Novatel Wireless Merlin G201 GSM/GPRS Modem

Novatel Wireless Merlin G201 GSM/GPRS Modem SearchSearch
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Nima
New member
Username: Nima2

Post Number: 1
Registered: 09-2004
Posted on Sunday, September 12, 2004 - 06:01 am:   

Hi,
I recently purchased a Novatel Wireless Merlin G201 GSM/GPRS Modem for SMS service. It was tested connecting to Internet when purchasing. But I couldn't run it with NowSMS. When testing it with it's own utility software, it didn't even pass it's initializing step, too. It remains in that condition till I close it. Any idea to run it's utility?
Bryce Norwood - NowSMS Support
Board Administrator
Username: Bryce

Post Number: 3437
Registered: 10-2002
Posted on Tuesday, September 14, 2004 - 07:48 pm:   

Hi Nima,

In the past, we haven't had good luck using the Novatel Merlin modems with NowSMS (or other software for that matter). So I have avoided trying their newer models. All of the problems that we experienced were with the G100, so hopefully the G201 has improved.

The problems that we saw with the G100 were all after the initialisation step. So I'd still expect you to get past that step.

I'd also expect you to be able to use the modem's own utility software.

I'd suggest removing all of the software for the device, and re-installing it.

Or, before you re-install the software for the modem, on another thread here, a user suggests that they have had better luck using the G201 if they do not use the Novatel software, but instead configure the modem as a "Standard PCMCIA Modem": http://support.nowsms.com/discus/messages/1/3789.html

That may be something worth considering, but it could make it more difficult if you also need to use the modem for occasional internet connectivity.
ashot shahbazian
New member
Username: Animatele

Post Number: 20
Registered: 06-2004
Posted on Saturday, September 18, 2004 - 03:53 am:   

Main issue with G201 is that it falls into power saving mode. In this mode it responds to queries and can even be initialised, even though it's radio patr is off. This makes many apps including NowSMS confused.

Some suggestions in addition to my posting in the past:

- You can use a Novatel driver
- It's "native" apps such as Phonetools and Network Monitor MUST be off. You'd be better off uninstalling these, leaving just the .inf file for the modem.
- Always run a port sniffer (I use Portmon) connected to the comport the Merlin is using. Place it in a Startup folder of the machine.
- Before rebooting your computer make sure that you uncheck "run as service" in NowSMS
- Once it booted up, wait until Portmon initialises and check if it's connected to your card's port.
- Start NowSMS, and before checking "run as service" go to SMSC tab, select the Merlin modem and click "test". In about 10 seconds you will notice that the modem's LED light's blinking green.
- Enable the NowSMS service by clicking "run as service." It'll now be working fine.
- It may work better if "receive SMS" in modem properties is enabled

I've spent a few days trying to make the G201 work, and this is the best I can remember it. Good luck!