Hunter Hydrawire User manual

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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
WiFi Tool - Using the Hunter WiFi Wizard App
Routers and Internet Service Provider (ISP) Challenges
Comcast-Xfinity Router Connection Issues
Changing WiFi Channel in the Admin Tool
Changing WiFi Channel in xFi
Verizon Connection Issues
Cisco Meraki MR52
eero Mesh Network
Campus & Corporate Network Connection Issues
Password Incorrect Message
Apps and Videos to Help Determine Wi-Fi Strength
Connecting to Your Network
Using The Controller Wizard
Viewing Wireless Settings
Configuring Wireless Name
Configuring the security type
Setting your password
Wireless Connection Status Messages
Troubleshooting Wireless Connecting Issue
No Recent Contact/Phone Not Connecting
Wi-Fi Specifications
How do I check my signal strength?
Is there a checklist I can run through when my controller doesn’t connect to wireless?
Data Usage Per Month
Changing Wireless Settings
Dealing with Low Wi-Fi Signal Strength
Clearing Browsing Data
Safari
Chrome
Firefox
Microsoft Edge
Internet Explorer
Checking Controller Internet Connection
Using Mobile Hotspot with Controller
Setting Up a Static IP Address
Why can't I change proxy settings?
Web And App Security Statement
My wireless network/router is not shown in the list of wireless networks. What should I do?
I have a weak internet connection. Is this a problem?
I received an Error A00 message. What does this mean?
Does my controller reset when there's no signal?
I am unable to log in using the Facebook app. What should I do?
How long does it take for changes to be applied to my Hydrawise controller?
Message - "All Good" controller status "No Internet."
Copyright 2021 Hunter Industries. All Rights Reserved. 2

WiFi Tool - Using the Hunter WiFi
Wizard App
A weak Wi-Fi signal can stop irrigation and lighting controllers from performing at their best.
Luckily, the new Hunter Wi-Fi Wizard app makes it easy to pinpoint and manage
connection issues — for free quickly!
[1] [2]
Before Installation
Use the app to run a site scan. It evaluates signal strength and finds the best spot to install
any cloud-based HYdrawise irrigation controller. This helps you speed up installation and
increase customer satisfaction.
After Installation
Follow the app’s step-by-step instructions to troubleshooting any Wi-Fi issues quickly.
How It Works
To locate the ideal mounting location or pinpoint the cause of controller connectivity issues:
1. Download the free app from the App Store or Google Play.
2. Next, hold your smartphone in the proposed controller location or place it on top of the
current controller.
3. Run the scan: The app checks the client’s ISP, router, and product in one pass. It also
attempts to identify the controller, displays the connectivity strength with color-coded
graphs, and provides easy-to-understand tech tips.
4. Follow the steps: The app provides detailed instructions, so you know what to do next.
Copyright 2021 Hunter Industries. All Rights Reserved. 3

While other apps provide only relative signal strength information, the Hunter Wi-Fi Wizard
mimics the controller. The app runs a series of tests to directly ensure a successful internet
connection from the proposed controller location. It also runs an actual speed test in the
area of the controller under load to evaluate the speed and integrity of the signal.
Even if you have limited network experience, you can troubleshoot like a pro with the user-
friendly Hunter Wi-Fi Wizard. It’s like having your own personal Technical Services rep in
your pocket!
Routers and Internet Service
Provider (ISP) Challenges
As Hydrawise continues to make the connection process as seamless as possible, we have
seen some challenges with connecting our Hydrawise controllers to certain networks and
devices. Please check the list below to see if your device is in this category.
Comcast-Xfinity Router Connection Issues
Verizon Connection Issues
Cisco Meraki MR52
eero Mesh Networks
Campus & Corporate Network Connection Issues
Comcast-Xfinity Router Connection Issues
Model: Xfinity
Manufacturer: Comcast
The Comcast-Xfinity router by default has the Wi-Fi channels set to Auto. This may cause problems with connection to your Hydrawise
controller. This can be easily fixed by changing the channel of your 2.4Ghz signal to channel 6. It is also recommended to change
Copyright 2021 Hunter Industries. All Rights Reserved. 4

the bandwidth to 20/40.
Changing WiFi Channel in the Admin Tool
1. Connect to your WiFi network and access 10.0.0.1 from a web browser.
2. Navigate to Gateway > Connection > Wi-Fi, where you will see your private WiFi
network name(s) displayed. If you would like to update your WiFi channel, click EDIT.
3. Mark the Manual radio button for the Channel Selection field, and choose your
desired channel number in the Channel field.
4. To complete the change, click Save Settings at the bottom of the page.
Changing WiFi Channel in xFi
1. Visit www.xfinity.com/myxFi [3] or open the Xfinity xFi app and sign in with your Xfinity
username and password.
2. Navigate to the More section, where you will see your WiFi name(s) displayed (found
under Advanced Settings in the xFi app).
3. Scroll down to Additional Settings and select 2.4 and 5 GHz WiFi.
4. If you would like to select a specific WiFi channel, select Edit next to 2.4 or 5 GHz. A
dialog window will appear.
5. Select the channel number from the Channel drop-down. To complete the change,
select Apply Changes at the bottom of the dialog window.
Verizon Connection Issues
If you are receiving a “password incorrect” message when using a Verizon router issue, we found that Verizon
routers have a feature called (SON) Single Organized Network. Self-Organizing Networks (SON) can
significantly improve Wi-Fi performance by automatically identifying and fixing Wi-Fi problems. This feature
comes checked OFF when first installed. Once this service is checked back ON, your Hydrawise controller
should connect without any issues at all.
Please follow the steps below:
1. Open MyFios App
2. Select Wi-Fi settings
3. Select Self Organizing Network
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4. Turn SON "Off"
Cisco Meraki MR52
Model: Cisco Meraki MR52
Manufacturer: CISCO
Device: Wireless/Networking Business WAP “Wireless Access Point”
Issue: Due to the latest product and drivers not yet being supported, Hydrawise controllers
are unable to connect to this wireless access point.
Resolution: You can log into the access point and will need to create a guest SSID.
Choose to have a password or not password encrypted, make it a standalone 2.4 g
connection, and set a WPA/WPA2 encryption. The controller will now connect to the cloud
as it normally should. Learn More [4].
eero Mesh Network
Model: All Models
Manufacturer: eero
Bridged Access Points - Mesh networks need to have their access points (AP) bridged so
the IP allocation from the DHCP server match. This can be an issue with the IP the
controller receives from the AP and DNS server which will cause the DNS to fail when
doing a network test. LEARN MORE [5]
Bridge your eero devices by using following the instructions below:
Copyright 2021 Hunter Industries. All Rights Reserved. 6

1. Open the eero app and tap SETTINGS (bottom right corner)
2. Select ADVANCED.
3. Select DHCP & NAT.
4. Switch your selection from AUTOMATIC (recommended) to BRIDGE or MANUAL (for
those running static IP)
5. Click the SAVE button in the top right corner
Blocked From Network - If you notice a device that shouldn’t be on your network, you can
restrict it from accessing the internet by blocking it from the connected device list.
If you’re using the iOS version of the app, tap on the HOME TAB to open the list of
connected devices. You can tap on any device on this list, then scroll to the bottom of the
menu that appears and select BLOCK FROM NETWORK to disable network access on
that device.
Blocked devices will now appear in a new list that populates at the bottom of the home
screen. You can tap on any device on this list to remove it from the block list, which will re-
enable network access.
Campus & Corporate Network Connection Issues
In a typical corporate network, users will normally connect their laptops wirelessly to the
internet using a username/password that comes from the organization’s Microsoft Active
Directory servers. The protocol used for this is known as 802.1X authentication.
Utilizing username/password authentication for devices that don’t have a person logging
into them each day is problematic for a number of reasons:
1. Devices such as printers, TVs and irrigation controllers won’t have a Microsoft Active
Directory account so there is no username/password combination to enter on the
device
2. Most user accounts have a password expiration policy meaning that you’d have to go
to each of your wireless devices and change their password each time your password
expires
3. Devices such as irrigation controllers are typically installed in secure locations and can
be hard to reach. For example, your irrigation controller has a locked door and may be
installed in a basement or plant equipment room.
Most devices such as printers, TVs, and irrigation controllers do not support 802.1X
authentication for the reasons outlined above. With wireless-enabled devices becoming
Copyright 2021 Hunter Industries. All Rights Reserved. 7

common, we are often asked for best practice for securely connecting these devices to the
internet. There are a number of ways of securely connecting your irrigation controller to the
internet.
Use a Wi-Fi 4G Hotspot
Bypassing the campus network completely is one method of gaining access to the internet.
Wi-Fi 4G hotspots allow the controller to connect to a dedicated Wi-Fi network with the
internet connection via 3G, 4G, or LTE network. Wi-Fi hotspots (also known as Mi-Fi) are
available from most wireless carriers such as AT&T and Verizon.
Create a dedicated “device” wireless network
Almost all corporate/campus wireless networks allow the creation of multiple wireless
networks without the need to deploy additional hardware.
Follow these steps for setting up a security device network:
1. Using your wireless management software, create a new wireless SSID
2. Enable WPA2 encryption but make sure to disable 802.1X authentication
3. Choose a complex password for your new wireless network and enter this on devices
that require access
4. Enable MAC address filtering on your new wireless network to allow only authorized
devices (such as your controller) (optional)
5. Allow only access to the internet from your new wireless network (optional)
Password Incorrect Message
In some instances, you may see the message PASSWORD INCORRECT when adding the
correct password. We would recommend the following steps listed below to clear and
reenter the password.
IMPORTANT: We use the standard US Typing (alphanumeric) keys. These keys include
the same letter upper and lower case, number, punctuation, and symbol keys positioned
the same way as the typewriter.
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1. Go to SETTINGS, WIRELESS, PASSWORD.
2. Clear password by pressing back until the password is cleared, then press OK.
3. Select SECURITY TYPE and change to AUTO-DETECT.
4. Select CONFIRM.
5. Select PASSWORD and enter the same PASSWORD.
6. Check the status of connection by selecting STATUS > CONTROLLER STATUS.
7. The SERVER STATUS will have a message that is displayed "OK-UPDATED xx
SECONDS AGO."
This indicates the controller is fully connected.
Apps and Videos to Help
Determine Wi-Fi Strength
A reliable Wi-Fi connection is necessary to operate Hunter Wi-Fi enabled products. The
following apps can help you test Wi-Fi signal strength at your location.
Phone App Download
Copyright 2021 Hunter Industries. All Rights Reserved. 9

iPhone® Devices: Using Airport Utility App
[6]
AndroidTM Devices: Using WiFi Analyzer App
[7]
The Hunter videos listed below are the best source of knowledge for Hunter Wi-Fi enabled
products, including Hydrawise irrigation management controllers, Centralus [8] irrigation
management controllers, and Luxor [9] lighting management controllers.
Wi-Fi Fundamentals: What You Need to Know to Look Like a Pro
This training video covers the basics of Wi-Fi management.
1:22 [10]: Introduction
6:26 [10]: Overview of Presentation
8:49 [10]: The Language of Wi-Fi
12:29 [10]: Wi-Fi Equipment
17:54 [10]: Routers
34:12 [10]: Wi-Fi Signal Strength
37:38 [10]: Tools for the Job
46:22 [10]: Wi-Fi Signal Enhancers (Boosters)
51:50 [10]: Review
54:43 [10]: Questions
Copyright 2021 Hunter Industries. All Rights Reserved. 10

Hydrawise Insights from the Field
This video covers advanced topics, including Wi-Fi testing, routers, and boosters.
2:29 [11]: Agenda
3:43 [11]: Network Components
3:58 [11]: Troubleshooting Tools
4:50 [11]: Hardware Test
7:57 [11]: WLAN Test
12:00 [11]: Network Security Requirements
14:50 [11]: MAC Address
19:06 [11]: IP Address
21:59 [11]: Wi-Fi Hotspots
34:17 [11]: Q&A
iPhone is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Android is a
trademark of Google LLC.
Copyright 2021 Hunter Industries. All Rights Reserved. 11

Connecting to Your Network
When your controller is first powered on, it will run a short wizard to connect your controller
to your wireless router. If you’re not using the initial startup wizard then go to the section
Viewing Wireless Settings to change your wireless settings.
WIFI Checklist:
Bandwidth 2.4 GHz only. Not compatible with 5 GHz
Router Channel Set between 1-11
Security Type WPA or WPA 2
Guest Networks/Networks with portal page login Not compatible
Mac Address (If Needed)
HC - Enter 001e followed by serial
number (e.g., 001e05fb90ce)
HCC/HPC/PROHC - Enter f8f0 followed
by serial number (e.g., f8f005fb90ce)
NOTE: The network must not contain enterprise access points that have been configured to require
certificates or other forms of enterprise authentication.
Using The Controller Wizard
1. Select your wireless network from the list shown on the controller display and press the
Confirm button on screen. NOTE: If your network is not listed then check that the unit
is within wireless range.
2. Enter your wireless password and press the OK button on keyboard. NOTE: Make
sure you press the OK button after you’ve entered your password. Pressing the Home
or Back buttons will not save your changes.
When connecting to your wireless, the WiFi Icon at the bottom right of the controller screen
will flash. Connection takes about 30 seconds and when successfully connected the WiFi
Icon will stop flashing and stay on.
Copyright 2021 Hunter Industries. All Rights Reserved. 12

Viewing Wireless Settings
From the Home screen, navigate to the Wireless Settings by pressing Settings, then
Wireless.
To successfully connect the Hydrawise unit to your wireless router, you will need to
correctly select your wireless router, wireless security mode and enter your wireless
password.
The current status of the controller’s connection to your wireless router is shown at the top
of the screen. The controller will automatically attempt to connect to the configured access
point if a connection is lost (for example, after power failure).
Touch on any of the green buttons to change the wireless type, security type or password.
Configuring Wireless Name
Touching the currently configured Wireless Name will automatically start a scan of all local
wireless routers and allow you to choose a new one.
After about 5 seconds a list of found wireless networks will be listed. To select a wireless
name, touch on the wireless name and then touch Confirm. Do not press the Home or
Back buttons after selecting your wireless router name – these options will not save your
router name.
Copyright 2021 Hunter Industries. All Rights Reserved. 13

Each time you touch a wireless name the signal strength will be shown at the bottom of the
screen.
If your wireless router is not shown then check the following –
Your Hydrawise controller is within range of your wireless.
Your access point is configured to accept connections from 802.11b/g wireless clients.
If your wireless router is hidden you may manually enter it by selecting Manually enter
wireless and typing in the name.
Configuring the security type
The security type configured on the controller must match the security type configured in
your wireless router. The Hydrawise unit can attempt to automatically detect this if you
choose Auto Detect as the security type.
Hydrawise supports the following security types –
Auto Detect
Open
WPA2
WPA Personal
WPA Auto
After choosing the security type press the Confirm button.
Setting your password
For any security mode (except for Open) your wireless router password must be entered.
Wireless passwords are a minimum of 8 characters and are case sensitive.
Copyright 2021 Hunter Industries. All Rights Reserved. 14

After typing in your password press the OK button. Do not press the Home or Back buttons
– these options will not save your password.
Wireless Connection Status Messages
The controller will show different status messages whilst connecting to your wireless router.
Status Description
Looking for Wireless... Controller is currently scanning for local wireless networks.
Connecting to... Controller is currently trying to connect to your wireless router.
Waiting for IP
Controller has connected to your wireless router and is waiting for your
wireless router to give it an IP address. Your wireless router must be
configured as a DHCP server.
Connected All is good. Controller has successfully connected to your wireless router.
Local Connection Only Controller is acting as a local wireless router.
Troubleshooting Wireless Connecting Issue
Hydrawise Ready Controllers: Wi-Fi Troubleshooting
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Upon successful connection the wireless status will show Connected. If your controller fails
to connect to your wireless router check the following –After entering your wireless settings
the controller will connect to your access point. The connection process takes about 30
seconds.
Your password is entered correctly. It is case sensitive and must be at least 8
characters long.
Check that the wireless security types match between the controller and your wireless
router. Hydrawise recommends use of WPA2 security between the controller and your
wireless router.
No Recent Contact/Phone Not
Connecting
This message indicates the controller is not connected to Hydrawise. We detect this within
about 7 minutes so this would be a connectivity problem for controllers with firmware
versions 3.00+. If you have the X2 controller with WAND WiFi Module, please use the
troubleshooting section here [12].
NOTE: It takes 7 hours for a Hunter HC indoor controller with version 1.89 or 2.05 to
Copyright 2021 Hunter Industries. All Rights Reserved. 16

indicate the NO RECENT CONTACT! message.
No Internet Connection
From the Home screen at the controller, navigate to Server Status by pressing Status >
Controller Status. A successful connection to the Hydrawise servers is indicated by the
Last Sync under 1 minute or OK-Updated "X:XX" Ago as the Server Status. The
controller is connected to Hydrawise and last got a configuration update "X:XX" seconds
ago. This is the normal state.
An unsuccessful connection to the router is indicated by Wireless Down, No Internet, or
Last Sync 1 minute or greater as the Server Status. The controller is NOT connected to
the router.
1. Check that your wireless router and controller is powered on.
2. Verify serial numbers in software match the number in the controller status screen.
Serial number location in controller Click here [13]
Serial number location in software Click here [14]
3. Signal Strength check - Settings > Wireless > Wireless Name > Select Network >
Read strength (High recommended for best functionality).
4. Reboot Controller - Settings > Config > Reboot Controller > Check Server Status
5. Factory Default - Settings > Config > Factory Default > Erase Config > Connection
Wizard >Check Server Status
Copyright 2021 Hunter Industries. All Rights Reserved. 17

6. Reset Modem/Router - Unplug for 15-20 seconds. Next, plug back in and wait 2-3
minutes. Repeat these steps two more times. Check Server Status. This will refresh
the connection to an extender if you have one installed.
7. Reset Extender (if have one) - Reset extender as well to refresh the IP settings.
8. Check Network Settings - The following Wi-Fi requirements apply to your Hunter
Hydrawise-ready controller.
Wi-Fi Checklist:
Network Types
Hunter HC controller is 802.11 B/G
Hunter WAND controller is 802.11 B/G/N
Hunter Pro-HC controller is 802.11 B/G/N
Hunter HPC controller is 802.11 B/G/N
Hunter HCC controller is 802.11 B/G/N
Bandwidth 2.4 GHz only.
Not compatible with 5 GHz
Router Channel Set between 1-11
Security Type WPA or WPA2
Guest Networks/Networks with portal page
login Not compatible
Mac Address (If Needed)
HC - Enter 001e followed by serial
number (e.g., 001e05fb90ce)
HCC/HPC/PRO-HC/WAND - Enter f8f0
followed by serial
number (e.g., f8f005fb90ce)
Outbound Ports
Secure MQTT (TCP Port 8883)
HTTPS (TCP Port 443)
NTP (UDP Port 123)
DNS (TCP and DNS Port 53)
Inbound Ports None
Testing with Hot-spot - Depending on your smartphone, please use either guide below:
Copyright 2021 Hunter Industries. All Rights Reserved. 18

Apple hotspot [15]
Android hotspot [16]
Check Server Status. This test will tell you if the controller is working fine and may need to
install an extender for a better connection.
Wifi Extender Note: You can try and connect to the extender via hotspot. If you have
connection issues here, then your not getting an internet connection from the source.
Wi-Fi Specifications
Your Hydrawise controller can connect to the internet via your Wi-Fi router and is then
available for you to use
through your smart devices (phone, tablet) and your computer. The following Wi-Fi
requirements apply to your Hunter Hydrawise-ready controller.
Here are some tips to ensure optimal controller functionality:
Wi-Fi Checklist:
Network Types
Hunter HC controller is 802.11 B/G
Hunter WAND controller is 802.11
B/G/N
Hunter Pro-HC controller is 802.11
B/G/N
Hunter HPC controller is 802.11 B/G/N
Hunter HCC controller is 802.11 B/G/N
Bandwidth 2.4 GHz only.
(Not compatible with 5 GHz)
Router Channel Set between 1-11
Security Type WPA or WPA2
Guest Networks/Networks with portal page login Not compatible
Copyright 2021 Hunter Industries. All Rights Reserved. 19

Mac Address (If Needed)
HC - Enter 001e followed by serial
number (e.g., 001e05fb90ce)
HCC/HPC/PRO-HC/WAND - Enter f8f0
followed by serial
number (e.g., f8f005fb90ce)
Outbound Ports
Secure MQTT (TCP Port 8883)
HTTPS (TCP Port 443)
NTP (UDP Port 123)
DNS (TCP and DNS Port 53)
Inbound Ports None
NOTE: The network must not contain enterprise access points that have been configured to require
certificates or other forms of enterprise authentication.
Note (Australian Region Only): The hotspot provided by Telstra 4GX dongle is
compatible with Hydrawise controllers in this region. These models are manufactured by
Huawei. See the chart below for supported versions.
Brand Name Model: Supported/Not Supported
Telstra 4GX Wi-Fi MF910Z Supported
Telstra 4GX Broadband USB & Wi-
Fi Plus E8372 Supported
Telstra Wi-Fi Pro Modem MF910 Not Supported
Additional Information
The network must not contain enterprise access points that have been configured to
require certificates or other forms of enterprise authentication. Hydrawise-ready controllers
cannot connect to guest networks or networks that use a portal page to log in.
Hydrawise controllers only connect to the Wi-Fi network to gain internet access to
Hydrawise cloud-based servers held within AWS (Amazon Web Service) cloud-based
systems. If you connect the controllers via MAC address, use the manual method. Do this
Copyright 2021 Hunter Industries. All Rights Reserved. 20