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, Unleashed and Zone?
Learn about differences and applications for Xtreme, Express, Zone, Unleashed
The 'Apply' button isn't working. I can't change hotpots!
A recent upgrade to the Mozilla browser engine (used by Firefox, Chrome and Opera browsers) has resulted in a compatibility issue. You can use Internet Explorer (on PC) or Safari (on MAC) which operate correctly, or you can upgrade the firmware for your Xtreme or Express. Find it here.
What's the BAD BOY's power output?
Xtreme
and Express
Both 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.
Unleashed
and Unleashed HP
Unleashed outputs 22 dBm (160mW)
EIRP creating a localized rebroadcast
zone in its immediate area.
Unleashed HP outputs 36 dBm (4W)
EIRP creating a large rebroadcast
zone. Depending on surrounding
characteristics, coverage can be
a few miles in size.
Zone
Outputs 36 dBm (4W)
EIRP creating a large Wi-Fi
zone. Coverage can be up to few
miles in size.
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 on a stable platform and a similarly equipped and capable access point at the other end with clear line of sight, distances of greater than 30 miles (50km) can be achieved. Tight alignment in the vertical beam must exist to get this maximum range. In the real world, a directional antenna is not at all suited for a mobile installation. The use of an omni-directional antenna will provide ranges that are more than acceptable and 100s of times greater than a what typical laptop is capable of. 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.
Unleashed HP: This product also rebroadcasts the received signals from Xtreme and Express for local use, however the maximum range can be in miles.
Zone: This product broadcasts Wi-Fi creating a Hi-Power hotspot. The maximum range can be in miles.
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 75' 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. Since the cable caries data instead of RF signal, 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. USB cables are
generally not weatherproof. 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 Xtreme/Express. If you have the Unleashed option, they are reversible. Without the Unleashed option, the end for the computer is closest to the black power splice box with the red and black power leads. This is because the cable carries power for the BAD BOY devices and power should not be present on the cable end that plugs into the computer.
What is the small packet of what looks like grease?
The outdoor environment, especially in salt air, is hard on electronics and wiring. We supply a small packet of dielectric corrosion inhibitor 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. Use sparingly - too much can result in connector pin float and loss of pin contact.
I just need a few more feet of cable. Can I extend the cable?
Yes. The cable is
standard Cat5 wiring so any 8
conductor Cat5 cable should work. Simply add a
coupler and the length of patch
cable needed. These are inexpensive and
available at any computer store.
There should be no need to
extend the cable at the BAD
BOY end. If for some reason
you need to extend this, it is
recommended to use outdoor, UV
protected Cat5e cable and couple
through our junction box
applying a small amount of
silicone dielectric to the
terminal strip to inhibit wire
corrosion.
The kit you received has the
power disconnected in the black
power splice box for the
computer cable end. When adding
the Unleashed option, power must
be enabled onto the cable for
it. This is done by opening the
splice box and connecting the
blue and brown wire pairs to the
terminal strip matching colour
to the existing wires. Refer to
your Unleashed Installation
Guide for more information.
I
connected the Unleashed to the cable
but there's no power indication
on the Unleashed?