Setup Instructions
This feature is ONLY recommended for displays and should not be used with a smart field controller or legacy VEXnet control system. Ensure that any Raspberry Pis that you plan to use wirelessly have sufficient signal strength. We still recommend using a hard-wired ethernet cable when possible.
If you encounter questions or issues, please post a thread in the Tournament Manager section of VEXForum.com. Do not contact your RECF Regional Support Manager for assistance. Please do not use this feature at an official event unless you are comfortable with the risks and tradeoffs.
Note: The Raspberry Pi 3B+,4 and 5 are the only supported models at this time. Running the Pi wirelessly requires a 5GHz Wi-Fi network, and older Pi models do not support 5GHz. This configuration will not permit a Raspberry Pi to connect to a 2.4GHz wireless network; the network must support 5GHz.
Step 1: Establish an ethernet connection to the Raspberry Pi
Connect power and an HDMI display to your Raspberry Pi if you haven’t already done so. In order to configure wireless support on the Raspberry Pi Tournament Manager image you must first connect to the Pi. This can be done by scanning the QR code that is displayed on the screen once the Pi has completely started. This will connect you to the setup WiFi network the Pi creates. . Alternatively, you can connect to the setup WiFi network through the WiFi settings on your device.
Step 2: Open the Wi-Fi configuration page
When connected to the Pi setup network the following configuration page will appear:
Step 3: Enter Wi-Fi credentials
Enter your country code, Wi-Fi SSID, and passphrase into the configuration page and click “Save.” Note that this feature will only work with pre-shared passwords. WPA Enterprise/WPA2 Enterprise mode is not supported at this time.
Your Wi-Fi configuration will be saved even if the Raspberry Pi is powered off. Thus, you can configure your Pis before deploying them around the venue if you choose.
Step 4: Verify configuration and signal strength
The Pi will attempt to connect to your wireless network as soon as you click Save. The Wi-Fi configuration page will refresh periodically to show updated status. You can look in the Status area for the “Link Quality” parameter to get an understanding of your signal strength.
Note: The Pi will show two IP addresses on the HDMI screen if an ethernet connection is present and WiFi has been configured. If using WiFi to connect the Pi to the tournament network, don’t connect the Pi through Ethernet.