in kppp, well, that wasn't the problem.

After alot of frustrating attempts in Debian, I tried Puppy, only to fail even more miserably because I couldn't even get kppp or wvdial to work; and that's after downloading every package etc that exists on the internet concerning kppp, wvdial, modems, usb's etc.

Back to Debian. I read every error msg carefully as there were more than one. The one I ignored, because I am an idiot, was the one that suggested that I read the kppp readme file - I thought that, because kppp was executing, there could be nothing wrong with it's own configuration, right? WRONG!!!!!

All I had to do was:

1) create a 'dip' group (what ever the hell that is) and add every user on my system to it.

2) uncomment "noauth" in the kppp-options file.

The trouble with newbie's is that they don't know how to use, or even understand, the tools they must use to fix the problems that they don't know how to use or even understand! Understand?

Anyway, thanks to everyone for all you help in solving this issue as well as all the others that I have posted.

Now, I think I'll surf the net on my Linux / Novatel U998 connected laptop.

Working Bell Canada novatel u998 easy install
 

1. Start computer with u998 usb modem inserted
2. Right click on Mobile Connect and eject
In terminal:
3. sudo rmmod option
4. sudo rmmod usbserial
5. sudo modprobe usbserial vendor=0x1410 product=0x7030
6. lsusb .... you should see vendor and product in 5 above
7. sudo gedit /etc/init.d/rc.local
and add the these lines: modprobe -r usbserial
and: modprobe usbserial vendor=0x1410 product=0x7030
save and restart computer

8. connect with network icon on top right of panel

You might need to setup connection ... click on gsm network

enter provider as you like .... maybe Bell Canada
enter service ........ inet.bell.ca

You may have to restart computer.

I did this on the fly and may have missed something or some of this may not be needed. So please someone refine my post and let me know and I can elaborate if needed. ****THIS WORKS !!! ****

Charles

P.S. I am using Ubuntu 9.10 to do this
And be sure to do all updates before trying this