Fry's cheapie: Airlink AWL5025 $15

Like I need another wifi product, I got this usb wifi at Fry's for
hacking (in the true sense of the word) purposes.

The FCC links are
https://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/oet/f...ive_or_pdf=pdf
https://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/oet/f...ive_or_pdf=pdf
https://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/oet/f...ive_or_pdf=pdf
https://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/oet/f...ive_or_pdf=pdf
https://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/oet/f...ive_or_pdf=pdf

I have no idea if these links are for my session only or will always
call up this product. For some reason, it doesn't show up when you
search for the FCC ID, which is MXF-U940930G
However, if you search for the manufacturers ID (MXF), then show all
items, this model shows up eventually. I set up the search to display
100 at a time, then used the search feature in the browser to find the
link.

(E-Mail Removed) hath wroth:

>Like I need another wifi product, I got this usb wifi at Fry's for
>hacking (in the true sense of the word) purposes.
>
>The FCC links are
>https://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/oet/f...ive_or_pdf=pdf
>https://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/oet/f...ive_or_pdf=pdf
>https://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/oet/f...ive_or_pdf=pdf
>https://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/oet/f...ive_or_pdf=pdf
>https://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/oet/f...ive_or_pdf=pdf
>
>I have no idea if these links are for my session only or will always
>call up this product. For some reason, it doesn't show up when you
>search for the FCC ID, which is MXF-U940930G
>However, if you search for the manufacturers ID (MXF), then show all
>items, this model shows up eventually. I set up the search to display
>100 at a time, then used the search feature in the browser to find the
>link.
--
Jeff Liebermann (E-Mail Removed)
150 Felker St #D http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
Santa Cruz CA 95060 http://802.11junk.com
Skype: JeffLiebermann AE6KS 831-336-2558

(E-Mail Removed) hath wroth:

>Like I need another wifi product, I got this usb wifi at Fry's for
>hacking (in the true sense of the word) purposes.
>
>The FCC links are
>https://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/oet/f...ive_or_pdf=pdf
>https://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/oet/f...ive_or_pdf=pdf
>https://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/oet/f...ive_or_pdf=pdf
>https://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/oet/f...ive_or_pdf=pdf
>https://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/oet/f...ive_or_pdf=pdf
>
>I have no idea if these links are for my session only or will always
>call up this product.

The links work just fine. They're assorted photos and data for a
Gemtek USB 802.11g wireless client. It's a dual antenna (diversity)
system, where one of the antennas is external and the other is on the
circuit board. The FCC Data mumbles MIMO, but I don't think so.

>For some reason, it doesn't show up when you
>search for the FCC ID, which is MXF-U940930G

That's because the FCC ID search page has been broken since it was
introduced.

>However, if you search for the manufacturers ID (MXF), then show all
>items, this model shows up eventually. I set up the search to display
>100 at a time, then used the search feature in the browser to find the
>link.

Yep. That's exactly what I do.

I have no experience with the Gemtek USB client. Sorry.

--
Jeff Liebermann (E-Mail Removed)
150 Felker St #D http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
Santa Cruz CA 95060 http://802.11junk.com
Skype: JeffLiebermann AE6KS 831-336-2558

Jeff Liebermann wrote:
> (E-Mail Removed) hath wroth:
>
> >Like I need another wifi product, I got this usb wifi at Fry's for
> >hacking (in the true sense of the word) purposes.
> >
> >The FCC links are
> >https://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/oet/f...ive_or_pdf=pdf
> >https://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/oet/f...ive_or_pdf=pdf
> >https://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/oet/f...ive_or_pdf=pdf
> >https://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/oet/f...ive_or_pdf=pdf
> >https://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/oet/f...ive_or_pdf=pdf
> >
> >I have no idea if these links are for my session only or will always
> >call up this product.
>
> The links work just fine. They're assorted photos and data for a
> Gemtek USB 802.11g wireless client. It's a dual antenna (diversity)
> system, where one of the antennas is external and the other is on the
> circuit board. The FCC Data mumbles MIMO, but I don't think so.
>
> >For some reason, it doesn't show up when you
> >search for the FCC ID, which is MXF-U940930G
>
> That's because the FCC ID search page has been broken since it was
> introduced.
>
> >However, if you search for the manufacturers ID (MXF), then show all
> >items, this model shows up eventually. I set up the search to display
> >100 at a time, then used the search feature in the browser to find the
> >link.
>
> Yep. That's exactly what I do.
>
> I have no experience with the Gemtek USB client. Sorry.
>
> --
> Jeff Liebermann (E-Mail Removed)
> 150 Felker St #D http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
> Santa Cruz CA 95060 http://802.11junk.com
> Skype: JeffLiebermann AE6KS 831-336-2558

I plugged it into my x64 system and it found a driver. [The Airlink 101
items I've bought thus far have had 64 drivers to my amazement.]
Netstumbler can't use it. The supplied site survey software works.
I'll have to test it on my own system since all my neighbors have
turned on encryption. [That wasn't always the case. ;-)]

Next up is to put a small RF connector on it. [The B mode is 50mw. Not
too shabby.]

(E-Mail Removed) wrote:
> Jeff Liebermann wrote:
> > (E-Mail Removed) hath wroth:
> > >For some reason, it doesn't show up when you
> > >search for the FCC ID, which is MXF-U940930G
> > That's because the FCC ID search page has been broken since it was
> > introduced.

I have had this happen to me, usually after saving a bookmark into one of
the links from a previous successful search.
Try clearing the cache in your browser, and begin a new search from one of
the top level forms.
https://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/oet/c...ericSearch.cfm

> I plugged it into my x64 system and it found a driver. [The Airlink 101
> items I've bought thus far have had 64 drivers to my amazement.]

That's my favorite way to install any Wifi device since WinXP-SP2. It used
to be a bad idea, but now it works well, often better than the latest
drivers from the labelled vendor.

> Netstumbler can't use it. The supplied site survey software works.

I thought NetStumbler worked with about anything, if you set it as NDIS5.
I think my Netgear WG511 is one of those, but I can't recall.

Is this "Airlink AWLL5025 MIMO USB XR 802.11g Wireless USB Adapter "?
You left off an "L". Or is the $15 unit missing an "L"? ;-)
http://shop3.outpost.com/product/4703779 $29.99

--
---
Clarence A Dold - Hidden Valley Lake, CA, USA GPS: 38.8,-122.5

(E-Mail Removed) wrote:
> (E-Mail Removed) wrote:
> > Jeff Liebermann wrote:
> > > (E-Mail Removed) hath wroth:
> > > >For some reason, it doesn't show up when you
> > > >search for the FCC ID, which is MXF-U940930G
> > > That's because the FCC ID search page has been broken since it was
> > > introduced.
>
> I have had this happen to me, usually after saving a bookmark into one of
> the links from a previous successful search.
> Try clearing the cache in your browser, and begin a new search from one of
> the top level forms.
> https://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/oet/c...ericSearch.cfm
>
> > I plugged it into my x64 system and it found a driver. [The Airlink 101
> > items I've bought thus far have had 64 drivers to my amazement.]
>
> That's my favorite way to install any Wifi device since WinXP-SP2. It used
> to be a bad idea, but now it works well, often better than the latest
> drivers from the labelled vendor.
>
> > Netstumbler can't use it. The supplied site survey software works.
>
> I thought NetStumbler worked with about anything, if you set it as NDIS5.
> I think my Netgear WG511 is one of those, but I can't recall.
>
> Is this "Airlink AWLL5025 MIMO USB XR 802.11g Wireless USB Adapter "?
> You left off an "L". Or is the $15 unit missing an "L"? ;-)
> http://shop3.outpost.com/product/4703779 $29.99
>
> --
> ---
> Clarence A Dold - Hidden Valley Lake, CA, USA GPS: 38.8,-122.5

Yes, I left out one of the L's, i.e. it is AWLL5025.

I'm running 0.4.0. It finds the airlink box in the devices section,
declares it NDIS5, but the adapter not present icon flashes at the
bottom of the screen.

I opened the box up last night. Pluck the rubber feet and remove 4
screws. The pcb just drops into the plastic should you want to put it
in a different enclosure. [Plastic until you don't want mimo.] The
antenna is held on by soldering the coax. I'm going to replace it with
a SMA jack.

http://www.ralinktech.com/supp-1.htm

got the AWLL5025 from local Frys for $19 + tax. The survey site
software detects a total 6 networks in my ghetto neighborhood, my
WRT54G running DD-WRT in client mode with 100mW of TX-power and 9dBi
ruber duck omni can do no better...

Netstumbler works with this adapter but cannot detect SSID of some
stations, Cain&Abel do all...

i gave my brother the PCI version of this RaLink-based adapter, the
AWLH5025 PCI which i also paid $19, and it can see more networks than
his D-Link DWL-G520M MIMO PCI, which he returned to CompUSA for $100
back

heck... i even bough the Atheros-based AWLH4030 PCI, paid $14 at Frys,
that can run Commview for WiFi.

oh and by the way, wireshark. formely ethereal, says the TX-power of
this card is 100mW!!!

cheers

(E-Mail Removed) wrote:
> Jeff Liebermann wrote:
> > (E-Mail Removed) hath wroth:
> >
> > >Like I need another wifi product, I got this usb wifi at Fry's for
> > >hacking (in the true sense of the word) purposes.
> > >
> > >The FCC links are
> > >https://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/oet/f...ive_or_pdf=pdf
> > >https://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/oet/f...ive_or_pdf=pdf
> > >https://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/oet/f...ive_or_pdf=pdf
> > >https://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/oet/f...ive_or_pdf=pdf
> > >https://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/oet/f...ive_or_pdf=pdf
> > >
> > >I have no idea if these links are for my session only or will always
> > >call up this product.
> >
> > The links work just fine. They're assorted photos and data for a
> > Gemtek USB 802.11g wireless client. It's a dual antenna (diversity)
> > system, where one of the antennas is external and the other is on the
> > circuit board. The FCC Data mumbles MIMO, but I don't think so.
> >
> > >For some reason, it doesn't show up when you
> > >search for the FCC ID, which is MXF-U940930G
> >
> > That's because the FCC ID search page has been broken since it was
> > introduced.
> >
> > >However, if you search for the manufacturers ID (MXF), then show all
> > >items, this model shows up eventually. I set up the search to display
> > >100 at a time, then used the search feature in the browser to find the
> > >link.
> >
> > Yep. That's exactly what I do.
> >
> > I have no experience with the Gemtek USB client. Sorry.
> >
> > --
> > Jeff Liebermann (E-Mail Removed)
> > 150 Felker St #D http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
> > Santa Cruz CA 95060 http://802.11junk.com
> > Skype: JeffLiebermann AE6KS 831-336-2558
>
> I plugged it into my x64 system and it found a driver. [The Airlink 101
> items I've bought thus far have had 64 drivers to my amazement.]
> Netstumbler can't use it. The supplied site survey software works.
> I'll have to test it on my own system since all my neighbors have
> turned on encryption. [That wasn't always the case. ;-)]
>
> Next up is to put a small RF connector on it. [The B mode is 50mw. Not
> too shabby.]

(E-Mail Removed) hath wroth:

>got the AWLL5025 from local Frys for $19 + tax. The survey site
>software detects a total 6 networks in my ghetto neighborhood, my
>WRT54G running DD-WRT in client mode with 100mW of TX-power and 9dBi
>ruber duck omni can do no better...
>
>Netstumbler works with this adapter but cannot detect SSID of some
>stations, Cain&Abel do all...
>
>i gave my brother the PCI version of this RaLink-based adapter, the
>AWLH5025 PCI which i also paid $19, and it can see more networks than
>his D-Link DWL-G520M MIMO PCI, which he returned to CompUSA for $100
>back
>
>heck... i even bough the Atheros-based AWLH4030 PCI, paid $14 at Frys,
>that can run Commview for WiFi.
>
>oh and by the way, wireshark. formely ethereal, says the TX-power of
>this card is 100mW!!!

Which one? The spec sheet says that the AWLL5025 belches +13dBm
(20mw) for 802.11g and +17dBm (50mw) for 802.11b.
<http://www.airlink101.com/products/awll5025.html>

The AWLH4030 PCI is about the same at 10-14dBm (10-25mw) for 802.11g
and +18dBm (63mw) for 802.11b.
<http://www.airlink101.com/products/awlh4030.html>

So it is written, so it must be.

Wireshark and Wi-Fi Hopper both claim my HP laptops Broadcom something
MiniPCI card puts out 1300mw. What's happening is the NDIS5 function
call that returns the tx power from the driver is returning garbage.




--
Jeff Liebermann (E-Mail Removed)
150 Felker St #D http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
Santa Cruz CA 95060 http://802.11junk.com
Skype: JeffLiebermann AE6KS 831-336-2558

oh, i mean the USB AWLL5025 card and the PCI AWLH5025 too, wireshark
won't return the TX-power value for the AWLH4030 PCI, the program also
notes that the accuracy of the returned values solely depend on the
card's drivers

so the broadcom miniPCI driver says it's got 1300mW... but why 1300mW
and not 3100mW? well, i have another theory beside thinking garbage
values being returned..

1300mW is about 31dBm!!! and i dont see why wifi cards cannot have
exactly that much of TX power. the FCC part 15 states that the limit
for 2.4GHz non-channel-hopping radios is 1000mW (or 30dBm) provided it
is attached to an antenna of 6dBi gain or less.... and for every 3dBi
increase in antenna gain, the TX power has to be reduced by 1dBm.
nothing further about the variations of radios+antennas
configuration...

but here comes the creative thinking.. from there, one may deductively
conclude that if the radio is permanently attached to a 3dbi antenna or
less, then its maximum TX power can be legally increased to 31dBi!!!

i suspect that notebooks manufactures been doing this with their OEM
wifi cards, especially with those miniPCIs, to keep their customers
happy.... of course, those cards are not intended for desktop use,
obviously, never to be sold as a part of a "highpower wardriving kit",
or to be sold seperately at all, even if they are hard coded to a
specific channel within the 2.4GHz spectrum

the wireless networking section at Frys, compared to other sections,
has the most returned items from pissed off customer who bought
brand-name wifi devices that put out 30mW... lol

cheers


Jeff Liebermann wrote:

> >oh and by the way, wireshark. formely ethereal, says the TX-power of
> >this card is 100mW!!!
>
> Which one? The spec sheet says that the AWLL5025 belches +13dBm
> (20mw) for 802.11g and +17dBm (50mw) for 802.11b.
> <http://www.airlink101.com/products/awll5025.html>
>
> The AWLH4030 PCI is about the same at 10-14dBm (10-25mw) for 802.11g
> and +18dBm (63mw) for 802.11b.
> <http://www.airlink101.com/products/awlh4030.html>
>
> So it is written, so it must be.
>
> Wireshark and Wi-Fi Hopper both claim my HP laptops Broadcom something
> MiniPCI card puts out 1300mw. What's happening is the NDIS5 function
> call that returns the tx power from the driver is returning garbage.
>
>
>
>
> --
> Jeff Liebermann (E-Mail Removed)
> 150 Felker St #D http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
> Santa Cruz CA 95060 http://802.11junk.com
> Skype: JeffLiebermann AE6KS 831-336-2558

(E-Mail Removed) wrote:
> got the AWLL5025 from local Frys for $19 + tax. The survey site
> software detects a total 6 networks in my ghetto neighborhood, my
> WRT54G running DD-WRT in client mode with 100mW of TX-power and 9dBi
> ruber duck omni can do no better...
>
> Netstumbler works with this adapter but cannot detect SSID of some
> stations, Cain&Abel do all...
>
> i gave my brother the PCI version of this RaLink-based adapter, the
> AWLH5025 PCI which i also paid $19, and it can see more networks than
> his D-Link DWL-G520M MIMO PCI, which he returned to CompUSA for $100
> back
>
> heck... i even bough the Atheros-based AWLH4030 PCI, paid $14 at Frys,
> that can run Commview for WiFi.
>
> oh and by the way, wireshark. formely ethereal, says the TX-power of
> this card is 100mW!!!
>
> cheers

Mine (USB ralink) didn't work with netstumbler. :-(

I opened mine up and yanked the antenna. I cut some hardline with a SMA
on one end and plan on mating the two. It looks doable. [The idea is it
is cheaper and better to use a USB cable to position the radio rather
than have the loss in the coax.]

I also built a new biquad using what might be a time saving trick.
Instead of trying to shove coax into copper pipe to do the feed, I cut
the top (threaded part) off of a female to female N adapter with a
hacksaw. Now I have N connector and a feed in one step. I cut a hole in
the copper plate using a cheap ass Harbor Freight stepped drill bit.
[The drill bit set is about the only good thing I ever bought there.]

I made the loop as a circle rather than having corners. Get copper wire
and mark out two sequential segments 122mm in length. Don't start from
the end, but give yourself some working room so you can grab the free
end of the wire. I then wrapped the wire around a PVC adapter that was
close to the proper diameter to get the shape. Then you bend the wire
in the center to form one common point of the biquad loop. Trim the
wire at the other marks and solder to the center feed of the hacked N
to N adapter. Yeah, I'll get around to photographing this. Next up is
fitting it to a Direct TV dish. [I couldn't find the Echo Star dish.]