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    Robert452
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ETCpad, WiFi and Router

We were originally going to connect the ELE2 to our theatre's WiFi router via a J45 WiFi remote box but was advised not to use a public network as ELE2 does not have any virus protection. So how do we connect? Am I right in saying that we can't just run on a WiFi network access point like the NETGEAR WAC104 because it would not do the DHCP bit. So what options do we have? Could we use a Router with WiFi - but that begs the question if we are not to access the WWW then what happens when we want to upgrade our software? I can't see us obtaining a separate cable ethernet connection just for the ELE2 and ETCpad. 

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  • +1

    I will answer this in reverse order.

    Updates to the software are performed via USB drives after you have downloaded and extracted the .exe file to the thumb drive.

    As Sasha noted on the other post, the consoles should never be connected to an internet connected network.

    Instead, you should create a localized (self contained) network that is used for your lighting system only.  Depending on your space, there may already be one, or you may need to create one.

    In order to create a wireless environment for the ETCpad to work wirelessly you will need some form of Wireless Access Point (WAP).  Typically most users end up using some form of Router with WiFi, because that is what is more commonly available for purchase at a local store.  (But we typically "dumb" down the Router side of the device to act like a WAP.)  The console should be serving the DHCP to the pad.  The Netgear WAC104 should work for you based on my quick perusal.

  • 0 in reply to Seth Starr

    Oh! My thinking was the Netgear WAC104 was just a WiFi access device and with no DHC facilities would require such from a router. But then I see the Console can do the DHCP bit. We only send lighting signals over hard wired DMX512 cables to the dimmers. As mentioned all we want to do is connect our ETCpad to our single (lonely) ELE2. So if I have this right - we CAN connect the console straight to the Netgear104 (that is not connected to a router) and let the console provide the DHCP.  Then WiFi in from the ETCpad. I really need to read that link that Seth sent below this evening.  Oh yes - thank you for the software update info,  I haven't even started that road yet!    

  • 0 in reply to Robert452

    Those links should answer most of your questions, especially the second one on setting up your wireless network.  But please let us know if you have questions.

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  • 0 in reply to Seth Starr

    Problem oft times is the use of words like Router. Many instructions I think use it incorrectly. So here is my plan;

    1 In the ELE2; Determine IP address, Enable Remotes (RFR) and ENABLE DHCP

    2 Hook CAT5 from ELE2 to a (none router) WAP (leaving ELE to provide IPs)

    3 Having problem with the ETCpad connection though. Presumably I have to log into WAP but how do I 'find' ELE2? Can't see any of this in those instructions.

    Instructions keep referring to routers - should I really get a WiFi router?

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