| FAQ's |
How do I install a wireless
card?
Note: we recommend the USB type of wireless adapters instead of the card type. The USB
type are on a wire which allows you to move them around and get the best signal.You need to first install your device drivers. They are on the disk/CD that
came with your card. After installing your drivers, you will want to shut down your
computer, insert your wireless card, and restart. Your computer should detect new hardware
and offer to search for the correct drivers. It will find them, and you will be able to
use your new hardware. When setting up your wireless card, you will be asked for two
settings. The SSID needs to be set to coach (this must be all lower-case letters). The
mode needs to be set to Infrastructure. |
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How do I install a wireless USB
adapter?
Please read the directions that come with your adapter. Some of them require you to plug
the adapter in first, then insert the CD. Others require just the opposite. It is
important to adhere to the requirements for the particular device you have purchased. |
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What is the best type of adapter to use?
The first thing to know is that there are LOTS of choices and they change all the time.
The only requirement is that they be 802.11 b or g, and that they support your operating
system. In general, we recommend the USB type of devices because they are on a wire and
you can move them around to get the best signal. Make sure it matches your USB port (1.1
or 2.0.) However, some card type of adapters have the ability to plug in an external
antenna for better connection. There are also devices that can connect to your Ethernet
port and then to an external antenna. These require a bit more computer knowledge to set
up, but they can be worth it. For more information, you can email support@rbwifi.net |
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My Laptop has built-in Wi-Fi
capability. Will that work?
Maybe. First of all, make sure the internal Wi-Fi is turned on. On some laptops you
need to press a button or some keys to turn it on. If you are close enough to an Access
Point (the antennas that send the Internet signal out to the park), it should work fine.
If you are a distance from the Access Point, or are at a bad ‘angle’ it may not
work. Internal Wi-Fi adapters are intended for small indoor installations. For good
connections in an RV park you need more power for the distance and you need to be able to
point your antenna toward the Access Point antenna. It’s a 2-way radio, the signal
needs to get to you AND you need to be able to get your signal BACK. If your built-in
adapter doesn't work, you can purchase a USB adapter and use it, just make sure the
built-in one is turned off. |
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How does a wireless adapter
work?
Your wireless adapter works similarly to a wired network card. It sends and receives data
packets at high speeds. Instead of sending these packets down a wire, your card uses radio
signals (2.4 GHz) to communicate with our equipment. Raton Basin Wi-Fi’s "Access
Point" radios then send your data through our Wireless Backbone out to the internet.
It's a 2-way radio. The Access Point sends out a strong signal, and your adapter has to be
able to receive that signal AND send it BACK to the Access Point. |
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My network connection is
connected to coach, now what?
In order to log on to the service you must launch a browser (e.g. Internet Explorer,
Netscape, Firefox). You should see a login screen where you enter your username and
password. If you don't have an account yet, click on 'Signup'. Once you are logged in, you
can browse the Internet. |
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Does Raton Basin Wi-Fi install
anything on my computer?
NO! Anything you see that says 'Raton Basin Wi-Fi' is coming from the Web. All you
purchased from Raton Basin Wi-Fi is a Username and Password to use our wireless network as
your 'on-ramp' to the Internet. |
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Why do I get an error
message saying, “An error has occurred”
This usually means that the username and password you entered were not valid. Use the Back
button and reenter your username and password. It may also mean that your username and
password are already in use on another computer. Your username and password are only valid
for one computer at a time. If you want to use another computer, you need to log out of
the first one, or purchase another username. |
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Can I use my AOL software
with the Raton Basin Wi-Fi connection?
Absolutely. However, you must use a regular browser first in order to get the Raton Basin
Wi-Fi login page. Once you are logged in, you can do whatever you want with your Internet
connection, including running the AOL software. If your computer is accustomed to dialing
a phone number to get to AOL, you need to set up an AOL 'Location' to use the Broadband Internet connection. You
may also need to use your browser and click on Tools / Internet Options / Connections and
check the button for 'Never Dial a Connection'. |
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How do I update my equipment's
device drivers?
Periodically, equipment manufacturers will issue updates to existing device drivers. These
updates exist to enhance the performance of your equipment. Typically, such updates will
be posted to the manufacturer's website. From there, you will be able to download the
proper drivers. Installation instructions will be provided either on the website or with
the downloaded files. Simply follow the manufacturer's instructions. |
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How often should I update my
equipment's device drivers?
It is a good idea to update your drivers any time the manufacturer issues new drivers. New
drivers issued by the manufacturer often contain minor bug fixes and upgrades to existing
configuration software. However, if your equipment is running smoothly, there is no
immediate need to upgrade. |
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Can I change my hardware?
As long as the hardware you change to is compatible with Raton Basin Wi-Fi’s service,
you may change your hardware at any time. |
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Who do I call to support my
equipment?
For 802.11(b) wireless card support, please refer to the manufacturer's instructions for
support. |
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Can
I use my Macintosh with Airport to connect?
Yes
- absolutely the Macintosh with Airport should work just fine. You can read more on the
Apple website. The Airport is still a built-in adapter and will
be prone to the same issues as other built-in adapters. You may want to find an external
USB adapter that supports Macintosh in order to be able to position the adapter fora
better connection. |
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What do I do if
I have a slow connection?
Try doing a 'repair' (XP: right-click on network icon and choose repair )on your network
connection, it often helps. Slow speeds are often a result of heavy traffic elsewhere on
the internet. Often the speed of the server you are trying to access does not use as much
bandwidth as your connection is capable of handling. Also make sure your computer is clean
from Spyware as well as viruses. We have seen a lot of issues with spyware and viruses
slowing down and even disabling connections. |
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How can I increase my signal
strength?
Try doing a 'repair' (XP: right-click on network icon and choose repair )on your network
connection, it often helps. Check your surroundings for anything that might impede your
signal. Some things you may find that can interfere with wireless signals are pillars or
stanchions and potted plants. Also, several wireless devices on the market are built to
boost your signal. If your signal is not strong enough for your liking with your current
adapter, you might consider looking for an adapter with a greater signal gain, or the
ability to attach an external antenna. There are even outdoor antennas you can mount to
the roof of your RV. |
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What is the
minimum signal strength to get connected?
Use your signal meter only as a rough guide for troubleshooting. The signal you see
reported is only the signal being received. Realize that your adapter must be sending
signal strong enough to reach the Access Point in order to make a connection. There is no
absolute in these numbers and different adapters use different systems. Some use a scale
of 0 - 100% where others use a 'poor' 'good' 'very good' and 'excellent' rating scale. |
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Does a low signal strength mean
that I am connecting at a slower connection rate?
If you are experiencing slow connection speeds, low signal strength could be the cause.
However, low signal strength does not always mean slow speeds. If you are able to connect
at a reasonable rate, the signal strength is irrelevant. Try doing a 'repair' (XP:
right-click on network icon and choose repair )on your network connection, it often resets
the connection to it's best speed. |
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What is the normal connection
rate for my wireless account?
A Wi-Fi hotspot (like Raton Basin Wi-Fi) operates at the 802.11b speed of 11Mbps. This
refers to the speed within the local area network. That means data from your computer gets
to the Access Point at 11Mbps. However, the Internet connection to the hotspot determines
the maximum speed for browsing. If the hotspot is connected to a .5Mbps DSL line, then
.5Mbps will be your top possible download speed. Normal download speeds experienced in our
hotspots are 100 to 400kbps. |
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How do I know if I am connected
to the Internet?
If you open a browser (e.g. Internet Explorer, Netscape, Firefox) and you see the
CoachConnect login screen - you are connected to the Internet. That login page exists on
some web servers in Texas somewhere - it is not part of the local hotspot network. If you
are able to browse to various websites, then you are connected to the Internet! You will
only be able to browse after logging in. |
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Can I get a stable connection
using wireless technology?
If your adapter is close to the Access Point and there are no major obstructions, you can
experience a very stable connection. However, long distances, large obstructions, and
other devices on the same 2.4GHz radio frequency can interfere. Look at the specifications
on your adapter - it will tell you it's coverage area. For example, the popular ZyAir
B-200 USB adapter states an outdoor coverage area of 150M @ 11Mbps or 300M @ 5.5 Mbps. Our
network equipment will automatically adjust to the lower 5.5 Mbps connection speed to
adjust for your distance. Also be aware
that the condition of your computer is critical. Many people experience slow speeds and
dropped connections due to spyware and viruses on their computers. |
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What can I do if I lose my
connection?
Radio waves can be fickle and computers are easily confused. If you have been online and
it stops working, it may be just like cell phone call that got dropped and you need to
call again. To 'retry' your connection, there are a few things you can do. If you have XP,
you can right click on the connection icon  and choose 'Repair'. If that completes successfully, try to browse now. If
you still can't browse, close all open programs and reopen your browser. Make sure to try
a webpage you haven't been to in a while, browse to yahoo.com or google.com. If you get a
login page, go ahead and log in. If none of this has helped, restart your computer. |
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Why does my connection
speed fluctuate from 5.5 to 11 or 2 or 1?
Usually this means you are too far away from the Access Point. The adapter that goes on
your computer is designed to work at 11Mbps if it is close to the Access Point and to
negotiate a slower speed if it is further away. Obstructions between you and the Access
Point can also cause this, as well as Radio Frequency Interference. It's just like any
2-way radio system - it works best when the pair of radios are close together and have
'line-of-sight'. We have also discovered that certain viruses or spyware can cause the
same symptoms. |
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| Email Questions: |
I'm having trouble sending
email from Outlook or Outlook Express, why?
There are some issues with using Outlook, Outlook Express, Eudora, or any email client,
when you're traveling. We recommend using web-based email and you won't have these
problems. If you want to continue using Outlook, there is a setting in your email program
called 'Outgoing Server' or SMTP. This is probably set to your home Internet Service
Provider. When you are not connected to your home ISP, it doesn't know who you are and
might be rejecting your outgoing mail for fear of being liable for spammers. Find the
setting for your SMTP server and check the box that says 'My Server Requires
Authentication.' If that doesn't help, you need to contact your email service provider.
For more information, read this
and try the following links:
How to configure Outlook Express to send and receive E-mail while
traveling (Comcast's info)
How
to Configure Outlook Express 5.0-6.0 for SMTP Authentication (Earthlink's info)
How
do I use Microsoft Outlook Express 6 to read and send AOL e-mail?
Using Authenticated SMTP
with Juno
AT&T Worldnet Setup Instructions
Yahoo Mail
instructions |
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How do I get my AOL email?
Once you are connected and browsing the Internet, you can go to www.aol.com, login and get
your mail there. You can also use your AOL software if you have created a 'location' that
uses the wireless network (broadband) as it's connection. For more information see AOL
Help. |
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Can I upgrade my account to a
higher speed?
No. The speed of your connection is dependent upon the type of circuit providing Internet
access to the radio at your location. Raton Basin Wi-Fi does not regularly throttle or
reduce connection speeds. |
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Is my wireless
connection secure and safe from hackers?
Your connection is no more prone to hackers than a hard-wired connection such as cable or
DSL. Raton Basin Wi-Fi does not add anything to the connection for security. It is the
user's responsibility to protect their computer with up-to-date virus protection, spyware
protection and a firewall. Generally it is a good idea to turn off File and Print Sharing
when it is not actively being used. |
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Can I have more than one person
log on with my user ID?
No. Raton Basin Wi-Fi currently does not support concurrent logins from different
computers. |
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Can I use my account at all
Raton Basin Wi-Fi locations?
Yes. If you already have your computer set up to use Raton Basin Wi-Fi service, you can
use Raton Basin Wi-Fi at any of our locations! Simply turn your computer on and log in,
and your computer will have a high-speed connection to the internet. |
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How can I use Raton Basin
Wi-Fi’s service when traveling?
You can use your connection at any location where Raton Basin Wi-Fi provides service.
Simply turn your computer on, open your browser and log in, and you will be connected! |
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What happens if I forget to log
out?
The system my keep you logged in for a set period of time. Usually this is 2 hours. If you
get back on your computer during that time, you will be able to browse without having to
log in. If you try to log in on another computer, you won't be able to login because only
one concurrent login is allowed. |
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What happens if I forget my
password?
Call Support (719-404-3832) to have a representative look up your password. |
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Does my account have any
session limits?
No. Raton Basin Wi-Fi does not use session limits. |
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Do I have to logout to
deactivate my account?
You are encouraged to log out when you are finished. However, Raton Basin Wi-Fi will
automatically log you off when you turn off your computer, or at the end of your billing
period. |
