Super USB

WiFi
Antenna 3

QUICK START
GUIDE

PLEASE READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS COMPLETELY

BEFORE USE AND SAVE THIS MANUAL FOR
FUTURE REFERENCE
 Table of Contents

Introduction ....................................................................... 2

Included Contents ............................................................ 2

Specifications ................................................................... 3

Introduction to Software Installation ............................... 3

Windows 2000 - 7 Installation .......................................... 4

Mac OS 10.3 – 10.7 Installation ........................................ 8

WiFi Tips ........................................................................... 13

FAQs and WiFi Troubleshooting ..................................... 14

FCC Interference Statement and Safety Instructions ... 16

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the Super USB WiFi Antenna 3.

To ensure many years of service, please read this manual
carefully.

Included Contents

USB Antenna
Software CD
15' USB cable
Suction Cups (2)
Hook and Loop Mounting Strip
Cable Tie
Rubber Grommets (2)
Lanyard

Copyright © 2011-2012 by C. Crane Company, Inc.,

Fortuna, CA 95540
Phone: 1-800-522-8863 Web: ccrane.com
All rights reserved. No part of this booklet may be reproduced,
in any form or means whatsoever, without permission in writing
from C. Crane Company, Inc.

Page 2 Super USB WiFi Antenna 3

 Specifications

Compatability
• Windows 2000™ through Windows 7™
• Mac OS® 10.3 (Tiger) through 10.7 (Lion)
• Linux operating systems
• USB 1.1 - 2.0 interface
• 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11n
• WEP, WPA, and WPA2 encryption
• Wireless Routers up to 2.4 GHz
(Note: Not compatible with 5 GHz Networks)

Features
• Line of sight (no obstructions) operation of up
to one mile.
• WiFi Strength: 28db EIRP (+/- 2db)
• Waterproof design (IP65 Standard)
• High-quality 15' USB cable (Optional 30' cable available
at www.ccrane.com/SPC)
• Up to 150MBps file transfer rate

Introduction to Software Installation

Since not all operating systems are the same (e.g. Win-
dows, Apple/Mac, Linux), we have supplied installation
directions for each type. Please read and follow each
step of the installation and connection instructions for
your operating system.
Please install the software on the CD according to
the instructions in this Quick Start Guide, BEFORE
the antenna is plugged in.
Windows Vista/7 users can automatically install the
drivers without using the CD, provided that your
computer is currently connected to the internet. With
the internet currently connected, then plug in the an-
tenna to the computer. The drivers will install auto-
matically.
Linux users: See instructions on the Software CD.
Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the
United States and other countries. Windows 7 is a registered trademark
of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries. Mac
OS is a registered trademark of Apple Inc.

Super USB WiFi Antenna 3 Page 3

 Windows 2000 – 7 Installation

Installation
NOTE: Please install the software on the CD
according to the instructions in this Quick Start
Guide, BEFORE the antenna is plugged in.
1. Insert the supplied CD into your computerʼs disk
drive. The setup software should start automatically
after a few seconds. Windows Vista/7 users, please
read Introduction to Software Installation on page
3. Windows Vista/7 will show an AutoPlay window.
Click “Run Autorun.exe.” A security shield or mes-
sage will appear in the Task Bar at the bottom of the
screen. Click to open the message. Click “Do you

changes to this computer?” Click “Yes” or “Allow”.

want to allow the following program to make

2. When the first screen appears, click “Driver Instal-

lation”.

3. When the “License Agreement” screen appears,

click “I accept the terms ... ”, then click “Next”.

Page 4 Super USB WiFi Antenna 3

 Windows 2000 – 7 Installation

4. When the “Setup Type” screen appears, click “Install

driver only”, then click “Next”.
Note: Installing the “Driver Only” is the easiest way to
use your antenna. We recommend that only advanced

Utility. For more assistance using the Ralink WLAN Util-

users and Windows 2000 users install the Ralink WLAN

ity, refer to the full user manual on the supplied CD.

5. Click “Install” to continue the installation.

6. When the computer has finished installing the driver,

click “Finish” to exit the setup and begin using your
antenna.

7. Connect the USB cable between the Super USB

WiFi Antenna 3 and your computerʼs USB port. If
you have two USB ports available, both connectors
can be plugged in for better performance. If only one
USB port available, plug in the main USB cable con-

Super USB WiFi Antenna 3 Page 5

 Windows 2000 – 7 Installation

nector (not the optional Power Boost connector).

USB cables plug in just one way and should not be
forced in.

Note: When connecting the USB cable to the Super USB

WiFi Antenna, be sure that it is tightly connected and that
there is no gap between.

For Outdoor Use: We recommend using the supplied

rubber grommet between the antenna and the cable, to
protect the antenna connector from weather.

For Boat and Extended Outdoor Use: We recommend

wrapping coaxial sealant (sold separately) around the
base of the antenna, covering the connection and part of
the cable for more protection.

Connecting to a WiFi Site

Access the built-in Windows wireless utility using the icon
that shows up in the clock task bar. For each Windows
operating system, the utility works differently. Please fol-
low the directions below.

Windows XP
1. Left click the icon below. A small window will appear
titled "Wireless Network Connection Status".

Note: If there are more than one wireless icon that ap-
pear in this area, hover your cursor over each icon and
choose the one with highest number after "Wireless Con-
nection" (example: "Wireless Connection 2").
2. Left click "View Wireless Networks".
3. Left click the network of your choice from the list,
then left click "Connect".
Note: If the network site shows “Security-enable wireless
network”, you are required to enter the correct key to
make a successful connection. If the network site shows
"Unsecured Wireless Network" then a key is not required
before connecting. Successful connection to a wireless
network usually requires a minimum of 2 bars of signal.

4. Once connected to the network, you will be able to

access the internet using your default web browser
(provided that the network offers internet access).

Page 6 Super USB WiFi Antenna 3

 Windows 2000 – 7 Installation

Windows Vista
1. Left click the icon below. A small window will appear
titled "Wireless Network Connection Status".

2. Left click "Connect to a Network".

3. Left click the network of your choice from the list,
then left click "Connect".
Note: If the network site shows “Security-enable wireless
network”, you are required to enter the correct key to
make a successful connection. If the network site shows
"Unsecured Wireless Network" then you will not need to
enter a key before connecting. Successful connection to
a wireless network usually requires a minimum of 2 bars
of signal.
4. Once connected to the network, you will be able to
access the internet using your default web browser
(provided that the network offers internet access).

Windows 7
1. Left click the icon below. A small window will pop up
showing wireless networks that can be detected.

Note: If you have built-in WiFi in your computer, you may

have to scroll down the list of networks to see the addi-
tional ones that your new antenna can detect. Successful
connection to a wireless network usually requires a mini-
mum of 2 bars of signal.

2. Left click the network of your choice from the list,

then left click "Connect".
3. Once connected to the network, you will be able to
access the internet using your default web browser
(provided that the network offers internet access).

Windows 2000
Note: Since Windows 2000 does not have its own built-in
wireless utility, you will be required to install the Ralink
WLAN Utility from the CD. Refer to the full userʼs manual
supplied on the CD for more assistance.

Super USB WiFi Antenna 3 Page 7

 Mac OS 10.3 – 10.7 Installation

Installation
NOTE: Please install the software on the CD
according to the instructions in this Quick Start
Guide, BEFORE the antenna is plugged in.
1. Insert the supplied CD into your computerʼs disk
drive.

2. Double click on the CD icon.

3. Double click on the “Mac” folder.

4. Double click on your Mac OS version.

5. When the “Introduction” screen appears, click

“Continue”. 10.7 screen appears slightly different.

6. When the “Destination Select” screen appears, click

“Continue”.

7. When the “Installation Type” screen appears, click

“Install”.

Page 8 Super USB WiFi Antenna 3

 Mac OS 10.3 – 10.7 Installation

8. When prompted, enter your “Name” and “Pass-

word”. 10.7 “Okay” button is “Install Software”.

9. When prompted, click “Continue Installation”.

10. When the “Summary” screen appears, click

“Restart”.

Super USB WiFi Antenna 3 Page 9

 Mac OS 10.3 – 10.7 Installation

Note: During Restart, an “Updating Boot Caches”

screen will appear. Click “OK” and the restart will con-
tinue.
11. When the computer is fully powered on, plug in the
Super WiFi USB Antenna into your computerʼs USB
port. If you have two USB ports available, both con-
nectors can be plugged in for better performance. If
you only have one USB port available, the antenna
will still work well. USB cables plug in just one way
and should not be forced in.
Note: When connecting the USB cable to the Super USB
WiFi Antenna, be sure that it is tightly connected and that
there is no gap between.

For Outdoor Use: We recommend using the supplied

rubber grommet between the antenna and the cable, to
protect the antenna connector from weather.

12. MAC OS 10.5 and MAC OS 10.6 users: Click “Net-

work Preferences … ” and then click “Apply” to ac-
tivate the antenna. 10.7 skips this step.

MAC OS 10.3 and 10.4 users: Go to the “System

Preferences” panel and then click “Network”. A
message displays “New Port Detected”. Click “OK”
and then click “Apply” to activate the antenna.

Page 10 Super USB WiFi Antenna 3

 Mac OS 10.3 – 10.7 Installation

Connecting to a WiFi Site

1. From the dock, click the “Ralink” icon to activate the
“WLan” utility, or find it in the “Applications”/
“Utilities” menu. Note: 10.7 does not show the
“Ralink” icon in dock. Ralink will be shown in your
“Apple System Preferences”.

2. Select your desired WiFi network from the “Site

Survey” list, then click “Connect”. Begin 10.7 here.

3. If the selected network requires a WPA security key,

enter it into the corresponding space. If your network
requires a WEP key, then enter it into the space after
“Key #1” Hexadecimal. Then click “OK”.

4. When you are successfully connected to the wire-

less site, a handshake icon will appear in the first
column, next to your SSID (network name).
At this point, you will be able to access the internet using
your default web browser.

Super USB WiFi Antenna 3 Page 11

 Mac OS 10.3 – 10.7 Installation

Creating a Profile
We recommend that you create a profile for your wireless
connection so that you will not need to re-enter your net-
work information every time your computer is turned on.
To get started, click your desired SSID from the “Site
Survey” list, then click “Add Profile”. You will need to re-
enter your wireless security key again, then click “OK”.

5. Once your profile is complete, you can activate it by

selecting it from the “Profile” tab and then click
“Connect”.

Page 12 Super USB WiFi Antenna 3

 WiFi Tips

For more WiFi Tips, see the C. Crane web site at:
www.ccrane.com/US3
1. Receiving an outside signal while inside a

Place the Super USB WiFi Antenna oriented vertically

building:

in the center of a window. It is best to place it in a win-

dow that is facing the WiFi source. Obstructions be-
tween the source of the WiFi signal and the antenna
will greatly reduce the effective WiFi range.
2. Receiving a better signal with the antenna

For an even better signal, place the antenna outside

mounted outside:

where it is not inhibited by walls or windows. It is best

to place the antenna as high as possible and at least
3ft away from metal objects. There is also an
optional 30ft cable available at www.ccrane.com/SPC
which will allow you to place the antenna in a farther
location. Be sure to use the rubber grommet between
the antenna and the cable to protect the connection
from weather.
For Boat and Extended Outdoor Use: We recom-
mend wrapping coaxial sealant (sold separately)
around the base of the antenna, covering the connec-
tion and part of the cable for more protection.
3. Receiving an inside signal from within the same

If the WiFi source is located on the same floor, orient

building:

the Super USB WiFi Antenna vertically. If the WiFi

source is located on a floor above or below, it may be
necessary to adjust the angle of the antenna to
receive in the direction of WiFi source.
4. Mounting Options:
Supplied with the antenna are mounting options for
most situations.
• For mounting on a vertical pole, use the Cable
Tie. Place it around the narrowest part of the an-
tenna, near the middle, to secure it to the pole.
• For mounting on a horizontal tree branch, clothes-
line, or other object, use the supplied Lanyard.
Loop the small section through the hole at the top
of the antenna. Loop the larger ribbon section
around, or hang it on the object. Both sections of
the Lanyard detach for easy installation and re-
moval.
• For smooth surfaces like a window or back of a
laptop screen, use the supplied Suction Cups.
Slide the suction cups onto the antenna and

Super USB WiFi Antenna 3 Page 13

 WiFi Tips

dampen the cup portion before application.

• For a porous wall or shelf, you can use the sticky
Hook and Loop material. Attach one piece to the
antenna and the other to the mounting surface.

FAQs and WiFi Troubleshooting

Q. My computer is not showing that the antenna is

A. Check the connection between the antenna and the

plugged in. What is wrong?

cable to be sure they are tightly connected. If only one

USB port is available, make sure to use the main USB
cable connector, not the optional Power Boost con-
nector (single loose connector).
Q. I have Windows 7/Vista and inserted the software
CD. I clicked on “Run Autorun.exe” but nothing is

A. Check the bottom Task Bar area for a security shield

happening.

or message that is asking permission to install the

software. Also, if your computer has a third party Fire-
wall or Virus protection installed, you may have to dis-
able it. Please read the manufacturerʼs instruction
manual.
Q. My software shows that the antenna is connected
but when I try to use my internet browser I am un-

A. You may not have a strong enough WiFi connection.

able to view anything. What should I do?

Successful connection to a wireless network usually

requires a minimum of 2 bars of signal. If the signal is
low, you can try relocating or repositioning the an-
tenna with a better line-of-sight view to the WiFi
source; or the wireless network does not offer internet
service; or a firewall/virus protection is preventing
access.
Q. I purchased the USB WiFi Antenna and when it is
hooked up it does not improve my WiFi reception.

A. Be sure that the antenna is positioned vertically in the

Is there something I can do to make it work better?

center of the window, if the WiFi source is outside

your location. Using the optional 30ft accessory cable,
you can mount your antenna outside and up high for
best reception. Visit www.ccrane.com/SPC for more
information or to purchase the 30ft cable or coaxial
sealant.
Q. Can I use a passive USB extension cable to add on

Page 14 Super USB WiFi Antenna 3

 FAQs and WiFi Troubleshooting

to the existing length of the cable that came with

A. No, the Super USB WiFi Antenna should not be con-

the Super USB WiFi Antenna?

nected to an additional passive USB extension cable.

Please use the 15ft USB cable that came with the an-
tenna or replace it by purchasing an optional 30ft USB
cable. It is not recommended to exceed the 30ft USB
cable, as it can cause severe signal loss.
Q. Is there a location on the web to download another

A. Yes, see the C.Crane web site at this address:

copy of the software CD?

www.ccrane.com/US3
Q. My computer is a Mac and I connect to a Secure
Network but everytime I shut my computer down, I

A. Connect to the network and click on “Add Profile”.

have to reenter the Encryption Key.

See “Creating a Profile” on page 12 for more infor-

mation.
Q. My computer has an internal WiFi antenna; is it
necessary to disable it before installing the soft-

A. It is not required, but it is recommended. If both WiFi

ware and the Super USB WiFi Antenna?

connections are going at the same time, it will require

more power from your computer and create extra
heat. Usually there is a button, switch, or key on a
laptop that disables the built-in WiFi device.
Q. Which side (front or back) faces the window when

A. It is up to you. The Super USB WiFi Antenna is omni-

using the suction cups?

directional, and so it can receive the signal from any

direction.
Q. Can I use the antenna with my iPad® or iPhone® to

A. No. The Super USB WiFi Antenna 3 requires installa-

increase my WiFi reception?

tion of software drivers. The iPad® and iPhone® are

not capable of installing software drivers.
Q. What do the blue and red lights on the antenna

A. The flashing blue light means the antenna is getting

mean?

power and the intermittent red light means the an-

tenna is communicating with the computer.

For more troubleshooting and FAQs, see the C. Crane

web site at: www.ccrane.com/US3

Super USB WiFi Antenna 3 Page 15

 FCC Interference Statement and Safety

Federal Communication Commission

Interference Statement
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the
limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of FCC
Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protec-
tion against harmful interference in a residential installation.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interface, and
2. This device must accept any interface received, including
interface that may cause undesired operation. This equip-
ment 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 in-
terference will not occur in a particular installation. If this
equipment 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:
a. Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
b. Increase the separation between the equipment and
receiver.
c. Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit
different from that to which the receiver is con-
nected.
d. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio techni-
cian for help.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manu-
facturer could void the userʼs authority to operate the equip-
ment.

1. To comply with FCC RF exposure compliance require-

CAUTION:

ments, a separation distance of 20 cm (about 8 inches

must be maintained between the antenna of this de-

2. This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in

vice and all persons.

conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.

FCC ID: TKZAWUHN2405

THIS DEVICE COMPLIES WITH PART 15 OF THE FCC

RULES.
OPERATION IS SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING TWO CON-
DITIONS:
(1) THIS DEVICE MAY NOT CAUSE HARMFUL INTERFER-
ENCE, AND
(2) THIS DEVICE MUST ACCEPT ANY INTERFERENCE RE-
CEIVED, INCLUDING INTERFERENCE THAT MAY
CAUSE UNDESIRED OPERATION.