Axim x51 416mHZ and Spectec WiFi SDW820 card

karenlee56 · 08-03-06, 12:34 PM

There have been quite a few posts that ask about the "best" Wifi card to use with the Axim x51, 416 mHZ pda.

I took a chance on the Spectec SDW820 SDIO Wifi card... not the "mini;" just the regular small one. I bought it off of ebay, new in the package, from a reliable seller for $55.49 shipped.

Before I began installation, I downloaded the pdf file of the Spectec user's manual. It included detailed setup instructions with pictures, including how to use it after it was installed.

I also read troubleshooting tips from a guide from another website. It enabled me to make sure that my home wireless router was set up properly to allow the least chance of trouble gettting my wireless network to see the card. I did this before I even began to install the card.

When I have time to post the links that helped, I will get them on here.

So, at least from one user (me) the Spectec card set up in no time at all. The setup mini CD-ROM included the updated driver for WM5...so there was no hunting and downloading updated drivers.

So far, the card does what it's supposed to do. I have taken the card out, turned off the x51, and put the card back in. Still works fine from all areas of the house.

The next test will be to take it to Panera or elsewhere with a 'hot spot' to see how it performs. I don't anticipate any problems, but of course it remains to be seen.

Now I don't feel so horrible about not getting the x51v! :approve:

Hope this post helps other x51 users!

rlarson_mn · 08-03-06, 02:28 PM

Good to know. One of the reasons for getting a x51V was the built in WiFi. BTW welcome to the site. Its filled with great people that give their advise freely and share their experiences. If you do not find the answer to your question using the sites 'Search' feature be sure and ask away and some one will step in and help out.

08-03-06, 03:20 PM

Thanks for sharing that with us.If you help one person it was worth it.

w3iner · 08-03-06, 04:30 PM

Nice! I will keep this in mind when I eventually get a WiFi card.

karenlee56 · 08-05-06, 11:59 PM

Originally Posted by karenlee56

The next test will be to take it to Panera or elsewhere with a 'hot spot' to see how it performs. I don't anticipate any problems, but of course it remains to be seen.

UPDATE: Last night I tried to connect using the Spectec wifi card in our local Barnes & Noble. I was getting a relatively strong signal (about 63% at max), but the browser wouldn't open. There was probably something I failed to do setting-wise, or it the signal wasn't strong enough to bring up the web. As I moved around the store, the signal changed (as would be expected).

This morning, I tried it in our local Panera. It wouldn't connect at first until I did one or two soft resets. I then realized I had to click on "Panera" in the available networks list, and had to agree to their terms, if I'm remembering correctly. I probably didn't have to do the soft resets at all.

The bottom line is that this card does what it promises. I'm very satisfied with its performance. :approve:

michaux · 11-24-07, 10:46 PM

I bought this card from ebay and it has not cd rom. Any suggestions?

ikehiker · 11-25-07, 07:03 AM

Spectec download site

TulsaTV · 12-25-07, 07:36 PM

I also bought the Spectec card, and got it working with my home router with WEP security, no SSID broadcast, adding the Axim X51's MAC address to the MAC filtering list. The X51 does a good job browsing, speed-wise (processor speed set on Auto). Streaming music is great; I've had that going for 3 hours while while browsing and running other programs.

Note: the Spectec software comes on a mini-CD. I almost missed finding it in the packaging.

The top 1/4" of the Spectec card sticks up from the top of the X51. It looks kind of exposed and fragile up there. It IS supposed to be a little longer; see a review at The Spectec SDW-820 SDIO WiFi Card Review at Gear Diary.

My only complaint is that after I have it all working, and turn off the X51, then when I turn it on again, often the little antenna icon is gone, and a soft reset is needed for the Axim to re-recognize the card. If the WLAN utility was up at the time I turned off the Axim, it has crashed. Turning the Wi-Fi Radio button off in the utility and closing all aps before turning the unit off does not seem to improve the chances of the antenna icon returning. Popping the card in and out also doesn't seem to get the Axim's attention.

(There is usually no need to bring up WLAN unless you want to see more detail about available routers, or want to check signal strength. Once you set up for your home router, the antenna icon on the Axim shows you when it connects. Also, Settings/Network Cards shows available routers if you are at a hot spot.)

If you turn the Axim off briefly, then back on, the antenna is visible for an instant, then disappears. It reappears when the card is rediscovered after about 10 seconds. If you leave the unit off longer, the card is usually forgotten.

I downloaded the driver from Spectec, rather than use the CD-ROM version. Uninstalled on the Axim per the directions and re-installed with the new driver. The WLAN utility was not included as part of the download. Seemed to help some (at least the WLAN utility doesn't crash). I see in retrospect that the CD-ROM suggests first installing WITHOUT the WLAN utility due to incompatibility on some devices. But you may need it to get your MAC address if you are doing filtering on your router.

I often find ActiveSync running when I haven't launched it. I wonder if it has any effect on the dropping of the antenna icon. Also found another X51 user reporting the same card-forgetting problem at Spectec SDW-820 SD WiFi Card - Support Forum - eXpansys UK.

(Later note) My hunch was correct about ActiveSync; see this Aximsite article: x51(v) Not Powering On, Disappearing CF/SD Cards and Battery Discharge - Solution. This solution lets you have ActiveSync up only when you want it (Always be sure to exit ActiveSync after using it.) No problems at all now. I can pop the card in and out, and after 10 seconds, it is recognized without fail.

(Final note) I installed WiFiFoFum, a WLAN-like sniffer program. I had the same problem reported elsewhere, that it causes the X51 forget the WEP key for your home router. I removed the program, then reinstalled the Spectec software with WLAN utility. WLAN now works fine. Looks like ActiveSync was the culprit.

PPC_Lover · 01-16-08, 12:53 PM

THANK YOU!!! I just received this card in the mail today, and it came with no software. Thanks to this wonderful post I now have an Axim that actually reads the card and am working on getting it connected.

thanks again :approve: