Overview

If your iPad cannot connect to the FieldPrinter, the issue is typically related to WiFi, device settings, or a temporary system state. This guide walks through the most common causes and how to resolve them quickly in the field.

What You’ll See in the Field

• No robot WiFi network visible in iPad settings
• Unable to join network when selecting the FieldPrinter WiFi
• Dusty App cannot connect to the FieldPrinter
• Connection drops intermittently during use

Why This Happens

• FieldPrinter not fully powered on or still booting
• iPad connected to the wrong network or holding old network settings
• Dusty App configuration issue (hostname or stale session)
• Temporary device state issue on iPad or FieldPrinter
• WiFi interference or distance from the robot

How to Troubleshoot

Step 1: Confirm the FieldPrinter is Powered On

1. Check that the FieldPrinter is powered on.
2. Confirm the top lights are visible.
3. Wait at least 1 minute after powering on before attempting to connect.

• Tip: The robot may not broadcast WiFi immediately after startup.

Step 2: Connect to the FieldPrinter WiFi

1. Open Settings on the iPad.
2. Tap WiFi.
3. Look for the FieldPrinter network (for example: fieldprinter-XXXX or amberX).
4. Select the network to connect.

If the network does not appear:

• Check another device to confirm visibility
• Restart the FieldPrinter if no devices see it
• Restart the iPad if only this device cannot see it

Step 3: Verify Dusty App Settings

1. Open the Dusty App.
2. Go to Advanced Settings.
3. Confirm the hostname is set to: 192.168.1.11
4. Ensure there are no extra spaces or typos.

Then attempt to reconnect.

Step 4: Reset iPad Network Connection

If the WiFi network appears but will not connect:

1. Go to Settings > WiFi.
2. Tap the information icon next to the connected network.
3. Select Forget This Network.
4. Reconnect to the FieldPrinter WiFi.

• Tip: Forgetting the network clears saved settings that can block reconnection.

After reconnecting:

• Close and reopen the Dusty App
• Retry connection

Step 5: Check for Connection Drops

If the iPad connects but disconnects shortly after:

• Check robot status light
  • Blinking: Robot is still starting up → wait and retry
  • Solid: Robot is ready
• Test responsiveness
  • If controls respond → restart both devices
  • If controls do not respond → restart the FieldPrinter

Step 6: Restart Both Devices

1. Restart the iPad.
2. Power cycle the FieldPrinter.
3. Reopen the Dusty App.
4. Reconnect to the FieldPrinter WiFi.

• Note: This resolves most temporary system state issues.

Step 7: Check for WiFi Interference

If issues continue:

• Move closer to the FieldPrinter
• Avoid congested areas with many active networks
• Relocate if possible to reduce interference
• Note: Nearby equipment or competing networks can disrupt connection stability.

Best Practices

• Connect to FieldPrinter only when ready to operate
• Sync files on stable WiFi first before switching to robot WiFi
• Keep the iPad near the robot during operation
• Ensure the Dusty App is up to date

When to Contact Support

Contact support if:

• FieldPrinter WiFi never appears on any device
• iPad repeatedly disconnects after multiple attempts
• Restarting both devices does not resolve the issue

Include the following when reaching out:

• Steps already attempted
• Robot name and software version
• iPad model and app version

Summary

Most connection issues are resolved by:

• Connecting to the correct FieldPrinter WiFi network
• Verifying Dusty App settings
• Restarting the iPad and FieldPrinter
• Reducing WiFi interference on the jobsite