PCI Wireless

[Stephen Coates]

Are there any simple guides around on how to set up a PCI wireless card on an A1200 with a Mediator?

Also, are there any tips on what cards work/don't work?

That's if PCI wireless is even possible.

I currently have it set up with a Realtek PCI ethernet card which works well, but I would like to change to wireless so I can use the system without uncoiling an extremely long ethernet cable.

Using a PCMCIA card isn't really possible as the tower case prevents it.

Thanks
Steve

[J T]

As an alternative, what about using one of those external wireless bridge or access point thingy-bobs, that you pre-configure to talk to your wireless router? I can't remember the proper name for them, but then you could use carry on using your existing realtek card in the 1200. It's not ideal, as it introduces some more cables and messing, but might be useful for other devices getting online without the long ethernet cable. I think they can be had pretty cheaply, and I've heard of people using them for xbox 360s (the official wireless dongle is ridonkulousky overpriced). Possibly an alternative?

[Stephen Coates]

Thanks for the suggestion JT. I did know a bit about those a few years ago but have since forgotten. I will look into it as a possible option.

[Puni/Void]

I'm currently using a PCMCIA Wireless LAN solution from Amigakit (http://amigakit.leamancomputing.com/...roducts_id=121), but I know that they have a PCI card as well. I've used a PCI WLAN card from them in the SAM440EP. I believe this card might work with the Mediator as well.

Sadly I can't find it for sale anymore. Maybe you could send an enquiry to Amigakit about the card?

As for setting it up, I believe the card comes with the EasyNet installation system from Amigakit.

[Harrison]

You mention you cannot use a PCMCIA wireless card because of your tower case. However, many people do using a 90 degree PCMCIA port adapter, then you can plug it in along the bottom of the case.

Failing that, I know that compatible wireless cards normally have to be based on the Prism chipsets, so that is a start. I remember finding a good list of compatible cards a long time ago when I was hunting for one for my A1200. Maybe it was on Wikipedia. I should have it bookmarked somewhere and will have a look later for you.

[Stephen Coates]

You mention you cannot use a PCMCIA wireless card because of your tower case. However, many people do using a 90 degree PCMCIA port adapter, then you can plug it in along the bottom of the case.

Failing that, I know that compatible wireless cards normally have to be based on the Prism chipsets, so that is a start. I remember finding a good list of compatible cards a long time ago when I was hunting for one for my A1200. Maybe it was on Wikipedia. I should have it bookmarked somewhere and will have a look later for you.

The right angle adaptor is a possibility, but a rather expensive one. Plus I would have to get another PCMCIA card, as the WaveLAN card which I have now is used regularly in my PowerBooks.

The WaveLAN card is Prism based so it is not surprising that Prism cards should work. I'll have a look round for one.