well i found some fun stuff, most notably "usb_modeswitch" in system/bin. Using the settings listed in the support_modem_list.conf i ran it and ended up with this:
# usb_modeswitch -v 1410 -p 5030 -P 6000
usb_modeswitch -v 1410 -p 5030 -P 6000
* usb_modeswitch: tool for controlling "flip flop" mode USB devices
* Version 1.0.2 (C) Josua Dietze 2009
* Works with libusb 0.1.12 and probably other versions
Looking for default devices ...
Found default devices (1)
Accessing device 012 on bus 001 ...
Using endpoints 0x08 (out) and 0x87 (in)
Inquiring device details; driver will be detached ...
Looking for active driver ...
OK, driver found ("usb-storage")
OK, driver "usb-storage" detached
Received inquiry data (detailed identification)
-------------------------
Vendor String: Novatel
Product String: Mass Storage
Revision String: 1.00
-------------------------
Device description data (identification)
-------------------------
Manufacturer: Novatel Wireless Inc.
Product: Novatel Wireless CDMA
Serial No.: 091165785120000
-------------------------
Warning: no switching method given.
-> Run lsusb to note any changes. Bye.
but the vzconnectionmanager still won't recognize the usb stick. I am not familiar with Linux and this is my first venture into an android, so i would love any suggestions! thanks again all!
p.s. i'm using a Verizon USB760 3G stick by novatel wireless and logcat gives me
I/VZBManager( 6366): Got main onCreate
I/VZBManager( 6366): NOT a Verizon 3G device
it is so!