User's Manual

3
Section 2
INSTALLATION AND CONFIGURATION
Before you install any USB device, you should be sure that the computer has USB
support enabled. Most computers today with USB ports also have support enabled, but
if you encounter problems, you may need to check this setting in the computer’s BIOS.
The manual that came with your computer or motherboard should include instructions
on how to check the setting.
You can attach a USB device while your computer is on or off; either way, Windows will
detect the device and enable its drivers, or start the “Add New Hardware” Wizard.
For the most reliable operation of the Emerald USB Antenna, you should install the
drivers first, and then the Client Manager.
2.1 Hardware Setup
The most important aspect of setting up the Emerald USB Antenna hardware is optimal
positioning of the flat panel antenna. The ORiNOCO Client Manager that comes with
the Emerald USB Antenna has a signal strength indicator. You can use this Windows
software to display the received Signal Strength, and use the readings to aim the
antenna. Before you can do this, you have to install the Emerald USB Antenna drivers
and Client Manager software. If you use this method, it is easier to have one person
monitoring the Client Manager and one person aiming the antenna, until you find the
ideal position for it.
Warning: The antenna(s) used for this transmitter must be fixed-mounted on
outdoor permanent structures with a separation distance of at least 2 meters from
all persons and must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other
antenna or transmitter. Users and installers must be provided with antenna
installation instructions and transmitter operating conditions for satisfying RF
exposure compliance.
If you are using an ORiNOCO Access Point, then the Link Test will show not only the
signal from the Access Point, but also your signal as received by the Access Point.
You might choose to determine the signal strength at a client site before you install the
Emerald USB Antenna. Use a YDI Diamond WLAN Card (or equivalent*) in a laptop
computer, connected to a YDI FP18 Flat Panel Antenna. This will give you a signal
strength reading and facilitate aiming the antenna. Place the FP18 Antenna where you
intend to place the Emerald USB Antenna. Use the WLAN Card’s signal strength
indicator to measure Signal Strength, and use the measurements to aim the FP18
Antenna. When you have found the best position for the antenna, make a note of
exactly how the FP18 is aimed and then replace it with the Emerald USB Antenna.