Digital Display Hardware WiFi Setup

TapHunter simple WiFi configuration

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Our team asks for your for your WiFi network information so that we can pre-program your hardware so that you can just plug it in and go once you receive it. However, WiFi networks change and some WiFi configurations are more complex than others.

Easy network setup

 

If your device does not connect to WiFi after you plug it in, you may need to set the WiFi configuration.

  • The first step is to find a USB keyboard and mouse so that you can control the device. **If you've purchase a digital board after September 2015 you will not need a keyboard. There's a built in keyboard. (See picture below)**
  • When the device boots up, click the configuration button and you should see a screen where you can choose your WiFi network and type in your password. This works for 95% of WiFi networks (all WPA type networks). Don't forget that the password is case-sensitive.


 

Our WiFi adapters do not support 5 Ghz networks. Virtually all 5 Ghz networks have a corresponding 2.4 Ghz network which will work. Typically you will see two networks: "My Network" and "My Network 5G". If you don't see something like that, you definitely have a 2.4 Ghz network. 5 Ghz networks will not show up in the WiFi list that the device displays.

NOTE: Starting in June of 2015, the easy network setup will work for open networks as well!

Advanced network setup


Advanced WiFi setup screen

For some more advanced (or older) network setups, the previous "easy network setup" will not work. This applies to open networks, WEP networks and WPS setups. To exit the light blue "TapHunter Menu Configuration" screen, hold the alt key and hit f4 on a keyboard and you will exit to the device desktop where you will find a "Wireless" application.

  1. Open the Wireless application and click on the "Manage Networks" tab.

  2. Click the Scan button and then click "Scan" on the scan results window. A list of networks should appear like the screenshot.

  3. Double click on the correct network and type your password (if applicable) in the "PSK" field and click "Add" when you're done. For WEP networks, the password is typed into the "key 0" field.

  4. Click back to the "Current Status" tab on the main Wireless window and network should connect within a few minutes. If it shows an IP address, you are connected to your router.

  5. IMPORTANT: Under the file menu, click "Save configuration" to save this network permanently.

  6. IMPORTANT: Reboot the device using the "reboot" icon on the desktop and the device should connect right up after rebooting. If it doesn't connect immediately, just wait on the "not connected" screen for a few minutes.

Troubleshooting WiFi Problems

  • A lot of problems are caused by incorrect WiFi information. Double and triple check your WiFi password. Remember that both network names and passwords are case sensitive.

  • One of the first things to try is to reboot the device. This rarely solves the problem but it is worth a try.

  • Sometimes the WiFi adapter gets loose in shipping. Try unplugging the WiFi adapter from its USB port and plugging it back in. After plugging it back in, it can take up to a full five minutes to retry the connection. The WiFi adapter should flash blue if it is working. This flashing doesn't mean you're connected; only that the adapter is working.

  • Try restarting your WiFi router. This sounds like a false fix, but it works sometimes. Honest.

  • Some WiFi problems can be caused by the device not getting enough power. If it is plugged into a power strip with lots of other devices, try putting it into its own outlet or power strip. This is pretty rare, but we have seen it.

  • By far the best way to fix WiFi problems is to not use it! If your device is near your internet router, simply plug it in with an ethernet (cat5) cable. WiFi is always tricky especially when something needs to be connected 24/7/365.