Hi ETC.
I've always had issues with the RFR dropping its WIFI signal consistently at various focus points in the Concert Hall, especially where the "line of sight" is more of a bounce shot to the booth under the balcony.
The solution (maybe is) to connect the Ion to building's ethernet system, in its own private VPN, just of the lighting system, so that a new phone or tablet can connect to the console through the venue's WIFI emitters (which are in the catwalk level).
However, the Ion I have is running with Windows XP Service Pack 2, but the University suggests that Sevice Pack 3 is required to run the Cisco Any Connect VPN (which would need to be installed).
The University WIFI and IT gurus are proposing to create a VLAN network inside a VRF for the lighting "network" for the better WIFI access.
I expect that purchasing my own WIFI emitter won't be any better than the ETC one, since the Line of Sight issue still exists (the FOH Cove is above and forward of the booth, and the booth is in the "shade" of the lower balcony. The reception is much better when on stage, and in sight of the booth.
Thoughts?
Can I improve the remote so it is actually functional, and not dropping signal every lamp up/down, or every 4 button presses?
(most frequencies listed on the remote show as *** strenght, until it drops out)
thanks. Andrew
