how to auto-change wireless settings

[kevin.kempter at dataintellect.com]

All;

I routinely connect to several wireless networks. Here's the steps I take 
today:
1) I run "iwlist eth1 scanning"
This gives me the settings for the wireless channels around me (I really only 
need the channel)

2) I go to Kmenu-->System Settings-->Network
I input the root password when prompted then I select the wireless device 
(eth1) and I change the wireless channel to the channel I want. Then I save 
the changes and "activate" the wireless interface

This works fine however I'm thinking there has to be a better way. I have the 
wireless settings set to "Auto" for the SSID but I always have to change the 
channel.  

Is there a way to either tell the wireless to just search for a local wireless 
AND use the settings it finds 
or - is there a command line method I can use to change the channel. I've run 
iwconfig like this "iwconfig eth1 channel 6" but it doesn't work. 

Any Ideas?