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Sound Reinforcement - Forums for Live Sound Professionals - Your Displayed Name Must Be Your Real Full Name To Post In The Live Sound Forums => LAB Lounge => Topic started by: Patrick Moore on November 13, 2013, 12:21:41 AM

Title: Soundcraft/Visi/Airport Express
Post by: Patrick Moore on November 13, 2013, 12:21:41 AM
This is the third tour in a row I've had problems with my ipad + console connectivity and I'm getting quite tired of it...

Soundcraft Performer 2 running latest build of v1.5
Ipad 1 running latest build of Visi remote
Apple Airport Express (older model but works great with LS9/M7CL/Stagemix)
Cat-5 cable confirmed to be functional

Here are pictures of each item.  Please tell me what's wrong. Thanks in advance.






Title: Re: Soundcraft/Visi/Airport Express
Post by: David Sturzenbecher on November 13, 2013, 07:55:39 AM
That doesn't appear to be the latest soundcraft app. However the latest needs iOS6, which won't run on the ipad1.
Title: Re: Soundcraft/Visi/Airport Express
Post by: Bob Leonard on November 13, 2013, 08:15:42 AM
Stop using DHCP and start using static IP addresses.
Title: Re: Soundcraft/Visi/Airport Express
Post by: Chuck Simon on November 13, 2013, 09:09:13 AM
I have no problems with DHCP, but I am using an iPad 2 with iOS6 and VISI v2.0.  It might be time for a newer iPad.
Title: Re: Soundcraft/Visi/Airport Express
Post by: Josh Davies on November 13, 2013, 09:49:35 AM
+1 on not using DHCP.

I have an iPad 3 and a newer Airport Express, but I also had trouble initially when trying to use DHCP.  Changed to a static address on the Expression and created an IP reservation using its MAC address on the AE.  Haven't had a bit of trouble since.  I realize we aren't talking apples to apples here (no pun intended) since you have a Performer and a different Airport Express/iPad, but it is worth a shot.

It was also working fine even before updating to the new firmware and new ViSi app.
Title: Re: Soundcraft/Visi/Airport Express
Post by: Patrick Moore on November 13, 2013, 05:00:05 PM
Thanks for the help guys.  I finally got the iPad and console speaking to each other...

Now the problem is that my wireless connection is dropping every 20 seconds or so.  Switching wireless channels doesn't help, and neither does switching from 2.4 to 5 MHz. I'm not in a busy wifi environment and am within 10' of my airport express.   Any ideas on this? 
Title: Re: Soundcraft/Visi/Airport Express
Post by: Bill McIntosh on November 13, 2013, 08:21:35 PM
Thanks for the help guys.  I finally got the iPad and console speaking to each other...

Now the problem is that my wireless connection is dropping every 20 seconds or so.  Switching wireless channels doesn't help, and neither does switching from 2.4 to 5 MHz. I'm not in a busy wifi environment and am within 10' of my airport express.   Any ideas on this?

The console appears to be static 198.162.1.100 but the router is allowing DHCP on the range 192.168.1.1 through 192.168.1.101 -- including the static address.

Change your DHCP range to 192.168.1.1 and end short of the static address e.g. 192.168.1.099.  Or turn off DHCP entirely and assign all your devices a static address.
Title: Re: Soundcraft/Visi/Airport Express
Post by: Brian Jojade on November 13, 2013, 11:49:22 PM
Those old airport expresses were notorious for suddenly becoming useless pieces of crap.  If you're getting connectivity errors, the first thing I would do is look at replacing it.  The new ones are SO much better.
Title: Re: Soundcraft/Visi/Airport Express
Post by: Rob Spence on November 14, 2013, 12:34:03 AM
I never understand why people spend thousands on a mixer, many hundreds on a tablet and then buy the lowest cost thing to connect them?

There have been many posts in this and the other forum all complaining about wireless and all of them use the same router :-(


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
Title: Re: Soundcraft/Visi/Airport Express
Post by: Patrick Moore on November 14, 2013, 12:44:49 AM
I understand that my older airport express is not the best router available, but I have used this same unit on tour for 2 solid years and it always works fine, even back in the dressing rooms when the router is at FOH.  I will replace it but it will be done begrudgingly. Thanks for the help guys. 
Title: Re: Soundcraft/Visi/Airport Express
Post by: Chuck Simon on November 14, 2013, 10:02:52 AM
I use a new Airport Express with the default settings(DHCP) with my Expression and Studiolive.  No problems!

By the way, there is NO inherent reason that a statically assigned IP address would provide a more reliable connection than an address assigned by DHCP.  In a situation where that appears to be the case, I would suggest there are other factors involved causing the problem.  Once you are connected it does not matter.  If you maintain your lease long enough for it to expire(not likely) it will renew automatically. I have a friend in the IT field that says he has had the same DHCP assigned IP address for 3 years!   If anyone can give a technical reason why they think DHCP is not as reliable(in a realistic situation), please do.
Title: Re: Soundcraft/Visi/Airport Express
Post by: Patrick Moore on November 14, 2013, 10:58:09 AM
I just set my lease time to 999 days and it usually works fine. 

Still having dropout problems this morning, despite trying every available wifi channel. 
Title: Re: Soundcraft/Visi/Airport Express
Post by: Chuck Simon on November 14, 2013, 11:02:18 AM
I just set my lease time to 999 days and it usually works fine. 

Still having dropout problems this morning, despite trying every available wifi channel.

Have you tried a different router?
Title: Re: Soundcraft/Visi/Airport Express
Post by: Bob Leonard on November 14, 2013, 04:25:58 PM
I use a new Airport Express with the default settings(DHCP) with my Expression and Studiolive.  No problems!

By the way, there is NO inherent reason that a statically assigned IP address would provide a more reliable connection than an address assigned by DHCP.  In a situation where that appears to be the case, I would suggest there are other factors involved causing the problem.  Once you are connected it does not matter.  If you maintain your lease long enough for it to expire(not likely) it will renew automatically. I have a friend in the IT field that says he has had the same DHCP assigned IP address for 3 years!   If anyone can give a technical reason why they think DHCP is not as reliable(in a realistic situation), please do.

Correct, using reliable routers and purpose built DHCP servers. I don't put an Airport express into that same category.
Title: Re: Soundcraft/Visi/Airport Express
Post by: Chuck Simon on November 14, 2013, 05:19:03 PM
The new Airport Express is a big improvement over the older version.  You should check one out.  I used a Belkin router for over a year and switched to that Airport a couple of months ago.  I like the compact size, no wall wart, and it automatically switches between 2.5 or 5 kHz depending on the device connecting to it.  Totally reliable, so far.
Title: Re: Soundcraft/Visi/Airport Express
Post by: Rob Spence on November 15, 2013, 12:47:22 AM
The new Airport Express is a big improvement over the older version.  You should check one out.  I used a Belkin router for over a year and switched to that Airport a couple of months ago.  I like the compact size, no wall wart, and it automatically switches between 2.5 or 5 kHz depending on the device connecting to it.  Totally reliable, so far.

Maybe if it used 2.4 gHz or 5 gHz it would work better :-)

Doesn't compact size usually conflict with efficient antenna? Something gets traded off for size. Maybe they just used "the suggestions of physics".


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
Title: Re: Soundcraft/Visi/Airport Express
Post by: Mac Kerr on November 15, 2013, 11:12:19 AM
Doesn't compact size usually conflict with efficient antenna? Something gets traded off for size. Maybe they just used "the suggestions of physics".

At 2.4GHz the wavelength is 4.92". A half wave antenna would only be 2.5" long, and doesn't have to be straight. It will fit within the dimension of an Airport Express easily.

I have had better results with my Airport Express than with Linksys D-Links. I could probably do better by spending more, but I'm OK with the performance.

Mac

Title: Re: Soundcraft/Visi/Airport Express
Post by: Chuck Simon on November 15, 2013, 12:30:08 PM
Maybe if it used 2.4 gHz or 5 gHz it would work better :-)

I don't need it to work better, it has been flawless!  The dual wavelength is a very useful feature.  I don't understand your cynicism???
Title: Re: Soundcraft/Visi/Airport Express
Post by: Bob Charest on November 15, 2013, 01:58:22 PM
I don't need it to work better, it has been flawless!  The dual wavelength is a very useful feature.  I don't understand your cynicism???
Chuck, it was a joke as your post indicated kHz. I'm sure no offense was intended...

Bob
Title: Re: Soundcraft/Visi/Airport Express
Post by: Chuck Simon on November 15, 2013, 02:49:46 PM
Chuck, it was a joke as your post indicated kHz. I'm sure no offense was intended...

Bob

Ooops, missed that!