We’re currently using a local web server to control Farmbot. It used to run fine, but recently, I’ve experienced Wi-Fi loss multiple times. Restarting the device won’t automatically reconnect. Only after reflashing the system has it been working properly again.
I’m analyzing the possible causes, especially given the recent sweltering weather. Could the Raspberry Pi 3B overheating and causing the Wi-Fi to fail? Has anyone else experienced Wi-Fi loss?
With the onset of summer, both indoor and outdoor temperatures are noticeably hotter than usual.
If I were to place it outdoors, the temperature inside the electronics box would be incredibly high under the scorching sun. Does anyone have any good solutions?
We have created a troubleshooting document to help you with exactly this issue. If possible you should try to connect to the internet via ethernet cable or improve the Wi-Fi signal strength with a signal booster or Wi-Fi range extender.
Thank you for your suggestions. We’ve also reviewed these methods, but haven’t found a good solution. Once disconnected or disconnected, it’s difficult to pinpoint the specific issue.
For example, if the connection starts working fine but suddenly stops, it could be because the network isn’t automatically connecting, the Raspberry Pi is overheating and causing instability, or the signal is unstable, causing intermittent performance.
We’re currently using the Genesis series, a Raspberry Pi 3B+.
Our current troubleshooting methods:
First, check if Farmbot is connected to the router. If so, the issue is with sending messages to my.farm.bot. If not, Farmbot itself isn’t connecting to the Wi-Fi router.
Second, if Farmbot isn’t connecting to Wi-Fi, there’s no further troubleshooting.
I’m wondering if there’s a way to automatically restore the Raspberry Pi to its default state, similar to a reset button on Wi-Fi routers. This could be triggered directly on the Pi, allowing us to reconfigure without reflashing the firmware.
Regarding the issue of the waterproof box overheating in the summer, I have one idea:
Try creating densely packed holes on the bottom to serve as air intakes. Also, create an exhaust vent on the left side of the waterproof box, next to the Raspberry Pi, and use a fan to draw air. This will ensure airflow inside the box, and you can add a curved waterproof cover to the fan. Also, add a cooling fan to the Raspberry Pi to allow the hot air to escape and be drawn out of the box with the moving air.
These steps should minimize the temperature inside the waterproof box.
@ncnynl You may want to spend some time and find out specifically which step of the sequence the FarmBot is disconnecting. In between each step of the sequence, you could add a wait command for 5 seconds. This will allow you to pinpoint the exact step of the sequence that is causing the disconnect.
Can you post the details of your sequence?
In the early versions of the FarmBot Genesis (v4.0 and earlier) there may have been an issue with the solenoid valve causing a Wi-Fi disconnect but that was before the wires were shielded and the electronics were upgraded.
