Question for Wireless Users

[Cliff]

Guys/(Gals),

I have my laptop set up to use wireless via a Buffalo Air Station hooked up to my desktop that generally has all my HTR stuff on it. Theoretically, I can use my laptop to access my HTR stuff when the teenager has control of the desktop. However, here is what happens via this "sharing of files" arrangement:

1) I can open all the old DOS versions of HTR and the program is there, but NONE of the data files are ever there. Whaddup with that?

2) I can open AND use the Windows version of HTR for a short period of time. Then it locks up on me and gives me a "Run-time error '5': Invalid Procedure Call or Argument" error message. I have to "X" out of that box which takes me completely out of HTR2001.

I should mention that I have these two versions of HTR in different files on the desktop and do not share the data files between the two.

Any hints, suggestions, etc.?

Thanks,
Cliff

[azmike]

This probably won't help but just in case:

I use a Linksys router connected directly to my cable internet and we have 3 laptops and a desktop that connect via wireless mode with no problems. I used HTR 2001 and HTR2 with no problems.

[km]

Cliff, the DOS problem sounds like a mis-match with your work folder. The DOS programs must be in the same folder as the racefiles. This is usually C:\htr. Right-click to PROPERTIES and make sure the directory for HTR.exe is in the same location as your races. If you are using WindowsXP, then bad things are going to happen with DOS apps - period.

Another issue with both situations is available overhead memory. How much RAM do you have? The wireless connectivity may be a memory hog. What other software is multitasking when you are attempting to use HTR? ALT-CTL-DEL and you will get a list of apps and processes and system performance. Something in there is killing you.

No other users have reported run-time errors with HTR2 and the only time I have run into it is with the new ODDS screen when clicking to a track that has no ATR coverage, but that is dealing with unavailable file access, not general performance. If you can re-create when the crash happens - I'll try to pinpoint the error situation. Need, specific screen, track, date, race# and specific mouse-clicks up to the point that it crashes.

[Cliff]

Ken,

WindowsXP on laptop, WindowsME on desktop. The only things running on the desktop are Explorer, Systray, and Essidset. Desktop does have low RAM....128, I think.

All of the programs are in the same folders as the racefiles. For some reason, when I wirelessly (is that a word?) pull up the DOS version on my laptop (shared from the desktop), the program opens up and looks normal except no racefiles are in it. I also have an unshared DOS version on the laptop that works fine while traveling, etc.

AZmike,

I may have to go that way soon.....can I ask what components and approximate costs are involved?

Thanks,
Cliff

[azmike]

There are 2 types of wireless routers (that I am aware of anyway) 802. B or 802. G. The G is newer, faster (5 times faster) and more expensive. The most popular brands are Linksys and D-link. I have Linksys and I have the older 802.B series. The router is on sale most of the time so I would check out Best Buy or Circuit City etc for deals. I bought mine 2 years ago and paid $169. Today on sale and/or with rebates they are about $79 I think. Thge 802. G is about $129. You can check the Best Buy or CompUSA web sites. Basically you plug one end into the cable modem and plug the ac power cord into the wall. You can plug computers into it if you are nearby or you can access it via "wi-fi" cards in your desktop and/or laptops. Several computers can access the internet at once with no problem.

It is pretty simple. I know because I am not by any stretch a "computer guy".

One more thing. I would strongly urge you to upgrade your ram to at least 256. Windows XP (in my opinion) needs 256 or more to run properly. I paid $89. (not on sale unfortunately) at add 256 to one of my laptops--big difference.

Good luck. If you need anything else please let me know.

[Cliff]

AZmike,

I think that's kinda what I've got:

Buffalo Air Station WLAR-L11G-L Router, EthernetX4
Buffalo Air Station WLI-PCM-L11G PCMCIA Card (for laptop)

I have my desktop tied directly into the router as opposed to wireless. The setup has never seemed to work correctly to me, at least for the HTR stuff. Very difficult time getting printer to work, too. I'll do a little follow up with the people that sold me the setup and see what they have to say.

Thanks for the input,
Cliff

[azmike]

I am guessing if everything else (other than HTR) works fine with your set-up you have a software problem. That is an area for which I can be of no help.

If anything else arises that might be related to what I am doing I would be happy to help. Good luck.

[Donnie]

Cliff-
Are you "sharing" the printer?....which ever computer "hosts" the printer, it must be share-on to use it across your network. I use a Link-sys wireless network with the 802-g standard...wouldn't trade it for an extra testicle (not that I am short one, mind you!). But it is way sweet to be ableto pull out the laptop and sit and work on something anywhere in the house I need to!

Best regards!

[km]

I just setup a d-Link wireless network. Wanted the same thing as Donnie: the ability to use the Laptop around the house while on a high-speed connection to the server (my desktop computer). This involves buying a Router and a Notebook Adapter. Total about $200. It is cool and I haven't had any problems with my connections - even the DOS programs work ok.

The adapter does not require installation as it is just a plug-in for the Card Bus slot that all modern portable computers are sold with. It contains it's own antenna and receives a broadcast signal from the router. The router is connected to the cable modem. The signal can travel, point to point, about 100-200 feet depending on obstructions and walls.

I bought the newer "G" mode for my wireless hardware which is said to be considerably faster than the previous "s" mode of wireless connection, but also a bit more expensive.

No, this is not a mobile Internet connection - I cannot dial out to the Internet while driving in the car or while laying on the beach yet. This is a wireless network, only good for the PC's in the immediate home or office. The ability to use the laptop computer as a mobile Internet source is not happening at the moment, but I'm sure the future is near for a 56k modem type cell-phone connections built into a notebook computer. Some of the little handheld PC's and newer cell phones can connect to the wireless web (text based web pages) and read the news or get email. But viewing graphics or receiving large files is not realistic yet as connections speeds are too slow.

[Donnie]

Ken---
Just a thought (I did this). We have two computers in the basement for my boys and when I installed the wireless router, it naturally went downstairs. There were "pockets" of resistence around our house so I bought an extra long coaxial cable and brought the router upstairs (thru the floor boards) and placed it so no matter where I go now, I get excellent reception....in other words, the router does not need to be directly next to your cable modem or computer, wherever that maybe in your house! Works great....even out in the yard!!

[km]

Excellent idea Donnie. I never thought about stringing that router farther away. Now if I could just find a 250 mile long cable, I could run my router to Vegas and use the on-line odds during the tournaments. If they have high speed Internet in the room, do you think the router would broadcast far enough for the laptop to pick it up in the contest area?!

[Donnie]

Many, many organizations are running WIFI's right now....hi-speed Internet Access. If they do that, you only need a wireless connection on your laptop...I doubt that casinos will string WIFI because they don't like you using cell phones, let alone having a computer to attached to all that data. I don't think that the router would send the signal from your room to the book, but that is a very interesting approach! You can purchase a signal booster too! Supposedly you can get up to 300 ft if the signal is strong enough...I would think that would reach down to the book if you have the right room!

[fred4now]

I too set up wireless at home. Nothing like sitting out by the pool with laptop. Lisa's says I need help:D . I just got back from Yosemite and had wireless in a motel in Mariposa! I am signed up with T-mobile also and there is hi speed access at all Starbucks, Borders boodstores and all the Kinko's coming soon. Usually I don't even have to go inside, just pull up out front.

All this is only used for my job though.

[km]

Yo Fred, you have to go to Starbucks or Borders on the job? Cool.

Can you explain a bit more about the wireless access through these type of hubs - what sort of hardware and subscription do you need? About how far will the signal reach , you mentioned you could "pull up outside" - so it must broadcast pretty far.

Is there a similar service that works through satellite that would keep the laptop on the Internet wherever we go?

Yosemite is heaven. It is Ron Tiller's favorite place on earth, and one of mine too. Did you hike up to Nevada Falls?

[fred4now]

It is through T-Mobile, $29 per month. Uses the 802 B version. Uses a regular Wi-Fi card. Broadcast range is maybe 200 feet. When you start up you try to go to a web page and their signin page comes up. Enter username and password and you are on at high speed. Their is no other service for SoCal that is accessible everywhere.

Yosemite was beautiful. Didn't go to Nevada falls. I use to alot of rock climbing and mountaineering when I lived in Alaska, maybe I will tackle one of the big walls some day.