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Bullet M2 installation

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KW7RS
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Bullet M2 installation

Downgraded firmware to ver 5.5.x.  Loaded AREDN firnware.  Did not get a reboot.  Now unable to communicate with Bullet M2.  Need help with suggestions!!!

Regards,

Rolly
KW7RS

K5DLQ
K5DLQ's picture
Here's a "few" questions to
Here's a "few" questions to help get us started:

Did you run the U-Boot Test Tool before you started?
Did it have AirOS 5.6.x on it initially?
Did you use tftp or the AirOS GUI to downgrade to AirOS 5.5.x?
Did it boot into AirOS 5.5.x successfully after the downgrade?
Did you load AREDN firmware with the AirOS GUI or TFTP?
What was the name of the AREDN firmware file that you used?

Let us know...
Darryl

 
KW7RS
KW7RS's picture
Yes, U-Boot Test Tool run
Yes, U-Boot Test Tool run before start.  Says GOOD GOOD.
Yes, it did have AirOS 5.6.x on it initially.
Used AirOS GUI and downgraded to AirOS 5.5.x.
It booted up AirOS 5.5.x sucessfully.
Loaded AREDN firmware with AirOS GUI.
Used firmware: AREDN-3.15.1.0-ubnt-bullet-m-squashfs-factory.bin
Did not reboot after flashing with AREDN firmware.
Now does not respond to many 192.168.1.x addresses
Need help to get back communication with Bullet M2

Thanks
Rolly
KW7RS
 
KW7RS
KW7RS's picture
Bullet M2 no communication
More info.  Bullet M2 was wirelessly broadcasting as seen on my wireless Laptop.  Was interfering with the Laptop wireless.  Took power away from Poe power supply.  Now Laptop is working much better.
K5DLQ
K5DLQ's picture
What was the SSID that it was
What was the SSID that it was broadcasting?  

MESH or UBNT??
 
KW7RS
KW7RS's picture
Bullet M2 installation
It was broadcasting MESH.

Regards,
Rolly
KW7RS
K5DLQ
K5DLQ's picture
That's good news.  It means

That's good news.  It means it is running AREDN in "setup" mode.

  1. Turn off your WIFI on your PC
  2. connect with a CAT5 cable to your node
  3. open a browser and go to:   http://localnode.local.mesh:8080
  4. Login as root, default pwd is hsmm
  5. Provide the required info (ie. node name, password, channel, bandwidth, DISTANCE setting, and power level) and save (the node will reboot into MESH mode)
  6. Disconnect your CAT5 cable from your PC for a few seconds, then reconnect it.
  7. browse back to the address shown above an your node is now ready to mesh
KW7RS
KW7RS's picture
Bullet M2 Installation
Still unable to connect with http://localnode.local.mesh:8080

Have Laptop talking wireless to WiFi router.  Also Desktop in office/hamshack is wired direct.  Trying to establish Bullet M2 comm with Desktop.  Noticed interference with Laptop on WiFi and Poe plugged in.  Laptop wireless discovery showed MESH broadcasting.  Unplugged Poe, Laptop interference cleared up.  Had also repowered cable modem and WiFi router.

Tried several times pushing reset switch on Poe for 30 seconds.  No joy.  Still unable comm with Bullet M2.  Is reset switch on Poe issue a soft reset to Bullet M2.  Is it the same as reset switch on Bullet M2 itself?  Am newbie to all of this stuff.

The bullet was mounted above Cushcraft A4S HF antenna on a mast already 22+ feet above the ground.  Will have to tip over 22+ foot mast and A4S HF antenna to get at the Bullet M2.  Is there something else that can be tried or will it have to be another NEW Bullet M2?
K5DLQ
K5DLQ's picture
While you are communicating
While you are communicating/setting up the mesh node, you need to have your WIFI disabled and use CAT5 from your PC to the LAN port of the PoE adapter.
(this is not the only way, but, the simplest)

 
KW7RS
KW7RS's picture
Bullet M2 Installation
Laptop was closed and not sending nor receiving (disabled) on 2.4Ghz WiFi.  Poe was connected power, Bullet M2 and to Desktop via ethernet RJ45 cable.  Still no comm with Bullet M2.  What NEXT?
K5DLQ
K5DLQ's picture
ok. you are using your
ok. you are using your desktop with CAT5 wired direct to node's LAN port on PoE.  good.
Confirm that the desktop has no other network interfaces (ie. wifi, additional CAT5 to your home network)?

open a cmd prompt and type:    ping localnode.local.mesh
what do you get?  if pings are successful...
close your browser.
open your browser.
go to:  localhost.local.mesh:8080

what do you get?

 
KG6JEI
Two additional items come to
Two additional items come to mind.

1) If you setup the node from this same system when it was running AirOS you would of had to set a STATIC IP address on your computer, did you revert this back to DHCP (for both the name sever and ip sections)

2) some browsers "cache" the name, if it worked going to localnode before but now doesn't after saving config you may just need to close your browser and open again.
KW7RS
KW7RS's picture
Bullet M2 Installation
Cable Modem wired to ASUS WiFi router.  Desktop wired to WiFi router.  Ran out of ports. Installed 4 port switch.  Wired Brother printer to 4 port switch.  Do not understand what bearing those have on the matter.

Pinged localnode.local.mesh and got NO response.
KG6JEI
You should be wired ONLY to

You should be wired ONLY to the mesh node (and wifi off)

Any other setup is much more complicated you will need to understand multi gateway advanced routing for those to work.

Start simple be wired only to the mesh node and WIFI should be turned off.

KW7RS
KW7RS's picture
Bullet M2 installation
I can try to wire to LAN port on Poe directly from Laptop with its WiFi turned OFF.  Then try what?
KG6JEI
At that point http:/
At that point http://localnode.local.mesh:8080 should take you back to the nodes main page and you can configure (if needed) or observe the nodes operational status and you are "on the mesh" (albeit a small mesh of just yourself )
KW7RS
KW7RS's picture
Bullet M2 installation
Thanks very much for your help.  The first part of the path forward is somewhat obvious.  Yet it is only part of the path forward.  Still a novice with the computer networking aspects.  When referring to the NODE, do you mean the Bullet M2?  PLEASE, use greater layman's terms for better understanding.  And the next steps to the final steps along the path to final operation.  PLEASE, do not leave out details as I a newbie at this stuff.  Be more verbose such that there is an understanding at this end. Thanks again.  Please advise.
KG6JEI
Yes a mesh node is a device

Yes a mesh node is a device that has AREDN installed. In this case your Bullet M2

I'm going to suggest you read this page and watch the associated video for getting knowledge on what AREDN is.
http://www.aredn.org/content/what-aredn-network

I'm also going to suggest this one as well for how to do the first setup and be fully operating.
http://bloodhound.aredn.org/products/AREDN/wiki/HowTo/NodeSetup

 

KW7RS
KW7RS's picture
Bullet M2 installation
That is all fine well and good.  The objective is to get the Bullet M2 communication FIXED.  That is the PATH that I was referring to.  I as the reader DO NOT know the knowledge that is in the writers head unless there are specific instructions that can be understood by the reader.  I will try to hook up the Laptop with the WiFi in it turned OFF.  Then it is just the Laptop trying to communicate with the Bullet M2.  Thanks much for the FIRST step.  If that is successful, then what are the following steps.  Just trying to understand the path to the objective.  Thanks.  Awaiting reply.
KG6JEI
As noted if your able to get
As noted if your able to get to it at that point it's fully functioning, there is nothing to "fix" if its working.

Steps are:
1) Wire up as indicated (with WIFI off)
2) Use your browser to go to http://localnode.local.mesh:8080/

If you get to the setup page shown in my second URL you can go through setup (if you want) or just look around but the point would be your in the node at that point.

NOTE: for all further testing and actions in this thread the setup for how to be wired (with wifi off) should be the case in all of them unless directed to wire up in a different manner.
KW7RS
KW7RS's picture
Bullet M2 installation
Thanks very much for the reply.  The last part leaves me with the impression that WiFi on the Laptop cannot be used at the same time as the Bullet M2?  Please clarify.  Thanks. Awaiting response.
KG6JEI
Let's come back to this
Let's come back to this question about WIFI AFTER you have a working connection to your mesh node.
KW7RS
KW7RS's picture
Bullet M2 Installation
Connected all RJ45s, plugged Poe into 4 port switch.   Went to Laptop WiFi, discovered MESH was broadcasting as seen on graphic wireless nodes screen. Turned off Laptop WiFi. Powered down ASUS wireless router.  Hooked up Desktop to Poe directly.  Put http://localnode.local.mesh:8080/ into browser.  WOULD NOT CONNECT with Bullet M2.  Must be doing something wrong. Please advise. Thanks. 
KG6JEI
When you say you were plugged
When you say you were plugged into a 4 port switch was that switch also plugged into the router or any other networking devices?
KW7RS
KW7RS's picture
Bullet M2 installation
Hooked up Desktop to Poe ONLY.  Put http://localnode.local.mesh:8080/ into Desktop browser.  WOULD NOT CONNECT with Bullet M2.  Must be doing something wrong. Please advise. Thanks. 
K5DLQ
K5DLQ's picture
ok.  let's try a slightly
ok.  let's try a slightly different approach using your laptop. 
With WIFI turn on your laptop, connect to the WiFi network called "MESH".
once it connects, then use your browser to go to:  http://localnode.local.mesh:8080

let me know the result
 
KW7RS
KW7RS's picture
Bullet M2 installation
When MESH is actively transmitting, it directly interferes with the Laptop.  I will try what you have suggested, suspect that it may be unsuccessful with the MESH interference with the Laptop.  Thanks again.
KW7RS
KW7RS's picture
Bullet M2 installation
I think that maybe I am screwed.  I put in http://localnode.local.mesh:8080/ and got the AREDN screen. Pressed the "Setup" button and got a dialog box asking for User Name and Password.  CANNOT remember the password after trying several of my knows passwords.

Question: When you have suggested shutting off WiFi, was that for the Laptop or Wireless Router?  Please clarify.  Thanks much.
WU2S
WU2S's picture
Laptop
That would be shutting off WiFi on the laptop.  The only network interface that should be enabled on the laptop is the wired Ethernet.
K5DLQ
K5DLQ's picture
Hi Rolly,
Hi Rolly,
Once you can use your web browser and access the Bullet (node), then simply follow the steps listed on the wiki page:  http://bloodhound.aredn.org/products/AREDN/wiki/HowTo/NodeSetup

 
KW7RS
KW7RS's picture
Bullet M2 installation
Thanks again for the reply.  Understand that if I can use normal browser, with dynamic IP, I will definitely go to the link that you have provided.  Hopefully that should be the LAST step in the process.

Regards,
Rolly
KW7RS
K5DLQ
K5DLQ's picture
Yes.  You are correct.
Yes.  You are correct.

When the Bullet runs AirOS, your PC must be set to a static IP address.
Once AREDN is loaded, the Bullet will give you a dynamic address, therefore, your PC must be reset to dynamic (or, DHCP) addressing
 
KW7RS
KW7RS's picture
Bullet M2 Installation
That address WORKED.  I get a page that says "This node is not yet configured."  See attached file.  I went to the setup button and clicked it.  Then it asked for User Name and Password.  Tried several passwords and cannot remember it.  Will try some more.  Is this the proper path to follow?  I need your advice on this matter as to how to complete the configuration.  Please advise.  Thanks.
Image Attachments: 
K5DLQ
K5DLQ's picture
Hi Rolly,
Hi Rolly,
Once you can use your web browser and access the Bullet (node), then simply follow the steps listed on the wiki page:  http://bloodhound.aredn.org/products/AREDN/wiki/HowTo/NodeSetup
The default username and password are in that wiki page.
 
KG6JEI
All this was documented in

All this was documented in this post o sent to you earlier:

http://www.aredn.org/comment/1626#comment-1626

Please take a moment to watch the video and read the link on how to setup a node.

KW7RS
KW7RS's picture
Bullet M2 installation
Thanks for the comment.  Have watched the Video.  Nothing revealing.  The only way to get a response from my Mesh node is to connect the Poe to 115v power, connect the Lan input to my ASUS wireless router and then go into the living room on the wireless Laptop and invoke localnode.local.mesh:8080 and then I get a screen to show the attached file.  Not sure what to put into the Login for User Name or Password.  Is there a default name and password that can be used?  Please advise.  Thanks.
Image Attachments: 
AE6XE
AE6XE's picture
Yes,  User Name = "root' and
Yes,  User Name = "root' and password = "hsmm".
K5DLQ
K5DLQ's picture
ok.  Let's take a step
ok.  Let's take a step backwards to how/where to plugin everything and try a different step-by-step method.

FIRST, here are the assumptions and facts for this scenario:
  • You will be using your laptop to interact with the mesh.
  • Your laptop has wifi and wired ethernet (ie. network) capabilities
  • Your node (ie. Bullet) has AREDN firmware loaded, but, it has NOT been configured.  (what I call, "pre-config" mode)
  • After configuring the mesh node, you WILL NOT BE ABLE TO access it directly from the wifi on your laptop.
  • We will NOT be connecting the mesh to the internet (or your home "ASUS" router)
NEXT, follow these exact steps:
  1. connect a CAT5 cable to the Bullet's network jack
  2. connect the other end of the CAT5 cable to the POE adapter's POE jack.
  3. connect a second CAT5 cable to your laptop's network jack
  4. connect the other end of the second CAT5 cable to the POE adapter's LAN jack.
  5. DISABLE YOUR LAPTOP'S WIFI ADAPTER
  6. connect POE power to 110VAC wall outlet
  7. With your Bullet M2 facing upward, watch the top LED (which is green).  While the node is booting up, this LED will flash.
  8. Once the top LED stops flashing and is on SOLID green, then proceed to the next step.
  9. On your laptop, open your preferred internet browser (ie. Firefox, Chrome, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge, Safari, etc.)
  10. In the address bar, enter the following:   http://localnode.local.mesh:8080
  11. hit enter
  12. a page should load showing you the "node" is named "NOCALL" and then shows some numbers.
  13. click the SETUP button
  14. A window will prompt you to login. 
    1. for username, enter: root
    2. for password, enter: hsmm
    3. hit the "Log In" button
  15. the setup page should load.
  16. enter the following information:
    1. for "node name", enter: KW7RS-BULLETM2-1
    2. for "password", enter whatever you want your password to be.
    3. for "verify password", enter that password again (that you entered in step 16.2 above).
    4. In the WIFI column, enter the following information:
      1. for "Channel", select:   -2
      2. for "bandwidth", select: 5Mhz
      3. for "distance", you need to calculate the distance to the FARTHEST node from your Bullet, in meters.  If you are not aware any any other mesh nodes in your area, type in 10000.  ** You will need to revisit this setting whenever you find the actual value **
  17. At the top of this page, click the "Save Changes" button.
  18. the Bullet (node) will REBOOT.
  19. Again, watch the TOP GREEN LED to begin flashing.
  20. Once it is flashing, close your internet browser on your laptop.
  21. Disconnect the CAT5 cable from your laptop.
  22. Count to 5.
  23. Connect the CAT5 cable back to your laptop
  24. On the Bullet (node), once the top LED stops flashing and is on SOLID green, then proceed to the next step.
  25. On your laptop, open your preferred internet browser (ie. Firefox, Chrome, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge, Safari, etc.) again
  26. In the address bar, enter the following:   http://localnode.local.mesh:8080
  27. hit enter
  28. a page should load showing you the node "status" page.
  29. Your Bullet (node) is now ready to connect to other mesh "nodes" with an SSID of AREDN-5-v3 (based on the settings that you entered) and is operating on channel -2 (2397Mhz).
  30. If it DOES connect to other nodes, you will see the 4th LED from the top of the Bullet, turn on SOLID RED.

Also, I would encourage you to try and find a mentor in your area.  We do have a regional forum here for "Southern Arizona".  You may want to post a message there to see if there are any clubs in Tuscon that are working with AREDN that can help with training.  K7BUM is in Pima County also and he is on the forums here as well.

I hope this gets you started.

Darryl - K5DLQ
KW7RS
KW7RS's picture
Bullet M2 installation
Darryl:

Thanks ever so much for your assistance.  It is greatly appreciated.  Please refer to posts 40 and 43.  These are the screens that were obtained wirelessly (WiFi) on the living room Laptop computer.  Nothing was disconnected or shutoff.  Went back to one of your previous posts and entered "root" for User Name and "bbhn" for password.  Unfortunately that did not work.  Vaguely remember keeping "ubnt" as User and some password which I cannot REMEMBER.  Suspect the Bullet is looking for these two items when the screen is as on posts 40 and 43.

Hooked up the Destop computer in the Office/HamShack directly to the Poe "LAN" port and am unable to get it to respond with the screen shown in posts 40 and 43.  Have ordered another Bullet M2HP which should be here tomorrow.  Somewhat written off the first Bullet that I screwed up.  Also ordered 15dbi gain omni-directional antenna.  The present bullet is at the very top of a 22+ foot mast above a Cushcraft A4S HF antenna. The mast will extend upward of 55+ feet into the air.  It's a big job to get the mast tilted over when collapsed.  Will have to do that to change out the bullet and antenna for same.
K5DLQ
K5DLQ's picture
Sorry.  My post post had the
Sorry.  My post post had the incorrect password.  it is hsmm
the username and password of ubnt is ONLY for the original AirOS firmware that we overwrote.  It is no longer needed and you can wipe if from the ol' memory banks.  ;-)

The screens on #40 and #43 are absolutely what we expect.  If you are looking at screen #43, start on STEP 14 in my post above (#45) and work thru the rest.


I am 99.9999% certain that you have not messed up the Bullet M2.
 
KW7RS
KW7RS's picture
Bullet M2 installation
Darryl:

Can't thank you enough for your persistence.  Need to go to bed and get some sleep.  Getting together with the Local Ham Radio guys tomorrow for noon lunch.  Will try your suggestions tomorrow afternoon.  Thanks again a BUNCH.

Regards,
Rolly
KW7RS
KW7RS
KW7RS's picture
Bullet M2 installation
Darryl:

Today turned out to be a busy day.  Got a line on server cabinet. Went to take a look, it's too darn deep for my needs.  Trying to get a 19 inch EIA rack to stack some Ham equipment on.  No luck today.  Tomorrow, will try what you have suggested and get back with you.

Regards,
Rolly
KW7RS
KW7RS
KW7RS's picture
Bullet M2 Installation
Darryl:  Tried what had suggested with the Desktop in the office/ham shack.  Hooked it up directly to Poe. Put in address "http://localnode.local.mesh:8080" and powered up Poe.  Still no joy.  Pinged 192.168.1.20 and that is OK.  That says that the Bullet responds to some communication.  The bullet is atop a 22' + mast so I cannot see the lights on the bullet.

Now I am going to go back to the Wireless Laptop.  Returning all network connections to normal.  This way I can get that Bullet screen on the Laptop and enter your revised username and password.  Tried this before with first username and password you had me try and was unsuccessful.  Here goes.

Regards,
Rolly
KW7RS
KW7RS
KW7RS's picture
Bullet M2 installation
Darryl:  
 Put up Bullet on 22'+ mast and wired ethernet cable to office/ham shack to Desktop computer.   I tried the suggestions by connecting the Poe only to the Desktop and invoking http://localnode.local.mesh:8080.  Could not communicate with Desktop to Bullet using that address.  Went to the DOS command prompt and successfully pinged 192.168.1.20.
 
Reconnected Poe to the network, went into the living room and got on the wireless laptop.  Entered http://localnode.local.mesh:8080 and was able to connect to Bullet where node name = "NOCALL"  clicked on the setup button and got the appropriate Bullet page for configuration. Was in the process of slowly configuring, when the browser screen went to no connection, then the config screen came back. Quickly filled in my call sign "KW7RS" in node name field assigned new password and confirmed same.  Selected -2 channel.  Hit the "save changes" button and allowed time for the Bullet to reboot.
 
Now don't know how to communicate with the Bullet!  Is it possible to get your help?  Please advise.  Thanks.

Regards,
Rolly
KW7RS
KW7RS
KW7RS's picture
Help with Setup of NEW Bullet M2
Need question answered about setting up another NEW Bullet M2HP.  Where to get a Ubiquity firmware version 5.5x that has proven itself as GOOD.  I screwed up one Bullet and purchased another.  Don't want to screw that one up.

Regards,

Rolly
KW7RS
K5DLQ
K5DLQ's picture
Directly from the
KW7RS
KW7RS's picture
Bullet M2 Installation
Darryl:  Thanks again for your assistance.  Tried a fresh start this morning to get the screwed up bullet working.  Powered up the Poe with the LAN plugged in.  Held the reset on the Poe for 30 seconds.  Went to the living room wireless laptop.  It shows the bullet transmitting.  Invoked localnode.local.mesh:8080 in the Web browser and got the NOCALL screen.  Hit the "setup" button and went to the config screen.  Put in all the appropriate stuff there and hit the "save" button.  Then went to the app to see what is transmitting and Bullet is NOT.  Tried both localnode:8080 and localnode.local.mesh:8080 both on the wireless laptop and desktop with sole connection to Poe LAN input only.  Still no response.  Can trace steps up till that point.  Cannot get beyond that.  

What you think

Regards,
Rolly
KW7RS
K5DLQ
K5DLQ's picture
Great news!
Great news!

So, back to my 4th "assumption" in reply #45...
"After configuring the mesh node, you WILL NOT BE ABLE TO access it directly from the wifi on your laptop."

After you connected with WIFI to the "MESH" and setup the node, when it rebooted, it is now in MESH mode and you WILL NOT be able to directly connect from wifi.  WIFI on the node is now exclusively used for nodes to talk between them. 
You need to plug (with a wired connection) to the LAN port of the POE adapter to get a computer onto the mesh now.

Once you connect a CAT5/network cable from your desktop (or laptop) to the LAN port of the POE adapter...
If your desktop PC cannot browse to:    http://localnode.local.mesh:8080    then try this:

If you are using Internet Explorer, try Firefox.
If you are using Firefox, try the Chrome browser.
If you have 3rd party firewall software (like Norton or AVG, etc), disable it and try to browse again.



 
KW7RS
KW7RS's picture
Darryl:  I use the Chrome
Darryl:  I use the Chrome browser.  What address needs to be put into the browser.  Is it 192.168.1.20?  Please advise.  Thanks.
K5DLQ
K5DLQ's picture
no.   192.168.1.20 will not
no.   192.168.1.20 will not work if the node has been configured into mesh mode.

you want:    http://localnode.local.mesh:8080
 
KW7RS
KW7RS's picture
Bullet M2 installation
Darryl: Went to desktop. Disconnected it from Network.  Hooked it only to Poe.  Tried localnode.local.mesh:8080.  No response. Just a wall of NOTHING.  Does Windows 7 firewall have to be disabled?  Hooked up the Poe back to Network.  Hooked Desktop back to Network.  Looked at wireless access connection on living room laptop and mesh node not transmitting.  If I hit the reset on the Poe for 30+ seconds, then go to the laptop on the Network, will see Mesh transmitting.  Just don't understand what has to be done.  Very little knowledge of what MAY be happening.  Please advise.  Thanks.

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