Microsoft Windows automatically names any new wifi adaptor in this way (auto-incrementing the number for each new connection) and it can be confusing to remember which one is your long range wifi adaptor and which one is your laptop’s internal wifi adaptor. However, it is possible to rename these connections and give them a more memorable name. To do this in Vista or Win7, go to the “Network and Sharing Center” and click on the “Manage Network Connections” (for Vista) or “Change Adaptor Settings” (for Win 7). Right Click on the network connection you want to rename and select “Rename” from the menu. You can then change this to “Digital Yacht Wifi Adaptor” or any other suitable name that you find easier to remember.   

Although VHF benefits from being mounted at the top of the mast to get maximum “line of sight” range, Wifi reception is over much shorter distances and height is not the critical factor. Most marina hotspots are at roof height and even with your own wifi antenna at deck level, good reception should be possible. In areas with big tides, a more common situation is where the boat drops below the harbour wall and this acts as a big barrier to the signals getting to the hotspot. However, every marina is different and finding an antenna location that will give optimum performance in every marina is an impossible task. In very popular marinas the more likely factor to effect performance will be the number of masts and obstructions between your antenna and the hotspot. Each mast and obstruction will reflect and bounce the wifi signals around reducing range and link quality. Finally remember that microwave ovens and radar operate on the same frequency range so avoid having these devices turned on when using your wifi adaptor.

The WL50 and WL400 units are supplied with 5m of USB cable and this is actually the maximum cable length specified by the USB standard. All Digital Yacht adaptors take their power from the USB interface so extending the cable using USB powered extenders or powered USB hubs can also be problematic. Digital Yacht recommend only fitting one powered extender or hub, therefore limiting the total USB cable run to 10m. If your installation requires a longer cable run, then our WL500 unit is the best solution as this is supplied with 10m of coax cable to the antenna and a 2m USB lead which could be swapped for a 5m lead plus a powered extender taking the total USB + Coax cable run to 10+10 = 20m.