Hi, just to let everyone know, I’ve managed to successfully get the orange minimax working under mac os x.
The instructions are correct as far as the driver installation goes.
NOTE: You need to diable the PIN on the sim card to get it to automatically connect as there is no provision for a PIN on mac like there is in Windows.
You can do this by taking out the SIM and installing it into a handset and disabling the PIN on the card via your phone handset software.
Re-install the SIM into the minimax restart os x and it should connect within about 20 sec.
Its Official—– Jonesy is a GENIUS.
I too have gone thru all of the above false advertising and useless help desk telstra people –I got my driver –finally— and spent all day trying to get it to work as maxon is shut on a Sunday—in desperation I tried their website again and here is my saviour— Jonesy with the magical solution–WOW what a legend–TELSTRA and maxon should pay u big time—Thanku thanku thanku.
Modem working fine now–fast and effecient–well done Maxon–tell the Telstra help desk to advise people to remove their pins as per jonesys instructions.
I’m back! I’m getting up to speed today and will do my best to get the communication sorted a bit more regarding what’s out there, and what’s coming next!
I’m not sure what you mean by “NOW we might get some action!!!”. I can assure you that we are working as hard as we can to get a solution out there (I have a feeling that the driver developer hasn’t slept for a couple of weeks now). Unfortunately we are human, and so it does take time to develop this sort of software.
Given they already have drivers for the PC and given I bought my Blue USB modem around Christmas time on the promise it would be available in January (this was quoted on the BigPond website) they should have had this well and truly nailed by now. With respect – writing a modem script is not rocket science.
Again, having Windows drivers hasn’t been of any help at this stage, given that we had to write the drivers from scratch for Mac OS. This is very different to writing a modem script, we actually had to code all the interaction for the USB connection from scratch.
I have two green MinMax CDMA USB modems for work, and now I am waiting to buy a Blue USB NextG modem for a MacBook Pro 15″ – I replaced one and tried running in Parallels, but it could not detect the USB port with the supplied software.
Is there any indication when the driver will be ready for MacOSX, or whether I can get a Beta version?
FRUSTRATED, Inconvenienced, out of pocket and behind schedule!!!
I purchased the Blue Bigpond wireless USB (card) and have VISTA with my laptop, I was inadvertently not advised that this problem would occur. If I had known I would not have purchased one or the other. I am aware that there is yet to be an E.T.A on the blue bigpond modems, please keep us posted and then advise how to get it to work. I have had nothing but “telstra people passing the buck” and trouble with ViSTA and drivers. K
Regarding Vista, please give our Tech support line a call (02) 9707 2000, we might be able to provide some sort of interim solution while the proper software is released.
If so – is it possible to have a ballpark estimate – a week, a month, 6 months? How come the original estimate was so wrong – was there a setback on the eve of the beta version being released on Jan 25?
Any info appreciated – it will help me plan purchasing.
Reply – http://www.bigpond.com\/help\/downloads from early 2007\"\r\n\r\nIf so – is it possible to have a ballpark estimate – a week, a month, 6 months? How come the original estimate was so wrong – was there a setback on the eve of the beta version being released on Jan 25?\r\n\r\nAny info appreciated – it will help me plan purchasing.’); return false;”>Quote
The BigPond software will officialy be released by BigPond themselves. When that will be we don’t know. We do know they are working flat out on it, but that’s about all we know!
We are waiting on a GUI interface for the modem. What we currently have (the BETA) is simply a device driver with some automated connection scripts. While the GUI is officialy for the Telstra Turbo Modem (not the BigPond modems), it is most likely that it will also work with the BigPond modems. Hence, if we release our GUI prior to BigPond releasing their software, it would be possible to use it as an interim solution.
Regarding the release dates, each time we have posted information pertaining to expecting the software at any time, this was simply information provided to us by the developers that we then passed on. Each time, they have delayed the release further.
At this stage they are basically not giving us any more ETAs, we’re simply waiting! We have been expecting it at any moment for the last week or so now, but as we don’t have an ETA, that is no guarantee that it will be here at any time.
Unfortunately, I don’t have anything more concrete than that.
I spent some time on the phone today to Telstra. I bought my blue modem early Jan and haven’t been able to use it – even though Telstra was still billing me. I complained to Telstra and they agreed to refund the charges from Jan to March and said there would definitley be a fix for Mac by END MARCH!
I know we’ve all heard these stories before but just thought I’d pass this on for what it’s worth. Ridiculous amount of time for what must be a relatively easy fix but anyway – there you have it.
surprise surprise! Guess what? March is well and truly over and STILL no sign of the drivers. How frustrating and annoying. I’m told other ISPs have a driver and it is being used in other countries and would be easy for Telstra to use this BUT they prefer to develop their own.
Might take a few years but hey – nothing like being original huh?
Think I’m going to have to vote with my feet and go somewhere else. Looks like most of you guys have done this already!
IF we for some reason were unable to post the latest information on to our website yet, it is possible that we might be able to release it to interested parties who had registered their interest with us via that email form….
Regarding the “driver” that other ISPs have, that is not true. We only sell our USB modem to Telstra, hence no one else has this USB device.
Well don;t know if anybody is still tuned. Long time since anyone posted here.
Guess what – after 4 months wait – Bigpond finally released a Beta version of the driver. Guess what – it doesn;t work!! Arrrg. Anybody want a free Mac – quick run past my window – I am about to throw one through it!
It tells you you have to register then it goes to a page and starts doing something – then it pops up a window and greys out the Register NOW button. Only let’s you click on the NOT NOW button. Then it tells you you are connected (even shows a speed graph) but you’re not connected! I rang Telstra and they gave me the number for Apple support – 133 622 I ring them and they know nothing about it. So they don;t support m odems and Bigpond doesn’t support Apple. Great!
Good work Telstra – good work Apple. What a fiasco.
Webguru – I’m tuned still. Click on the link in the message above your last one and fill out the form. The nice folks here at Maxon will send you a beta driver for Mac that WILL work.
Thanks for that. I didn;t think anybody used this anymore – just checked in on the off chance. I was about to take my blue modem back and get a refurn and get one from three.com.au They have a pretty good deal – they also support Mac and I’ve been told they actually use the same network as Bigpond Next G.
I might give this one last shot but the three deal looks pretty tempting.
Thanks again and sorry for long delay in replying.
NO other carrier uses the same network as Next G. The network that Telstra and Hutch share is the 2100MHZ network. This has VERY limited coverage (capital cities only). Next G operates on the 850mhz network, and NO other carrier has access to that. If you only need to connect within the limited coverage area, then it probably would be a much cheaper solution, however make sure you don’t get caught up wit coverage.
i would like to try the drivers for the bigpond modem for macs – how do i do this??
alaz
Could someone give an update on the software/drivers for the bluestick (bigpond)
Hi, just to let everyone know, I’ve managed to successfully get the orange minimax working under mac os x.
The instructions are correct as far as the driver installation goes.
NOTE: You need to diable the PIN on the sim card to get it to automatically connect as there is no provision for a PIN on mac like there is in Windows.
You can do this by taking out the SIM and installing it into a handset and disabling the PIN on the card via your phone handset software.
Re-install the SIM into the minimax restart os x and it should connect within about 20 sec.
Jonesy
Its Official—– Jonesy is a GENIUS.
I too have gone thru all of the above false advertising and useless help desk telstra people –I got my driver –finally— and spent all day trying to get it to work as maxon is shut on a Sunday—in desperation I tried their website again and here is my saviour— Jonesy with the magical solution–WOW what a legend–TELSTRA and maxon should pay u big time—Thanku thanku thanku.
Modem working fine now–fast and effecient–well done Maxon–tell the Telstra help desk to advise people to remove their pins as per jonesys instructions.
Hi all,
I’m back! I’m getting up to speed today and will do my best to get the communication sorted a bit more regarding what’s out there, and what’s coming next!
Yeah, Maxon should sent me a free nextg minimax
Hint Hint..
PS Good to hear it’s going…
See today’s (14 Feb) Sydney Telegraph page 22. A journo bought a Mac and is going through the same drama. NOW we might get some action!!!
Here’s the link to that story in the Tele (above)
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,21224355-5007146,00.html
webguru,
I’m not sure what you mean by “NOW we might get some action!!!”. I can assure you that we are working as hard as we can to get a solution out there (I have a feeling that the driver developer hasn’t slept for a couple of weeks now). Unfortunately we are human, and so it does take time to develop this sort of software.
Given they already have drivers for the PC and given I bought my Blue USB modem around Christmas time on the promise it would be available in January (this was quoted on the BigPond website) they should have had this well and truly nailed by now. With respect – writing a modem script is not rocket science.
webguru,
Again, having Windows drivers hasn’t been of any help at this stage, given that we had to write the drivers from scratch for Mac OS. This is very different to writing a modem script, we actually had to code all the interaction for the USB connection from scratch.
Hi David
I have two green MinMax CDMA USB modems for work, and now I am waiting to buy a Blue USB NextG modem for a MacBook Pro 15″ – I replaced one and tried running in Parallels, but it could not detect the USB port with the supplied software.
Is there any indication when the driver will be ready for MacOSX, or whether I can get a Beta version?
Stuart
Stuart,
For the Blue BigPond modems, we are still waiting. We don’t have an ETA at this stage.
FRUSTRATED, Inconvenienced, out of pocket and behind schedule!!!
I purchased the Blue Bigpond wireless USB (card) and have VISTA with my laptop, I was inadvertently not advised that this problem would occur. If I had known I would not have purchased one or the other. I am aware that there is yet to be an E.T.A on the blue bigpond modems, please keep us posted and then advise how to get it to work. I have had nothing but “telstra people passing the buck” and trouble with ViSTA and drivers. K
Hi Kerry,
Regarding Vista, please give our Tech support line a call (02) 9707 2000, we might be able to provide some sort of interim solution while the proper software is released.
Hi David
I wanted to clarify the meaning of your post Feb 16:
>For the Blue BigPond modems, we are still waiting. We don’t have an ETA at this stage.
Is this the same software that is referred to in the post on Jan 24?
>We expect to have a beta driver available for Mac OS tomorrow afternoon. Keep an eye on this space!
and on the Bigpond site as:
“Software for Mac OS will be available at http://www.bigpond.com/help/downloads from early 2007″
If so – is it possible to have a ballpark estimate – a week, a month, 6 months? How come the original estimate was so wrong – was there a setback on the eve of the beta version being released on Jan 25?
Any info appreciated – it will help me plan purchasing.
Stuart,
The BigPond software will officialy be released by BigPond themselves. When that will be we don’t know. We do know they are working flat out on it, but that’s about all we know!
We are waiting on a GUI interface for the modem. What we currently have (the BETA) is simply a device driver with some automated connection scripts. While the GUI is officialy for the Telstra Turbo Modem (not the BigPond modems), it is most likely that it will also work with the BigPond modems. Hence, if we release our GUI prior to BigPond releasing their software, it would be possible to use it as an interim solution.
Regarding the release dates, each time we have posted information pertaining to expecting the software at any time, this was simply information provided to us by the developers that we then passed on. Each time, they have delayed the release further.
At this stage they are basically not giving us any more ETAs, we’re simply waiting! We have been expecting it at any moment for the last week or so now, but as we don’t have an ETA, that is no guarantee that it will be here at any time.
Unfortunately, I don’t have anything more concrete than that.
Any little hacks that allow the current drivers to work with Bigpond ?
Simon’s suggestion of using launch2net seems to be the closest thing – because my understanding is that Bigpond simply uses normal PPP – http://www.novamedia.de/e_pages/e_produkte_mac_l2n.html
Snocrash,
If there was a simple hack that would allow BigPond users to connect with this driver, we would have let you know by now!
We’re still sitting tight waiting for BETA 2.
Hi Folks – just thought I’d share this.
I spent some time on the phone today to Telstra. I bought my blue modem early Jan and haven’t been able to use it – even though Telstra was still billing me. I complained to Telstra and they agreed to refund the charges from Jan to March and said there would definitley be a fix for Mac by END MARCH!
I know we’ve all heard these stories before but just thought I’d pass this on for what it’s worth. Ridiculous amount of time for what must be a relatively easy fix but anyway – there you have it.
surprise surprise! Guess what? March is well and truly over and STILL no sign of the drivers. How frustrating and annoying. I’m told other ISPs have a driver and it is being used in other countries and would be easy for Telstra to use this BUT they prefer to develop their own.
Might take a few years but hey – nothing like being original huh?
Think I’m going to have to vote with my feet and go somewhere else. Looks like most of you guys have done this already!
As mentioned in the latest post regarding mac os:
Make sure you have registered your interest here:
http://www.maxon.com.au/supportcentre_mac.php
IF we for some reason were unable to post the latest information on to our website yet, it is possible that we might be able to release it to interested parties who had registered their interest with us via that email form….
Regarding the “driver” that other ISPs have, that is not true. We only sell our USB modem to Telstra, hence no one else has this USB device.
Well don;t know if anybody is still tuned. Long time since anyone posted here.
Guess what – after 4 months wait – Bigpond finally released a Beta version of the driver. Guess what – it doesn;t work!! Arrrg. Anybody want a free Mac – quick run past my window – I am about to throw one through it!
It tells you you have to register then it goes to a page and starts doing something – then it pops up a window and greys out the Register NOW button. Only let’s you click on the NOT NOW button. Then it tells you you are connected (even shows a speed graph) but you’re not connected! I rang Telstra and they gave me the number for Apple support – 133 622 I ring them and they know nothing about it. So they don;t support m odems and Bigpond doesn’t support Apple. Great!
Good work Telstra – good work Apple. What a fiasco.
Webguru – I’m tuned still. Click on the link in the message above your last one and fill out the form. The nice folks here at Maxon will send you a beta driver for Mac that WILL work.
d
Or just read the main blog page… The latest entry relates to the recently released Beta 2 for Maxon, and BigPond’s Beta.
Dave
Thanks for that. I didn;t think anybody used this anymore – just checked in on the off chance. I was about to take my blue modem back and get a refurn and get one from three.com.au They have a pretty good deal – they also support Mac and I’ve been told they actually use the same network as Bigpond Next G.
I might give this one last shot but the three deal looks pretty tempting.
Thanks again and sorry for long delay in replying.
webguru,
NO other carrier uses the same network as Next G. The network that Telstra and Hutch share is the 2100MHZ network. This has VERY limited coverage (capital cities only). Next G operates on the 850mhz network, and NO other carrier has access to that. If you only need to connect within the limited coverage area, then it probably would be a much cheaper solution, however make sure you don’t get caught up wit coverage.