Mobley broke (?)

[wanderin.pat]

I was one of those folks who managed to get the original (I think) Mobley back in early 2017.  It seems that ATT quit offering them some time since then.  Mine has recently started to develop some minor issues like have to unplug and replug it (hard reboot) to get decent access .  Since this morning, one light comes on, and the second light (indicating access to internet , I think) has not come on at all.  It does not show up on any laptop or smartphone as a wifi option. 

This occurs whether I have it plugged in to the OBD port in my car, or my jerry-rigged connector on my 12V panel. 

My question:  Has anyone else on this forum run into similar issues, especially recently?  I have a bad feeling it's just possibly a fried circuit somewhere, built-in obsolescence.  

I'd appreciate any feedback regarding similar experiences.  Thanks in advance. 

I'm not sure what I'm going to do.  Right now, I'm staying in an RV Park and using their wifi.  Long-term, I'm wondering about potential other solutions.  I will do my homework and check the various posts here on what others are currently using .  There are several threads here, most with at least one post from Jim.   

Anyway, 

Regards,

WP

 

[B and C]

My Mobley still works but I don't have it connected to 12V house batteries. I bought an adapter with a buck boost in it that plugs into a USB port so the voltage is more regulated.

Ebay still has listings for them for sale. https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fr....TRC2.A0.H0.Xmobley.TRS1&_nkw=mobley&_sacat=0

You should be able to move the sim over and keep on truckin'.

 

[Riverman]

Mine works fine.

 

[B and C]

Maybe pulling and reseating the sim card would help. Worth a try.

 

[wanderin.pat]

Thanks to both of you!  

I would seriously doubt that in my case the 12V house battery connection has any impact, since it has been working flawlessly for almost 2 years.  In fact, I'm pretty sure that it was working last night.  

In any case, I guess it's time to look at replacing it.  Who knows what kind of beating it's gotten belonging to me .  

I will try reseating the SIM card.  Good idea!  And thanks for the pointer to ebay.

Regards, 

WP

 

[tx2sturgis]

Try press and hold on the reset button while the mobley is powered on. 

Do this until one or both LEDs turn red (about 7 seconds or so).

Give it about 1 or 2 minutes to reboot, and then try it again.

All of the settings will be back to default, and the access codes will revert back to what is printed on the label.

 

[jimindenver]

Pat

You can get it repaired by ZTE for $79 +tax.

 

[wanderin.pat]

Thanks, Jim!

 

[Orlimar1]

There are reports at Howard's Forums (I'd post a link but I've already gotten my hand smacked for that) of people having their Mobley's sim cards getting locked. The users have to contact AT&T to get an unlock code. Those using them in devices other than the Mobley are having zero issues. Including me.

 

[wanderin.pat]

ATT sent me a new SIM card.  It was too small.  I haven't gotten around to dealing with that.  The last time, the chat went on for an hour.  Seems like a lot of work, for a retired old geezer like me. 

Regards,

WP

 

[Orlimar1]

You could always pick up a sim card adapter kit for a buck then.

 

[Hoot]

Aside from the Howardforums already recommended above, could also
search for the “mobley” thread in one of these.
IRV2 forum
A facebook public group “Internet for RVers & Crusiers”.
I think all three have had many postings about it, though probably less of late given the time it's been out.

Can find info and user comments for mobley on above, may have to join to post, don't know.
And if you google your question, might find other forums where it's discussed as well.
Hope you'll post the solution you find.  Good luck.

 

[Goshawk]

My mobley died three months ago. I could have tried to get the original manufacturer to repair it for less than $100. That would mean I have no use of the Mobley for 30 days; and that would have cost me $100 or more in data costs for some temporary interim solution. So a grand total $200 solution plus down time.

So instead I bought a MOFY (aka MOFI) hotspot. Cost $350 with a two year extended warranty (factory one year, and credit card company additional year). If you buy via AMAZON they have extended warranty you can buy to give a replacement any time in four years. Shipped overnight.

Took the SIM CHIP out of the MOBLEY and put it in the MOFY. Used the SIMM CHIP size adapter that came with the MOFY. It activated with no issue. No timeouts. No data setting push to worry about. Better 4G bandwidth technology consistent with a newer designed hotspot.

You can also get maybe two or three different AT&T legacy hotspot devices that will allow the simm chip to plug in. They cost less that $100.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[wanderin.pat]

Since there's no Thanks or Like Button, I'll do this:  THANKS!  I LIKE your response.  Same to "Hoot" and "Orlimar1"

Regards, 

WP

 

[wanderin.pat]

I took Hoot's advice and went to some of the places he mentioned. 

One place said that the Netgear Unite will work just fine with the SIM from my Mobley.  HOWEVER, a salesguy at a corporate ATT store told me that I'm "grandfathered in" with the Mobley.  If the system detects a different device my $20/month will be terminated.  It SOUNDS like corporate BS to me, but wanted to know if anyone here has any experience with that.  

The device I'm looking at is at the URL below.  The other site mentioned 
netgear "replacement" for Mobley at Amazon


A more expensive model that was recommended:

more expensive one

Thanks in advance for any help,

WP

 

[wanderin.pat]

Pat

You can get it repaired by ZTE for $79 +tax.

Thanks.... in chat with ZTE support right now.

 

[wanderin.pat]

In regard to Hoot's remark, I'm going to keep you updated with my actions. 

I took Jim's advice and started a chat with ZTE Support.  They opened a repair ticket for me, and gave me instructions as to how to proceed.  I need to call a Toll-free number and pay the $79 .  I'm waiting until payday next Wed .  

Then I ship it back to them , and hopefully, I will receive a "new" functioning Mobley.  I'm fairly certain they will simply send me a refurbished one.  

I will keep this thread updated as to my progress.

Regards,

WP

 

[Hoot]

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f53/mobley-problem-427730-2.html
Short two page thread, some recent good misc info, fwiw

 

[wanderin.pat]

I said that I would keep you folks updated:  

I found this on irv2.com 

zte plan again YouTube video 

I followed the instructions in this YouTube video, so we will see how this goes.

 

[wanderin.pat]

NEWS FLASH!!!!  I FINALLY GOT MY ORIGINAL MOBLEY FIXED...​

I tried doing a chat with ATT one more time this morning.  I'm not sure what happened THIS time, but it's working now, and I am a happy little camper.  ​

Regards, ​

Wanderin MotherTruckin Pat​