External USB antenna on Smart Touch

[RetamaRobert]

Just replaced our laptop with a Smart Touch 610-1050Y. Both have an internal WiFi antenna.  When I install our external USB antenna on the laptop, I disconnect the laptop's internal WiFi antenna with a switch. Is there a way to disconnect the Smart Touch's internal antenna with a switch or with software? The so-called manuals lack any useful info. We are full time RVers and depend on less than perfect RV Park WiFi systems.

Also, on the back of the PC/monitor BELOW where the power, CATV cable, speakers, IR blaster and  4 of the USB ports are located, is what looks like a 5th USB port with something installed in it. Does any one know what this device is?

Thanks

[dianebrat]

The "extra" USB device is the wireless keyboard and mouse receiver.

I've never heard of being able to turn the antenna on and off for a laptop, are you sure that you're not turning the wifi network card on and off and the USB "antenna" is a USB wireless adapter? If so you can disable the internal wifi adapter in device manager just like you would on any other Win7 machine.

[RetamaRobert]

Teacher:

Thank you for your response. The HP laptop had a switch to disable the internal WiFi antenna so I could plug in an external antenna. I am looking at the Smart Touch Device Manager under Network Adapters. Five devices are listed. 1 and 2 are Bluetooth. 3 is Broadcom WLAN Adapter. 4 is Microsoft Virtual WiFi Miniport Adapter. 5 is Realtek PCIe GBE Family Controller. Clicking on #4 the WiFi Miniport Adapter does not reveal a way to disable it.

Bob

[dianebrat]

Broadcomm WLAN adapter is the wifi/wireless device, that's the one you want to disable.

As I said, you can't "disable the antenna" you disable the device, I really think you're mistaken in what your USB device is, it sounds a lot like an external USB wireless adapter, not a "USB Antenna" can you post the part number/model of this device?

[RetamaRobert]

Follow this link...........

http://www.ccrane.com/antennas/wifi-antennas/super-usb-wifi-antenna.aspx

[dianebrat]

"Your computer does not need to have an internal WiFi card or antenna!"

Exactly what I said, despite the name, it is NOT an antenna, it is an external USB wifi adapter.

You're not "turning off the internal antenna" you are turning off the internal wifi adapter

[hellocorky]

I am looking at the same antenna from Crane, and also notice that it said you should disable your internal antenna before using their antenna. I also want to use the device to boost the free, open signal from the RV park. If you find the answer, please let me know. I have an HP Compaq laptop running Vista, and can't find any information about the internal antenna.

Thanks