Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Below you will find answers to the most commonly asked questions on our BAD BOY as well as general Wi-Fi topics.

What're the differences between BAD BOY Xtreme, Express and Unleashed?

Learn more about the differences and applications for Xtreme, Express, Unleashed and Zone

What's the BAD BOY's power output?

Both the Xtreme and Express have a maximum device power output of 1W (1000mW) and an antenna output of 36 dBm (4W) EIRP when used with a 6dBi antenna. Higher gain antennas can increase EIRP but work reliably only on stable platforms. On a boat at anchor, using a higher gain antenna with its thinner vertical signal patterns can cause higher data drop rates as the boat rocks and moves about. Also FCC regulations require a reduction in transmit power as the antenna gain exceeds 6dBi and device power is at 1W, thus negating the effective range of a higher gain antenna.

The Unleashed outputs 26 dBm (400mW) EIRP creating a localized rebroadcast zone in its immediate area.

I note that the device gets warm. Is this normal?

Yes. As with all electronic devices that have high power output, they will get warm, not hot, to the touch.

What are the ranges for the BAD BOY?

With a highly focused directional antenna and a similarly equipped and capable access point at the other end, distances of greater than 30 miles (50km) can be achieved. In reality though, a directional antenna is not at all suited to mobile installation and the use of an omni-directional antenna will reduce the distances considerably but still provide ranges that are more than acceptable and 100s of times greater than a what typical laptop is capable of. In addition, a line of sight and alignment in the vertical beam must exist to get maximum range. The following should be considered in determining your maximum potential range: Installation height, Line of sight, Access Point power and location.

Xtreme: With a suitable exterior access point with proper antenna and a clean line of sight, distances of 2+ miles (3km) is easily achievable. Distances of 5+ miles are also possible when connecting with a properly provisioned and capable hotspot.

Express: Comparable to Xtreme when mounted in the same location. Distances will be reduced when mounted at lower heights. See Note below.

Unleashed: As this product rebroadcasts the received signals from Xtreme and Express for local use, the maximum range is a few hundred feet.

Connecting to a hotspot access point device commonly sold by electronic retailers for home use (i.e. low power indoor table top Wi-Fi router), having obstructions or low antenna location will see distances reduced.

Note: While the Xtreme and Express both have the same power output, the difference in distance is due to installation location. The Xtreme is intended for permanent installation such as mast top mounting.

Can I add my own wireless router?

Yes. A wireless router can be connected to the BAD BOY to create your own private hotspot. Keep in mind that both the Xtreme and Express already have a built-in router and you should disable the routing functionality of your wireless device. Often, this is accomplished by simply plugging the BAD BOYs cable into one of the LAN ports, not the WAN or Internet port. Refer to your device manufacturer's product manual. Due to the number of different retail router models available on the market, we cannot assist you in the setup of your wireless router.

Generally, you will need to give your wireless router an SSID and select a working channel (1, 6 or 11) at a minimum. You should also set security settings such as WAP and create a key or password that you will use to access it from your wireless laptop or device. You will then log onto your wireless private network using your SSID and security settings.

We would encourage you to consider our BAD BOY Unleashed which is designed to provide this capability and works seamlessly with Xtreme and Express. Simply plug the cable end into BAD BOY Unleashed and you're ready - no additional cabling is needed.

What's the best location for installation?

Any location that provides a clear line of sight to the access point's antenna will be a good location. For example, if a marina has their antenna located on their club house roof (as is usually the case), mounting the antenna on the mast will provide a clear, unobstructed line of sight and an excellent connection since the signal will not have to pass through fiberglass hulls, around metal masts or be absorbed by water. Installing on a rail is excellent when greater range is not a factor, for example when docked or anchored close to the access point. Generally, when it comes to range, a BAD BOY installed at the top of a mast show far superior results over rail mounted.

What length of cable should I order for mounting at the top of my mast?

As a guide, roughly take the mast height, add half the mast height and then add 12. So say you have a 35 ft mast. This roughly needs 35' up the mast, 6' as working length in and around mast top and bottom, 17' (~1/2 mast height) to get to the Nav station and another 6' as working length below decks. Total: 64'. The 80' cabling option will be the one for you. Situations may be different for you, so it's always safest to have more cable than be caught short. Excess cable can be removed but there is no harm or performance penalty in coiling and leaving extra.

Can the BAD BOY have more than one computer connected at the same time?

Yes. While the BAD BOY provides only a single ethernet port, it does have a full router complete with DHCP server built-in. By simply adding a low cost networking switch, any number of additional computers can be ethernet connected. No need to set up connection sharing on one of the computers and have it booted up all the time. Better still, using the optional BAD BOY Unleashed will allow you to connect multiple computers wirelessly - no messy cables to tangle with.

Are the BAD BOYs suited to permanent outside installation?

Yes. When properly installed, the Xtreme, Express and Unleashed are completely sealed against the weather and operate in both summer and winter temperatures just about anywhere in the world.

Where do the BAD BOYs work?

Anywhere in the world. Wherever a Wi-Fi hotspot can be found.

I see that you are recommending a 6dBi antenna. Why?

Our company also installs Wi-Fi networks at marinas and yacht clubs. We created the BAD BOY series of products based on customer needs. While range is important, the truth is that most of the time you will be less than 1 mile from the hotspot. After extensive testing with 6, 8, and 12 dBi antennas it was determined that the best signal radiation pattern was produced by a 6 dBi omni-antenna. Marina Wi-Fi antennas are mounted high up (club house roofs, towers) and pointed down to provide the best clear line of sight for everyone. The higher gain antenna's signal patterns are too flat and may not reach the higher hotspot antenna. Indeed, often the higher gain antenna connects with the more distant access point across the harbour and experiences reduced connection quality due to the forest of metal the signal must pass through.

Additionally, Federal Communications Commission regulation FCC Part 15.247 defines power limitations for Wi-Fi and requires that as antenna gain exceeds 6dBi, there must be a reduction in device output power. This then has the effect of negating any benefit that a higher gain antenna offers. Many other countries have similar rules.

Learn more about antennas and Wi-Fi range.

Why does the BAD BOY connect via the ethernet port?

Currently, there are multiple choices for connecting to a computer, but only two are viable: USB and ethernet ports. For data transmission, both are more than adequate.

USB:
These ports require software to be installed before a device can operate. And different operating systems will require different software. The USB port can provide power as well but is limited to 500mA per port. Any USB powered Wi-Fi device capable of 1W or more output power will likely draw power in excess of this limit. Some products use 2 USB ports to double up the power. Another down side is that the battery in the laptop will need to provide this power resulting in the laptop's battery becoming depleted much more rapidly. USB is limited by design to about 16 ft (5m) although cable extenders are available and may work without difficulty. Networking of multiple computers is not directly possible, but can be done through software on one computer and sharing its connection.

Ethernet:
By using the ethernet port, all computers can be operational with the BAD BOY right away since all the software needed is already built into the operating system. No software needs to be installed as all settings are made through the computer's web browser. The BAD BOY uses 10-20V Power-Over-Ethernet (PoE), so does not deplete the laptop's battery. Since the ethernet port is designed for networking, connecting multiple wired computers simultaneously becomes a snap.

What's the longest distance that the BAD BOY can be from a wired computer?

Some devices on the market only provide a limited distance that they can be from the laptop. This is due to the technology that they use. When connected to a computer's ethernet port, BAD BOY can be set up and installed as much as 300 feet (90m) away from the computer. Even further with the Unleashed option. So putting the antenna at the top of a mast for better reception becomes a reality. Distances beyond 300 feet (90m) can be easily achieved by additional hardware (networking switches).

How do I disable my laptop’s internal Wi-Fi device?

Any computer should not have more than one Wi-Fi device connected to the internet at a time. Doing so potentially allows for hackers to use your computer to gain access to other networks and bypassing security.

To disable an internal Wi-Fi device, often the computer itself will have a hardware switch to turn it off. Alternatively, you can disable the device in the network connections page. Refer to your laptop's operating system manual for specifics. Remember to remove any cards that may be in the PCMIA slot to save power. Follow these directions for Windows XP: Start > Settings > Control Panel > Network Connections. Then locate the internal wireless connection and right-click. Select the first option Disable. To re-enable the internal device just do the same thing and select Enable. 

The connectors at both ends appear the same. Which goes where? Does it matter?

One end of the cable is intended to connect to the computer (or laptop, etc.) and the other connects to the BAD BOY device. They are reversible. The end for the computer is hooded and will have the red and black power leads junction close to it. The BAD BOY Xtreme/Express device end of the cable is non-hooded. The hooded end can alternatively be connected to the optional BAD BOY Unleashed for wire free operation.

What is the small packet of grease for?

The outdoor environment, especially in salt air, is hard on electronics and wiring. We supply a small packet of dielectric grease to put on the connector for the BAD BOY device and cable connector to inhibit corrosion. This should ensure years of trouble free operation. It should not be needed for the cable connector at the computer end.

I just need a few more feet of cable. Can I extend the cable?