VanBitz Non Starter Question (1 Viewer)

[OldAgeTravellers]

Anybody changed the SIM in their NonStarter? Is it just a matter of changing the SIM and sending the appropriate code to the new sim number?
I have been caught out too many times by the Lebara one not getting a signal when the Tesco sim in my phone has plenty.
It is really annoying when just about to leave and the thing will not disarm and have to strip the van down to disconnect it. Nothing wrong with the unit all sim related.
Can't contact VanBitz as they are on holidays till 8th January.
If nobody knows I will just have to give it a try as I don't want to put any more money onto the Lebara one and have a spare Tesco PAYG sim.
Thanks to anybody that knows.
Steve

 

[Freespirit1]

Anybody changed the SIM in their NonStarter? Is it just a matter of changing the SIM and sending the appropriate code to the new sim number?
I have been caught out too many times by the Lebara one not getting a signal when the Tesco sim in my phone has plenty.
It is really annoying when just about to leave and the thing will not disarm and have to strip the van down to disconnect it. Nothing wrong with the unit all sim related.
Can't contact VanBitz as they are on holidays till 8th January.
If nobody knows I will just have to give it a try as I don't want to put any more money onto the Lebara one and have a spare Tesco PAYG sim.
Thanks to anybody that knows.
Steve

Yes - @HippyRockChic hadn’t spent any money by using hers and lebara just cancelled the sim.

She put a new Tesco one in and away you go!

Warning to others here with same system: Make sure you use it from time to time eh!!

 

[Robert Clark]

Hi Steve
As I understand it, changing the sim in the non starter is as simple as you suggest.
Simply send the arm and disarm codes to the new number.
Maybe wise keep hold of the old sim just in case.

I’d also suggest emailing the new number to Vanbitz so they can update their records

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[SuperMike]

Assuming it can be done, I would recommend one of these.

https://www.globalm2msim.com/

Never known it not to find a signal on someone’s network. Got one in Winnie’s tracker and also on my bike tracker.

Also got their 3G phone sim as well. Costs £5 +vat per year plus calls. Don’t use it much, but great when abroad and your normal phone sim has no signal.

 

[Freespirit1]

Assuming it can be done, I would recommend one of these.

https://www.globalm2msim.com/

Never known it not to find a signal on someone’s network. Got one in Winnie’s tracker and also on my bike tracker.

Looks like you can’t see my reply above - so must assume i’ve managed to get sent to Coventry - lol!

 

[Deleted member 29692]

I've changed the SIM in mine. Accidentally forgot to message it for too long so the original one cancelled itself.

@OldAgeTravellers you won't be able to use a Tesco SIM. The pager is locked to Vodafone and it's client networks so if you don't want another Lebara one the replacement has to be part of the Vodafone net which won't really help you if you're having coverage issues.

List of virtual network operators here You'd have to pick one that has Vodafone as the host network.

I'm not sure if getting the pager unlocked is an option. You'll have to wait and speak to Vanbitz and see what they say if you want to do that.

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[OldAgeTravellers]

Thanks Robert,
Yes that is as I understand it but hoped someone who had done it would come back. Good Idea to email the number.
I only have £0.60p left on the sim which should last till 8th Jan as long as I don't set the alarm off causing a chargeable text at £0.19p which only gives me three calls so will wait till I get a definitive answer or have to dismantle.
Steve.

 

[OldAgeTravellers]

Thanks @NickNic, oops that could be a problem and answers why I am have ng the problem.
Steve

 

[ceejayt]

Yes, mine expired through no use whilst I was away for 6 months. Very annoying - so a Vodafone related sim is required?

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[Deleted member 29692]

Thanks @NickNic, oops that could be a problem and answers why I am have ng the problem.
Steve

Also on a purely practical note unless you already know where they've hidden it you'll have to wait until Vanbitz are back so they can tell you anyway.

 

[Deleted member 29692]

so a Vodafone related sim is required?

Yes. I believe they use Lebara because it works out cheapest to use Europe wide.

 

[ceejayt]

So, is this Vodafone pay as you go a better option - does it not expire http://freesim.vodafone.co.uk

Start off with £5 and top up as necessary??

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[SuperMike]

Looks like you can’t see my reply above - so must assume i’ve managed to get sent to Coventry - lol!

Yes, I can see you, but other than it can be done, sorry don’t get it, perhaps I’m having a thick day.

 

[Jim]

I've got one of the later versions of the Non Starter that uses their own Sim, just renew annually, I think I paid £50, but once paid you can use unlimited texts and status messages and it won't die because of inactivity. Even if it runs out they can reactivate so you'll never have to swop sims again.

 

[Deleted member 29692]

So, is this Vodafone pay as you go a better option - does it not expire http://freesim.vodafone.co.uk

Start off with £5 and top up as necessary??

In the UK possibly, in Europe possibly not.

It's going to depend on how and where you use it I suppose.

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[Robert Clark]

Thanks Robert,
Yes that is as I understand it but hoped someone who had done it would come back. Good Idea to email the number.
I only have £0.60p left on the sim which should last till 8th Jan as long as I don't set the alarm off causing a chargeable text at £0.19p which only gives me three calls so will wait till I get a definitive answer or have to dismantle.
Steve.

I was told by Vanbitz that it was ok to swap the sim card when I was selling my last van.
In the end I simply gave the new owner access to the Lebara account and they added their card to cover the recurring payment.

 

[Jagtazman]

I've got one of the later versions of the Non Starter that uses their own Sim, just renew annually, I think I paid £50, but once paid you can use unlimited texts and status messages and it won't die because of inactivity. Even if it runs out they can reactivate so you'll never have to swop sims again.

Must be what we've got as i ws never told about charges or top up needed. Ours was fitted Oct 2016. Renewed over thr phone dead easy.

 

[Freespirit1]

Yes, I can see you, but other than it can be done, sorry don’t get it, perhaps I’m having a thick day.

Thanks SuperMike - i’m still here then

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[carolyn]

We had to replace our sim as forgot the 2 month rule over a year ago. The sim holder is VERY delicate so take care. The last three times we have used the van it wouldnt disarm but if we tried the ignition and then sent the disarm code again it worked and then rearms fine on our arrival. This is easier than getting at those two horribled screws on the dashboard.

 

[Jim]

We had to replace our sim as forgot the 2 month rule over a year ago. The sim holder is VERY delicate so take care. The last three times we have used the van it wouldnt disarm but if we tried the ignition and then sent the disarm code again it worked and then rearms fine on our arrival. This is easier than getting at those two horribled screws on the dashboard.

Yes we had a similar setup in our old Hymer and forgot to top up, what a pain. The new system is much better.

 

[ceejayt]

I've got one of the later versions of the Non Starter that uses their own Sim, just renew annually, I think I paid £50, but once paid you can use unlimited texts and status messages and it won't die because of inactivity. Even if it runs out they can reactivate so you'll never have to swop sims again.

Sounds like a good option. I have to go and see them anyway as I get false alarms on my growler. They replaced the internal sensor which indicated it was the problem but unfortunately still persists

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[OldAgeTravellers]

Thanks everybody for the replies, if it is locked to Vodafone that is the reason I am having problems because where I go their coverage is useless which is why I moved to Tesco. The new system is no good to me as I do not have or want data on my phone. If it is locked to a network I am surprised VanBitz didn't mention it as they knew I lived abroad for most of the year.
I had better struggle through till they open again on the 8th.
The Lebara sim is also a pain because it is five times the cost for texts than Tesco, nothing in the scheme of things but why pay five times as much for an inferior service.
Steve

 

[The Dotties]

I had a reminder direct from meta trak early this month for the renewal cost (£50.00) for the next year. Paid direct over the phone, absolutely painless.
Not due until mid January but paid and can forget about.
No limit on usage.