External Wifi Antennae
-
The wireless i believe is handled by the intel processor.
-
To do the equivalent we would need to get an ESP 7 or another external antenna version FCC certified with a specific plug on antenna. I just don't think there is the demand for external antenna DuetWifis to justify the test and certification costs. I also don't think that AI thinker will pay to have their ESP eternal antenna board certified.
-
Alternatively we could ship a DuetEthernet with no Ethernet module and then you could add a ESP with a different antenna using a cheap PCB to route the signals.
-
Alternatively we could ship a DuetEthernet with no Ethernet module and then you could add a ESP with a different antenna using a cheap PCB to route the signals.
I dont want to mess with my working printer to figure it out, but do you think it would be possible to solder an antenna to the Duets antenna?
The problem with the DuetWifi at least for me is that it is installed inside the Davinci metal + plastic enclosure. It works great when inside my office where I have a wireless access point. The signal becomes weak when i move the printer out to the 4 bay detached shop.
I plan on building a number of printers with Duets but the problem is setting up another access point out there is not going to be a cheap or easy endeavor ( ethernet burial + $450 AP )
I realize this isnt a huge issue for many, not everyone lives on 5 acres or has deatached shops But I do have powertful APs and antennas and from a surface pro can stay connected from one end of the property to the other well beyond the distance of the shop.
Just seems to me that a little soldering might work here
-
Given your description my recommendation would be to use DuetEthernets, with a small LAN inside the detached shop, the LAN can have a wifi repeater plugged in which connets it to your main wifi network.
I realise that does not help for the DuetWifi you already have, IF you have (or know someone who has) a hotair rework station you could remove the wifi module and then fit the headers for an ethernet module.
I don't think it's wise to cut the traces on the ESP on board wifi antenna and then solder on an antenna pigtail, it may work but then again….
-
Alternatively we could ship a DuetEthernet with no Ethernet module and then you could add a ESP with a different antenna using a cheap PCB to route the signals.
I have a box printer and am running into the same issues regarding a weak signal. I'm considering de-soldering the perimeter of the ESP module from the Duet main board, relocating the module to some place outside of the printer, and then running jumpers to reconnect the contacts that i de-soldered. Is there any negative consequence that might prevent this from working?
The only two issues that come to mind are - 1. there will be some length at which the voltage drop through the wire will be too much for the module and Duet to communicate correctly, and 2. there's a potential for these wires to see too much interference from the environment if they aren't shielded. Is it possible for everything to function correctly if the module and Duet were to be separated by 1 ft of wire?
-
Look up dd-wrt. You can turn most regular wireless routers into repeaters. If the router you plan to use has removable antennas, you can add Omni-directional antennas and reach out pretty far.
-
I have a box printer and am running into the same issues regarding a weak signal. I'm considering de-soldering the perimeter of the ESP module from the Duet main board, relocating the module to some place outside of the printer, and then running jumpers to reconnect the contacts that i de-soldered. Is there any negative consequence that might prevent this from working?
The only two issues that come to mind are - 1. there will be some length at which the voltage drop through the wire will be too much for the module and Duet to communicate correctly, and 2. there's a potential for these wires to see too much interference from the environment if they aren't shielded. Is it possible for everything to function correctly if the module and Duet were to be separated by 1 ft of wire?
Have you considered putting a cheap WiFi range extender in the room with the printer?
The signals between the WiFi module and the Duet are 27MHz SPI so they need to be kept short.
-
I have slightly low signal as well. Very variable how I position my printer. I have it on some furniture with wheels and it's great to move about when I need to.
I almost regret not going for Duet Ethernet and just using something like this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Wired-Ethernet-To-Wireless-Wi-Fi-Adapter-For-TV-DVR-Game-Console-Printer-/121975306714
But I'm planning to extend my wifi soon anyhow so it will soon no longer be an issue.
-
I just noticed that the ESP-07S is FCC and CE approved. Looks like it has more flash too. I'd be all for the ability to connect an external antenna if you'd consider this for a future update.
-
My Duetwifi is installed in an all aluminum electronics enclosure with a polycarbonate hatch in the back.
As you can imagine I only have a good signal when the printer is oriented so that the back is directed to the antenna of the router.
To cover this issue, I installed a separate AP behind the printer. It is a heavy one, so I don't move it easily. Just rolling it around on a couple of sqm for easy access when tinkering…
