Question 1

hi  i was reading that this device can not be plugged into a usb hub. i use a lap top and i have no more installed usb ports open . can i plug this into the usb port on my router/modem ? thanks

Accepted Answer

No, the USB port on your router is only for sharing files. Yes it plugs into the USB port on your computer. If you have two USB ports on your computer then plug the other two items into a hub, and plug this in directly to the port on the laptop. Now if the other items do not work on a hub because they need power that is too watered down by two items on the hub, then replace your hub with a powered hub like any of these here on Newegg: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Description=usb%20hub%20powered&Submit=ENE

Question 2

Can it be used to create a hot spot for both of my computers at the same time?

Accepted Answer

NO----a hot spot is a source of signal. This item is an antenna to pick up a signal from a distance away. Your computer has a built in antenna for wifi---like about two inches long inside the computer, this when plugged into your usb port is like putting an antenna on your roof of the house to pict up TV signal from far away. So if you get a wifi signal from your neighbor of on bar. this will make it maybe 4 or 5 bars strong. --hope this helps

Question 3

I am wanting something that will allow me use my iPad out in my barn, would I have to have a computer set up out in the barn or does this just plug in out there and pull the wifi from the house to the barn?

Accepted Answer

Dear Beka,

I'm going to answer your question two ways.

1. The installation CD that comes with this antenna ONLY has WINDOWS Software.

I'm pretty sure all iPads run Apple's proprietary iOS operating system, so you will not be able to use this antenna.

2. If you have another computer that runs Windows 8, 7, Vista, or XP you can use this antenna.

General:

Please Note that this antenna does not establish a second WIFI network.  It picks up signals from an existing WIFI network, just like a television antenna picks up TV signals from a local station.

If your house and barn are not more than 3,000 feet apart (preferably MUCH closer than 3,000 feet for better connection speed), just plug this antenna into your computer (after loading the software of course) and you should pick up the WIFI signal from the house.

Important:

This antenna has a standard (original) size USB plug.

If your Windows computer does not have a standard size USB port, you will need an adapter from USB Standard (Female) to either USB Mini or USB Micro (Male), depending on which size port your computer has.

Some Apple computers can run Windows.  Apple devices are designed to use non-standard USB plugs and ports.  To use this antenna, you would need a "USB (Standard) Female" to "Lightning Wire (Male)" adapter.

Newegg has several adapters (some are one piece with the male and female connection on opposite ends, and others have a wire between the male and female connections).  I believe many of these adapters are under $10 each.

Good Luck!

Question 4

is there anyway to hook this up to a router so i won`t be hooked to a cord?

Accepted Answer

No,
That would be like wanting to attach a keyboard to a router and use it. This is a Wi-Fi adapter, that also has a long impedance matched cable, and is weatherproof for outside mounting.  I have plans to mount it on the side on my smaller metal building that inside of which I can get no signal, then run the cable inside to where I will have my computer, a small refurbished Windows 7 or 8 desktop that has no WiFi installed. If you use it on a laptop or desktop that does already have a Wireless adapter built in, you have to disable that every time you use this one.
It gives a great weatherproof outside antenna for the adapter that is amplified, and a long enough cable to run through a hole sealed with caulk.

Question 5

Will a USB connection to an AC wall plug work or does this have to be connected directly to a USB port on the computer?

Accepted Answer

This is like attaching a TV antenna to a TV. This is a external antenna connected directly to the computer use and the antenna gets its power from the sub port for amplification. It works great!

Question 6

can i download software off line. My pc does not hace a CD drive?

Accepted Answer

Leslie,
Sorry bad answer I was answering another person. You can take your CD to a person who has a computer and will burn the CD iso image onto a USB Thumbdrive stick. That person will need to know how to copy and make ISO CD images, and make them clickable on the flash drive. Just copying it will not work. .iso burning software is free but has a learning curve. I just went to the vendor and they have no support links to download anything
 They are Jobar International, the parent company website that also has Ideaworks on it. You can go there and click on contact and see if they will help with a download link.

Question 7

Just love the product. Works well, but we have just had to get another one because we had a storm and the antenna is on the roof which means we can't move it when there's a storm coming.
unfortunately, our antenna was plugged into the computer and it  
caused a power surge through the hubs. and now two don't work.
Is there someway of protecting the antenna from getting these power surges as this will be on ongoing problem for us.?

Accepted Answer

You can get a surge protector for the antenna but make sure you get the highest rated one you can buy.  Also, since it is vulnerable to light(I presume) then I would actually ground it with another wire run to a rod that is in the ground.  Like the old lightning rods that used to be on old homes.  Go to an antique shop and purchase a lightning rod unit and put it up by the outside antenna so in case of a strike it goes to ground instead of going to your computer and burning both up.  You also could have a lightning rod unit fabricated at your local welding shop.  They(the old one) were usually copper tubes with a pointed end with three legs to mount it to the roof.  An antique one maybe more expensive than having one fabricated, you'll just have to do some comparing.  Those are my thoughts.  Hope they help you make up your mind.  The only way to prevent the lightning from following the antenna cable is to make it follow another line to the ground outside... Anita & Tom

PS:  They are a great antenna!!!!

Question 8

If I hooked this up and got onto a hotspot can I bridge this with my wireless wifi adapter that can be used as a wifi AP?

Accepted Answer

I doubt it, but you can try.  It's a great little antenna that does exactly what it says it will do.

Question 9

I purchased the long distance wi fi antenna and would like to install it on my chrome notebook.  Is this possible?  How do I get the cd to load on the chrome.

Accepted Answer

I used it on windows computer. If it does not have driver on chrome OS, then it cannot be used on it. It is actually just a BIG USB wifi adapter, and whether it will really improve WIFI connection depends on some factors. Don't expect it always work as expected. And there seems no customer support from Ideawork, so be careful on this product unless you really know how.

Question 10

for this to work, you have to aim it in the exact direction of the source of the wifi?  is that difficult? i'm not sure where the xfinity hotspot is here.

Accepted Answer

Hi jim s,

I purchased the long distance wifi antenna for use in my RV's.  I originally planned on using the antenna in the RV which I travel to different places. However, I moved the antenna to use in the RV that remains in the same campground year round.

In regards to your question about aiming it in the exact direction of the source of the wifi, my answer to your question would be "No".  However, it is important to place the antenna as close to a window, door, or opening facing outside.

I have no idea where the wifi sources are at the campground.  I am told wifi sources through out the campground are in trees, on roofs, utility poles, etc.

I have used the antenna near various windows and I have never had any trouble finding a signal.

I have had all great experiences with this antenna

I hope this helps answer your question.

Questions & Answers