Skip to content

WiFi Configuration and Connection

This chapter describes how to configure and use WiFi communications for Cyclones that support it (Cyclone FX, Rev. C or later).

Note

The PEcloud service (see Cloud-Connected Programming Images) is not yet supported when communicating via WiFi.

How To Configure And Connect

A WiFi-enabled Cyclone starts disconnected and ready for configuration.

The user can configure WiFi, scan for networks, and connect using either the Cyclone’s LCD touchscreen menu (see WiFi Configuration) or the Cyclone Control GUI’s Network Settings tab (see Encryption Keys Tab).

A user can either manually specify the network parameters or scan for networks. Either operation may take a few seconds while DHCP is negotiated. Once a network is selected when scanning, the user will be prompted for a password if it is an unknown network. On later connections to this same network via the scan feature, the previous password will be used. In case of an error, the user is prompted to re-enter the password.

Static Vs. Dynamic IP

By default, the Cyclone connects using DHCP, but a static IP can also be set. This static IP should persist between power cycles, but will change back to DHCP when connecting to a new network. When switching between known networks, the DHCP/Static status should be persistent for that network.

Scanning For Networks

The user may scan for networks using either the LCD touchscreen menu or the Network Settings tab in the Cyclone Control GUI.

When using the Cyclone Control GUI, if no known networks are found or the Cyclone is in a disconnected state:

  • If the Cyclone is remote then the user would need to first connect to it via Ethernet using the GUI.
  • If the user has the Cyclone in hand they can first use either the LCD menu, or connect to the local Cyclone via the Control GUI with USB/Serial/Ethernet.

In the Control GUI the user would then select the Network Settings tab and locate the Scan button under WiFi Settings. If the Cyclone supports WiFi communications the Wi-Fi Settings panel should be accessible, not grayed out.

If using the touchscreen menu, the Scan selection can be found in the WiFi Configuration menu (see WiFi Configuration).

The user should hit Scan then choose the desired network and enter the password. Note that this process may take several seconds while the Cyclone connects and performs some internal resets. The connection can be confirmed by checking that the previously empty parameters in the Wi-Fi Settings panel are now populated, or by viewing the current WiFi settings in the LCD menu display (see Show Current WiFi IP Settings). After this setup, the user should be able to disconnect and then reconnect using Wi-Fi.

Accounting For Delays When Scripting

The Wi-Fi co-processor takes a second or two to initialize depending on the router to which it is connecting. Some routers may have longer timeouts on their DHCP logic. This in turn may result in a ~3 second period from when the Cyclone screen turns on to when Wi-Fi is fully operational. User scripts that seek to restart the Cyclone and connect to Wi-Fi may need to take this potential delay into account.

Erasing Saved Networks

To erase all saved networks, a user can use Menu -> WiFi Configuration -> WiFi Options -> Erase Saved Networks (see Erase Saved Networks). To just disconnect and forget the current network, they can use Menu -> WiFi Configuration -> WiFi Options -> Disconnect & Forget Network (see Disconnect & Forget Network).