Icron Icron WiRanger User manual

Cable Free USB 2.0 Hub
User Guide
Powered by ExtremeUSB® Technology

Thank you for purchasing the WiRanger. Please read this guide thoroughly
before installation.
This document applies to Part Numbers: 00-00228G through 00-00230G.
FCC Radio Frequency Interference Statement Warning
The WiRanger has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. The WiRanger generates, uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If the WiRanger does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and
receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different
from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/ TV technician
for help.
FCC Radiation Exposure Statement:
This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an
uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated
with a minimum distance of 20cm between the radiator and your body.
CE Statement
Icron Technologies Corporation declares that the WiRanger conforms to the
specifications listed below, following the provisions of the European
R&TTE directive 1999/5/EC:
Icron Technologies Corporation vakuuttaa täten että dieses produkt
tyyppinen laite on direktiivin 1999/5/EY oleellisten vaatimusten ja sitä
koskevien näiden direktiivien muiden ehtojen mukainen.

Cable Free USB 2.0 Hub
Icron Technologies Corporation déclare que le produit est conforme aux
conditions essentielles et aux dispositions relatives à la directive 1999/5/EC.
• EN 301 489-1, 301 489-17 General EMC requirements for
Radio equipment.
• EN 609 50 Safety
• EN 300-328 Technical requirements for Radio equipment.
Caution: This equipment is intended to be used in all EU and EFTA
countries. Outdoor use may be restricted to certain frequencies and/or may
require a license for operation. Contact local Authority for procedure to
follow.
Note: Combinations of power levels and antennas resulting in a radiated
power level of above 100 mW equivalent isotropic radiated power (EIRP)
are considered as not compliant with the above mentioned directive and are
not allowed for use within the European community and countries that have
adopted the European R&TTE directive 1999/5/EC.
For more details on legal combinations of power levels and antennas, contact
Icron Technologies Corporation.
Belgique:
Dans le cas d'une utilisation privée, à l'extérieur d'un bâtiment, au-dessus
d'un espace public, aucun enregistrement n'est nécessaire pour une distance
de moins de 300m. Pour une distance supérieure à 300m un enregistrement
auprès de l'IBPT est requise. Pour une utilisation publique à l'extérieur de
bâtiments, une licence de l'IBPT est requise. Pour les enregistrements et
licences, veuillez contacter l'IBPT.
France:
2.4 GHz Bande : les canaux 10, 11 (2457 et 2462 MHz respectivement) sont
complétement libres d'utilisation en France (en utilisation intérieur). Pour ce
qui est des autres canaux, ils peuvent être soumis à autorisation selon le
départment. L'utilisation en extérieur est soumis à autorisation préalable et
très restreint. Vous pouvez contacter l'Autorité de Régulation des
Télécommunications (http://www.art-telecom.fr) pour de plus amples
renseignements.
SAFETY NOTICES
Caution: Do not use this product near water, for example, in a wet basement
or near a swimming pool.
Avoid using this product during an electrical storm. There may be a remote
risk of electric shock from lightning.

IC Statement
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003 and
RSS210 rules.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 et
CNR210 du Canada.
The use of this device in a system operating either partially or completely
outdoors may require the user to obtain a license for the system according to
the Canadian regulations.
To reduce potential radio interference to other users, the antenna type and its
gain should be so chosen that the equivalent isotropically radiated power
(e.i.r.p.) is not more than that permitted for successful communication.
This device has been designed to operate with the antennas listed below, and
having a maximum gain of 2.0 dBi @ 2.4GHz. Antennas not included in this
list or having a gain greater than 2.0 dBi @ 2.4GHz are strictly prohibited
for use with this device. The required antenna impedance is 50 Ohms.
©2007 Icron Technologies Corporation. All rights reserved. Icron
Technologies Corporation, the Icron Technologies Corporation logo, and the
Icron Technologies Corporation products referred to herein are either the
trademarks or the registered trademarks of Icron Technologies Corporation.
All other trademarks are property of their respective owners. Icron
Technologies Corporation assumes no responsibility for errors that may
appear in this manual. Information contained herein is subject to change
without notice.

User Guide
i
Contents
Introduction................................................................................................ 1
WiRanger Product Contents....................................................................... 1
About the WiRanger .................................................................................. 2
Before You Begin ...................................................................................... 7
Installing the LEX unit............................................................................... 7
Installing the REX unit .............................................................................. 7
Establishing Wireless Communication ...................................................... 7
Checking the Installation............................................................................ 8
Connecting a USB Device ......................................................................... 8
Advanced Setup – Viewing and Changing the 802.11g Radio Channel.... 9
Advanced Setup – Pairing a LEX unit and a REX unit............................ 12
Troubleshooting....................................................................................... 14
Specifications........................................................................................... 18
Limited Hardware Warranty.................................................................... 19
Hardware Remedies................................................................................. 19
Limitation of Liability.............................................................................. 19
Obtaining Warranty Service..................................................................... 20
Contacting Technical Support.................................................................. 20

ii
Notes

User Guide
1
Introduction
This manual explains the installation and operation of the WiRanger – Cable
Free USB 2.0 Hub. The instructions in this guide assume a general
knowledge of computer installation procedures, wireless network installation
requirements, and some understanding of USB devices.
NOTE:Notes give additional information that could make
installation easier.
WiRanger Product Contents
When you open your WiRanger for the first time you should find the
following items:
• Local EXtender unit or LEX unit (includes antenna)
• Remote EXtender unit or REX unit (includes antenna)
• Two (2) AC power adapters
• One (1) USB cable (2m long)
• WiRanger User Guide
• WiRanger Quick Start Guide
To complete the installation, you will also require the following items that
are not included with the product:
• USB 1.1 or 2.0 compatible computer
• USB device(s)
NOTE: The WiRanger uses an IEEE 802.11g radio platform to
wirelessly communicate between the LEX unit and the REX
unit using the 2.4GHz radio frequency range. Other
products, such as wireless routers and 2.4GHz cordless
telephones, also broadcast in this same 2.4GHz range. Please
be aware of potential interference issues with such products
before you begin installation of the WiRanger.
NOTE: The LEX unit and the REX unit of your new WiRanger have
been “Paired” during manufacturing. This means that they
will only communciate with each other, even if other
WiRanger units are installed near by.
NOTE: Use only the AC adapters supplied with the WiRanger. Use
of substitute adapters may cause permanent damage to the
system and will void the warranty.

2
About the WiRanger
The WiRanger is the world’s first wireless USB 2.0 Hub, combining Icron’s
patented ExtremeUSB® technology and an industry standard IEEE 802.11g
radio. The WiRanger Hub enables wireless connection of USB devices up to
30 meters from the host computer.
The WiRanger installs as a Generic USB Hub and requires no additional
software drivers to be installed. It is composed of two individual units, the
LEX unit, which connects to the host computer, and the REX unit, which
connects to the remote USB device(s).
The LEX unit
The LEX unit connects to the host computer using a conventional USB
cable. It also connects to a power outlet through an AC power adapter.
Front
View
1 2 3 54
Activity
Host
Link
Power
Rear
View
9
876
1Power LED
2Link LED
3Host LED
4Activity LED
5Infra Red (IR) Port*
6Power connector (5V @ 3A)
7Pair/Channel Change Button**
8Host port (USB Type-B)
9Antenna connector
* IR port used to pair the LEX unit and the REX unit only
** Pair/CH button is for advanced users only. See Pages 9 and 12 for advanced instructions.

User Guide
3
The REX unit
The REX unit allows you to connect up to four USB devices directly;
additional devices may be connected by attaching a conventional USB
hub to one of the device ports. The REX unit also connects to a power
outlet through an AC power adapter.
Front
View
2 2 2 2
1 1 1 1
7
6543
Activity
Host
Link
Power
Rear
View
1098
1Device ports (USB Type-A)
2Device LED’s
3Power LED
4Link LED
5Host LED
6Activity LED
7Infra Red (IR) Port*
8Power connector (5V @ 3A)
9Pair/Channel Change Button**
10 Antenna connector
* IR port used to pair the LEX unit and the REX unit only
** Pair/CH button is for advanced users only. See Pages 9 and 12 for advanced instructions.

4
WiRanger LED Descriptions
The WiRanger uses LED’s to indicate status to the user. LED operation
is the same for the LEX unit and the REX unit.
LED Name Description
Power LED Indicates 5V power is connected to the unit.
Link LED Indicates communications have been established
between the LEX unit and the REX unit.
Independent of USB communication.
Host LED Indicates successful communications between the
host PC and the USB 2.0 hub in the REX unit.
Activity LED Indicates active USB data transmission and/or
reception over the wireless link. Additionally, the
Activity LED will flash after power is connected to
indicate that the radios are powering up
Device LED’s
(REX unit only) GREEN: Indicates that the attached USB device is correctly detected by the host PC.
ORANGE: Indicates that the attached USB device
has drawn too much current and hence the hub
has shut this Device port off to protect the
WiRanger. Disconnect and reconnect the REX
unit’s power to clear this fault condition.

User Guide
5
Wireless Operation
The LEX unit and REX unit wirelessly communicate over the IEEE
802.11g radio protocol at a distance up to 30 meters. The actual
communications distance will vary greatly depending on the amount and
type of physical obstacles and radio interference in your area. In
general, the WiRanger should have similar range to that of a normal
802.11g router or access point.
The LEX unit and REX unit of this WiRanger are “Paired” at the factory
so that they will only communicate with each other, even if other
WiRanger’s are installed near by.
NOTE: Under normal operating conditions, you should never need to
“Pair” the units. However, if absolutely required, the units
can be “Paired” using the procedure listed on Page 12,
Advanced Setup – Pairing a LEX unit and a REX unit.
The IEEE 802.11g standard allows for different wireless devices to
operate on different Radio Channels. This means that your 802.11g
wireless router or access point can co-exist with the WiRanger, if they
are configured to operate on different channels.

6
Your WiRanger will be pre-configured to operate on 802.11g Radio
Channel 11. Ideally, your other 802.11g products should be configured
to work on a channel that is at least 5 channels apart from the one used
by the WiRanger.
For example, if the WiRanger is on channel 11 and you also have a
802.11b/g router. Then configure the router to operate on channel 6, or
lower.
NOTE: If required, you can view or change the current WiRanger
802.11g Radio Channel. See Advanced Setup – Viewing and
Changing the 802.11g Radio Channel on Page 9 for
instructions.
NOTE: The WiRanger does not broadcast an SSID and will not be
visible to a wireless network scan.
USB Cables
USB cables have two distinct connectors. The Type A connector is used
to connect the cable from a USB device to the Type A port on a
computer or hub. The Type B connector is used to attach the USB cable
to a USB device.
USB Type A
port USB Type A
connector USB Type B
port USB Type B connector
Compatibility
The WiRanger complies with USB 2.0 specifications governing the
design of high-speed USB devices. However, because of the data rate
limitations inherent in the IEEE 802.11g radio platform, Icron
Technologies Corporation does not guarantee that all USB devices are
compatible with the WiRanger.
In particular, webcams that use the BULK transfer protocol are not
supported. For more information on potential incompatibilities, please
see the FAQ page of the Icron Technologies Corporation website:
http://www.icron.com/products/usb/faq.php
Or contact Technical Support for further assistance (see page 20).

User Guide
7
Before You Begin
Before you can install the WiRanger, you need to prepare your site.
1. Set up the host computer in an appropriate location.
2. Determine where you want to locate the USB device(s).
3. Determine suitable locations for the LEX unit and the REX unit
such that they will be able to maintain wireless communication.
Physical obstacles and other radio wave emitting devices can cause
interference that will reduce the maximum distance and data rate
between the LEX unit and the REX unit.
4. If other 802.11g based products will be in operation in the same
area, determine the optimal Radio Channel selection for all wireless
products. See the Wireless Operation section on Page 5 for more
information on channel selection.
Installing the LEX unit
1. Place the LEX unit near the host computer.
2. Plug the Type-B connector on the USB cable (included) into the
Host port on the LEX unit.
3. Plug the Type-A connector on the USB cable into the USB port on
the computer.
4. Plug the power adapter into a suitable AC outlet.
5. Connect the power adapter to the LEX unit.
Installing the REX unit
1. Place the REX unit near the USB device(s), no more than 30m from
the LEX unit.
2. Plug the power adapter into a suitable AC outlet.
3. Connect the power adapter to the REX unit.
Establishing Wireless Communication
The WiRanger will automatically establish a wireless connection between
the LEX unit and the REX unit once power is applied to both units and they
are located within their operating range. The Link LED on both units will
turn on once the wireless connection has been made.
NOTE: It may take up to 30 seconds for the WiRanger to establish
wireless communication. The Activity LED will flash during
this time to indicate that the radios are powering up.

8
Checking the Installation
Once the Activity LED’s on the LEX unit and REX unit stop flashing after
power up:
1. Check that the Power LED’s on the LEX unit and REX unit are
both on.
2. Check that the Link LED’s on the LEX unit and REX unit are both
on.
3. Check that the Host LED’s on the LEX unit and REX unit are both
on.
4. For Windows users (2000, XP, or Vista) open Device Manager to
confirm that the WiRanger has installed correctly. Expand the entry
for Universal Serial Bus controllers by clicking the + sign. If the
WiRanger has been installed correctly you should find it listed as a
Generic USB Hub.
NOTE: To open Device Manager in Windows 2000 or XP: Right-
click My Computer then select Properties, select the
Hardware tab and click the Device Manager button
NOTE: To open Device Manager in Windows Vista: Open the Start
menu, right-click on Computer, select Manage and finally
click on "Device Manager" in the left-hand tree
5. For Mac OS X users open the System Profiler to confirm that the
WiRanger has installed correctly. In the left hand column under
Hardware, select “USB” and inspect the right hand panel. If the
WiRanger has been installed correctly you should find it listed as a
Hub under the USB High-Speed Bus.
NOTE: To open System Profiler in OS X: Open the Finder, select
Applications, then open the Utilities folder and double click
on the System Profiler icon.
Connecting a USB Device
1. Install any software required to operate the USB device(s). Refer to
the documentation for the device(s), as required.
2. Connect the USB device(s) to the Device port(s) on the REX unit.
3. Check that the Device LED on the REX unit is on.
4. Confirm on the host PC that the each connected device operates as
expected.

User Guide
9
Advanced Setup – Viewing and Changing the 802.11g
Radio Channel
The following instructions are for advanced users only.
These instructions should only be executed if specifically required and if you
are comfortable with the operations. Under normal operating conditions,
you should not need to view or change the 802.11g Radio Channel.
Viewing the Current 802.11g Radio Channel
NOTE: Radio Channel viewing can be done on either the LEX unit
or the REX unit. The procedure is the same.
NOTE: Viewing the current 802.11g Radio Channel will not disrupt
normal USB communication between the LEX unit and the
REX unit.
1. Power on either the LEX unit or the REX unit and wait for
approximately 20 seconds before proceeding to step 2. If the unit is
already on, proceed to step 2.
2. On the selected LEX unit or REX unit, press and hold (do not
release) the Pair/CH button for a minimum of 10 seconds. The
button can be released when the Host, Link and Activity LED’s
start to blink rapidly.
3. Upon release of the Pair/CH button the current 802.11g Radio
Channel will be displayed as a pattern on the Host, Link, and
Activity LED’s. Please see the figure below for the description of
the LED Radio Channel patterns.
LED Pattern
Radio
Channel Link Host Activity
1
6
11
4. DO NOT press the Pair/CH button again. After 60 seconds the
selected LEX unit or REX unit LED’s will return to their normal
operation.
NOTE: If the button is pressed again and a Channel Change is not
desired, DO NOT press the button again. After 60 seconds
from last button press the selected LEX unit or REX unit
LED’s will return to their normal operation and no change in
the unit’s channel selection will be made.

10
NOTE: If power is removed from the unit while the Channel LED
Pattern is still active, no change in the units channel selection
will be made.
Changing the 802.11g Radio Channel
The WiRanger can operate on one of three 802.11g radio channels.
Each radio channel broadcasts data in a different frequency band within
the 2.4GHz range. The WiRanger can be configured to operate on
channels: 1, 6, and 11.
By selecting a different Radio Channel, you can try to find a channel
with minimal radio interference. This can improve signal quality and
data rates.
NOTE: When changing the Radio Channel for a “Paired” system, the
channel change MUST BE completed on BOTH the LEX
unit and the REX unit. The order is non-specific.
NOTE: STOP all devices connected to the REX unit prior to
changing the channel on either unit. Changing the Radio
Channel will disrupt USB traffic.
1. Power on either the LEX unit or the REX unit and wait for
approximately 20 seconds before proceeding to step 2. If the unit is
already on, proceed to step 2.
2. On the selected LEX unit or REX unit, press and hold (do not
release) the Pair/CH button for a minimum of 10 seconds. The
button can be released when the Host, Link and Activity LED’s
start to blink rapidly.
3. Upon release of the Pair/CH button the current 802.11g Radio
Channel will be displayed by as a pattern on the Host, Link, and
Activity LED’s. Please see the figure below for the description of
the LED Radio Channel patterns.
LED Pattern
Radio
Channel Link Host Activity
1
6
11
4. To change the channel press and release the Pair/CH button until
the desired channel pattern as seen in the above figure is visible on
the LED’s. Upon reaching channel 11 the pattern will return to
channel 1.

User Guide
11
NOTE: If the Pair/CH button is not pressed for 60 seconds the LED’s
will return to their normal operation and no changes will be
made to the current channel selection.
NOTE: If wireless communication is present it will continue until a
channel change is confirmed.
5. Once the desired 802.11g Radio Channel is displayed, press and
hold the Pair/CH button for 10 seconds. The button can be released
when the Host, Link and Activity LED’s start to blink rapidly.
NOTE: If the LED’s do not start blinking rapidly within 20 seconds
release the button and confirm that the LED pattern still
shows your desired channel pattern. If it does, repeat step 5.
If it does not, return to step 4.
6. Upon release of the Pair/CH button the LED’s will continue to blink
for approximately 20 seconds while the Channel Change is stored
and the 802.11g radio reboots. Once the blinking stops the Channel
Change is complete.
NOTE: DO NOT remove power while LED’s are blinking.
NOTE: If the channel selection on the LEX unit and the REX unit
are no longer the same the USB traffic will now stop. If the
channel selection on the LEX and REX are made the same
the USB traffic will begin.
7. If only one side of the system has been changed repeat steps 1 to 6
for the other side of the system. If channel selection is complete on
both sides of the system go to step 8.
8. Connect a USB cable between the WiRanger and the host PC, and
confirm its operation by checking if it is listed in Device Manager
(for Windows installations), or System Profiler (for Mac OS X
installations) under Universal Serial Bus controllers as a “Generic
USB Hub”.

12
Advanced Setup – Pairing a LEX unit and a REX unit
The following instructions are for advanced users only.
These instructions should only be executed if specifically required and if you
are comfortable with the operations. Under normal operating conditions,
you should never need to pair a LEX unit and a REX unit.
Paired units are defined as a LEX unit and a REX unit that are aware of each
other’s unique address and communicate exclusively.
Pairing is accomplished by infrared (IR) communication through the IR
windows on the LEX unit and the REX unit; pairing information is not sent
over the 802.11g radios. The IR communication distance is limited to an
approximate distance of 20 cm.
NOTE: The WiRanger’s LEX unit and REX unit are shipped paired
from the factory.
NOTE: If the Pair/CH button is pressed whether accidentally or
purposefully and the LEX unit and the REX unit are not able
to communicate via the IR interface no effect in operation
will be detected and pairing will not occur.
1. Place the LEX unit and the REX unit 5 cm apart from each other
with their IR windows pointed directly at each other. The IR
windows must have a clear and unobstructed view of each other.
2. Power on both the LEX unit and the REX unit and wait for
approximately 20 seconds before proceeding to step 3. If the units
are already on, proceed to step 3.
3. Press the Pair/CH button on either unit for approximately 1 second.
Upon release of the button the Host, Link and Activity LED’s on
both the LEX unit and the REX unit should begin to blink rapidly.
NOTE: DO NOT remove power while LED’s are blinking.
NOTE: If step 3 is attempted too early after power up, the pairing
procedure will not occur. Wait a few seconds longer and
retry step 3.
NOTE: If the rapid blinking of the LED’s does not occur, confirm
that the IR windows on the LEX unit and the REX unit are
unobstructed, pointed at each other, and are 5 cm apart.
Retry pressing the PAIR button. If the LED’s still do not
blink upon release of the button unplug both units for at least
10 seconds and return to step 1.

User Guide
13
4. Wait for the LED’s on the LEX unit and the REX unit to stop
blinking and for the Link LED to turn on.
NOTE: If the Link LED does not turn on within 30 seconds return to
step 1.
5. The LEX unit and the REX unit are now Paired and are free to be
unplugged and moved to their desired locations.
6. Once the units are installed in their specific locations, connect a
USB cable between the WiRanger and the host PC to confirm the
WiRanger’s operation. If the system has been installed and paired
correctly it should be listed in Device Manager (for Windows
installations), or System Profiler (for Mac OS X installations) under
Universal Serial Bus controllers as a “Generic USB Hub”.

14
Troubleshooting
The following table provides troubleshooting help. The topics are arranged
in the order in which they should be executed in most situations. If you are
unable to resolve the problem after following these instructions, please
contact technical support for further assistance (see page 20).
Symptoms/Cause Remedy
All LEDs on LEX unit
and REX unit are off.
Cause:
The WiRanger is not
receiving power from
the adapter
1. Ensure that the power adapters are connected
to both the LEX unit and the REX unit
2. Check that the adapters are connected to a
live source of electrical power