By Jerry Brasseur, SMUG Treasurer
hField provided SMUG with a review unit of their flagship product called Wi-Fire.
Wi-Fire is an add-on antenna for improving your wireless internet reception on your Mac or Windows machine. It connects to your computer with a USB cable and requires you to install their proprietary software to enable it’s operation.
Installing the software, plugging in the unit and restarting your Mac places an icon in your finder toolbar that shows you the unit is connected. You can then open a window with the software (Wi-Fire Connection Manager) or by clicking on the icon that shows you any wireless networks being broadcast around you. It also shows you the strength of the signal and indicates if they are locked or unlocked networks. Without passwords you are not able to connect to locked networks.
We initially had some problem trying to get the antenna to activate without some frustration. Their instructions aren’t very clear when it comes to problem solving. Two of us from SMUG had the same initiation problem. We both reinstalled the software multiple times thinking that was our problem. After contact with one of their technicians, the problem was solved. A better step-by-step set of installation instructions would help.
After I got it working and rotating the antenna around to different directions, my list of wireless neighborhood networks jumped from my usual three to eight. Two of the networks were unlocked and, just to test it’s connection ability, I was able to log onto one of them. The nearest home is about 200 feet from me.
Comparing my Wi-Fire in home signal strength to my MacBook’s Airport signal strength (about 40 feet from my router) did not show any significant difference. Trying the unit at our SMUG meeting did not show any networks other than what is available inside the building.
The unit is now on loan to one of our members to try in an outdoor camping location near Oscoda, Michigan. He said his normal reception signal is pretty low so he thought it would be a good test location for the Wi-Fire. Our UG chairman tried it at a hotel on a recent trip. She did get a signal from the hotel’s wireless network. When the unit is returned, we want another SMUG member to test it in his apartment in an assisted living facility.
Would it be of value to you? If you are on the fringe range of a wireless signal it will offer you a significant increase in your ability to connect. In your own home of average size, I doubt it will significantly increase your reception. If you’re a traveller accessing hot spots, live in a college dorm or assisted living facility, or have a municipally available network it could help you pick up a reliable signal. Remember that it does not offer any ability to connect to a wireless signal that is password protected unless you have the password.
The company is offering a special 20% off of the regular price of $49.00 to User Group members through August 31, 2010. Contact admin@smug1.com for the discount code.
For more info on Wi-Fire, go to: http://www.hfield.com/the-wi-fire