Okay, all you know for sure is that the two ends don't connect. Your best
bet is to take the two pieces down to a local electronics shop that sells
connectors. They can identify the tiny offenders and probably sell you a
pigtail or bullet adapter to mate them. Failing that, call RadioLabs.com,
at the toll-free number listed on the top of their Web pages, and tell them
which pieces you're tying to connect. They'll be able to help and you
can buy what you need from them.
Combining power and sensitivity in a kit
If your deepest desire is to amplify your power output to the maximum, then
you, my friend, are in the market for a Wi-Fi kit. Most of these kits include a
wireless adapter card, a high-gain omnidirectional (outdoor) antenna, and (of
course) an amplifier.
You can, if you so choose, buy an amplifier as a standalone device -- but I
highly recommend that you resist that temptation. There are several obscure
(and not-so-obscure) FCC regulations that apply; by purchasing a kit, you
avoid breaking those regulations.
Both kits that I recommend here incorporate a 500mW amplifier. Yes, you
could purchase a 1000mW amplifier, but -- depending on the rated gain of
your antenna -- you could easily exceed the maximum power output allowed
by the FCC (36dB). You might also become a source of interference, causing
problems for neighboring trucks and RVs.
Several manufacturers offer 802.11b/g wireless amplifiers; quite a few of them
package these items in complete kits. Here are two of those kits that I think
offer excellent performance and good value:
RadioLabs Trucker Wireless Internet Antenna Kit: This is a kit put
together by the good folks at RadioLabs.com. It's got everything you
might need, including a 12V cigarette-lighter jack for powering the ampli-
fier. The total power output of the 500mW (27 dBm) amplifier and 7 dBi
antenna is approximately 34dB, falling safely inside the maximum of
36dB allowed by the FCC.
HyperLink Marine MAX Range Wi-Fi Kit: This kit, offered by HyperLink
Technology is (okay) a bit more complicated to install. The kit includes
an 802.11g (b/g) 500mW amplifier and 12V-power supply, 8.5 dBi marine
antenna and mount, 802.11b PC card, and connecting cables. The total
power output is a barely-legal 35.5dB.
Part I: The Wonderful World of Wireless Fidelity
Page 54
