x50v, WiFi Channels above 11?

Aimee · 06-07-05, 05:46 AM

Hi,

I have an Axim X50v which I bought in the US but am now using in the UK. However it is unable to see my local wireless provider whose AP is on channel 13, which is beyond my control

Are UK model Axims able to see channels above 11, and if so does anyone know how I can unlock this facility in my US model now that it's permanently residing in the UK? Registry setting? Maybe by using the WiFi chipset and radio firmware files from a UK Axim (ACX100_dl.bin and maxim_radio_dl.bin)? Or is this locked out in the radio hardware?

Thanks,

Aimee.

Etismixa · 06-07-05, 07:01 AM

If im correct the correct channel must be automaticly found when trying to connect to a AP. Did you try a soft reset after you travelled?

Channel Usage:
IEEE 802.11 b/g specifies 14 22MHz channels at 5MHz intervals
Only 11 channels are available in the US (FCC / ISTC Ruling)
In Europe 13 Channels are available (ESTI)
Japan use all 14 channels
Only 3 non overlapping channels ( 1-6-11 (US) or 1-7-13 EU)

Aimee · 06-07-05, 07:19 AM

Yep, that's right, it finds other people's equipment nearby on channel 6, but not the AP on channel 13.

It's even had a hard reset since it's been in the UK, and regional settings are set to UK.

Aimee.

Howard2k · 06-07-05, 07:21 AM

Nope, the US version won't find it.

You MIGHT be able to unlock it with the UK ROM but I would not get my hopes up. I think in reality you're stuck with losing 12 and 13.

ahcheetham · 06-07-05, 07:24 AM

I too bought an x50V from the USA. I had to change my WAP channel, which like you was on channel 13 to 4 I think. I couldnt see anything in the registry that would enable the other channels above 11 that are only available outside the USA.

06-20-05, 06:37 AM

I know there are FIRMWARE updates (third party) for desktop/USB WiFi devices that enable up to channel 14 or 15.

This, I believe, is a firmware thing. You will not find anything in the registry -- or a software 'hack'.

deftech · 06-20-05, 08:06 AM

I doubt you'll find a way to do this. Dell had to lock down those channels on US models, due to FCC regulations that do not allow the use of those channels for WiFi in the US.

nickp · 10-18-05, 05:32 AM

I bought my X50V in the States and had the same problem connecting to my Office's Wireless LAN. It was set to the default which was Channel 13. Do you think that the WM5 UK upgrade (when it arrives) will install OK and if so will it enable channels 12 & 13

Any ideas ?

psionandy · 10-18-05, 05:36 AM

Originally Posted by nickp

I bought my X50V in the States and had the same problem connecting to my Office's Wireless LAN. It was set to the default which was Channel 13. Do you think that the WM5 UK upgrade (when it arrives) will install OK and if so will it enable channels 12 & 13

Any ideas ?

probably not... i think some people have applied the UK wm2003SE updates and this hasn`t helped.

But until someone tries it we just won`t know

WSquared · 10-21-05, 02:45 PM

It is bad practice for a wireless service provider (or hotspot)in europe to use channels above 11 because there are many devices and drivers that only support up to 11, including european ones. You should complain to your service provider.
I have been involved in a few multi-AP wifi network deployments in the UK with hand-off between AP's and we only ever use channels 1,6,11.

nickp · 10-24-05, 04:06 AM

Thanks wsquared.
This problem came to light with the introduction of a wireless lan in my office for use by visitors. Everything worked well with our laptops but visitors from the states could not see the network. Changing the channel was easy but I was told the manufacturers default was set to 13. Not had a problem elsewhere that I am aware of. But I wonder if there are many UK wireless lans out there broadcasting on Channels >11

Nick