Hows does the CaptiFi USB Wifi Antenna work?
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The CaptiFi is a all-in-one USB wifi antenna. It combines a high gain, purpose-built 8dB omni-directional antenna with a high output (200mw) USB Wifi Adapter. This plugs directly into the USB port on your Windows, Mac or Linux based computer and provides up to 15 times the range of a integrated wireless card.
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Can I mount this antenna to my boat/RV/car/truck/trailer/donkey?
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Yes. The CaptiFi is completely weatherproof and designed specifically to be mounted outside. Mounting the unit outside will give you better connectivity with less attenuation of the signal because of obstructions (boat hulls, RV walls, etc). The unit has a one-inch 14-thread marine mount base to screw into a standard marine mount or correctly threaded pipe.
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Do I need an integrated/internal/pre-existing wireless card or Macintosh Airport to use the CaptiFi?
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No, the CaptiFi has everything you need for long range WiFi connections built right in. No other equipment other than a computer with a USB 2.0 port is needed.
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But other 8dB Wifi Antennas i've seen are 20 or 30 inches long, why is this one so small? Are you guys pumping up your specs? Does it work as well as other 8dB antennas?
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The antenna element (which is under the white ABS radome) is a purpose-built antenna originally designed by RadioLabs for military installations. This antenna uses a proprietary antenna array and element construction, allowing a much higher gain in a much smaller package. It actually is a 8dBi gain antenna and when used in conjunction with the USB WiFi adapter in the anodized base, gives you a EiRP (Effective isotropically radiated power) of over 1 Watt (1000 milliWatts!). So no, we are not pumping up the specifications of this antenna and yes, it will work as well or better than antennas of similar gain. If you doubt it, we ask you to try it out and find out for yourself!
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