11. Wifi Module¶
Why put the wireless connection tutorial here is that we have found may users try to use the wifi module the first time got the kit, before they can wiring correctly or drag a working code.
It could be a mass if you can’t find a clue which parts go wrong, most of the time it is not the communication go fails but the origin wiring or coding is not correct.
If you got here we are confident you have already mastered the core of graphical coding and hardware wiring. Check if your robot works with a USB cable connection before putting it on air.
11.1. The working modes of wifi module¶
There is two working mode of wifi module.
- AP mode, the status blue led will be always on, and blink every 3 seconds.
- Station mode, the status blue led will be always off, and blink every 3 seconds.
AP Mode¶
AP mode means the wifi module act as an accessing point and you may find AP node starts with ESP_XXXXXX and without password in default.
Station Mode¶
Station mode means that the module has joined your home/workspace router, you may find your wifi module in Kittenblock if successfully make it join your local network.
We always recommend using wifi module in station mode, as it is more stable and may access to even more advanced functions like App, IoT, roaming etc.
11.2. Join wifi module to your local network¶
There is two method to join the wifi module to your LAN, the first one to use the web page to config.
Join LAN with the web page¶
Connect wifi module’s access point with any device with a browser, like your laptop or mobile phone. In the browser type http://192.168.4.1 you may find the config page below.
Navi to Wifi Station page by clicking the corresponding button on the left panel.
You may find a list of access points near around.
If you can’t find the searching list, please switch to STA or AP+STA mode.
Check your router’s tag and enter the password then click connect.
Wait a while, if everything goes fine you may find your device disconnected from the wifi module. And the LED of wifi module became off and blick every 3 seconds.
Now open kittenblock and you may find the wifi module in your LAN.
Most thing you do with a USB cable will work with a wifi connection.
Join LAN with our app¶
You may also let the wifi module join your LAN with the help of our app. Try search Kittenbot in the iOS app store or google play, download and install it.
You may find a term Join Your Home LAN on the info page, which will start the Smart Config process.
Follow the instructions in the app to complete the rest process.
11.3. Use wifi module for online mode¶
After successful join your wifi module to LAN, you may connect to the robot via its network IP address.
Let’s try a very basic blink code to see if the wireless communication works:
You may also restore the firmware or upload any arduino sketch via the wifi module.
11.4. Notice on using wifi module¶
The wifi module may consume much more power than the mainboard, around 100mA to 300mA after power on. So your 6xAA battery may die very quickly, try using an external power resource or use a portable power source.