SMC2532W-B problems...

ubercam · 11-26-2004

I've had the SMC2532W-B card for a while now (about a year or so), and just noticing some problems with it.

Laptop is Averatec 6100HS. P4 3GHz HT, 512MB DDR, 60GB, 5.5dB ext. antenna.

It runs really hot and freezing up Windows. I have the latest SMC drivers that I could find (3.1.3, with some firmware update). It doesn't see any networks when firmware download is set to disable, but when I enable the firmware update option in the driver configuration screen, it finds my network at a super strong signal. Usually 2-3 minutes later, the System process starts taking up about 1/2 CPU time. Popping the card out causes this activity to cease and the card is quite hot to the touch.

I'm in Germany right now (uni exchange from Canada) and it's unfortunate that the 200mW cards are illegal in Europe due to being too powerful. I think the max in Europe is 66mW, so buying a new one in Mediamarkt is out of the question, aside from being overpriced.

I'm going to try some Demarc drivers and firmware and such later on this weekend, but I'm not sure that'll solve it.

Anyone else seen anything like this? Is my card good for a doorstop? I'm not throwing in the towel yet, but I'm almost at wit's end with this thing. Thanks.

ubercam · 11-29-2004

Ok, got the card working again with Demarc drivers and 1.7.4 firmware. Worked fine for that night I got it working, but then lost connection to the router and now I can't see it where my computer is. Must be something in the environment blocking it or something, but I can't be certain (I live in a student dorm, so I can't go into everyone's rooms to check).

Now having troubles with the Intersil firmware update program. Before installing a handful of Windows updates for SP2, I could flash my card, now the program frags with error code 3, saying it "can't load system files". I have no idea why, but the only thing I did between it being able to work and it not working was Windows Updates, so this must be the problem with that utility.

Is there possibly a DOS utility available for firmware flashing a Prism 2 card? I have found tutorials, but no actual programs for download. Anyone know where I could find one? Thanks.

grcore · 01-08-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by ubercam

Is there possibly a DOS utility available for firmware flashing a Prism 2 card? I have found tutorials, but no actual programs for download. Anyone know where I could find one? Thanks.

ftp://ftp.shtorm.com/drivers/we110.exe

do a google search for "we110.exe" and you will find a bunch of directions on how to use this. I have not used it, but I was looking around and found this.

g

11-26-2004	#1 (permalink)
ubercam Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 4	SMC2532W-B problems... I've had the SMC2532W-B card for a while now (about a year or so), and just noticing some problems with it. Laptop is Averatec 6100HS. P4 3GHz HT, 512MB DDR, 60GB, 5.5dB ext. antenna. It runs really hot and freezing up Windows. I have the latest SMC drivers that I could find (3.1.3, with some firmware update). It doesn't see any networks when firmware download is set to disable, but when I enable the firmware update option in the driver configuration screen, it finds my network at a super strong signal. Usually 2-3 minutes later, the System process starts taking up about 1/2 CPU time. Popping the card out causes this activity to cease and the card is quite hot to the touch. I'm in Germany right now (uni exchange from Canada) and it's unfortunate that the 200mW cards are illegal in Europe due to being too powerful. I think the max in Europe is 66mW, so buying a new one in Mediamarkt is out of the question, aside from being overpriced. I'm going to try some Demarc drivers and firmware and such later on this weekend, but I'm not sure that'll solve it. Anyone else seen anything like this? Is my card good for a doorstop? I'm not throwing in the towel yet, but I'm almost at wit's end with this thing. Thanks.

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11-29-2004	#2 (permalink)
ubercam Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 4	Ok, got the card working again with Demarc drivers and 1.7.4 firmware. Worked fine for that night I got it working, but then lost connection to the router and now I can't see it where my computer is. Must be something in the environment blocking it or something, but I can't be certain (I live in a student dorm, so I can't go into everyone's rooms to check). Now having troubles with the Intersil firmware update program. Before installing a handful of Windows updates for SP2, I could flash my card, now the program frags with error code 3, saying it "can't load system files". I have no idea why, but the only thing I did between it being able to work and it not working was Windows Updates, so this must be the problem with that utility. Is there possibly a DOS utility available for firmware flashing a Prism 2 card? I have found tutorials, but no actual programs for download. Anyone know where I could find one? Thanks.