B&G Zeus "External wireless modules setup"

[Tiagonmas]

Hi,
I have a B&G Zeus 3S and a GoFree WIFI-1 Module. When I to to Settings-> Wireless I see a warning on the "External wireless modules setup". I open it, enter the admin password for the GoFree wifi module, but nothing happens. No feedback from the system.

The GoFree wifi module used to work, but no longer ...
any idea how to fix this ?
Thanks

[Dockhead]

Why do you need it, with the Zeus 3S? That plotter has built-in wifi.

[Tiagonmas]

that is a very good question! This is a second hand boat that I bought and I asked myself exactly that question as I learn about the electronics of the boat ... But still, the question on using it remains ... it was working some time ago and I did something that stoped it. But I guess that if I don't need it I might then just sell the GoFree module second hand ..

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by Tiagonmas

that is a very good question! This is a second hand boat that I bought and I asked myself exactly that question as I learn about the electronics of the boat ... But still, the question on using it remains ... it was working some time ago and I did something that stoped it. But I guess that if I don't need it I might then just sell the GoFree module second hand ..

That's what I would do

[Reefmagnet]

If you have another source of wifi transmitting NMEA data you don't need the goFree at all. Have you tried hard factory resetting the unit? Info to do this should be in the user manual.

[bobmcd625]

I have a similar problem with the GoFree module, but in my case I have Zeus2 plotters (one at the chart table and one at the wheel) and do "need" the GoFree to mirror the chart and data on an iPhone or iPad. Also convenient for getting software updates from the cloud. My GoFree lights up and even shows up briefly on the Zeus2 but then fades away and dies. I've tried changing the power source to be sure it's getting power but still no go! Maddening to say the least.
Next step it to get a Zeus3 with the wi-fi built in, but that's many $$$.
Help?

[Reefmagnet]

The GoFree is really just a 10mb/s wired ethernet hub with wifi. It's possible to replace it with a usb powered hub designed for portable use with the same features at a fraction of the cost if water resistance isn't a concern. The catch is you need someone to change the plugs on one end of the interconnect cables to RJ45 ethernet style if it doesn't have these already (I've done this conversion on Simrad gear in the past). And also maybe know how to configure it (which shouldn't be a great deal different to a GoFree web based setup).

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by Reefmagnet

The GoFree is really just a 10mb/s wired ethernet hub with wifi. It's possible to replace it with a usb powered hub designed for portable use with the same features at a fraction of the cost if water resistance isn't a concern. The catch is you need someone to change the plugs on one end of the interconnect cables to RJ45 ethernet style if it doesn't have these already (I've done this conversion on Simrad gear in the past). And also maybe know how to configure it (which shouldn't be a great deal different to a GoFree web based setup).

Not the OP's problem -- he has WiFi BOTH built into his plotter AND he has the GoFree (actually WiFi1) module.

I like the WiFi1 because it is waterproof and rugged and truly plug and play. It's not expensive. I used one of these for 11 years until just this year when I changed my plotters. I wouldn't actually want a random consumer grade router handling my radar datastream, which is a matter of life safety.

For that reason, when I upgraded my plotters to Zeus 3S, I bought the Navico Ethernet hub, rather than using a consumer grade router. It's a simple matter to cut one end off the expensive Navico ethernet cables and crimp on an RJ-45 plug, but why? For just a little more money you can have real marine-grade rugged waterproof etc.

[Reefmagnet]

Originally Posted by Dockhead

Not the OP's problem -- he has WiFi BOTH built into his plotter AND he has the GoFree (actually WiFi1) module.

I like the WiFi1 because it is waterproof and rugged and truly plug and play. It's not expensive. I used one of these for 11 years until just this year when I changed my plotters. I wouldn't actually want a random consumer grade router handling my radar datastream, which is a matter of life safety.

For that reason, when I upgraded my plotters to Zeus 3S, I bought the Navico Ethernet hub, rather than using a consumer grade router. It's a simple matter to cut one end off the expensive Navico ethernet cables and crimp on an RJ-45 plug, but why? For just a little more money you can have real marine-grade rugged waterproof etc.

True. I did it at the time because I also wanted internet available to devices through a single wifi connection and radar and instrument data on my phone and this just made it easier. I turned my Gofree off and never used it again, even though it remained in circuit. I'd argue, however, that aside from the water resistance, good quality business grade stuff is equal to or better and certainly more economical to carry a spare if reliability is a concern.

[bobmcd625]

I have the Navico Network Hub (NEP-2) which does its job, but it's the WiFi-1 which is problematic. What's the alternative wi-fi device? Navico seems to have dropped out of that space now that wi-fi is internal to their MFDs.

[kaz911]

WiFi-1
There is plenty of reason to use a WiFi-1 or access point despite plotter having WiFi built in. You might want WiFi to run without running your plotter. Your plotters power consumption is VERY high vs the WiFi-1. Why would you run your plotter to power Wi-Fi? I usually DISABLE WiFi from all plotters that have Ethernet. I would rather have a 3rd party router than use built-in Wifi for anything.

NEP-2
NEP-2 is a TERRIBLE and VERY outdated device. They are known to die all by themselves with "Red Light of Death" They cost $/£ 300+ a pop. It is a 100Mbit (yes) 5 port switch. A product which in normal retail would cost $15 or less - if you can even find 100Mbit switches any more.

Not 2 months ago I had a frantic satellite call from a friend 100 miles offshore in a CAT with factory default installed electronic power switching. ALL power down - nothing working. All it was - was a DEAD NEP-2. (They managed to get to safe harbour)

Without the Ethernet working - the stupid electronic switching system would not work. I know switching system "configuration" issue is likely the main issue - but NEP-2's just die without warning. My recommendation was to replace the Switch with an Industrial switch and keep stock of replacements at less cost of a NEW NEP-2. (And to get the configuration from the CAT manufacture changed to "auto turn on" at least the control systems for the Electronic Switching Systems and not leave them OFF by default without an override.) I will not mention names but it is not a system I would EVER install on a boat.

If you want a switch waterproof- put it in a IP54 or better box with cable glands.

Navico is REALLY FAR behind on networking with ZERO support for POE, 100Mbit max transmission speeds (Navico Ethernet cables only have 4 wires limiting transmission speeds) - and NO plotters with support for "OneNet" capabilities. A boat with multiple ethernet based transducers, radar and people using "wifi" for entertainment - will kill the 100Mbit switching capacity-wise.

If you have Navico switching - keep it isolated from any entertainment or "user" provided Internet access.

[bobmcd625]

Thanks for that sound advice. However in my case the NEP-2 is working (at least I see the radar images on the MFD) but the WiFi-1 is not. There is no wi-fi in the MFD so I'm blind so to speak. What is the alternative to the WiFi-1? I'll stick with the NEP-2 as long as it's working. My "needs" are pretty modest.
Thanks again for the good tips...

[kaz911]

Originally Posted by bobmcd625

Thanks for that sound advice. However in my case the NEP-2 is working (at least I see the radar images on the MFD) but the WiFi-1 is not. There is no wi-fi in the MFD so I'm blind so to speak. What is the alternative to the WiFi-1? I'll stick with the NEP-2 as long as it's working. My "needs" are pretty modest.
Thanks again for the good tips...

As an alternative to WiFi-1 - look at Teltonika - a pure WiFi router like RUTM10 would replace the WiFi-1. You need to set it up to B&G/Navico specs - but it will work fine. Teltonika has some routers with 3/4/5G as well - then you can use mobile networks for internet while away.

Then you can keep your NEP-2 for "Navigation stuff" while the router will keep entertainment "contained" (A switch is reasonably smart and does not send traffic to the NEP-2 if not needed - so won't overload the NEP-2)

But back to debugging - Are there any lights on - on the WiFi-1? There should be blinking green lights...

I would try a factory reset on the WiFi-1 - it is NOT easy to do as far as I remember - they are a PITA WiFi routers. There is a small Factory Reset button in the lower part you need to keep pressed for XXX seconds...

[bobmcd625]

Originally Posted by kaz911

As an alternative to WiFi-1 - look at Teltonika - a pure WiFi router like RUTM10 would replace the WiFi-1. You need to set it up to B&G/Navico specs - but it will work fine. Teltonika has some routers with 3/4/5G as well - then you can use mobile networks for internet while away.

Then you can keep your NEP-2 for "Navigation stuff" while the router will keep entertainment "contained" (A switch is reasonably smart and does not send traffic to the NEP-2 if not needed - so won't overload the NEP-2)

But back to debugging - Are there any lights on - on the WiFi-1? There should be blinking green lights...

I would try a factory reset on the WiFi-1 - it is NOT easy to do as far as I remember - they are a PITA WiFi routers. There is a small Factory Reset button in the lower part you need to keep pressed for XXX seconds...

Good stuff. I'll try the factory reset on the WiFi-1. Can't be too hard!
It does light up (red power light) for a while but then fades away. It actually functions for a few minutes but dies before establishing a good connection. I wonder if there is a "leak" in the power supply. Thoughts?

[kaz911]

Originally Posted by bobmcd625

Good stuff. I'll try the factory reset on the WiFi-1. Can't be too hard!
It does light up (red power light) for a while but then fades away. It actually functions for a few minutes but dies before establishing a good connection. I wonder if there is a "leak" in the power supply. Thoughts?

If the WiFi-1 starts up and then dies - it can be a defective capacitor. But it has been ages since I looked inside so no tips ready at hand.

I would put in another WiFi "distribution" access point. It is easy(ish) to convert the Navico Yellow ethernet connectors to RJ45 - and put it all in a waterproof wall mount box. If your mount point is "waterproof" - then I would still put it in a box with glands to keep moisture from RJ45 pins and provide strain relief for the cables.