nonseven
It seems like I might be having a problem with the wifi radio in my open spot 2.
First issue - my openspot 2 started developing an issue connecting or maintaining a connection to my wifi router (Apple AirPort Extreme) from a relatively short distance away (in another room, about 25 ft away). At first it seemed to work fine. So I moved the openspot 2 right next to my router - perhaps a foot away. That seemed to solve the issues for a bit. First time I saw the internet connection quality listed as "Ok." But now it's disconnecting from wifi sometimes. And the webpage interface (sharkrf link) intermittently disconnects, even though my computer network connection is excellent.
On the network tab of the web page interface, the "internet connection quality" goes from OK, to medium, to low, to unavailable and back to Ok, and so on.
My internet service seems fine with no problems, consistently showing results on a speed test of about 240mbps download speed, and 40mbps upload speed, and all my other wifi devices are not having any issues. My apple airport extreme shows the Openspot 2 having an excellent connection with a data transfer rate of 65mbps. No other signs of internet issues (I can stream 4K video, etc).
Question: Does the "Internet connection quality" shown on the web interface just measure the connection to the reflector currently connected to, or does it use some other criteria to measure the quality of the internet connection?
HA2NON
Internet connection quality is measured using a cloud server independent of the OS2's currently connected reflector/server. If the network latency is low, then the OS2 reports a good internet connection quality. Please note that even a high speed connection can have very bad latency. What you can try to do is to use Wi-Fi channels 1, 6 or 11 on your router and see if it helps.
https://www.metageek.com/training/resources/why-channels-1-6-11.html
nonseven
Thank you for explaining how you measure the internet connection quality.
I'm consistently getting a latency (ping response ) of 17ms or less as tested from various devices. What concerns me more is the openspot 2 losing wifi connection while only being inches from the router. I'm not having this issue with other devices, including the OpenSpot 1 which I have reverted to.
nonseven
The only time is disconnected and I caught it while looking at the internet connection quality, the quality had just dropped to low and then poor.
But then the OS2 announced it was no longer connected to wifi also. Confused me a bit - wouldn't the connection to my router be independent of the internet connection quality? At the same time, the web page interface was lost also.
My theory is that a wifi radio problem in the OS2 is the cause of both problems - bad internet connection via a failing wifi connection.
HA2NON
Low connection quality is caused by high latency which can be caused by low Wi-Fi signal. If you don't have issues with the audio stream then you can ignore low network quality.
Low Wi-Fi signal can be caused by interference on the currently used Wi-Fi channel (which is more prominent if the AP is not configured for channel 1, 6 or 11) and walls or high distance between the OS2's built-in antenna and the AP.
Please observe what LED state the OS2 displays when you experience a disconnect. What radio do you have? Have you tried the built-in local echo or the network echo? Do you have any issues with it?
nonseven
I've got both a Kenwood TH-D74 and an Icom ID-51 +2, and use both with the OS2.
I'll do some more testing, and observe the LED status lights and the channel that the OS2 is connecting to on the wifi, when I have more issues.
W2MPR
Hey, have you found any resolution for your wifi issues? I just got my OS2 today and the one thing the seems to be an issue is the wifi radio or antenna. I have to be in the same room with my router and it works fine. I go just 30 feet away in another room and it just disconnects. Meanwhile i have other devices that show an excellent signal in the same room. Its really not that far away. If the wifi range is just limited, I’ll accept that, but I believe I may have a defective unit. Just wanted to know what is happening with your OS2. Im just looking for answers. If I have to send it back I will. The range just seems way too short for a 2.4Ghz radio.
Martin
W2MPR
KD6QFO
I am interested in any solution found or did you send the OS2 back?
I have a new one experiencing drops and my Internet service and WiFi environment is clean. I am in a rural area and nothing to interfere. My channels are spread and known. Router is A/C and coverage is excellent as measured with a WiFi app.
My symptoms out of the box were inability to get to the interface (Intermittent). Then failed data upgrade downloads.
As I have only had the box a few days and only tested for a few hours, I am worried that its faulty and have to return.
I see a lot of threads on here reporting issues in great detail but many don't have a resolution and are just left hanging. Are people just putting up with the problem or are they just not posting an update when fixed?
Thanks,
Kevin.
Phaire
I own the original open spot and the part on the circuit board the makes contact when you reset it broke off …now its a boat anchor…..so i buy the open spot 2 and have never been able to get it to stay connected to any wifi connection for more than a few seconds. I agree with many threads that say For the money they charge Sharf does a terrible job with tech support or they fail to properly test their unit before shipping…always seem to be awifi issue
HA2NON
Please explain your issue in full detail so we can help. What status LED color do you see on your OS2?
kd2pm
One of the things that I have found is that both the hotspot vendor and router vendor do make a difference.
I had so may problems with the OS2 and a mikrotik router/ap with key timeouts, I was ready to give up. I changed to a TP-Link AP and not a peep out of the OS2 now. Constant connection and much more stable.
But..why the OS2 has to be put almost right next to the AP and...the AP has to be set for 20mhz B/W does leave alot to be desired. My Pi can sit feeeeeeet away and it works just fine...The OS2 has to be inches away. I suppose to get that small package to be that small...you have to compromise on the antenna design. I convinced a few folks to go with the OS2 and they were ready to throw the unit back at me but I had to help them understand you don't put the OS2 near you and your radio, you have to put it closer to the AP. That was a wild discussion for sure.