Before you install
Most setup failures come from the WiFi network. Check the items below before you start. Then the connection works at the first attempt.
On a company network, give the IT department the Network requirements (for IT) page.
The account and the phone
Section titled “The account and the phone”- You have a HAM account. See Create an account.
- The account is in the name of the person or business that will own the devices, not the installer.
- The HAM app is installed on the phone and you are signed in. See The mobile app.
- Bluetooth is on on the phone.
- On iPhone, the Local Network permission of the HAM app is on.
- On Android, the app has the location permission. Android asks for it to show the WiFi networks.
The WiFi network
Section titled “The WiFi network”- You know the exact network name and its password. Upper and lower case letters matter.
- The network is 2.4 GHz. HAM devices do not connect to a 5 GHz network.
- The network has a simple WPA2 password. The devices do not connect to a WPA3-only network or to a company network with a user name.
- The network does not ask you to sign in on a web page, like the guest networks in hotels and cafés.
- The network is not a guest network with device isolation.
- The router has an internet connection. Check it with another device.
- Your phone is connected to the same network.
If the router gives only a 5 GHz network, do one of these:
- Turn on the 2.4 GHz network on the router.
- Make a second network (SSID) for 2.4 GHz only.
- Add a 2.4 GHz access point.
If the network asks you to sign in on a web page (captive portal), ask the IT department for a WPA2-PSK network without a sign-in page.
Older generation devices
Section titled “Older generation devices”The serial number shows the generation of the device. If it starts with a number (for example 14:120), the device is an older generation. If it starts with e (for example e12:57), the device is a newer generation.
Older generation devices need a 20 MHz channel width on the 2.4 GHz network. If the router is set to 40 MHz, the setup can fail. Newer generation devices also work with 40 MHz.
Network with a firewall
Section titled “Network with a firewall”The device needs an outbound connection to TCP port 9002. On company networks the firewall often blocks it. Give your network administrator the page Network requirements (for IT).
The mounting point
Section titled “The mounting point”- The WiFi signal reaches the point where the device will stay. The antenna of the device is smaller than the antenna of your phone.
- The device is not inside a metal cabinet or inside a fridge. Metal blocks the signal. On fridges, the device stays outside and only the probe goes in.
- There is power at the point. Most sensors come with a 5 V micro-USB power adapter in the box.
- For devices that connect to 230 V or to an electrical panel, a licensed electrician is available.
For probes and wiring, see Probe placement and wiring.
The device label
Section titled “The device label”- You have the label with the Device key (D/K) and the serial number (S/N).
- You took a photo of the label.
You need the key to claim a device with its Device Key. It is also the password of the device network in Connect through the device hotspot.