CC Vector™ WiFi Repeater V4 Quick Start Setup Guide

Getting Started: Assembly and Initial Setup

Please assemble all items as pictured before proceeding.

1. Attach the large antenna:

   Please follow the included Antenna Assembly / Mounting guide. See Page 5 for weatherproofing.

2. Connect the CC DX Mile™ to the 30 ft. cable:

   Make sure to insert the cable tip completely inside the connector.

3. Connect the 1.5 ft. USB Amplifier cable:

4. Plug the USB Amplifier cable into the CC Vector™:

5. Attach the small antenna to the CC Vector™:

6. Connect the AC power plug into a wall outlet:

Diagram showing the physical components of the CC Vector WiFi Repeater setup: large antenna, CC DX Mile, 30 ft cable, USB Amplifier cable, small antenna, AC power adapter, and the CC Vector unit itself, with numbered steps indicating connection order.

Initial Power-Up and Configuration

1. Step A1: Power On and Wait

   After plugging in the AC Power cord into the CC Vector Repeater, wait 1 - 2 minutes.

2. Step B1: Configure Wirelessly (Most Popular Way)

   (Internet browser required).

   1. From your computer, tablet, smartphone, or WiFi device, go to the WiFi Settings/Connections and connect to the WiFi Network Name listed on the sticker underneath the CC Vector.
   2. Enter the WiFi Password when prompted.

3. Step B2: Configure with an Ethernet Cable

   Although the CC Vector can be set up from a tablet or a smartphone, it may be easier to use a computer using the included 18” Ethernet cable.

   Connect the Ethernet cable to your computer's Ethernet port and to either of the CC Vector's Ethernet ports on the back of the device.

Accessing the CC Vector Interface

1. Step C: Access Setup Page

   After confirming you have completed Step “B”, open the Internet Browser screen on your device and enter 192.168.18.1 into the Address Bar. Press “Enter” on your keyboard.

   NOTE: At this point you are connected to the CC Vector but your browser will likely tell you that you are not connected to the internet. This is normal because the CC Vector is not yet set up. Continue with the setup.

   Screenshot of a web browser displaying the IP address 192.168.18.1.

2. Step D: Pick Network to Extend

   Click on your WiFi network that you want to repeat. (Network names shown above will be different in your location.)

   Then click "Select".

   NOTE: For best performance, your signal should be higher than 50%. For a better signal, try adjusting the orientation and placement of the USB antenna - then click “Rescan” to see if the signal is higher.

   Screenshot showing the CC Vector interface for selecting a WiFi network to extend, listing Network Name (SSID), Signal strength, Channel (CH), and MAC address. An arrow points to a network, indicating selection, with text "...then click 'Select'".

3. Step E: Enter Wireless Password

   Enter the Wireless Password or Phrase for your network.

   Click "Next".

   NOTE: If the network in Step “D” does not require a password, then you will not get this screen. Proceed to Step “F”.

   Screenshot showing the password entry screen. Options to click to unlock and view the password are shown. Text indicates entering the password for the network selected in Step "D", followed by "...then click 'Next'".

Finalizing Setup and Status Check

1. Step F: System Reboot

   The system will reboot. Please make sure your computer, phone, or tablet stays connected to "CCrane" and does not automatically connect to another WiFi network. If no response after 1 minute, then close and re-open your web browser screen.

   Rebooting, Please wait a moment ...

   NOTE: At this time your computer or mobile device may automatically connect to another nearby WiFi network. Please make sure that it reconnects back to the CCrane-ACC139.

2. Step G: Check Internet Status

   You should now see a screen similar to this (Screens may vary on some devices).

   If "Status" is "Connected" and "Internet Access" is "Yes", then you are finished with the setup. Bookmark this page with your web browser in case you need to return to it to check the connection or change networks. You can now close this screen and continue using the internet normally.

   If "Status" is "Connected" and "Internet Access" is "No", please wait for 5 to 10 minutes. If no change, please see “Troubleshooting and Tips” #2.

   Screenshot of the CC Vector's Internet Status screen showing Status: Connected, Link Quality: 100%, Internet Access: Yes. Another screenshot shows Status: Connected, Link Quality: 100%, Internet Access: No.

Troubleshooting and Tips

1. Issue: No "Network Names" Showing or Continual "Scanning" (Step D)

   • No WiFi networks in range of the USB WiFi Receiver and antenna. Try moving or re-adjusting the USB WiFi Receiver (CC DX Mile) and antenna.
   • Check to make sure that the small USB end of the cable is properly inserted fully into the USB WiFi receiver's (CC DX Mile) connector.
   • Make sure to use the main USB connector of the USB cable and that it is inserted into the USB Port of the USB Amplifier Cable. After above is checked, click Rescan. Call C. Crane at (800) 522-8863 if you are still not able to see any "Network Names” in Step “D”.

2. Issue: "Status" Connected, "Internet Access" No

   In some cases, if you are at a public WiFi such as an RV Park, Hotel, Hospital, coffee shop, etc. that requires a Username & password, or to accept the User's Terms and Agreement, open your internet browser and follow their instructions.

3. Issue: CC Vector WiFi Repeater Not Working, Dropping Connections, or Unresponsive

   You should first perform a reset of the repeater to see if the problems persist. Other scenarios where you might want to reset your repeater include forgetting the password or mis-configuring it and being unable to access it.

   To reset your CC Vector WiFi Repeater, follow these steps:

   • Power up your CC Vector.
   • Press and hold the reset button on the bottom of the unit for 15 seconds (Use a paper clip or a non-sharp object).
   • Repeat Steps A1 through G.

   This process usually works for resetting the CC Vector WiFi Repeater to its factory setting.

4. Error Messages

   • “WiFi Connection Failed” - Most likely the password entered for the selected Network to repeat is incorrect. Re-enter the correct password.
   • “Connection lost – The Device connection lost” - Your device has lost connection with the CCRANE Network. Most likely your computer, laptop, or smartphone re-connected to another nearby network instead of the CCRANE network. Please check your connection to the CCRANE network.

Please visit our website at ccrane.com for additional information or call 800-522-8863.

Additional Tips

• Some devices such as smartphones, tablets, printers, etc., offer WPS as an alternate form of WiFi connection which does not require a password. To connect devices to the CC Vector without entering a password, press the "WPS" ⚙️ button when prompted by your device to connect. Check the WPS instructions for your computer or WiFi device.
• For best performance, we recommend 5 to 15 feet of separation between the CC Vector and the USB Antenna.
• In some cases, you may receive faster WiFi by rotating the USB Antenna horizontally, making sure to aim the broad side towards the distant WiFi network.
• It is normal to receive some speed reduction when repeating a WiFi network (because it has to deliver the signal twice).

Image of the CC Vector device highlighting the WPS button.

Weatherproofing

1. Step 1: Antenna Connection Preparation

   Before connecting the CC DX Mile to the antenna, coat the threads of the antenna with the supplied silicone grease. This will help protect the threads from rust and water incursion.

2. Step 2: Sealing the Connection

   Once the antenna is securely screwed onto the CC DX Mile, use the supplied coaxial seal to completely cover the connection. We also recommend coating the USB connection with silicone grease and wrapping with the supplied coaxial seal for added protection.

Diagram illustrating the weatherproofing steps for antenna connections, showing silicone grease application and coaxial seal application.

Cold Weather Protection (Below 32°F for the CC DX Mile)

The CC DX Mile can become intermittent at about 32 degrees F. Here is a simple suggestion to give it another 10 degrees of protection down to about 22 degrees. The CC DX Mile creates a small amount of heat that can be retained by using a 10" long piece of pipe insulation made for 1-1/2" outside diameter pipe. The insulation shown has an "outside diameter" of about 3". Three layers of electric tape can be used to compress and seal the top. It is best to leave the bottom open for drainage.

We suggest removing the insulation when the weather has warmed for the season or when it approaches 75° F. The unit can be damaged or its lifetime reduced if operated at high temperatures. For temperatures below 22 degrees F, you could add another layer of pipe insulation made for 3 inch pipe. One may be able to find on Amazon by carefully searching: "Pipe Insulation Tubing 3 inch Water Resistant" and selecting the ".75 inch thickness" size. These suggestions are for experimentation at your own risk.

Connecting to a WiFi Router for More Speed (Optional)

WiFi speed is variable and depends on distance and other conditions. The CC Vector provides enough speed for browsing the Internet with several devices or streaming video on one device. To improve the WiFi speed on all your devices, connect a WiFi router (not included) to the #2 LAN port of the CC Vector.

1. Setup the CC Vector normally using the included directions.
2. Confirm that the CC Vector is working by browsing the Internet while wirelessly connected to it.
3. Connect the included 18” network cable (or use your own longer network cable) to the #2 LAN port of the CC Vector.
4. Connect the other end of the network cable to the "Internet” or “WAN” port on the back of your WiFi router.
5. Test the setup by wirelessly connecting your computer or other device to the router's WiFi signal and browse the Internet.

Diagram showing the back of the CC Vector with labeled LAN ports (1 and 2). Diagram showing a Wireless Router with a labeled Internet or WAN Port.

Specifications

CC DX Mile Long Range General Specifications

CC Vector WiFi Repeater General Specifications

IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNINGS

Lightning

You may need to ground your antenna if you live in an area prone to lightning.

Power Lines

Never mount an antenna near power lines. If a power line falls and comes into contact with your antenna, DO NOT TRY TO REMOVE IT. Call your local power company.

Wind

Installing an antenna on windy days can be dangerous. Slight winds can create strong forces against the antenna equipment. If you have any doubts about your ability to install the antenna safely, please hire a licensed, bonded professional to do the work. C. Crane is not responsible or liable for damage or injury resulting from antenna installations.

General Installation Precautions

1. Read and understand all safety and operating instructions prior to installing the antenna. Retain Instructions: The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference.
2. Water and Moisture: Coaxial sealant around openings and connections of device and antenna will prevent damage when used outdoors. Use device in a vertical position.
3. Never use a utility pole to mount the device and antenna or to use as a support. Never climb a utility pole.
4. Antenna installations can be dangerous because many times it involves the use of a ladder and a possible fall. Do Not install antenna on a wet, snowy or windy day or if a thunderstorm is approaching, especially when on top of a building or ladder.
5. The antenna can be struck by lightning, which can be fatal. We recommend a licensed and insured installation by a qualified person.
6. In the event of storms, disconnect the antenna from your device. This will prevent damage caused by lightning.
7. The installation or dismantling of any antenna near power lines is dangerous. Each year hundreds of people are killed or injured while attempting to install or dismantle an antenna.

Tips to protect your house and contents from lightning: http://www.lightningsafety.com/nlsi_lhm/IEEE_Guide.pdf