Is my Airport Express card failing?

I tried to a search and find a post about this situation, but I didn't find one just like it and the post I made in a similar thread didn't garner a response, so I am hoping asking directly will shed some light on my question.
Here's my situation. At home we use 3 different Macs all on the local wireless Airport network. One is a G5 that I use in my home office, another is my wife's G4 laptop and the other is a relatively new iMac - it is the iMac that is a problem. Basically, about half the time the iMac network performance is slow - much slower than the other computers on the network at the same time. For example. In my office my G5 always has a solid and fast connection (knock wood). However, the iMac in another room has page loads so slow sometimes that pages timeout before they load, or won't connect at all. The strange thing is doesn't seem to be a signal problem, because the strength indiocator in the menu bar is always on full no matter whether the iMac is performing slow or fast. It sees the connection and doesn't drop it, nor does it drop in strength. If I place my wife's laptop in basically the exact same spot, it performs just fine and does so consistently.
So, as I see it, it doesn't seem to be a signal issue (which I rule out because the laptop used in the same location works fine). It doesn't seem to be a base station issue because the other Macs connect just fine all the time. The iMac used to be just as reliable as the rest when it came to accessing the network and only had this problem arise occasionally about a month or so ago, but lately it has been more problematic.
Which leads me to wonder if it is the card in the iMac. If so, is this something I can check? And is it easy to replace, or is it an issue for Apple to fix (the iMac is on the protection plan).
Thanks

Here's my situation. At home we use 3 different Macs
all on the local wireless Airport network. One is a
G5 that I use in my home office, another is my wife's
G4 laptop and the other is a relatively new iMac - it
is the iMac that is a problem.
Is this a new Intel iMac?
Are you using WPA?
Some Intel iMacs have issues connecting to a WPA encrypted network which results in a slow network connection.
I have read that there is an issue with the Intel iMac and wireless speeds when using WPA?
Are you using WPA?
What happens if you change to WPA2 ?
Or WEP?
iFelix

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Airport Express Card Installation Problem

I purchased an Airport Express card for my PowerMac G5 (Dual 1.8ghz)...after installing the card and rebooting the computer, I just got a black screen. I know the "late 2005 Models" particularly the October 2005 models are not able to use the Express card....but mine was purchased in Feb. 2005.
I really need wireless capabilities and I'm stuck on what my options are. Apple customer service said my computer is "airport express ready" and should take the card....but no matter how many times I try to install, I get a black screen.
Has anyone had a similar problem or have any solutions....I'm moving to a place where I will not be able to directly connect through a hard line (Ethernet)...Thank you in advance!
Message was edited by: artfixation

The AirPort Extreme card is compatible with your Power Mac G5.
One or more of the following is true:
The AirPort Extreme card is defective.
The card is installed incorrectly.
The Power Mac's motherboard is defective and failing to recognize the card.

Purchasing an Airport Express card...Is this the right move?

Hey Folks,
I've recently been given an older iMac (it's the all in one purple one from around 99-2000) i talked to two different apple employees in two different stores (chicago and milwaukee) the concensus sounds like i need to purchase the "airport express card" and open up the hatch and install it manually in order to get the wirless internet that is already hooked up in my apartment builing. Is this the right purchase? i'm not clear on if this mac is airport ready, and am worried that 120 bucks later i will find out the hard way, any suggestions/advice?
thanks everyone!

Jason my model is most certainly the Mac Rev C, i copied and pasted the information available below, turns out it is the Grape Imac, what does this mean for my wireless connectivity, and does this change my purchasing options, thank you so much for you help!
CPU
CPU: PowerPC 750
CPU Speed: 266 MHz
FPU: integrated
Bus Speed: 66 MHz
Data Path: 64 bit
ROM: 1 MB ROM + 3 MB toolbox ROM loaded into RAM
RAM Type: 144 pin SO-DIMM
Minimum RAM Speed: 100 MHz
Onboard RAM: 0 MB
RAM slots: 2
Maximum RAM: 256 MB
Level 1 Cache: 32 kB data, 32 kB instruction
Level 2 Cache: 512 kB backside, 1:2
Video
Monitor: 15"
VRAM: 6 MB SGRAM
Max Resolution: 24 bit 1024x768
Storage
Hard Drive: 6 GB
ATA Bus: EIDE
Optical Drive: 24x CD-ROM
Input/Output
USB: 2
Audio Out: stereo 16 bit mini
Audio In: stereo 16 bit mini
Speaker: stereo, SRS
Microphone: mono
Networking
Modem: 56 kbps
Ethernet: 10/100Base-T
Miscellaneous
Codename: Lifesavers
Gestalt ID: 406
Power: 80 Watts
Dimensions: 15.8" H x 15.2" W x 17.6" D
Weight: 40 lbs.
Minimum OS: 8.5.1
Maximum OS: 10.3.9
Introduced: January 1999
Terminated: April 1999

Airport Express Card on a wireless PC network??

Hey there, I was curious if it was possible to use a G5 with an Airport Express Card on a wireless PC network. My wife needs to be able to access the internet from another part of the house. Someone mentioned that it might be possible, but I can't seem to find anything explaining how to do it. Thanks for your time!
Jeff

Which wireless router are you using?
Are you using WEP?
One of the problems with WEP is that the actual standard relies on a 10 character HEX key for 40bit WEP and a 26 character HEX key for 128bit WEP.
In order to make things easier for people, vendors use certain algorithms to convert simple alphanumeric passwords (or passphrases) into HEX keys, thus enabling people to use simple memorable 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 AEBS will be hashed differently on a Netgear client and vice versa.
One thing is a 13 character 128 bit WEP password will be hashed by all vendors in the same way (if you use 40bit WEP then a 5 character password is required).
Though sometimes not even that works and the HEX key must be used regardless.
AirPort: Joining an encrypted wireless network
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106424
Choosing a password for networks that use Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP)
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=108058
iFelix

Weak signal reception from my new Airport Express card.

I had an Airport Express card installed in my spanking new G5 dual-core at the Apple store. I have a feeling it was installed incorrectly.
My Dell laptop (next to my Mac) picks up my Airport Express transmission just fine and shows the signal as very strong. My mac, however, shows a weak signal that will often fade away to nothing every hour or so. I've found that if I shake the tower, the signal will come back. I've moved the tower about the room, but with the same results.
I opened up the tower and the card appears to be installed correctly. I see the two antennae wires hooked up and and the card is in place.
Has anyone else had this type of problem?

ratsurfer, Welcome to the discussion area!I had an Airport Express card installed...You mean AirPort Extreme card. The AirPort Express is a router.
Do you have the external antenna connected to the back of the Power Mac G5? Read PowerMac G5 wireless problem? Check this... and check the included links.

Why won't my eMc boot when I install a new Airport Express Card?

I just tried to install an Airport Express Card into my eMac. After each time I reseated and then turned on the power, my eMac would not boot. It boots fine without the card, any ideas or suggestions?

There's a possibility that the card id defective and should be exchanged, but a stronger possibility that the Airport Extreme card (Airport Express is a different, external device) isn't actually seated quite all the way. Many posters in the eMac forums have noted that it takes a suprising amount of force to fully seat the card and to get it to move the last millimeter or whatever into the slot. You need to press the card to just short of where the eMac chassis starts moving away from you on your desk or table.

MacBooks connecting via Airport Express cards

Good morning. A colleague of mine thinks it's possible to get machines with AirPort Extreme cards to communicate without the use of a Base Station. Is this possible please?
Brian Bowell.

On one of the MacBooks go to the AirPort menu and create an adhoc wireless network. The others would join that network.

Do I need to purchase an airport express card if I have a sony vio that is 3 years old?

Do I need to purchase an airport card?

The AirPort Extreme card is designed to work only with certain Mac models. There is neither a version that works with PC, nor does your Vaio require it. If your Vaio does not have built-in wireless, one option would be to get a wireless USB adapter.

Upgrading to a 802.11n Airport Express Card in my Macbook Pro

I found this question on the forums answered over 4 years ago and thought to ask it to get a more current response given that both hardware and sellers have changed significantly in the time passed.
I've also found it difficult to replace the wireless card in my Macbook Pro. I was able to track down the current part number in my device as being 661-3890; but I figure it may be better just to upgrade to an 802.11n compatible card. I've found a few listings on ebay but they are not straight forward. I want to make sure that anything I might buy is at least compatible with my computer.
A creditable site, OWC, has a part number 661-5048 they sell that is compatible but is on the upper end of the price spectrum. I have the A1150 Macbook Pro (1,1) which I believe is also referred to as the late 2006/early 2007 model. In my research I was able to deduce that some people have had success replacing their cards with the Atheros AR5BXB6 card although there appears to be some debate regarding the different Manufacture Part numbers (482261-001 and 482261-002). There are a few of these listed on auctions (used and new) but the range in price is $100.
I'm new to the Mac screen and would appreciate any help in the right direction as I have yet to find an authority that confidently and clearly states what cards are compatible with my box. Thanks!

Here is the ifixit link:
www.ifixit.com/MacBook-Parts/MacBook-802-11n-Airport-Extreme-Card/IF185-038
I just want to know what cards are compatiable so I can pick up a reasonblily priced one on ebay.
Model Name:          MacBook Pro
Model Identifier:          MacBookPro1,1
Processor Name:          Intel Core Duo
Processor Speed:          2 GHz
Number Of Processors:          1
Total Number Of Cores:          2
L2 Cache:          2 MB
Memory:          2 GB
Bus Speed:          667 MHz
Boot ROM Version:          MBP11.0055.B08
SMC Version (system):          1.2f10
Sudden Motion Sensor:
State:          Enabled
Software Versions:
Menu Extra:          6.2.1 (621.1)
configd plug-in:          6.2.4 (624.2)
System Profiler:          6.0 (600.9)
Network Preference:          6.2.1 (621.1)
AirPort Utility:          5.5.2 (552.11)
IO80211 Family:          3.1.4 (314.1.1)
Interfaces:
en1:
Card Type:          AirPort Extreme (0x168C, 0x86)
Firmware Version:          Atheros 5424: 2.1.14.5
Locale:          FCC
Country Code:
Supported PHY Modes:          802.11 a/b/g
Supported Channels:          1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 149, 153, 157, 161, 165

Airport Express setup fails

I just purchased an Airport Express in order to connect my iMac Intel (with OS X 10.6.1) to Internet, and later also my iBook G4. I followed the instructions in the Setup guide. This is what I did:
1. Connected Airport Express to DSL modem (Ethernet cable).
2. Plugged Airport Express into power outlet. Status light flashed for one second and then glowed amber for a whiile, and finally flashed amber.
3. Opened Airport utility 5.4.2. The setup guide says "Select your Airport Express and click Continue." But the left side of the Airport utility is blank, and in the right portion a message tells "Airport utility was unable to find any Apple wireless devices. ...". Status light off.
Good advice is welcome!
François

Your are very welcome. The AX is a neat little device. But, yes, at this point it is not working out well for you. You could try to get help with it at the Apple Store where you purchased. I can only recommend one modem/router maker--because I haven't used any other brand in recent history. I recommend the Linksys brand. I just keep buying newer ones because "they just work." Linksys has modems and routers in a variety of price ranges. I would get an n-supporting router in the price range you are comfortable with. I use the WRT310 (a/b/g/n) (I think that's the model number).
Message was edited by: donv (The Ghost)

Apple still selling Airport Express cards?

I have an iBook G3 bought in Japan and now want to get a card to use it wirelessly with a 3Com router that works OK with my PC. Problem: Apple in London say I have to buy the card through a third party vendor, who charge like £139 for the card alone. They say Apple have increased the prices of parts. I wouldn't mind paying about £70 - the price of an Airport Extreme card - but does Apple either sell or support these now? And would I be able to get one in Japan as I will be over there shortly?

Your iBook G3 requires an original Airport card. Apple stopped manufacturing these cards over a year ago, and they were sold out at all Apple dealers shortly thereafter. Original Airport cards are now only available via EBay and a few web retailers that still have stock, and the average selling price has gone up to around $US 150 in the past couple of months.
Unless you are willing to pay that much, I suggest you use an alternative like a wireless bridge device - see for example the Linksys WET54G or the Belkin F5D7330.

A faulty AirPort Express card slot

Hey everyone,
I was wondering if someone could help me with a problem I've been having.
I have a 15 inch powerbook G4 aluminum. I bought a airport extreme card about 8 months ago. it's been working perfectly fine until a few days ago. One day, I lost all connection to the internet, My MAC can't read the airport card anymore. So it thinks there is no airport at all. I tried taking out the airport extreme card and installing it back in, but my MAC still can't read the card. I double checked to make sure I put the card in correctly. But still nothing. Then later that day, i went to the apple store to see if it was my airport card. They tested the card on another MAC and it worked perfectly fine. They also checked to see if my software was a problem and that was fine. So I assume there is something wrong with the airport card slot itself??
Is there any way to fix this without paying an arm and a leg to have the apple tech people fix it?? Your help would be greatly appreciated!!!!

hngodesign, Welcome to the discussion area!
It sounds like your PowerBook's motherboard has a defect in the area of the AirPort Extreme card connector. The only solution to that is to replace the motherboard.
An alternative is to forget about the AirPort Extreme card and instead get a compatible wireless PCMCIA card for the PCMCIA slot on your PowerBook.

Can I add an Airport Express Card to my Mac mIni?

If so where can I buy one and does anyone have the link to the OWC website where they show a video on how t oopen a Mac Mini?

Buy the card at any Apple store or Ebay or whatever...
Find any of the Mac Mini installation movies:
http://eshop.macsales.com/tech_center/index.cfm?page=Video/directory.html
and here's instructions on installing the card:
http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/82.11.0.html

Airport Express or Extreme Card?

I have an airport extreme base station with cable modem for my ibook. I now have a second hand computer - (imac 10.2.8) and would like to connect it. I haven't a clue which I should get so I can have the internet on both.

kandushka, Welcome to the discussion area!
There is no AirPort Express card.
If your iMac is:
an iMac G3 CRT with a clock speed of 400 MHz or faster, it has an internal slot for the original AirPort card. The AirPort card adapter is also required to use the card in an iMac G3. The AirPort Extreme card is NOT compatible.
an iMac G3 CRT Blueberry with a clock speed of 350 MHz, it has an internal slot for the original AirPort card. The AirPort card adapter is also required to use the card in an iMac G3. The AirPort Extreme card is NOT compatible.
an iMac G4 with a clock speed of 700 or 800 MHz, it has an internal slot for the original AirPort card. The AirPort Extreme card is NOT compatible.
an iMac G4 with a clock speed of 1 GHz or higher, it has an internal slot for the AirPort Extreme card. The original AirPort card is NOT compatible.
an iMac G5 and does not have built-in wireless, it has an internal slot for the AirPort Extreme card. The original AirPort card is NOT compatible.

AirPort Express update to 7.6.1 fails with error -6753

I have an AirPort Extreme acting as my primary base station, and a AirPort Express acting to extend my wireless network. The Extreme updated just fine to 7.6.1 (The update took a while, but it was fully successful.) But my AirPort Express repeatedly fails to update. I get the message "An error occured while updating software -6753".
Also note that I first did the update to OS X 10.7.3 (not yet a choice in the Operating System dropdown below this form.)
Any thoughts?

Hi Marne,
Thanks for reply. Good to hear everthing is working fine with your Express.
wifiguru wrote something interesting on a similar thread, which helped me updating the Express. In the configuration of the Airport Extreme I switched from channels automatic to channel 12 (no special reason for that number, just a try). After that I could update the Express to 7.6.1 without a problem and everthing seems to work fine now. I don't know how to reference wifiguru's tips so here is a copy:
wifiguru
Re: 7.6.1 Airport Extreme Update problem 02.02.2012 07:38 (in response to Vijay S)
Have you guys tried switching channels after you upgraded to make sure it's not a bad channel/interference issue ?
As for downgrading, if you launch AU and click on the AP, you will see the pop up which gives you AP details. You will see version info. on that popup. Now hold down the option key and click on Version and it will give you a drop down menu and you can downgrade to the older sw. if needed.
I recommend playing around with channels first to eliminate other environment related issues before you do this.
Now it's too late over here to test the HiFi but I'm very optimistic -> the iPhone Apps are working.
All the best
Gunter

Is my Airport Express card failing?

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