Linksys Wireless Router and CF Card

nITeFLy · 01-01-03, 07:35 PM

Hello All,

I have a Linksys wireless router and there WCF12 card for my Dell Axim and I seem to be having problems getting a solid connection. Sometimes when I turn on my axim I will have internet access for a few minutes and then it will lose the link, most of the time when I enter the linksys software it just says scanning and won't make a connection no matter how close or far I am from the base station. The SSID is set to the same on both the router and the axim, does anyone know what's going on or is having the same problems?

Thanks.

01-02-03, 02:49 AM

Try setting the SSID to the word "ANY" wiht all capitals. That is the default connection adn wil look for any ssid it comes in contact wiht and will connect you to it. Also, remember that wifi is on a 2.4ghz frequency, so any cordless fones on that freequency will abstruct your connections. Alos microwaves, and any other objects on that frequency. Considering its a higher level frequency as well, you have to try to remain close to the Access Point (AP). I think you can get a max of 500ft away, but if you clear out anythign that can disrupt that frequency (as stated above) then you can get a farely good distance. I can get almost a block away on my AP literally (its a netgear) so i keep it off most of the time in fear of wardrivers (I know how we, errr, they think)

HEHE

Hope this helps a little bit.

Ive also attached a file here that has a list of WiFi links that may be of sum help. I think this post should become sticky for the list.

Roosterman · 01-04-03, 11:45 PM

Be sure you are set up as infastructure. Also, are you using WEP? If so, do you have the key in put correctly? Trying connecting with out WEP to see if you can keep connected. Are you also on the correct channeL? Hope this helps. I have the WCF12 and it works great.

grazycanuck · 01-05-03, 12:28 PM

I had a similar problem yesterday. My card has been working well since I got it and it suddenly couldn't lock on to a signal. My notebook was also having trouble getting an IP from the AP/router. After much fiddling at the client end of things I tried changing channels on the AP/router. This seemed to cure the problem on both devices. I suspect a neighbor got a new wireless phone for Christmas or something and the airwaves are a little more crowded now! :(

TSB8C · 01-06-03, 09:28 AM

I tried a Linksys card and access point and had tons of connection problems as well. I finally switched to a Netgear card and access point and never have any trouble.

grazycanuck · 01-09-03, 01:00 AM

Well so much for my previous post. My WCF12 card has had growing difficulty maintaining a connetion to the AP. Today I noticed that the card seemed to connect whenever I put pressure on it pressing it into the Axim's socket and lost the connection when I released it or shortly thereafter. :( I then checked the socket with a CF memory card which seems to work fine. I can only conclude the card is defective. I plan on returning it for a replacement unit. Hope the vendor will take it back cause it will cost 20 CAD to return it to Linksys! :o

nITeFLy · 01-09-03, 01:35 AM

I am using the Netgear MA701 now with my Linksys BEFW11S4 switch.. I've had the netgear for about a week now and have no problems connecting to wifi networks. No matter what I do it always connects. :-) I have a feeling it's something to do with the linksys firmware for that card. Although I have heard people have problems with the older WCF11 aswell.

grazycanuck · 01-10-03, 12:21 AM

The saga continues! I exchanged my WCF12 at the store where I bought it, plugged the new one in the Axim and the same problem. :(
This is definitely a hardware problem. When I sort of twist the WCF12 card in a clockwise direction the signal strength goes way up and everything works fine. As soon as I release the pressure the signal drops back down, the signal is lost and the screen says it is scanning. Since I have tried 2 identical CF cards I think it is the Axim CF socket. I phoned Dell tech support and at first the tech was trying to tell me I would have to talk to Linksys. After my continued persistence and being placed on hold at least 5 times he finally agreed to send me a replacement Axim.
I am very happy with my Axim other than this problem. Hope this fixes it. Will keep you posted.

nITeFLy · 01-10-03, 12:44 AM

I really don't think it is the Axim... the netgear card works great, people are also have some success with the d-link card.

enob · 01-10-03, 01:04 AM

I also have a Netgear wireless setup at home and have not had any problems

01-13-03, 10:44 PM

I am having the exact same problem with my axim. I too have already replaced the wcf12 card. nITeFLy: any word on the new unit?

Fritz · 01-13-03, 10:53 PM

I have a Linksys Router n WCF12 setup -- no problem here. You're probably right about the Axim socket.

nITeFLy · 01-13-03, 10:59 PM

If it is the socket it seems to be pretty wide spread with so many people having these problems... Just a thought, I don't have the WCF12 anymore, has anyone tried installing the drivers, and after(before inserting the card for the first time) doing a soft reset.. and then inserting the card... that is the setup for the netgear card.. can someone give that a try and post back.

01-13-03, 11:24 PM

nITeFLy: Just tried it....no difference....I guess it is the card....

nITeFLy · 01-14-03, 12:59 AM

atex, it sounds like it to me... The Netgear card detects the network the second you turn the axim on.. Not to sure if it's the card or maybe the firmware?? I could maybe have something to do with the way it fits into the CF slot.