Wi-Fi Module (RUT241) Configuration Guide

Connect a Baseline controller to your site’s Wi-Fi network using a Wi-Fi module.

Note: For controllers using the older Ubiquiti Bullet M2 HP, this guide does not apply.

Introduction

To remotely connect with your irrigation controller and take advantage of BaseManager, the controller must be able to communicate over the Internet.

Note: This guide applies to the BaseStation 3200, BaseStation 3200S, BaseStation 1000, SubStation, and FlowStation.

The Wi-Fi module joins the site's Wi-Fi network and provides a wired connection to the controller over a single Ethernet cable. The controller receives its network settings from the module and reaches BaseManager through it.

To establish communication through your Wi-Fi module, perform the following tasks:

• Step 1 – Get network info from the site’s network administrator.
• Step 2 – Connect to the Wi-Fi module.
• Step 3 – Configure the Wi-Fi module.
• Step 4 – Verify the connection in the controller.

If you run into problems:

• Troubleshooting
• Factory reset

Guidelines for Successful Wi-Fi Module Operation

Do not bend or kink the antenna cable. When the module is factory installed, the cable is routed behind the control board cover. If you remove the cover, return the cable to its original routing before replacing it.

Keep the antenna cable securely attached to the module. Powering up with a loose or disconnected antenna may damage the circuitry, and that damage is not covered by warranty.

The antenna cable connects to the port labeled WIFI. Do not connect it to either port labeled MOBILE. Those are for cellular service and are not used.

The module has two Ethernet ports, labeled LAN and WAN. Always use the LAN port. The WAN port is not used in this installation.

The Ethernet cable has a label marking the end that plugs into the module. Always plug the labeled end in. This cable carries power over Ethernet, and connecting it backwards will damage the irrigation controller.

At the controller end, the cable separates into a data connection and a power connection. Disconnecting the data plug from the controller’s Ethernet port does not remove power from the module.

Step 1 – Get Network Info

When you use a Wi-Fi module to connect a controller to an existing wireless network, you need to configure the Wi-Fi module with information specific to that network.

Ask the network administrator at the site for the following:

• Network Name (SSID)
• Wi-Fi Key or Passcode

Carefully record the Wi-Fi key or passcode, noting the case of all letters and clearly distinguishing ones and zeroes from similar alpha characters.

Note: The Wi-Fi module connects on the 2.4 GHz band. Confirm that the site network broadcasts on 2.4 GHz and not 5 GHz only.

Step 2 – Connect to the Wi-Fi Module

The Wi-Fi module is configured through a web browser. No software needs to be installed.

1. Make sure the controller is powered on to provide power to the Wi-Fi module.
2. Disconnect the data plug from the Ethernet port on the controller. The module stays powered. Power reaches it on a separate leg of the same cable.
3. Connect that cable to your computer’s Ethernet port.
4. Turn off your computer’s Wi-Fi. If Wi-Fi is on, your browser may try to reach the Wi-Fi module over the wrong network connection and fail to connect.
5. If the controller was just powered on, allow up to a minute for the Wi-Fi module to finish starting up.
6. Open a web browser and go to https://192.168.1.1
7. Your browser will likely warn that the connection is not private. Continue to the page anyway.
8. Log in using the credentials printed on the module’s label:
   • Username: admin
   • Password: the password printed on the module label
9. When prompted, create a new password and store it somewhere secure.

Step 3 – Configure the Wi-Fi Module

3.1 - Complete the Setup Wizard

The Setup Wizard opens automatically after logging in.

1. Skip through the Setup Wizard until you reach the Wireless page.
2. Under the Wifi section, set Enable to off. This turns off the module’s own wireless network.
3. Click Next on the rest and finish the wizard.

3.2 - Join the site network

1. In the left menu, click Network, then Wireless, then SSIDs.
2. Click Scan 2.4GHz. A list of nearby wireless networks appears.
3. Find your site network from Step 1 and click Join Network.
4. On the configuration screen that opens, if the BSSID field is not empty, clear it.
5. Click Save & Apply.

3.3 - Verify the wireless connection

1. In the left menu, click Network, then WAN.
2. Find the wireless interface in the list, named wifi1. Confirm the following:
   • Status: Running
   • IP: an address is listed. This address comes from the site network.
3. Click Delete on every other interface in the list. This includes the wired interfaces and the mobile interface. When you are finished, wifi1 should be the only interface remaining.

3.4 - Change the module's local network address

The module uses the 192.168.1.x range on its LAN side by default, and many site networks use the same range. Changing it avoids the conflict.

1. In the left menu, click Network, then LAN.
2. Click Edit on the lan interface.
3. Change the IP address from 192.168.1.1 to 192.168.77.1.
4. Click Save & Apply. Your connection to the module will drop briefly.
5. Reconnect by going to https://192.168.77.1 in your browser.

Note: The module’s label shows a default address of 192.168.1.1. After configuration, the module is reached at 192.168.77.1 instead. A factory reset returns it to 192.168.1.1.

3.5 - Reconnect the controller

1. Disconnect the Ethernet cable from your computer.
2. Reconnect it to the Ethernet port on the controller.

Step 4 – Verify the Connection in the Controller

4.1 - BaseStation 3200/3200S

1. On the BaseStation 3200 or 3200S controller, turn the dial to the Network position.
2. Press the Next button to highlight the Communication Setup option, and then press Enter.
3. Ensure that Ethernet displays in the Comm Type field, labeled Communication Type on the 3200S. If a different setting displays in the field, press the + or – button to change the value to Ethernet.
4. Press the Back button to return to the Network menu.
5. Press the Previous or Next button to highlight the BaseManager Server Setup option, and then press Enter. The BaseManager Setup screen displays.
6. Ensure that BaseMgr Status, labeled Connection Status on the 3200S, displays Connected. If the Press Enter to field displays Connect and not Disconnect, press the Enter button with Connect highlighted.
7. Turn the controller’s dial to the RUN position. The status in the BaseMgr field should read Connected.

If the status reads “Not Auth”: the controller has reached BaseManager successfully but is not yet registered to an account. Use the registration code shown on the screen to add the controller in BaseManager at baselineapps.net.

If you experience any problems during the installation of your Wi-Fi module, contact HydroPoint Support at 800-362-8774.

4.2 - BaseStation 1000/SubStation/FlowStation

1. On the controller, press the Setup/System Setup button.
2. Press the down arrow button to highlight the Network Setup option, and then press OK.
3. Press OK on the Communication Setup option.
4. Ensure that Ethernet displays in the Comm Type field. If a different setting displays in the field, press the + or – button to change the value to Ethernet.
5. Press the Back button to return to the Network menu.
6. Press the down arrow button to highlight the BaseManager Info option, and then press Enter. The BaseManager Info screen displays.
7. Ensure that Status displays Connected. If the status does not display Connected, press the Enter button to connect to BaseManager.

If the status reads “Not Auth”: the controller has reached BaseManager successfully but is not yet registered to an account. Use the registration code shown on the screen to add the controller in BaseManager at baselineapps.net.

If you experience any problems during the installation of your Wi-Fi module, contact HydroPoint Support at 800-362-8774.

Resetting the Wi-Fi Module to Factory Settings

Perform a reset if the site network settings change or if you need to connect the Wi-Fi module to a different network.

The module does not need to be removed from the cabinet. The reset button is a small hole on the same face as the antenna connections, labeled RESET.

1. Leave the irrigation controller powered on. The controller supplies power to the Wi-Fi module.
2. Using a straightened paper clip or similar pointed object, press and hold the RESET button.
3. Watch the five signal strength LEDs on the opposite face of the module. They light one at a time as you hold the button.
4. Keep holding after all five are lit. Release when all five LEDs begin blinking together. The reset has started.

Important: The reset takes several minutes to complete and the LEDs blink for the entire time. Do not disconnect power during the reset. Wait until the LAN light comes back on before doing anything else.

After the reset completes:

• The module returns to the address https://192.168.1.1
• The administrator password returns to the password printed on the module’s label

Follow Step 2 and Step 3 to reconfigure the module, then reconnect the Ethernet cable to the controller.

Setting Up SubStation / FlowStation TCP Communication via Bridge Mode

If your controllers connect directly on your network and you don't use the IOT server, follow these instructions:

https://wiki.teltonika-networks.com/view/Relayd_RutOS

Troubleshooting

The browser will not load 192.168.1.1. Confirm the controller is powered on, since the controller supplies power to the Wi-Fi module. Check that the Ethernet cable is fully seated at both ends and plugged into the module’s LAN port, not the WAN port. Turn off your computer’s Wi-Fi so the browser uses the Ethernet connection. Check that its Ethernet adapter is set to obtain an IP address automatically rather than a static one. After a reset or reboot, allow up to a minute for the module to boot.

The module has already been configured and 192.168.1.1 does not work. A configured module uses the address 192.168.77.1 instead. If neither address works, perform a factory reset.

The scan finds no networks, or the site network is missing. Confirm the site network broadcasts on 2.4 GHz and not 5 GHz only, and that the module is within range of the access point.

The wireless interface shows Inactive on the WAN page. The module has not joined the network. Verify the SSID spelling and case, and re-enter the Wi-Fi key. On the configuration screen from Step 3.2, clear the BSSID field if it has anything in it. The module refills this field when it connects. If the site network was recently changed, rescan and rejoin.

The connection works but the controller does not reach BaseManager. Confirm the Ethernet cable is reconnected to the controller’s Ethernet port, and that Comm Type is set to Ethernet in the controller’s Communication Setup menu.

Signal strength is weak or the connection drops. To check the signal, go to Status › Realtime Data › Wireless in the module’s web interface and click the tab for your network name. Look at Signal Strength and Overall Quality. The module rates both. Check that the antenna cable is securely attached at both the Wi-Fi module and the bulkhead adapter. Consider relocating the antenna or installing an external omni-directional antenna. See the Omni-Directional Antenna Installation Guide.

The controller shows “Not Auth.” The network connection is working, but the controller is not yet registered to an account. Register it in BaseManager using the code on the controller screen.