Frequently Asked Questions
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The following are questions we frequently receive from customers. If your question is not listed, feel free to contact us for a personal response. Click on the question to view the answer. |
| Quicky Questions, More Common |
The Quicky software must be installed prior to the installation of the hardware. If it wasn't, remove the Quicky, install the software and then plug in the hardware. Make sure you install the correct version on your Mac.
Check out the QuickTime (.mov) file if you need help. Located on the CD
Make sure you have installed the correct software version relative to your Mac's.
If you are not sure what your Mac's operating system is running, click the Apple in the left corner of your Mac. About This Mac.
If you install the wrong software version the Quicky will not work.
2. How do I tell if there are any wireless networks in my area I can use?
When the Quicky hardware is installed, it will then automatically launch USB Wireless Utility. The default function of the USB Wireless Utility is the "Site Survey", which shows you any wireless networks the Quicky can detect. It also shows you the signal strength and whether the target network is encrypted or unencrypted.
NOTE: If all of the networks in your area are encrypted the Quicky will not connect. Unless you have access to the network.
3. When I perform a Site Survey, I cannot locate the wireless network to which I want to connect.
Possible Solution:
If you do not see the correct wireless network, click Refresh.
If you still do not see the correct wireless network when you perform a Site Survey, try creating a profile using the necessary connection information for the appropriate wireless network, selecting the profile, and then clicking Connect in the Profile tab. Refer to the Profile section in the USB Wireless Utility section of this User Guide for more information about creating a profile.
4. The Quicky is not receiving any power.
Possible Solution:
If you have the Quicky Wireless USB Adapter plugged into a peripheral device, such as a USB hub or a keyboard, the 802.11g Wireless USB Adapter may not be powered. Plug the 802.11g Wireless USB Adapter directly into a USB port on your computer.
5. I cannot connect to the Internet.
Possible Solution:
Check the USB Wireless Utility to confirm the connection status. If you are connected to your Access Point or Wireless Router, the icon will be green. If the icon is red, open the USB Wireless Utility and scan the area so that you can connect to the correct wireless network.
Possible Solution:
Make sure that your computer is using an IP address that is within the default range of your access point or wireless router. For example, if the Default Gateway of your access point is 192.168.123.254, your IP address should be in the range of 192.168.123.xxx. To verify all of these settings, perform the following steps:
Open System Preferences:Network and double click on the entry Ethernet Adaptor and confirm that the IP address for the Quicky falls into the range of IP addresses supplied by your router.
Possible Solution:
Try performing the ping procedure to make sure you can connect with different areas of the wireless network and the Internet. If at any time during the ping procedure you do not receive a return message for a successful ping, this means that you cannot connect to that IP address. After you have made the corrections, continue with the ping procedure.
0. Open Network Utilities.
0. At the command prompt, type Ping 127.0.0.1 This is your local host address and this will ensure that the TCP/IP protocol is installed and functioning properly. If you cannot complete this ping, reinstall the Quicky software..
0. Type Ping followed by your IP address. To determine your IP address, refer to the previous Possible Solution. This will ensure that your computer is responding to requests and that the 802.11g Wireless USB Adapter is properly installed. If you cannot complete this ping, uninstall the Quicky Adapter and repeat the installation procedure.
0. Type Ping followed by your gateway address to check the communication with your gateway. The default gateway address is the IP address of your wireless router or access point. Check your wireless router or access point to verify this address. This will ensure that you can connect to the wireless network. If you cannot complete this ping, make sure your wireless settings are correct and that the Quicky is plugged in and properly connected to your computer.
0. Type Ping followed by the outside Internet address that is provided by your ISP. This procedure will ensure that your wireless network can connect to the Internet. If you cannot complete this ping, verify your Internet connection between your modem and your wireless router or access point.
0. Type Ping followed by your known DNS server address. This will allow you to resolve valid Internet host names to IP addresses and to verify that you can access the Internet.
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6. Security is enabled on my wireless network and my 802.11g Wireless USB Adapter cannot connect.
Possible Solution:
The Quicky supports 64 and 128 bit encryption. Make sure your wireless network is not using a higher encryption rate, such as 256 bit. Verify that all of the security features you have entered for the profile of your Quicky Wireless USB Adapter match the settings for your wireless network. .
Possible Solution:
If you created a Profile Setting, you may need to reboot your computer for the new profile to be activated.
7. My Quicky attaches to a wireless access point in the site survey, but I can't access the internet.
Possible Solution:
The Quicky is not properly configured. Go the System Prefs to Networking and choose Network Port Configurations in the popup menu next to the field labeled Show. Choose the entry labeled Ethernet Adaptor (enxx) and check the checkbox and drag this entry to the top of the list of configurations.
8. Can I attach different antenna's?
Yes, any antenna or coax that has an SMA-Rp connector can be used. Remember that the coax needs to be a short a possible to prevent signal loss. But you can move the mounting of the Quicky by using a longer USB cable too.
9. What computers will the Quicky work on?
Any Mac (iBook, TiBook, all PowerBooks, MacBook, MacBook Pro, WallStreet, & Pismo,) or PC with a USB Port running 10.3 (Panther or newer) and Windows XP.
10. What AirPorts / access points wLAN's will it work on?
Any 802.11b/g/n Apple's AirPorts, Linksys, D-Link, Belkin etc.
11. What is the difference between the Quicky Jr and the Quicky?
The output power of the Quicky is 500mw and Quicky Jr is 100mw.
12. Do I have to take apart my computer?
No, Connect only to the USB Port. |
General Interest |
Its actually a very simple edit to make the 802.11N update work on the original Macbook Pro.
Control-click (or right click if you have a 2 button mouse) on the installer and select "show package contents". Open the
"Contents" folder and open Distribution.dist using your favorite text editor. (TextEdit works fine) Scroll down until you see the "function installationCheck()" section. Change property == "MacBookPro2,2" to property == "MacBookPro1,1" then Save. Now the installer will work on any original MacBook Pro with the 802.11n card installed.
AirPort cards and AirPort Base Stations have a fixed range. This maximum quoted range is determined in a very large open space and doesn't factor in barriers, interference or obstacles between the two - which you are very likely to encounter. Examples of interference generators include cordless phones and/or microwave ovens. They actively manage their speed by monitoring their range and any interference. AirPort Extreme cards can switch from 802.11g to 802.11b to offer improved range and connection.
Apple changed a component on the original Orinoco wireless card (same as AirPort) and they will never work in that slot, unfortunately.
Pismos (Firewire) have a built in AirPort slot and
will work with Mac OS 10.2.6 and up, so get a QuickerTek
antenna and Buffalo PC Card bundle. This system works
on all of the PowerBook G3 (black) Wallstreet and
Lombards with OS 10.
Q. Does the Marine Wi-Fi System support WPA/WPA2 encryption?
A. Yes, it does.
Q. Does the Marine Wi-Fi System have a DHCP server?
A. Yes
Q. Is the Marine Wi-Fi System more configurable via an http (web) interface?
A. Yes, it is.
Q. What is the difference between QuickerTek’s Marine wireless system and some of the less expensive marine systems offered by other companies?
A. We offer a 1-watt (1000 milliwatts) waterproof Transceiver and a Universal Full Duplex AP repeater together. This means you have the potential to receive up to 25 times more RF energy delivered right to the antenna without coaxial loss.
If you run coax down to the wireless card you could potentially lose up to 75% of the incoming RF (microvolt) energy collected by the antenna, and up to the same amount of loss from the transmitter.
* Has been tested up to 5 miles line of sight
Almost always this means that the client computer has a weak incoming
signal from the base station or AirPort card because the antenna or wireless card
cannnot pick up an enough Radio Frequency to discern the myriad of signals or
interference. What happens is the link quality between the AirPort card and
client computer fails.
Solutions: Usually the best approach is to solve the problem with the client
computer. (MacBook Pro, MacBook, iBook, PowerBook, G4, and G5 desktop etc)
We recommend either getting the our USB Quicky or one of our antennas. For more we also offer the service of fitting your base station with a transciever.
As with all things wireless, the site needs to be considered first. Other factors such as
distance and any obvious obstacles such as hills, buildings, trees, etc. should be taken into account. Additionally consider what type of wireless equipment you are using.
Generally to connect two buildings together it will take antennas, coax, and high
power transceivers. The antennas will be either omni or directional (and usually
will require outdoor mounting). The other consideration that catches people off guard
is that Apple cannot repeat Linksys AirPort cards. It usually takes two AirPort Base
Stations from the manufacturer, but not when using QuickerTek’s Connect that has a
built in “universal repeater.”
You can use Apple express and extremes to set up a WDS system. When you do that
the bandwidth is halfed every time it goes through a half duplex repeater.
(That’s why in our Marine systems we use full Duplex two-radio repeater.)
There are two basic reasons: first, usually the coax length negates the advantage of the antenna; second, the antenna requires a small circuitboard to turn on the external antenna port on the Base Station.
The Connect is a Universal Repeater which means it sets up a wireless network of
its own, thus if you run iStumbler it will see two networks; The one between your
AirPort card and the Connect, and another network between the Connect and the
client computer. The Connect does not have to be connected to your computer in any
way, that way it is repeating the IP from the targeted network.
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Quicky (Common Questions) |
Yes, the Quicky works with all AirPort cards such as Linksys Belkin, D-Link, etc.
No, the Quicky can be directly powered from the USB port. Many USB products work in this fashion.
No, but there is no need to run both at once. Consider battery life.
Yes, that is what the Quicky does best. The Quicky will also increase your
bandwidth from a weak AirPort signal since the transfer speed is directly related to the signal strength.
Because iStumbler (and Macstumbler) only look at the AirPort card signal itself.
We include the USB wireless utility in the software with
the Quicky for this reason.
No, simply use the “Apply Now” option when initially setting up the Quicky. The Quicky
icon will then show up every time the Quicky is plugged in.
Yes, this is normal operation. It's ultra-compact design is designed with the thought that it will be in the open.
This is to prevent your battery from running down when the Quicky is not being used. The software is designed to be turned off,
if we were to design an iMac version of this product the software would have the device active all the time.
When Apple has you enter a password in to the keychain they use antilogarithms
that generate the true 128-bit encryption password.
You will need to use the “real password” to decrypt the network.
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Antennas |
Basically antennas intercept (receive) or emit (transmit) electromagnetic energy.
Clearly the answer to this No. The physical layout of the antennas working environment and the desired results are paramount.
Yes, all QuickerTek products use the same connectors as Apple products. The impedance and frequencies are also matched to Apple specs.
If you want to improve signal strength in ONE direction at the expense of other directions, get a directional antenna. But remember that the higher the gain, the harder it will be to setup the antenna for best overall wireless performance.
Well there was simply no other way to do it without drilling holes in the beautiful PowerBook case.
Omni-directional antennas exhibit a radiation pattern that is symmetrical, doughnut-like sphere - radiating from a central point around the antenna. Directional antennas point RF energy in one direction, in a pattern like a very large hotdog.
A common misconception is that antennas actually amplify the signal and that is what is meant by 'gain'. Antennas
amplify signals unless they have an active component. What is normally meant is that signal strength (gain) is sacrificed in one direction to gain it in another.
Using iStumbler (or MacStumbler) and the exact physical set up, measure the signal strength with original hardware then install the antenna(s) and recheck the signal strength. This we give you a good comparison.
Because the of the placement of the antenna’s behind the metal case and lower
than usual output power from the AirPort card inside the computer.
Up to four times the line-of-sight distance is possible.
Yes, all of Apple's AirPort and Extreme cards use the same frequency and connectors as our antennas.
No. Please review the free QuickerTek modification instructions for Dr. Bott's antenna.
If you can allow a hole being drilled in your Apple AirPort Base Station casing buy a QuickerTek Antenna Kit is a much better solution. The Antenna Kit works better in all cases. We offer the Plug n Play simply as an alternative to those who do not wish to install the Antenna Kit.
The connectors may have oxidized. While they are connected, gently give them a couple of half turns back and forth. Then recheck your signal.
Yes! The 5.5 dbi Antenna fits all iBooks and gets reception out to 200-300 yards. Generally speaking, iBooks have very good signal strength and reception. So, the best way to improve wireless range beyond the antenna upgrade range is to add the QuickerTek AirPort Base Station upgrade.
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Base Station specific |
Review the mounting guidelines and the polarization considerations. We have developed a checklist to help you:
1. What kind of Mac are you using and with which wireless card and/or antenna?
2. What are the physical layout considerations and construction of building/walls inside the wireless environment?
3. Determine if the problem is the Mac or the Apple AirPort Base Station (or both).
4. Determine the radiation pattern that fits your
needs and buy the antenna that matches.
5. Make sure that you have the latest Apple AirPort software updates.
6. Make sure that all the RF connections are tight and correct.
7. Use a software program (such as MacStumbler) to maximize the signal strength you already have.
Simply make sure your AirPort Base Station is aimed at the target room(s). You may want to consider a directional 5-8 Dbi antenna. Also, mount the AirPort Base Station on the wall as high as possible and vertically. Use your software tools to ensure that your antenna aim offers the maximum signal level.
The Apple AirPort Base Station radiates a spherical
signal from its center.
Test the computer and the Base Station to determine
which one is having the problem. Try a higher powered
and /or more sensitive PC Card for example. But be
sure that it works with your Mac OS version as well
as applications such as iChat. You can always call
us!
1) You should have an antenna Transceiver that is made for connecting specifically to that port (usually that means the QuickerTek product has the –AE product extension; i.e. 27XVR-AE).
2) The antenna or adaptor cable is connected into the external antenna port.
3) The power supply to the Base Station is disconnected for 20 seconds.
4) Then the power is reconnected.
5) This process makes sure the AirPort Base Station recognizes the external antenna port.
Now, to make sure that the external antenna port is and working.
1) Access AirPort Admin Utility.
2) Click on the Base Station in the window.
3) Enter your password when prompted, in menu bar click on "View" then "Summary".
4) Check the line that displays Antenna “external or internal”.
5) If "External" then it is working.
If you have everything connected correctly and it still shows "internal", try it
one more time, then give us a call.
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Point-to-Point Internet Service Transfer System |
As with all things wireless, the site needs to be considered first, then distance and any obvious obstacles such as hills, buildings, trees, etc. Another factor to consider is the type of equipment you have.
Generally to connect two buildings together it will take antennas, coax and high
power transceivers. The antennas will be either Omni, or Directional and usually
will require outdoor mounting. The other consideration that catches people off guard
is that Apple cannot repeat Linksys AirPort cards. It usually takes two AirPort Base
Stations from the manufacturer, but not when using QuickerTek’s Connect that has a
built in “universal repeater.”
You can use AirPort Extremes and Expresses to set up a WDS system when you do that
the bandwidth is halfed every time it goes through a half duplex repeater.
That is why we use full duplex two-radio repeater in our Marine systems.
As with all things wireless, the site needs to be considered first, distance, obstacles, etc.
There are two basic reasons; first, usually the coax length negates the advantage of the antenna; second, the antenna requires a small circuit to turn on the external antenna port on the Base Station.
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Transceivers |
Basically antennas are calibrated wires that collect a wireless signal.
They are passive devices that do not require input power from the computer or
wall charger. A transceiver is an active device that has a receiver and a
transmitter and requires a power source. All Wi-Fi systems are transceivers. Our
transceivers amplify both the received and transmitted signals, and are available
in 500 milliwatts, 1000mW and 2000mW, while an AirPort Extreme card is only
30mW.
The receiver section is a low noise amplifier. It takes the RF coming in from the antenna and amplifies it, sending it to the AirPort card. So, you get a more sensitive receiver and higher power transmitter in one product. That's why the QuickerTek Transceiver significantly extends the range of all PowerBook and desktop Macs. That's also why it goes through walls better, upstairs and downstairs. Transceivers are powered from the USB port or by the AC wall power supply.
The QuickerTek Transceivers have LEDs to tell you what is going on: Power, Transmit and Receive. You can tell immediately if it's working. Typically, you see signal strength readings in the range of four to five times the stock readings, making your WiFi AirPort network work over much greater distances. All but the 1Watt Transceivers come with 2dBi antenna ( higher gain antennas can be added).
All Transceivers connect to the AirPort cards inside the Base Stations, PowerBooks, and iBooks. QuickerTek antnennas and Transceivers work with all 802.11b/g routers and Access Points as well as all Mac OS versions that support wireless networking.
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