Overview

Intermittent disconnections between the FieldPrinter and the iPad are almost always caused by Wi‑Fi handoff, background network switching, or environmental interference on the jobsite. This article covers proven tips and tricks to stabilize the connection and prevent interruptions during layout.

Symptoms / What You’ll See

• The Dusty app disconnects from the FieldPrinter unexpectedly.
• The iPad prompts you to reconnect to the robot during printing.
• Printing pauses or stops mid‑job.
• The robot appears powered on, but the app loses control.

Why This Happens

The FieldPrinter creates its own local Wi-Fi network for communication with the iPad. If signal strength drops or the iPad switches networks, the connection can be interrupted. Common contributors include:

• iPad auto-joining cellular or site Wi-Fi networks.
• Operating outside the effective Wi-Fi range.
• Obstructions such as columns, walls, rebar cages, or equipment.
• iPad power-saving or background app behavior.
• Heavy RF interference from jobsite equipment.

iPad ↔ FieldPrinter Wi‑Fi Range

• Typical range: About 100–150 ft (30–45 m) under normal jobsite conditions.
• Line of sight matters: Open slab areas are closer to the high end of this range.
• Obstructions reduce range: Concrete walls, columns, dense steel, rebar cages, and equipment can significantly shorten the effective distance.
• Control only: This Wi‑Fi connection is used only for iPad ↔ robot control. It does not affect robot positioning or layout accuracy, which come from the laser tracker.
• Temporary drops: Brief Wi‑Fi interruptions do not change layout accuracy, but they will pause or interrupt operator control.

How to Fix or Prevent

1. Lock the iPad to the FieldPrinter Wi‑Fi
   • Open Settings > Wi‑Fi on the iPad.
   • Connect to the FieldPrinter network.
   • Turn Auto‑Join Hotspot off.
   • Disable Wi‑Fi Assist and avoid connecting to site Wi‑Fi while printing.
2. Enable Airplane Mode (Wi‑Fi Only)
   • Turn Airplane Mode on.
   • Manually re‑enable Wi‑Fi only.
   • This prevents the iPad from switching to cellular data mid‑print.
3. Keep the iPad close to the robot
   • Maintain clear line‑of‑sight when possible.
   • Avoid operating from long distances or behind concrete walls or columns.
4. Close background apps
   • Fully close other running apps before starting layout.
   • Streaming, messaging, or browser apps can interrupt connectivity.
5. Disable Low Power Mode
   • Go to Settings > Battery.
   • Ensure Low Power Mode is turned off.
6. Restart devices if drops persist
   • Power cycle the FieldPrinter.
   • Restart the iPad.
   • Reconnect in this order: FieldPrinter Wi‑Fi first, then open the Dusty app.

Best Practices

• Sync files on reliable Wi‑Fi before going into the field.
• Use Airplane Mode + Wi‑Fi for every print session.
• Keep the iPad dedicated to robot operation during layout.
• Avoid standing near large electrical panels or active heavy equipment when possible.
• If disconnections continue after following these steps, contact Dusty Support for further diagnostics.