Hydros Quad Strip Issues

[n2585722]

Good Lord they are all over the place with the “fix”! Recommending WPA security? That’s not terribly secure anymore, but better than nothing. That said, we aren’t able to complain this one away, sadly, despite the poor hardware. We simply have to accept the fact that it *should* work, but your mileage may vary. WiFi has so many variables that affect one but not another. Users rely on cable company to manage their router and others buy their own. Throw in how often updates are applied to routers (if at all!) it’s a humongous time drain without a way to provide a true fix for all scenarios. Flukes has it right-is it worth your time to continue chasing, or is it worth it to spend the $300? I myself tire of the strip connectivity issues, but I’ve given up and will get another XP8. My time is too valuable to chase something that I have very little control over and the hardware could change in a year and we might have to do this all over again! I hope you do find a good solution that is acceptable to you. Just know you aren’t alone!

I do not work for CoralVue and just commented at where mine is set. Not sure if that would make a difference or not. The wifi strips are Tuya protocol strips and the communications used is a part of that protocol.

 

[slingfox]

I got two of those WiFi strips from Hydros. Both super buggy. Highly recommend against anyone buying those. The Hydros XP8 has worked flawlessly. Overall mixed feelings about Hydros due to the WiFi strips complete zero reliability.

 

[Jenkins]

I do not work for CoralVue and just commented at where mine is set. Not sure if that would make a difference or not. The wifi strips are Tuya protocol strips and the communications used is a part of that protocol.

Nope. Wasn’t commenting about your post at all. You supply good info and take the time to help us, which is very helpful! I was mostly responding to the OP where he mentioned Hydros support recommending trying WPA for a potential resolution.

 

[n2585722]

I got two of those WiFi strips from Hydros. Both super buggy. Highly recommend against anyone buying those. The Hydros XP8 has worked flawlessly. Overall mixed feelings about Hydros due to the WiFi strips complete zero reliability.

The wifi strips are not made by CoralVue and are made by a manufacturer that makes them for several companies and you can get them under several brand names. The only difference I know of is Hydros has the mounting bracket with it and the other brands do not. They had to use a communications protocol that was already in the strips to communicate with them. The XP8 is an actual controller and the other controllers communicate with it using the command bus so communications between the controller does not rely on the router like the wifi strips do. If anything interrupts that communications you will have issues. I had a wifi camera mess up the communications before but it did cause issues with the controllers that were close to it also. I had it turned off in the app but apparently it got messed up and had to be powered down and back up to fix the issue. Also things your neighbors do may also cause issues if they are within wifi range. It is a very high frequency radio signal. The higher the frequency the more things can interfere with it. Even though I do not have any more issues I do not use them for anything critical but I still get a lot of use out of them.

 

[Dr. D]

This is why I went with an XP8 and never bothered with a Wi-Fi strip. I’ve been happy so far.

 

[DatReefGuy]

Good Lord they are all over the place with the “fix”! Recommending WPA security? That’s not terribly secure anymore, but better than nothing. That said, we aren’t able to complain this one away, sadly, despite the poor hardware. We simply have to accept the fact that it *should* work, but your mileage may vary. WiFi has so many variables that affect one but not another. Users rely on cable company to manage their router and others buy their own. Throw in how often updates are applied to routers (if at all!) it’s a humongous time drain without a way to provide a true fix for all scenarios. Flukes has it right-is it worth your time to continue chasing, or is it worth it to spend the $300? I myself tire of the strip connectivity issues, but I’ve given up and will get another XP8. My time is too valuable to chase something that I have very little control over and the hardware could change in a year and we might have to do this all over again! I hope you do find a good solution that is acceptable to you. Just know you aren’t alone!

I would love to spend another $300 but maybe in a month or two. Busy season is just hitting at work so funds are still a little tight. I honestly wish I knew about the issue before I got it. They came highly recommend from my lfs.

 

[Jenkins]

I would love to spend another $300 but maybe in a month or two. Busy season is just hitting at work so funds are still a little tight. I honestly wish I knew about the issue before I got it. They came highly recommend from my lfs.

Totally understand that - it’s not cheap by any means. I recommend Hydros as well. Nothings perfect since they are new, but still a great product that should get even better in time. The strip was a bit of bummer though.

 

[braaap]

My WiFi strips work fine. Never disconnect. No issues there. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

[DatReefGuy]

Totally understand that - it’s not cheap by any means. I recommend Hydros as well. Nothings perfect since they are new, but still a great product that should get even better in time. The strip was a bit of bummer though.

For sure. Coming from a computer background, I get they need to run on the same frequencies. At least make them run on multiples or a mesh system like everything else that is wifi. Who knows, maybe they'll have a GIANT recall on all of them and send us new strips. LOL.

 

[TomTheSeagull]

@DatReefGuy Lots of input. Not sure if this will help. I had the same issue you have- so frustrating. I have a flawless wifi when it comes to the dozens of other devices on it. Only product in my house with any issue was the Hydros power strip. It is maddening how the CV support people blame your wifi and can't own that it is their power strip with a wifi issue. I'm an IT guy. I've set up networks for years. CV suggested I reboot my router, I did that and the power strip reconnected, so CV tried to use it as proof it was my wifi that was at issue. Lame. Anyway, my router was old and I wanted a new one with some other features I wanted so I bought a new router. This did not fix my Hydros power strip issue. I can get on my wifi from my shed ~200Ft from my house with no problems, but the hydros strip in the same room as the router disconnects. Rant over.

I finally bought this:
Amazon product

I set up a new 2.4ghz network using this extender, that is hardwired to my router. In fact this extender only supports 2.4. All the hydros gear is now on this new network (nothing else in my house is on that network either). Coincidently, I bought this device exactly a year ago today. I have not had a single hydros power strip issue since. I love my hydros setup and rely heavily on it. But CV needs to own this issue.

 

[DatReefGuy]

@DatReefGuy Lots of input. Not sure if this will help. I had the same issue you have- so frustrating. I have a flawless wifi when it comes to the dozens of other devices on it. Only product in my house with any issue was the Hydros power strip. It is maddening how the CV support people blame your wifi and can't own that it is their power strip with a wifi issue. I'm an IT guy. I've set up networks for years. CV suggested I reboot my router, I did that and the power strip reconnected, so CV tried to use it as proof it was my wifi that was at issue. Lame. Anyway, my router was old and I wanted a new one with some other features I wanted so I bought a new router. This did not fix my Hydros power strip issue. I can get on my wifi from my shed ~200Ft from my house with no problems, but the hydros strip in the same room as the router disconnects. Rant over.

I finally bought this:
Amazon product

I set up a new 2.4ghz network using this extender, that is hardwired to my router. In fact this extender only supports 2.4. All the hydros gear is now on this new network (nothing else in my house is on that network either). Coincidently, I bought this device exactly a year ago today. I have not had a single hydros power strip issue since. I love my hydros setup and rely heavily on it. But CV needs to own this issue.

I 1000% agree they need to own it. I unfortunately can't see what your picture is but I'm assuming it's an access point. I purchased a TpLink one off Amazon. It wasn't the most expensive thing but it runs a dedicated 2.4mHz frequency. I changed the controller over to that. Everything connects including the power strip. The app still shows that it is "Not Responding". I don't understand but I could be doing something wrong also. I highly doubt it but I'm starting to second guess myself.

 

[TomTheSeagull]

I 1000% agree they need to own it. I unfortunately can't see what your picture is but I'm assuming it's an access point. I purchased a TpLink one off Amazon. It wasn't the most expensive thing but it runs a dedicated 2.4mHz frequency. I changed the controller over to that. Everything connects including the power strip. The app still shows that it is "Not Responding". I don't understand but I could be doing something wrong also. I highly doubt it but I'm starting to second guess myself.

Sorry. That link did not post correctly. The description is -

NETGEAR Wi-Fi Range Extender EX6120​

I tried the TPLink one first and had lots of issues with it. Sent it back (Thank you amazon) and got the netgear.

 

[DatReefGuy]

Sorry. That link did not post correctly. The description is -

NETGEAR Wi-Fi Range Extender EX6120​

I tried the TPLink one first and had lots of issues with it. Sent it back (Thank you amazon) and got the netgear.

Hmmm. Maybe I'll do the same. I haven't really had issues with it yet but Netgear has been around way longer. Thanks for the tip!

 

[n2585722]

@DatReefGuy Lots of input. Not sure if this will help. I had the same issue you have- so frustrating. I have a flawless wifi when it comes to the dozens of other devices on it. Only product in my house with any issue was the Hydros power strip. It is maddening how the CV support people blame your wifi and can't own that it is their power strip with a wifi issue. I'm an IT guy. I've set up networks for years. CV suggested I reboot my router, I did that and the power strip reconnected, so CV tried to use it as proof it was my wifi that was at issue. Lame. Anyway, my router was old and I wanted a new one with some other features I wanted so I bought a new router. This did not fix my Hydros power strip issue. I can get on my wifi from my shed ~200Ft from my house with no problems, but the hydros strip in the same room as the router disconnects. Rant over.

I finally bought this:
Amazon product

I set up a new 2.4ghz network using this extender, that is hardwired to my router. In fact this extender only supports 2.4. All the hydros gear is now on this new network (nothing else in my house is on that network either). Coincidently, I bought this device exactly a year ago today. I have not had a single hydros power strip issue since. I love my hydros setup and rely heavily on it. But CV needs to own this issue.

One of the issues is that the communication that is used between the wifi devices and the controllers has to happen on the same channel. The issue is some routers will automatically switch devices between channels especially devices that will communicate on both 2.4ghz and 5ghz. The wifi strips can communicate on both but the controllers are only 2.4ghz. Even if the controller were both 2.4ghz and 5ghz it does not mean that both the controller and the wifi strips would be switched by the router when does happen. If you can rename the 5ghz channels a different name on the router then it will usually keep this from happening. Also if you do use a access point make sure it has a different login name and move all controllers to the access point and pair the wifi strips again to use the access point by using replace. Also make a wired connection from the access point and the router. Since it is now a hardwired connection as far as the router is concerned then there is less security protocols that may kick in with devices communicating with each other over the network. The MESH type networks are bad about moving devices to different channels which can cause the issue. CoralVue does not make the wifi strips. They come from a company that probably makes millions of them and they are the same other than color and brand name as far as I can see. If you get one that is a different brand and has the same layout physically and is Tuya protocol it will probably pair with the Hydros system. The local communication they use is a lot better than going through the server of the manufacturer that makes the wifi strips since that would require good internet connection on both ends for them to work and probably add some lag time for them to switch states. In my opinion that would be even worse since I loose internet multiple times a day. Sometimes multiple times in an hour. So I do not want to rely on the internet for my controllers to turn things on or off.

 

[DatReefGuy]

Sorry. That link did not post correctly. The description is -

NETGEAR Wi-Fi Range Extender EX6120​

I tried the TPLink one first and had lots of issues with it. Sent it back (Thank you amazon) and got the netgear.

I just looked into this. Just a small wall plug? Is it able to be hardwired?

 

[TomTheSeagull]

I just looked into this. Just a small wall plug? Is it able to be hardwired?

yes and yes.

 

[Jonreefer]

I have only ever had issues with the wifi devices when I had them on my main system that was shared with everything else. They would drop alot.
I bought a cheap $20 tplink wifi and setup a dedicated 2.4ghz hydros network and connected to that and never had another drop. I dont even enable the 5ghz on the unit so there is no chance of any interference with that. If anyone is super unhappy with the 4 outlet wifi I will buy one or 2 off someone. I have no problems with them and would gladly add more of them
this is what i use and never have a drop
Amazon product

 

[DatReefGuy]

I have only ever had issues with the wifi devices when I had them on my main system that was shared with everything else. They would drop alot.
I bought a cheap $20 tplink wifi and setup a dedicated 2.4ghz hydros network and connected to that and never had another drop. I dont even enable the 5ghz on the unit so there is no chance of any interference with that. If anyone is super unhappy with the 4 outlet wifi I will buy one or 2 off someone. I have no problems with them and would gladly add more of them
this is what i use and never have a drop
Amazon product

I have this one. Same. $20. I’m going g to try setting it up as a wifi extender to see if that changes anything.

Amazon product

 

[n2585722]

I have this one. Same. $20. I’m going g to try setting it up as a wifi extender to see if that changes anything.

Amazon product

Make sure and set it to a channel that is not in use by anything else around you. Make sure and use a different name for it than you other wifi channels. Also use a wired connection between it and the main router for your system.

 

[DatReefGuy]

Make sure and set it to a channel that is not in use by anything else around you. Make sure and use a different name for it than you other wifi channels. Also use a wired connection between it and the main router for your system.

Tried that with the access point setting. Maybe it’ll work with the extender setting. Crossing my fingers.