Overview

In some facilities with strict wireless security systems, the FieldPrinter’s built‑in Wi‑Fi access point may be blocked or disconnected. When this happens, the iPad may not be able to connect to the robot’s network or the connection may immediately drop.

This article explains how to temporarily connect the FieldPrinter and the iPad through a phone hotspot so work can continue.

This method is only recommended when the normal robot Wi‑Fi network cannot be used due to site network restrictions.

When to Use This Method

This workaround may help when:

• The iPad cannot connect to the robot’s Wi‑Fi network
• The connection drops immediately after connecting
• You are working in a facility with strong wireless security systems

Examples include buildings that use managed wireless protection systems.

Overview of the Workaround

Normally, the iPad connects directly to the robot’s Wi‑Fi network.

In restricted environments, the robot can instead connect to a phone hotspot. The iPad then joins the same hotspot network. Both devices communicate through the shared hotspot network.

Step 1: Configure Your Phone Hotspot

Before starting, configure your phone hotspot with the following settings.

• Must use the 5 GHz band
• Network name (SSID): dusty-upload
• Password: UploadMyData

Turn on the hotspot and confirm it is broadcasting before continuing.

Step 2: Restart the FieldPrinter

Power cycle the robot so it can detect the hotspot.

• Turn the robot off.
• Wait about 10 seconds.
• Turn the robot back on.

During startup, the robot will automatically detect and connect to the hotspot network.

Step 3: Connect the iPad to the Hotspot

On the iPad:

• Open Settings → Wi‑Fi.
• Select dusty-upload from the list of networks.
• Enter the password and connect.

Step 4: Configure the Dusty App

Once the iPad is connected to the hotspot:

• Open the Dusty App.
• Tap the Settings icon.
• Go to Advanced Settings → Hostname.
• Enter the hostname for your robot.

Example:

fieldprinter-1234.local

Tap Done to save.

Step 5: Connect to the Robot

After the robot finishes booting:

• On the main screen, tap Connect FieldPrinter.
• Choose Manually Connect.

The iPad should now connect to the robot through the phone hotspot.

Note: Selecting the robot from the automatic discovery list may not work in this configuration.

Verify the Connection

After connecting:

• The robot shows Connected in the Dusty App
• Commands and data transfer function normally

If the connection drops, confirm that both the robot and the iPad are still connected to the hotspot network.

Returning to the Normal Setup

When you leave the restricted network environment, return to the standard configuration.

• Turn off the phone hotspot.
• Power cycle the robot.

The robot will return to its normal Wi‑Fi access point mode.

Then reset the hostname setting:

• Open the Dusty App.
• Tap Settings.
• Go to Advanced Settings → Hostname.
• Tap Default.
• Tap Done.

Best Practices

• Use this method only when normal robot Wi‑Fi cannot connect.
• Confirm the hotspot is broadcasting before powering on the robot.
• Return to the standard configuration when leaving the restricted environment.