1. 1. How do I know/ensure that my computer will communicate with the WSL-2E only, and not another wireless network active in the same area?
   
   
2. 2. What operational range can I expect? Will the WSL-2E work throughout a stadium?
   
   
3. 3. What software does the WSL-2E require to be installed in my computer?
   
   
4. 4. What happens if the RF connection is lost while I'm working?
   
   
5. 5. Is the WSL-2E bi-directional?
   
   
6. 6. I see others using two computers with WiLAN cards and PC Anywhere® or Timbuktu® in order to wirelessly control their serial devices. What’s the advantage of a WSL-2E?
   
   
7. 7. This sounds like a standard wireless Ethernet link. Aren’t they less expensive than a WSL-2E?
   
   
8. 8. OK, so you have serial conversion in there. Why can’t I just buy a pair of wireless serial modems and bypass the Ethernet stage altogether?
   
   
9. 9. Why did you use an unusual antenna connector on the WSL-2E?
   
   
10. 10. Why does the WSL-2E’s RF drop out more often than my UHF wireless microphone system with the same or less RF power?
    
    
11. 11. My PC already has a built-in wireless card. Will that work with the WSL-2E Serial Link

1. In addition to assigning your own TCP/IP address, the PRAM WSL-2E supports ESSID (network name), thereby ensuring you'll connect only with the WSL-2E even if there are other wireless local area networks.

2. Range of course is dependent on a number of factors including PC card RF power, antenna gain and placement, line of sight obstructions and spectrum crowding. With clean line of sight between all antennas, a 50mW PC card, standard WSL-2E antennas and relatively clear spectrum, you should have a realistic range of 500 - 600 feet. Greater distances (several thousand feet) can be achieved with high gain antennas, the high performance PC card and proper antenna placement.

3. Two pieces of software will be installed on the computer: WiNet® Manager, which is the configuration utility that sets the TCP/IP address, ESSID (network name) and other WSL-2E communications parameters. The second program, installed only for Windows® 95/98/ME, is the Serial Server Manager or SSM. The SSM runs in the background controlling com port selection, redirection and baud rate. Windows® 2000/XP/NT does not use SSM and instead uses its own Device Manager controlling a Multiport Serial Adapter driver. Both programs are easily installed by simply running the installer from the software CD included with the WSL-2E.

4. As far as the PC card and WSL-2E are concerned, very little. When the connection is re-established, you can simply pickup where you left off. The deciding factor is how the manufacturer's control software handles a lost connection. It may require a restart, re-initialization, or it may allow you to simply continue when the connection is re-established.

5. Yes. As the PRAM WSL-2E is IEEE 802.11b and WiFi compliant, it supports full bi-directional communications.

6. There are several advantages to the WSL-2E over a dual computer setup:

a) Size and packaging If the second computer connected to the equipment is a rack mount design, it’s probably two or three rack spaces, heavy and fairly deep. If it’s a single rack space, it’s probably very deep and requires rear support. Even if you don’t regularly set up the keyboard, mouse and monitor, you’ll still need to carry them (another road case?) as back up should your portable be unavailable.

If the second computer is a portable, it’s either going to be set up and taken down with each use, or stored in a rack drawer that is probably two to three rack spaces. There’s now concern for cable slack at the rear of the computer to facilitate drawer travel. Antenna options for PC cards are quite limited as well. In either case, an external adapter (a “dongle”) is needed to convert RS-232 and connect RS-485 devices.

The WSL-2E is one rack space, 8” deep and weighs only five pounds. No adapters are necessary as the WSL-2E interfaces directly with RS-232 and RS-485 devices using common connectors (male DB9 and 3 pin XLR respectfully). The front panel has only four status LEDs, and antenna options are numerous.

b) Reliability Dual computers means two hard drives, two operating systems, two systems to configure and of course, twice the opportunity for crashes and lengthy reboots. Operating two computers also requires a second program (such as PC Anywhere® or Timbuktu®) running concurrently for remote computer control adding yet another layer to the question of stability. Additionally, even though computers may be available in rack mount configurations, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll hold up to the rigors of travel, repetitive racking and un-racking or wide temperature and humidity changes.

The WSL-2E contains no moving or delicate parts. Highly stable firmware controlled microprocessors, a robust chassis, connectors and internal construction along with its light weight, give the WSL-2E a reliability unmatched by any computer. Further, once the WSL-2E is setup with the WiNet ® configuration utility, the only software application running is the chosen equipment manufacturer’s control program.

The WSL-2E also supports hard wire connection to a computer for configuration should a wireless connection not be possible. And the WSL-2E boots in less than five seconds.

c) Operation The WSL-2E is fast: There’s no secondary control program running; just a direct wireless connection between your laptop or tablet computer and the WSL-2, with an extremely fast serial interface. The WSL-2E is simple: Plug in power, connect the data cable and antennas, select the data interface and turn it on.

d) Cost Adding the cost of the second computer, WiLAN card, RS-485 adapter, PC Anywhere® or Timbuktu® , rack shelf/drawer or additional equipment case and the added labor cost for assembly, the total will certainly exceed that of a WSL-2; with less reliability, taking up more space, adding complexity and be more time consuming at the venue. Since the WSL-2E uses the 802.11b wireless standard (and is WiFi compliant), you can use your current WiLAN PC card, or any number of brands/models currently on the market.

7. Although PRAM has chosen the 802.11b standard for the RF data link, the WSL-2E is more than just wireless Ethernet. It also contains dual serial interfaces (RS-232 and RS-485) in a package far more appropriate to the needs of production professionals. The WSL-2E is a comprehensive, single piece rack-mount solution for pro audio/video/lighting control. When the prices of its component capabilities are calculated, it is actually a far more cost effective solution for multi-format, reliable wireless control.

8. First, the serial modem to be carried with the laptop or tablet computer will require a high capacity battery for power, a power cable, battery charger and some type of carrying case(s) for both the modem and the battery. There will also be the DB9 cable connected between the computer and the modem. The small, parasitically powered serial modems that connect directly to the RS-232 port on the computer typically have a maximum baud rate of only 19.2Kbps, are very low power and have a permanently attached, easily damaged antenna. Compare all this to a single PC card inserted into your laptop or tablet computer.

Second, an adapter will still be needed to convert RS-232 and connect RS-485 devices.

Third, two serial modems and the necessary peripherals will essentially equal the cost of a WSL-2, while being a very cumbersome package.

Fourth, serial modems can have enough latency to confound a number of pro audio/video/lighting manufacturer’s control software.

Lastly, there may often be a mixture of both serial and Ethernet protocols in a venue or on a tour. The WSL-2E is a simple, one-box solution that addresses all of these formats.

9. For this class of device, the FCC mandates the use of a “unique” antenna connector, unless the antenna is permanently affixed to the equipment. The reverse gender TNC connector used is becoming a de-facto standard for the 2.4GHz ISM band. We have found it to be both sturdy and reliable, as well as providing the least amount of RF signal attenuation, thus improving performance and maintaining range specifications. PRAM has a complete inventory of antennas and low loss coax with this connector, as well as antennas for the PC cards to fulfill any standard or higher performance requirement.

10. The WSL-2E system uses the 802.11b IEEE standard which, among other things, specifies frequencies in the 2.4GHz (2400MHz) range, putting it in the microwave band. Given these very short wavelengths (a bit less than five inches), virtually everything, including non-metallic objects become obstructions. Thus, unobstructed “Line of Sight” between antennas becomes critical. Although you will in fact achieve a certain amount of penetration, your goal should always be a clear RF path. If obstructions are unavoidable, use of high gain directional antennas, short coax runs and/or an RF amplifier/pre-amps will help in achieving a stable, consistent RF connection.

11. Yes, however these computers typically use a 35 to 45 milliwatt card with an internal antenna. The combination of the low RF power and the computer body blocking usually all but one plane of the antenna results in significantly less than desirable range and connection stability.