536hp wifi issue

[ofd8001]

Nothing is connected to the hotspot. If the hotspot is off though, and I'm out of range of the house wifi, the scanner will not show an IP address and I can't connect the tablet to the scanner.

Jeff.

I'm a little confused here. Are you wanting to set your remote device to connect to your scanner when you are away from home and thus omit the home's wifi from the equation? If so, that is Access Point Mode.

If you involve the home's wifi, then that will be Infrastructure Mode.

You can't do both at the same time. You have to tell the scanner whether you want Access Point or Infrastructure Mode. In other words, the scanner will not detect disconnection from the wifi and then automatically go into Access Point.

 

[JStemann]

I'm using a similar setup in my vehicle. Scanner is in Access Point, an old iPhone is the remote device being used as a "Remote Head".

In Access Point the dongle should assign and IP address. Mine shows 192.168.1.1. Why yours shows up as all 0s is beyond me. Have you tried entering a value through the keypad, just for the heck it (you might not be even able).

You do not need to be in range of any network to use Acess Point mode. In fact if your remote device (Samsung, iPhone) sees a network other than the dongle, you won't be able to achieve a connection to the dongle.

As you are thinking, it appears that your truck is the wildcard in this thing. Another thing I'd be tempted to try is getting a long extension cord. Then with the vehicle a distance away, see if you can make the AP connection. Leave the scanner running, then bring the vehicle back and move the scanner into the truck and see if the connection holds.

I tried the long extension cord thing, which is what led me to the network thing. MY scanner will only show an IP address in AP mode if I start AP mode within range of some network. As for remote device seeing network other than scanner, I just select the scanner in the wifi settings.

Jeff.

 

[JStemann]

I'm a little confused here. Are you wanting to set your remote device to connect to your scanner when you are away from home and thus omit the home's wifi from the equation? If so, that is Access Point Mode.

If you involve the home's wifi, then that will be Infrastructure Mode.

You can't do both at the same time. You have to tell the scanner whether you want Access Point or Infrastructure Mode. In other words, the scanner will not detect disconnection from the wifi and then automatically go into Access Point.

Check my previous posts, I'm not and have never used infrastructure mode. I am only using access point mode, whether in the house or in the truck. MY scanner will not "generate" an IP address for access mode unless there is some type of network within range.

Jeff.

 

[ofd8001]

That's really wild. The whole purpose behind AP is to provide a connection from a remote device to the scanner without any kind of network being around/available/in-play etc.

It's kind of like simplex/repeater communications.

With Infrastructure Mode, the wifi network is acting like a repeater. The wifi router receives the signal from the scanner's dongle and repeats it over a wider area (the router's coverage footprint).

In Access Point, it's simplex - the scanner's dongle directly to the remote device (Samsung).

What you are describing is an inability to achieve simplex communications without a repeater being around.

 

[JamesO]

I have not taken my 536HP out of the house or shut my network down for testing, but either you are doing something wrong or there is some strange software/firmware problem or you have a corrupt SD card.

So here is the deal, my baseline addressing in the house happens to be 192.168.0.1 for my in house network.

When I set the scanner up for AP mode, the scanner comes back with an address of 192.168.1.1. I have nothing in my house or locally that is "Open" that is running this address.

So this address is being generated in the scanner, where is should be, because the scanner is acting as an AP.

Now this being said, I am setting the AP mode to Open because I am TOO LAZY to bother to put a password in because I am just trying to help out.

My suggestion is to get in A DIFFERENT vehicle with your scanner, and drive to a park or somewhere there is not likely to be any open Access Points around and leave your Mifi Hotspot at home. Also turn off your cell phone.

Use the Reset function under the Wifi Settings and MAKE 100% sure you are actually setting the scanner to AP mode, if you set it to Infrastructure mode it should say something like Searching for Networks.

Also does your truck have the Sync or one of these crazy new Infotainment systems?? Maybe this is causing headache.

If this all fails, I would get a new SD card and set up the scanner from a factory reset, make sure the firmware is properly updated. What version firmware is the scanner running??????

Something sounds corrupt if there is no pilot error here.

Take the truck out of the equation totally and or just get a gel cell or a jumper pack and take the scanner somewhere else and see what happens.

Sounds like a reset and update is required if there is no pilot error.

 

[budevans]

I tried the long extension cord thing, which is what led me to the network thing. MY scanner will only show an IP address in AP mode if I start AP mode within range of some network. As for remote device seeing network other than scanner, I just select the scanner in the wifi settings.

Jeff.

I see you are starting to figure out what an Access Point is and is not. An Access Point is by design a device that connects to an existing network and offers access to that network. It's just a connector, it does not create the IP address.

The Protocol that makes this work is DHCP (Dynamic Host Control Protocol). All Microsoft Operating systems since Win95 have included DHCP. So technically, it might be possible to setup a Windows Tablet or Laptop with a WiFi card to run DHCP. That would provide the Access Point an IP address and allow it to communicate back to the Tablet or Laptop in the manner you suggested.

Two other possibilities. There used to several companies that made small portable battery powered Wifi devices to create simple adhoc networks. Along the same lines there are cars today with built in Wifi.

Note: Wifi Routers are actually three devices in one. First it's an Access Point. Next it's a Router (which uses DHCP to create, control and administer IP addresses). Last but not least it also an Ethernet Switch.

Don't know it any of the above helps. But it should give you some things to look into.

 

[JStemann]

I have not taken my 536HP out of the house or shut my network down for testing, but either you are doing something wrong or there is some strange software/firmware problem or you have a corrupt SD card.

So here is the deal, my baseline addressing in the house happens to be 192.168.0.1 for my in house network.

When I set the scanner up for AP mode, the scanner comes back with an address of 192.168.1.1. I have nothing in my house or locally that is "Open" that is running this address.

So this address is being generated in the scanner, where is should be, because the scanner is acting as an AP.

Now this being said, I am setting the AP mode to Open because I am TOO LAZY to bother to put a password in because I am just trying to help out.

My suggestion is to get in A DIFFERENT vehicle with your scanner, and drive to a park or somewhere there is not likely to be any open Access Points around and leave your Mifi Hotspot at home. Also turn off your cell phone.

Use the Reset function under the Wifi Settings and MAKE 100% sure you are actually setting the scanner to AP mode, if you set it to Infrastructure mode it should say something like Searching for Networks.

Also does your truck have the Sync or one of these crazy new Infotainment systems?? Maybe this is causing headache.

If this all fails, I would get a new SD card and set up the scanner from a factory reset, make sure the firmware is properly updated. What version firmware is the scanner running??????

Something sounds corrupt if there is no pilot error here.

Take the truck out of the equation totally and or just get a gel cell or a jumper pack and take the scanner somewhere else and see what happens.

Sounds like a reset and update is required if there is no pilot error.

My home wifi uses 192.168.10.1 and is password protected. If in my truck (out of range of the home wifi) or inside the house with the home wifi turned off, the scanner returns all 0's files the IP address. I have reset the scanner wifi settings. The only time I've been able to get the scanner to generate a wifi address in AP mode(192.168.1.1) is when I've started AP mode within range of a network. I'm using AP mode with open security, too, btw. Nothing else in my house is open, either.

I've eliminated the truck from the equation. Using the ac-dc power supply and a long extension cord, I could not start access point mode until I got near the house. Scanner is running the latest firmware as is the wifi dongle.

Like I said before, I'd love to have some others try to start access point mode when the scanner dongle is out of range of any network. You have to go in and select access point, even if it's showing on the screen to test it, tho. From what I can tell (so far) mine only needs to see a network on startup. It appears to work fine after that, with or without a network in range. Until I turn the scanner off, anyway.

Jeff.

 

[JamesO]

In theory the correct definition and naming that Uniden should be using is AdHoc and Infrastructure mode.

I will try to experiment a bit if I have time tomorrow.

 

[JStemann]

I see you are starting to figure out what an Access Point is and is not. An Access Point is by design a device that connects to an existing network and offers access to that network. It's just a connector, it does not create the IP address.

The Protocol that makes this work is DHCP (Dynamic Host Control Protocol). All Microsoft Operating systems since Win95 have included DHCP. So technically, it might be possible to setup a Windows Tablet or Laptop with a WiFi card to run DHCP. That would provide the Access Point an IP address and allow it to communicate back to the Tablet or Laptop in the manner you suggested.

Two other possibilities. There used to several companies that made small portable battery powered Wifi devices to create simple adhoc networks. Along the same lines there are cars today with built in Wifi.

Note: Wifi Routers are actually three devices in one. First it's an Access Point. Next it's a Router (which uses DHCP to create, control and administer IP addresses). Last but not least it also an Ethernet Switch.

Don't know it any of the above helps. But it should give you some things to look into.

I was always under the impression, the access point mode (as used with the 536) would generate its own IP address. I don't remember any mention of a requirement for the scanner be in range of a network for AP mode to work. Also, keep this in mind too, I'm not connecting to the network. My networks are password protected, I've never entered any password in the scanner. Would an IP address get assigned to the scanner by the router without entering a password? Is AP mode creating an access point for other devices to connect to? If so, then shouldn't it generate the IP address?

I thought the whole point of access point mode was to be able to connect a remote device outside of a network for use with the Siren app. When I want to use the Siren app, I have to connect to the "BCD536hp" network. A network that's separate from my home network or my mifi network.

Thanks for the help & ideas. I'm hoping some others can experiment & see if this is how the dongle works or if I have a problem with mine. Either way, I'm just happy I've found a way to get it "working" in my truck.

Jeff.

 

[RFI-EMI-GUY]

I am using mine in AP mode even though I am in my house and have a network. It returns an address of 10.10.10.58 if I recall. I haven't tried activating it away from the network. I have a separate thread started because I don't want it using channel #2, I want to bump it to a non overlapping channel like #1 for less interference. There appears no way to manage the AP from the scanner.

If indeed the AP mode requires a live WIFI mode to be initialized that would certainly be sucky for folks who are traveling. My intent is to use it mobile and the tablet for handheld use near the vehicle.

When you use AP mode you have an option for WEP/WPA and the default password is uniden-scanner

 

[Ubbe]

Reading all this, it seems that when the AP mode starts it checks for a free channel or going into share mode on an already active channel, but if it doesn't see any channel it gets stuck in that program code and never leaves it until it sense an active WiFi channel.

It is difficult to find that bug as there are probably multiple WiFi channels at work where the software development are done and all beta testers are technical guys with live WiFi systems within range.

I suggest reporting this anomaly to Uniden as a firmware bug.

/Ubbe

 

[sibbley]

This is going to sound strange. I had a similar problem at work. I was unable to use access point mode. The fix I found was to take a piece of Aluminum tape with the paper backing still on and loosely wrap it around the dongle. It takes a few minutes afterwords, but access point mode always started.

 

[JamesO]

This is going to sound strange. I had a similar problem at work. I was unable to use access point mode. The fix I found was to take a piece of Aluminum tape with the paper backing still on and loosely wrap it around the dongle. It takes a few minutes afterwords, but access point mode always started.

I was thinking about doing the same thing for a test because I did not want to shut my entire network down, I have too many devices in the house that broadcast/transmit.

I am also wondering what happens if the scanner cannot find a "free" channel to use for AP mode? I assume it performs a scan?? Does it get confused or hang?

Also where/when will there be a 5 GHz/N dongle??

I think if this turns out to be a problem, we need to put the pressure on Uniden for the following:

1. Static IP addressing capability
2. Wifi channel control
3. Is AP mode the proper term or is this really AdHoc mode?? Should the name properly reflect what the configuration is?
4. Have a RSSI or signal strength value for the Wifi, I cannot recall if there is one, but ther should be one.
5. Offer a 5 GHz or 2.4/5 GHz dongle with the ability to properly control/configure the Wifi
6. Offer a hardwired dongle
7. Offer a PING feature from the scanner for network troubleshooting

These are what I would consider bare minimum Networking requirements

 

[jjuneau]

I was thinking about doing the same thing for a test because I did not want to shut my entire network down, I have too many devices in the house that broadcast/transmit.

I am also wondering what happens if the scanner cannot find a "free" channel to use for AP mode? I assume it performs a scan?? Does it get confused or hang?

Also where/when will there be a 5 GHz/N dongle??

I think if this turns out to be a problem, we need to put the pressure on Uniden for the following:

1. Static IP addressing capability
2. Wifi channel control
3. Is AP mode the proper term or is this really AdHoc mode?? Should the name properly reflect what the configuration is?
4. Have a RSSI or signal strength value for the Wifi, I cannot recall if there is one, but ther should be one.
5. Offer a 5 GHz or 2.4/5 GHz dongle with the ability to properly control/configure the Wifi
6. Offer a hardwired dongle
7. Offer a PING feature from the scanner for network troubleshooting

These are what I would consider bare minimum Networking requirements

Great ideas, however, good luck with getting Uniden to implement any of that. They haven't updated the Siren app in almost 2 years. It's apparent they have no interest in providing "free" updates.

 

[RFI-EMI-GUY]

delete

 

[RFI-EMI-GUY]

Great ideas, however, good luck with getting Uniden to implement any of that. They haven't updated the Siren app in almost 2 years. It's apparent they have no interest in providing "free" updates.

are there any other more capable WIFI routers compatible with the USB in the 536?

 

[ofd8001]

From the manual:

Wi-Fi OPTIONS
Make sure the Wi-Fi dongle is connected to the USB port behind the scanner.
Press Menu then scroll to Wi-Fi Setup and press E/yes.

Show Wi-Fi Information
Shows the IP address, MAC number, and version when connected.
Shows ‘Wi-Fi not connected’ when the Wi-Fi dongle is not connected.

Set Connection
Off - Not connected.

Infrastructure Mode (Routers etc.)

Access Point Mode (Laptops, Smart devices etc.)


Yes "technically" the dongle is an Access Point. However when taken in context, we are talking about Access Point MODE in the scanner, a different concept.

Probably would be real nice for Upman to jump in on this on why the OP cannot see an IP address when his scanner is in Access Point MODE.

The only other thing I can think of is that in his vehicle, the dongle is placed very close to something that is generating a wifi-like signal and it is goofing up the dongle somehow.

 

[buddrousa]

A great WIFI router that works great with the 536 but it is not plug and play and it is not for beginners
2.4 only

 

[eaf1956]

Mine doesn't give me an IP address when I start up AP mode unless I'm in range of some sort of network. Not connected to the network, just in range. When you initially start the access point connection are you in range of any wifi network? From what I can tell, I only need to be within range of some type of wifi when I initially select access point on the scanner. After the initial startup and as long as the scanner stays on, I don't think I need to be near a wifi network. I plan on testing the theory some more tomorrow.

Jeff.

If I were you I would do a WIFI factory reset on your scanner.

 

[RFI-EMI-GUY]

A great WIFI router that works great with the 536 but it is not plug and play and it is not for beginners
2.4 only

Model number? Inquiring minds want to know!