Cellular modem troubleshooting on Mesa 3 Windows

28 Oct 2022

The Mesa 3 Windows platform is offered with either of the following integrated cellular modem models.

If the cellular modem in a unit will no longer connect, some methods to troubleshoot are listed below:

Verify SIM Card

Verify that the cellular data plan for the inserted SIM card is still active and fully paid.

Verify that the SIM card header pins are not damaged or missing.

Try carefully removing the SIM card, booting the unit to let cell modem drivers load, then Shut Down and re-insert the SIM card.

Manually Connect the Mesa 3

  1. Go to Start > Settings > Network & Internet > Cellular.
  2. Uncheck "Let Windows keep me connected."

You can then manually connect your device. Once you are connected, we recommend re-enabling this setting.

Perform a Shut Down

  1. Go to Start > Power > Shut Down.
  2. Wait for the display and red LED light to turn off.
  3. Press the hardware Power button then let the unit complete boot up.

Uninstall and Re-install Drivers

  1. Go to Start > Settings > Apps > Apps & features > Sierra Wireless Juniper Mobile Broadband Driver Package (or similar name) and uninstall it. 
  2. Open Device Manager to look for any remaining Sierra Wireless related device drivers under Network Adapters, Sensors, and System Devices. 
  3. Open the View menu and select "Show hidden devices."
  4. Under Software devices, uninstall any "Cellular" connection (e.g., Cellular 18) and the "Mobile Broadband Firmware Device" if it is still present.

After uninstalling all related drivers and devices, manually re-install the latest drivers using the relevant file and instructions below:

EM7455 drivers

EM7430 drivers

  1. Download the appropriate ZIP archive file above to the Mesa 3 Windows unit.
  2. Extract all the files into the same folder.
  3. Tap and hold (to right-click) on the swsd007455iJuniper.inf or swsd007430iJuniper.inf file and select Install.

Note: No visual progress will show, and this can take a little time to complete.

  1. Once a message appears indicating it is complete, perform a Restart.

Possible Firmware Update

After waiting a few minutes, if your cellular service provider is not automatically detected, and/or the firmware does not finish loading (you could see an Error 77), then remove the inserted SIM card, download and extract the relevant firmware ZIP archive below, run the appropriate firmware install file(s), and then perform a Restart. Note: These firmware install files are carrier-specific such as for Verizon, AT&T, and Generic (for all other carriers such as T-Mobile). If you are planning to switch between networks, download and install all that apply, but run the one for your preferred network last.

EM7455 firmware

EM7430 firmware

Manually Apply APN Settings

If Windows does not automatically detect and load the correct APN settings for your cellular network (based on the inserted SIM card), you can use the Sierra Wireless Skylight app to correct the APN settings. Follow the directions in Apply an APN with Skylight.

Related Information

Additional suggestions are provided in Cellular settings in Windows.

Occasionally, a Mesa tablet running in world-wide mode may appear to have trouble connecting to Wi-Fi. See Wi-Fi Mobile Country Codes for details. 

If needed, the unit can be submitted to a certified repair center.