Operational Tips

Device Operation Tips

• No connection on Android Device?

  • Connect to https://micropi.info and follow the directions or simply disable Mobile Data to successfully connect to the MicroPi.

  • Some Android phones detect that the network doesn't reach the internet. If asked to "Sign in", open the 3 dot menu at upper left and select "Use network as is".

  • Use the QR codes available on the About page to help other users connect. There are up to three codes depending on the operating mode of the device. The first (blue) connects the user's device to the MicroPi WiFi signal. The second (red) is the URL of the MicroPi. If the client device is connected to the MicroPi's WiFi network, this wil open the home page.  Use the two codes in that order. The third QR (black) creates the numerical URL which allows the MicroPi to be opened as a client of a wireless LAN (in network mode). This QR will not be show if the MicroPi is not connected to a WLAN. 

• Location 

  • In standalone mode, the MicroPi provides enough WiFi power to fill a large room with an adequate signal. The ideal use case for this device is to leave it in a fixed location running 24/7. Good places might be a church sanctuary, a library, a bookstore or a coffee shop. Be sure to request permission of the owners of the space. 

  • Very important. When the MicroPi is connected to a WLAN, (in Network peer mode), the best location is close the the WiFi device providing the WLAN signal. This allows for a high bandwidth signal between the WLAN and the MicroPi. It also struggles in environments where there are multiple WiFi adapters all emitting signals having the same SSID. 

• Where in the room? - For best results, place it up high on a wall or in a window looking out on a street. Microwave WiFi signals travel in a line of sight. They are blocked by any dense material. Concrete block or reinforced concrete with embedded steel mesh will attenuate the signal dramatically. Users within about 50 feet of the unit should be able to transfer files at between 2-3MB/sec which will allow downloading a 200MB video within a few minutes. The more users simultaneously downloading, the slower the performance. 

• Check for interference - The WiFi standard offers 11 radio channels. Analyzer apps which show channel and strength of WiFi signals are free for Android phones. (Like WiFi Analyser). These can be used to check that your device is not on the same channel as another strong WiFi signal. This would cause interference, and degrade performance for users of both networks. Note that this is inevitable if connected to an external LAN. Due to limitations in the RaspberryPi's networking hardware, the output channel will be identical to the channel of the connected WiFi signal.

• The apps can also be used to find the optimum placement in the room for the device by analysing signal strength. Best results will be obtained when the signal at the user’s device is better than -75db.

• Advertise the Signal - Post a sign to advertise the availability of the signal and instruct potential users as to how to access the website. The About Page contains QR codes relating to the current SSID and URL. These can be copied to a document which can be posted in the are of deployment.

• Go Mobile - No electric outlet? No problem! Portable rechargeable batteries designed to recharge mobile phones, “powerbank” devices, can power the MicroPi for many hours. Or, serve users from an automobile by replacing the power supply with a cigarette lighter USB charger. 

• Shutdown properly. There is a non-zero chance that just cutting the power by pulling the plug could damage the filesystem on the SD card. For this reason, it is advised that the deivce be shutdown correctly as described on the Status & Control Page