hField intros Vista-compatible Wi-Fire long-range WiFi adapter
By Donald Melanson 
posted November 6th 2007 3:45PM
posted November 6th 2007 3:45PM
It looks like Vista users jealous of their Mac and XP-based pals and their 1,000-foot range WiFire adapters can now finally get a range-extending fix of their own, as hField has just announced a Vista-friendly version of the device. What's more, the Wi-Fire is also now considerably cheaper than it was when it was first released last year, with it now setting you back just $79. It also now comes with some updated software for both XP and Vista, but otherwise appears to be the same 3 x 4 inch device as before, including support for 802.11b/g networks only and, of course, that aforementioned 1,000 foot range.
Be careful when purchasing Wi-Fire, it didn’t work for me and I have sent them 4 emails and left 2 phone messages (no one ever answers the phone) trying to get a return number and they won’t respond. It’s starting to look like this is a “Fly by Night Outfit” at best.
cool!
Are these even legal?
Why wouldn't they be?
They are if you're a Ham
From their website:
"What if I don't live in the United States?
Wi-Fire currently has only FCC Certification. Before ordering, please make sure that you may import and use this product in your country or that it otherwise suits your purposes."
http://www.hfield.com/faq.htm
FCC regulations, did you know that the famous DIY cantennas are illegal? These same regulations are also the reason that consumer FM transmitters (iTrip, etc.) are less powerful than many would like.
It probably should be explained that RECEIVING isn't the questionable part of the antennas, TRANSMITTING is.
It's perfectly okay to receive anything you CAN receive.
a transmitter that outputs more than a certain number of watts is illegal. a cantenna, on the other hand, is just a more sensitive antenna, and is not illegal. its like building a huge tower in your front lawn to get the radio - it might be against zoning regulations, but its not illegal according to the fcc.
a transmitter that outputs more than a certain number of watts is illegal. a cantenna, on the other hand, is just a more sensitive antenna, and is not illegal. its like building a huge tower in your front lawn to get the radio - it might be against zoning regulations, but its not illegal according to the fcc.
Ummmmm... Isn't wifi two way? To use the internet you kind of have to request file transfers and such, that kinda sorta requires a transmitter as well as a receiver.
Cantennas are illegal because they aren't FCC certified as are any home made DIY wifi "transmit" devices
Legality aside, has anyone actually used one of these things? Is it worth the space in my carry-on? (Kind of irrelevant with an EVDO card in there anyways, but I always get spotty reception at SFO!)
the wi-fire works great with mac ibook g4
Yea this might be the thing I need to replace my wife's horrible USB wifi adapter. Being downstairs the computer just doesnt send/recieve very good with it.
So is it worth it?
The wi-fire works well, but the joint rotates freely, so don't expect it to point in one direction if whatver you put it on is moving. Also, I've spent a year asking hField to release vista-compatible drivers for the wi-fire, with this engadget article being my first reply. Don't expect them to care if yours happens to break down.
I see the FCC ID right there on the antenna. So I'm assuming it's perfectly legal.
Yep, I have a Wi-Fire for my Mac and it is FCC certified. I love the thing - it lets me use my wireless network all over the house, out back...even picks up some of the coffee shops downtown and the college nearby.
Please post its FCC ID!!!
Where did they hide the Pringles can???
Whoop-tee-doo?
Extended-range antennas have been available for many PCMCIA, USB and PCI WiFi cards for all manufacturers for years. 10 seconds on Google would find you antennas to triple, quadruple or more the range of any off-the-shelf card or router.
How does this compare to Buffalo's AirStation WLI-U2-SG54HP?
http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/24/buffalos-usb-wifi-adapter-boosts-range-210/
The WiFire is now my favorite device to use from a hotel room.
Mine in a hotel room while at DEFCON:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/unwiredadventures/1076060925/
Apparently it isn't the exact same device, since my original wi-fire still won't work with Vista, even with the new software.
It's not watts that matters. It's attenuation in any direction measured by decibels. So, an antenna focuses the power to receive and transmit in a single direction, such as a wave guide cantenna, etc can make you illegal. It's all a case of whether you are interfering with other's ability to use the frequency. Seeing as the band is congested for open use the limited 11 channels (US) are only allowed limited power. If you go to a convention for it's almost impossible to get it working whith all the legal access points opperating.