Quantum radome not communicating via Wi-Fi with an Axiom MFD

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

Quantum / Quantum 2 radome not communicating via Wi-Fi with an Axiom MFD or Axiom Pro MFD

It is recommended that radomes and open array pedestals be powered from a dedicated power circuit , permitting power to the radomes and open array pedestal to be switched ON/OFF without affecting the power state of the system's other marine electronics devices. Should a radome not detect the presence of a MFD within 10 minutes of the circuit supplying it with power having been energized, then the radome will enter sleep mode. Sleep mode may only be exited by cycling power to the radome. If previously paired to the radome, the MFD's Wi-Fi is configured ON, the power circuit supplying the radome be energized, and the MFD be unable to communicate with the radome, then it is recommended that the power circuit supplying the radome be switched OFF and that it then be switched ON again to force the radome to restart.

Should awakening the radome not be achieved via the procedure specified above, then it would be recommended that the vessel be connected to shore power, that its batteries be permitted to achieve a fully charged state, and that afterwards and while still connected to shore power that the system then be tested. Should the system function properly, then the previously reported issue would indicate a low power condition previously existed onboard necessitating more frequent charging, and/or additional battery capacity, and/or battery replacement.

Should the communications problem persist when connected to shore power, then the following procedure may be used to troubleshoot Axiom MFD Wi-Fi communications with a Quantum/Quantum 2 radome:
1 - Verify that the Axiom or Axiom Pro MFD has been updated with LightHouse v3.2.101 or later software.

2. Verify that the Quantum/Quantum 2 radome has been updated with the latest available Raymarine product software update. Note that this may not be possible if MFD is unable to communicate with the radome.

3. Perform the Wi-Fi site survey called for within the Quantum/Quantum 2 Radome Installation Instructions. This can easily be accomplished using a mobile device running an app capable of reporting Wi-Fi signal strength in dB (ex. Wi-Fi Analyzer, etc.). For reliable Wi-Fi performance, the signal strength received from the Wi-Fi equipped MFD should be better than -75 dBm at the location where the Quantum radome will be installed. Should the measured signal strength at the desired installation location for the radome be -75 dBM, then it would be recommended that a radome having a wired communications interface (eg. Quantum Q24C) be installed.

Note: In determining signal strength, closer that the reported signal strength is to 0 dBm, the greater its Wi-Fi signal strength will be (e.g.–40 dBm is better than –75 dBm).



4 - verify that the Quantum radome has not been interfaced to the system via its Ethernet communications interface (i.e. via a Quantum Radome Data Cable or Digital Radar Cable w/Y-Cable Adapter). If so, then the Radar application may simply be opened, the radome commanded ON, and then to transmit. Radomes which have been interfaced to a system of compatible MFDs via Ethernet communications will be unable to communicate via Wi-Fi at the same time.

5 - verify the SSID and passcode of the radome (this information is printed on the label affixed to the bottom of the radome, the package's label, and the product's literature)

6 - verify that the MFD's Wi-Fi (HOME->SETTINGS->THIS DISPLAY->ALLOW DEVICES TO CONNECT VIA WI-FI) has been configured to ON

7 - verify that the MFD's Wi-Fi Communications circuitry is operational by verifying that one of the Raymarine Mobile Apps can communicate with the MFD

8 - switch the power circuit supplying the radome OFF

9 - switch the power circuit supplying the radome ON

10 - command the MFD to pair with the radome (HOME->SETTINGS->THIS DISPLAY->QUANTUM RADAR->PAIR WITH QUANTUM). Be certain pay attention to letter case and accuracy of the SSID and Passcode entered

10 - select the Connect to Radar dialog's CONNECT button

11 - Open a page featuring the Radar application (ex. HOME->RADAR)

12 - Select the TX (to transmit) or ON (to enter Standby mode) button within radar state dialog within the Radar application

Should the procedure specified above not correct the problem, should no other MFD be paired with the radome, should the system only contain one radar transmitter, and should voltage test of the circuit supplying the radome with power reveal no issues, then it would be recommended that a System Settings Reset (HOME->SETTINGS->THIS DISPLAY->RESET->SETTINGS RESET) be performed via the system's Data Master MFD, that the system be re-configured, and that communications with the radome then be established. Should the problem persist, then the radome should be sent to Raymarine’s Product Repair Center to be bench tested/serviced.


RAYFAQ#