How do I enter my existing 26 character wep network key on my airport express. I have tried using a preceding $ to no avail

Question

How do I enter my existing 26 character wep network key on my airport express. I have tried using a preceding $ to no avail

Answer 1

The WEP standard provides support for either:
A 10 hexidecimal digit or 5 ASCII character key for 40-bit WEP,  OR
A 26 hexidecimal digit or 13 ASCII character key for 128-bit WEP
In order to make things easier, vendors use certain algorithms to convert simple alphanumeric passwords (or passphrases) into HEX keys, thus enabling the use of simple easy to remember WEP password rather than lengthy HEX keys. The problem is that different vendors use different algorithms to generate the HEX key and therefore a ASCII password on an AirPort Express will be hashed differently than on a non-Apple client and vice versa.
In addition, the 802.11n AirPorts do NOT support either 40-bit or 128-bit WEP in the "n" Radio Mode. You will have to switch to one of the non-"n" modes to access these wireless security options.
When operating in 802.11n, the only WEP option is the WEP (Transitional Network Security) mode. Note: This mode only supports using 13 ASCII character keys. This would be the reason that you are not able to enter a 26 hexidecimal digit key. 
You may find the following Apple Support article helpful: AirPort: Joining an encrypted WEP  or WPA Wi-Fi Network