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[on:]

Can't connect to my router using the official Arduino WiFi shield.

I'm trying to get the example ScanNetwork to work using an Uno R3. The sketch compiles and runs but mostly (95% of the time) returns 0 networks found. Occaisionally it will find my network reporting the correct SSID (and reasonable signal strength) name and WPA2 encryption, but very rarely (1 in 20 attempts). I've tried various physical distances between the shield and the router and provided the Uno with extra power other than the USB. Whatever I try it nearly always reports 0 networks found.

I've tried using the example client for WPA2 but that always results in the red error light coming on staight away and the software reporting that it was not found.

I thought it might be the firmware, but I have not been able to upgrade even following the only windows instructions I've found on the web
http://www.dfrobot.com/community/2012/11/how-to-upgrade-arduino-wifi-shield-firmware-on-windows/
This process fails when attempting to program using AVR32 studio giving an error ('batchisp' is not recognized as an internal or external command,operable program or batch file.)

I think I'm either missing something obvious, have rubbish firmware or have an intermitent duff peice of kit!? I dont usually post on forums as I usually find answers to my issues on existing ones, but there seems to be no one posting this. I'm somewhat frustrated and starting to think about getting a refund from oomlout with a view to using an Imp.

Please stop from travelling down that road :-) ....

Dave
ps
The green wire on the back doesn't fill me with confidence either (what's that ?)

[Reply #1 on:]

Hey Dave!

Im having the same problem!!

Im trying to connect the wifi shield to the WPA and it loads the program, and the led indicating error on the shield turns on.

I've been posting a lot about this but no one seems to have the answer.

If you already solve the problem, or have any idea what is all about, please let me know

Thanks!!

[Reply #2 on:]

Scan and connect are two different things. You will see networks on a scan that you cannot connect to unless you are set to the correct security type and passphrase.

You will not see every SSID available on every scan, even on the best equipment. You do not need to see a SSID on a scan to connect to it.

You are using WPA2 Personal on the wireless, not just WPA, correct?

[Reply #3 on:]

@vdalessio - No joy other than plenty of sympathy - I'm getting the picture that the shield is alright on a/b wireless but somewhat flaky on g/n. I'm heading for the Imp as it seems very straight forward to use and there's a sparkfun shield for the uno too.

@SurferTim - I am aware how WiFi works - and as my original post said I've tried both scan and connect. I am trying to see (via scan) my own router, the scan rarely finds it, the connect using WPA2 never works. Please also note the original post did say WPA2 not WPA and yes it is Personal.

[Reply #4 on:]

I'm getting the picture that the shield is alright on a/b wireless but somewhat flaky on g/n.

The shield is specified for b/g networks, it doesn't work on a and n networks. You have to configure your router for mixed b/g mode, g-mode only doesn't work reliable (in my experience).

[Reply #5 on:]

The Arduino WiFi shield seems to work fine on our corporate g only routers (well they are a/g).  It does occasionally have an issue connecting but that seems rare.  The sample code worked as is.  I wish I could give you more.  We did try the DFRobot wifi shield and it did not work at all for us.

[Reply #6 on:]

I have tried every setting on my router (E4200) which allows a/b/g/n mixed etc but ScanNetworks only rarely finds it. All other WiFi devices at varying ranges find it with no problem.

@ddod The DFrobot link was for instructions on how to upgrade the firmware using windows (not for their Wifi product). It is the only reference out there for the process of upgrading the firmware (and it didn't work - see original post). I think it's pretty poor that there is no official published process for windows on the arduino site.

Thanks to everyone for contributing your suggestions but I don't think anyone can blame me for sending it back (which I have now done).
I am reading good things about Imp and there is an Uno shield for them too (plus the Imp + shield is cheaper than the Arduino WiFi shield). It maybe that it is not as flexible, but given all I want is a simple client connection it looks very inviting.

[Reply #7 on:]

@davebudd
Now I’ve updated the post. I’ve uninstalled the flip to simulate the problem you met with. And install the flip again to test on my wifi shield sucessfully!
Please check the links for downloading the flip from ATMEL.
@ddod
If possible, please try it again. Even if there're some other problems, please leave a reply on the DFRobot link. I will follow this case and make it clearer!