Problem solved. I used Synaptic to load all files in kernel section, this includes the patch. Note that I installed all files listed in kernel section. Also, ESSID, from my understanding should be left blank for security reasons. Thanks for the help. You asked which kernel I was using and then I read from
http://wiki.debian.org/ath5k the following (I use the AR242x chipset which uses the ath5k driver):
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Known Issues
The ath5k driver is in a constant state of development, with varying levels of support for chipsets depending on their age.
AR242x chipset
Found in the Acer eMachines D620 laptop, among others. This suffers from a "noise floor calibration timeout" bug, which means the wireless may not function after installing Lenny. The bug is fixed since kernel 2.6.28.1.
Lenny users: install a backported kernel 2.6.29 (or later) image package from Debian Backports.
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Gregorian, there is an option in Wicd preferences to automatically reconnect if connection is lost.
Maybe this would help if you have a weak signal.