Troubleshooting 788T CL-WIFI Connectivity

Sound Devices CL-WiFi hardware uses the 2.4 GHz WiFi spectrum for data connectivity. In some environments, interference can cause connection issues between the 788T/CL-WiFi hardware and iOS devices running the CL-WiFi app. Follow the steps below to improve performance of the connection.

788T and CL-WiFi Setup

  1. Make certain that the 788T is running the most recent firmware revision and the iOS CL-WiFi app is up-to-date.

    IMPORTANT NOTE: The CL-WiFi hardware and application support was discontinued in October 2015. No further development will be given to the CL-WiFi or the iOS application. Our CL-WiFi application continues to run on iOS 10 and earlier versions of iOS. It is not supported by iOS 11. If the use of the CL-WiFi is important to your recording setup we advise not updating to IOS 11 or keep a separate dedicated iOS device running iOS 10 or earlier.

  2. Connect the CL-WiFi using the XL-RJ (supplied) cable to the 788T C.Link In connector. 
The CL-WiFi  power LED should be solid green. If the LED is not on, replace the XL-RJ cable and retry. If the LED still doesn't light, contact Sound Devices support.
  3. Enter 788T Setup Menu option "CL-WIFI: Configure". While connecting, the CL-WiFi's WiFi LED will briefly flash. If the LED does not flash, replace the XL-RJ cable and retry. If the LED still does not flash, contact Sound Devices support.
  4. Enter a new SSID. This should be easily recognizable since it becomes the network name to select from the iOS device.
  5. To make the Ad Hoc network more secure, enter Security and set to WEP64, if not leave at None.
  6. If WEP64 is selected, enter a Passphrase. The Passphrase must be 10 characters in length and only contain valid hex characters (0-9, A-F).
  7. It may be necessary to change the WiFi Channel number if the iOS devices is having trouble reliably connecting in a high-density WiFi environment. It may necessary to research the available and legal WLAN channels for your area.
  8. Exit the CL-WiFi: Configure menu.
  9. Wait for WiFi connection to be established. A window will appear notifying indicating the connection status, IP address, and Passphrase if selected. Press the check mark to clear the window and return to the Setup Menu. The 788T and CL-WiFi are ready to go! Now to setup the iOS device.

iOS Device Setup

NOTE: The CL-WiFi application continues to run on iOS 10 and earlier versions of iOS. It is not supported by iOS 11 or later.

  1. Go to the iOS Multitask bar (double-press the Home button) and close the CL-WiFi application if open.
  2. Enter the iOS Settings and turn Airplane Mode on. Airplane mode is recommended as it prevents potential conflicts between cellular data and WiFi data.
  3. Manually turn iOS WiFi on.
  4. Choose the CL-WiFi name (SSID Name entered on the 788T) from the WiFi Network list. Press the blue arrow and select Forget This Network then press Wi-Fi to return to Wi-Fi menu.
  5. Reselect the CL-WiFi (SSID Name entered on the 788T) from the Network list. If WEP64 was selected on the 788T, you must enter the correct Password on the iOS device. (NOTE: If the Password is incorrectly entered, the iOS device will still appear to be "Joined" correctly when it isn't. This appears to be a bug with iOS and Ad Hoc networks.)
  6. Once connected, touch the CL-WiFi blue arrow to enter the additional settings window. Turn Auto-Join on. This is a crucial step to ensure a reliable consistent connection to the CL-WiFi. (NOTE: iOS 5 and previous iOS display the WiFi range icon in the upper left hand of the display to indicate WiFi signal strength. iOS 6 does not display the WiFi range icon when connected to Ad Hoc networks. Please do not be alarmed by lack of display of WiFi range.)
  7. Sound Devices recommends closing all other applications when using the CL-WiFi application. To ensure that all other applications are closed, use the iOS Multitask Bar (double click Home button) to close any application that might be running in the background.
  8. Launch the CL-WiFi application.

The CL-WiFi app and the 788T should stay connected as long as the iOS device is within range of the CL-WiFi. If the device goes out of range, the CL-WiFi app will report "Cannot Find the 788T/CL-WiFi: Please check Wi-Fi network then restart the application. OK or Retry". Once back in range, touch Retry. The app and the 788T/CL-WiFi should reconnect. If a Retry doesn't work you will need to close the application, check your network settings again, then relaunch the CL-WiFi app.

If you are still experiencing connectivity issues after following all the above steps:

  1. De-select the iOS device from the CL-WiFi network in the iOS Settings>Wi-Fi menu. This can be achieved by selecting another network or by forgetting the CL-WiFi network.
  2. Change the 788T Setup Menu option CL-WiFi: Configure settings.
  3. Run through the iOS Device Setup steps listed above again.
  4. If you are still experiencing issues at this point, replace your XL-RJ cable.
  5. Run through the iOS Device Setup steps listed above again.

     

    • Change the SSID name to a new and unique name.
    • Change the Security setting to None.
    • Change the Channel. (You may need to research the available and legal WLAN channels for your area.)

     

     

  6. If you are still experiencing issues at this point, try another iOS device.
  7. Run through the iOS Device Setup steps listed above again.
  8. If you are still experiencing issues at this point, contact Sound Devices Tech Support.

Products Mentioned

788T

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