This document is a troubleshooting guide for Smart Radio models, which run Doodle Labs Mesh Rider® OS, a customized version of OpenWrt. The Smart Radio is an advanced MIMO mesh router designed for resilient private wireless networks.
Function Description
The Smart Radio acts as a distributed Ethernet switch, allowing devices connected to it to communicate with each other if they are on the same subnet. It supports various interfaces for connectivity and configuration, including Mesh Rider Radio, Ethernet (ETH0, ETH1), USB Device Port, USB Host Port, WiFi Radio, and UART.
The Mesh Rider Interface is the primary wireless interface, available on all Smart Radio products. It uses a proprietary wireless protocol and can be configured in Mesh or WDS AP/Client modes. In WDS AP/Client mode, it functions as a star network where all traffic passes through the AP, and clients communicate only through the AP. In Mesh mode, all devices are equal and can communicate directly or through other devices.
ETH0 is a standard Ethernet interface bridged to the Mesh Rider Interface, used for communication between network devices and direct radio access for configuration.
ETH1 is a standard Ethernet interface not bridged to the Mesh Rider interface, primarily used for device configuration. It can be reconfigured to bridge to ETH0 if needed.
The USB Device Port is an Ethernet over USB interface, bridged to the Mesh Rider interface. It connects to USB host ports on PCs or USB OTG ports on smart devices, enabling communication only between USB Devices and USB Hosts.
The USB Host Port is also an Ethernet over USB interface, bridged to the Mesh Rider interface, and can connect to USB device ports or USB OTG ports. Its functionality can be extended by installing additional USB drivers. USB Hosts cannot communicate with other USB Hosts.
The WiFi Radio is bridged to the Mesh Rider Interface, providing standard WiFi connectivity. The default SSID is "DoodleLabsWiFi" with the password "DoodleSmartRadio".
The UART interface is not part of the IP network but can be bridged to it using built-in software.
Important Technical Specifications
- Network Configuration: Default configuration makes the entire Mesh Rider network act as one large distributed Ethernet switch.
- IP Addresses:
- ETH0: Static IP 10.223.0.0/16, DHCP Client.
- ETH1: Static IP 192.168.1.1, DHCP Server.
- Fallback IP: 192.168.153.1.
- UART Speeds:
- Other radios: Up to 1 Mbps.
- Helix Smart Radios: Up to 115,200 bps.
- USB Power Output: Some Smart Radio models supply a 5-V output with the USB, rated up to a maximum of 1-A.
- Operating Temperature: Rated to operate at a case temperature of up to 85°C. Output power may degrade by 2-3 dB at 85°C.
- Wireless Performance: Peak single-antenna throughput is approximately 40-45 Mbps per 20-MHz channel bandwidth.
- Noise Floor: Thermal noise floor is approximately -116 dBm per FFT bin in a 20-MHz bandwidth.
Usage Features
- Initial Setup: For initial bench evaluations, it is recommended to start with the default Mesh configuration. Radios should establish a wireless link upon power-up.
- Configuration Management: When changing radio configurations, it's recommended to use the "Simple Configuration" menu in the web GUI. Regular backups of the configuration are advised to facilitate recovery after a factory reset.
- CLI Access (SSH): Users can access the Command Line Interface (CLI) using SSH. Windows 10 and many Linux distributions have built-in SSH clients.
- Troubleshooting Radio Access:
- Ensure host machines are on the same subnet as the Smart Radios.
- Check for IP conflicts on the host machine (e.g., disable other networking interfaces like WiFi).
- Verify physical connections.
- Try the fallback IP address (192.168.153.1).
- Attempt IPv6 login.
- Factory reset the Smart Radio if access is lost.
- Troubleshooting Link Quality:
- No Wireless Link: Check if radios are configured in compatible modes (Mesh, WDS AP/Client), ensure antennas are properly connected (RP-SMA is not compatible with SMA), and verify power supply.
- Poor Throughput (Close Range): Radios are optimized for long range and may saturate the RF front-end at close distances. Use RF attenuators, reduce output power, and consider enabling Transmit-Power Control (TPC) for point-to-point networks.
- Poor Range: Common causes include inadequate Fresnel Zone clearance, noise and interference, power supply issues, overheating, poor antenna choice, and antenna cable loss.
- Spectrum Analyzer: A built-in spectrum analyzer on the wireless configuration page (Advanced Settings) allows measurement of background noise levels. It is available for 10 MHz channel bandwidth or greater.
- USB Tethering (Android):
- USB Tethering (Android device as host): Android device shares its internet connection. The OTG port switches to device mode (requires 5-V input) and starts a DHCP server. Works with Smart Radio's USB Host port.
- USB Reverse Tethering (Smart Radio as host): Android device gets internet from another device. The OTG port switches to host mode and raises VBUS to 5-V. Works with Smart Radio's USB Device port (Wearable, Hex-Band).
Maintenance Features
- Factory Resetting:
- Configuration backup and restoration can be done via the web GUI (
System → Backup/Flash Firmware).
- Radios can be factory reset without network access. The reset pin/switch must be pressed or pulled to ground for 5-30 seconds after the device has fully booted (wait 3 minutes).
- Embedded Radio (-2H): Reset wire on the main connector.
- Embedded Radio (-2J-*M): Pin hole on the front side of the unit.
- External Radio (-2J-*E): Reset pin inside the box.
- Wearable Radio (-2K): Pin hole on the front panel.
- Helix Radio (-2L): Reset wire on the main connector.
- Debugging Crashes/Reboots:
- Check power supply and ensure the radio is not overheating.
- Save system state before a crash/reboot by SSHing into the radio and running
sysutils savelog. This saves a file (/tmp/savelogs.tar.gz) that can be copied to a host machine and sent to technical support.
- Kernel messages and system logs can be printed using
dmesg and cat /var/log/messages.
- Power Supply Recommendations:
- Follow product datasheet requirements for voltage and current.
- Power supply lines should be short, twisted (ground and supply), and routed in a star topology to minimize IR drop and inductance.
- If unsure about supply noise, power the Smart Radio from a separate battery.
- Antenna Selection: Choose antennas designed for the operating frequency. Consider ¼-wave antennas (require ground plane), ½-wave dipole antennas (no ground plane needed), and chip antennas (require PCB ground plane). Be aware of directionality, polarization, and cable loss (use 50-ohm coaxial cable, check loss specifications).
- USB Signal Integrity: USB lines should be tightly twisted (VBUS, USB+, USB-, GND) and kept short for best signal integrity.
- UART Troubleshooting:
- Verify data transfer from PC to UART port using
picocom (disable socat first).
- Test UART port in loop-back mode by wiring TX to RX.
- Check
socat and ser2net processes, firewall rules, and socket status (LISTEN or ESTABLISHED).
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