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User Manual for Wireless Firefly Microscope GT600 Version: 1.0
WIRELESS INTERFERENCE RECOMMENDATIONS
Last reviewed: January 27, 2011.
Many wireless products, such as cordless phones, home networks, Bluetooth devices, and baby monitors,
share the 2.4-GigaHertz (GHz) radio frequency bands. As a result, these products are likely to interfere with
each other. Interference might generate noisy images and degrade the video quality on the Wireless Firefly
Microscope.
Here's what you need to know to minimize interference:
Interference immunity from cordless phones
Most 2.4GHz cordless phones use frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) technology that operates
within the 2.4-GHz spectrum. FHSS hops from frequency-to-frequency across the entire 2.4GHz spectrum.
The wireless Firefly Microscope and 802.11 WiFi wireless networks, on the other hand, use direct sequence
spread spectrum (DSSS), which transmits within only a part of the 2.4 GHz spectrum. Because FHSS jumps
across the entire spectrum while DSSS stays in only one portion, a FHSS 2.4GHz product can cause
interference with the Wireless Firefly Microscope.
Choose a cordless phone that uses the 5.8-GHz, 1.9-GHz, or 900-MHz band
These frequency bands are not as widely used as 2.4-GHz and, therefore, are less likely to cause or receive
interference. If you want a multiple-handset-capable cordless phone with handset-conferencing capability,
choose one that uses only the 5.8-GHz or 1.9 GHz band. By contrast, nearly all phones using 2.4-GHz digital
spread spectrum (DSS) technology and those that allow handset conferencing may create interference in
other products, some even while in standby mode.
Be aware that some cordless phones labeled as 5.8-GHz
actually use both the 5.8-GHz and 2.4-GHz bands. DSS phones labeled as "wireless network friendly" or
"802.11-friendly" are unlikely to interfere with wireless computer networks, but they may interfere with the Wireless
Firefly Microscope and other wireless devices. Keep the 2.4-GHz analog phones as far away from the area as possible.
Lower the antenna position of cordless phone
If relocating or replacing the phone is not an immediate option, operate the cordless phone with the
antenna in the lowered position if possible. This will dampen the RF signal coming from the cordless phone
and reduce the amount of interference.
Keep your distance
After above adjustment, try keeping the conflicting cordless phone as far away as possible, such as in
different rooms.
Interference immunity from wireless networks
Like most wireless products, the wireless Firefly Microscope allows you to operate at 4 separate channels
(residing on frequency range index of 2414, 2432, 2450 or 2468±10 MHz).
