Network Modes

This guide explains how to configure and manage network settings on the Vision Miner 22IDEX V3 printer. Since the printer does not have a built-in screen, all network management is done through the Web Interface (Duet Web Control).

Network Modes Overview

The 22IDEX V3 supports various network modes. Configuring these modes allows you to access the printer via the Web Interface for uploading files, monitoring prints, and changing settings. The available modes are:

1. Wi-Fi Access Point (AP) Mode
   The printer creates its own Wi-Fi network named 22 IDEX allowing direct connection from your computer or mobile device. Used when no router is available or as a backup.
2. Wi-Fi Client Mode
   The printer connects to your existing 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network, obtaining an IP address from your router.
3. Ethernet Mode
   The printer connects via a wired Ethernet cable if you prefer or require a direct LAN connection.

This article explains each mode, shows you how to switch between them, and provides step-by-step instructions for using the macros in the Web Interface.

Macros and Their Functions

In the Web Interface, you will find a Macros section under System > Settings > Network. Each macro automates the process of switching network modes:

Image not yet added

1. Connect to new WiFi network
   • Prompts you for a new SSID and password (2.4 GHz only), attempts to connect, and restarts the printer’s Wi-Fi interface.
2. Enable Ethernet Mode
   • Guides you through enabling a wired connection, tests it, and then either reverts to AP mode if it fails or remains in Ethernet mode if it succeeds.
3. Enable WiFi - Access Point Mode
   • Switches the Duet to broadcast its own Wi-Fi network named 22 IDEX (default password: 1234567890).
4. Enable WiFi - Client Mode
   • Switches from AP or Ethernet mode to connect to your known 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network. Credentials must be previously stored.
5. Reset Network Settings
   • Erases all known SSIDs and parameters, reverting to the default AP mode (SSID 22 IDEX password 1234567890).

Connect to a New Wi-Fi Network

Macro Location: System > Settings > Network > Connect to new WiFi network

1. Access the Web Interface.
   • If already in AP mode, connect your device to the 22 IDEX network (192.168.0.1).
   • If on Ethernet or another Wi-Fi network, open the Web Interface using the printer's current IP address.
2. Run the Macro.
   • In the Web Interface, select Macros > System > Settings > Network.
   • Click Connect to new WiFi network.

Image not yet added

3. Enter SSID and Password.
   • Follow the on-screen prompts to provide your Wi-Fi SSID and password (both case-sensitive).
   • Note: Only 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi is supported.
4. Wait for the Printer to Restart.
   • The macro restarts the Wi-Fi interface.
   • Watch the LEDs:
     • Green if connection succeeds.
     • Red if connection fails.

Image not yet added

5. Reconnect via Access Point Mode.
   • Once the LED color changes (green or red), the printer will revert to Access Point mode, broadcasting the 22 IDEX Wi‑Fi network.
   • Connect to the 22 IDEX network (or use 22idex.local or the provided IP address) on your device.
   • Open your web browser to access Duet Web Control. You will then be prompted with a message indicating the connection status.
   • If the connection is successful, the message will display the new IP address you can use to access the printer.
6. Confirm and Switch to Wi‑Fi Client Mode.
   • If the prompt displays a successful message with the new IP address, copy the IP address and click OK.
   • After clicking OK, the machine will switch to Wi‑Fi Client Mode and will remain in this mode on every restart unless changed.
   • The printer will stop broadcasting the Access Point and immediately connect to the specified Wi‑Fi network.
   • To reconnect, use the new IP address or navigate to 22idex.local in your browser while connected to your Wi‑Fi network.

Enable Ethernet Mode

Macro Location: System > Settings > Network > Enable Ethernet Mode

1. Plug in an Ethernet Cable.
   • Connect one end of the cable to the Duet board and the other end to your router or network switch.

Image not yet added

2. Run the Macro.
   • In the Web Interface, navigate to System > Settings > Network > Enable Ethernet Mode.
   • Click Enable Ethernet Mode.
3. Follow the Prompts.
   • The macro will first prompt you to connect the Ethernet cable and press OK.
   • Next, you will be asked to choose between Test Connection and Skip Test and Change Mode.
     • If you select Test Connection, the machine will check for a valid IP address.
     • If you select Skip Test and Change Mode, the machine will switch to Ethernet mode immediately.
4. Wait for IP Assignment.
   • The Duet requests an IP address via DHCP (unless your network is configured differently).
   • The machine will perform a self-check and use LEDs to indicate the result:
     • GREEN if the connection is successfully established.
     • RED if the connection fails.
5. Reconnect via Access Point Mode.
   • Once the LED changes (green or red), the printer reverts to Access Point mode, broadcasting the 22 IDEX Wi‑Fi network.
   • Connect to the 22 IDEX network (or use 22idex.local or the provided IP address) on your device and open your web browser.
   • A prompt will appear showing the connection status. If successful, it will display the new IP address that you can use to access the printer.
6. Confirm and Switch to Ethernet Mode.
   • If the prompt shows a successful connection with the new IP address, copy the IP address and click OK.
   • After clicking OK, the machine will switch to Ethernet mode and remain in this mode on every restart unless changed.
   • The printer will stop broadcasting the Access Point and immediately connect to your Ethernet network.
   • To reconnect, use the new IP address or navigate to 22idex.local in your browser while connected to the same network.

Enable Wi-Fi Access Point (AP) Mode

Macro Location: System > Settings > Network > Enable WiFi - Access Point Mode

1. Run the Macro.
   • In the Web Interface, select Macros > System > Settings > Network.
   • Click Enable WiFi - Access Point Mode.
2. Confirm the Operation.
   • You can switch now or later. Switching now immediately starts the AP mode.
3. Reconnect to 22 IDEX.
   • After switching, the Duet broadcasts the SSID 22 IDEX with the default password 1234567890.
   • Connect your computer or device to this SSID, and open your web browser to navigate to 192.168.0.1.

Image not yet added

When to Use AP Mode:

• When you do not have a router or the printer fails to connect to your existing Wi-Fi.
• For quick demos or direct device-to-printer connections.

Enable Wi-Fi Client Mode

Macro Location: Macros > System > Settings > Network > Enable WiFi - Client Mode

1. Run the Macro.
   • In the Web Interface, expand Macros > System > Settings > Network.
   • Click Enable WiFi - Client Mode.
2. Choose to Switch Immediately or Later.
   • If you switch now, the macro disconnects from the current mode (AP or Ethernet) and attempts to connect using stored credentials.
   • If you select later, it saves the command without immediately switching.
3. Reconnect via the New IP.
   • If your credentials are valid, the printer obtains an IP from your router.
   • The macro displays the IP address; use it in your browser to continue using the Web Interface.

Reset Network Settings

Macro Location: System > Settings > Network > Reset Network Settings

1. Run the Macro.
   • In the Web Interface, open Macros > System > Settings > Network.
   • Click Reset Network Settings.
2. Confirm Erase.
   • A prompt ensures you really want to delete all stored networks.
   • Select Yes, Erase to proceed.
3. Revert to AP Mode.
   • This macro clears all Wi-Fi settings with M588 S"*".
   • It then reconfigures the AP mode with SSID 22 IDEX (default password: 1234567890).
   • Connect to 192.168.0.1 to access the Web Interface again.

Network Self Test

This script (networktest.g) runs automatically each time the printer restarts. It checks and manages the network connection by following these steps:

1. Check the Selected Network Mode

• At startup, the printer waits briefly for either Wi‑Fi or Ethernet to acquire an IP address.
• Note: If a network connection is already active before the test begins, the script logs the IP (in 0:/IP_address.txt) and skips further testing.
• In most cases, the printer connects almost immediately, so you may not notice any delay.

2. Switch to Another Network Mode if Needed

• If no connection is detected within a set period (approximately 30 seconds), the script determines which network interface (WiFi or Ethernet) is active.
• It first tests the selected mode for a valid IP address. If this test fails (after a brief wait), the printer automatically switches to the alternate network mode.
• During this switch, the printer signals the user by turning on yellow LEDs. If you see yellow LEDs after about 30 seconds, try connecting to the printer using 22idex.local in your browser, as the IP address may have changed.
• If you still cannot access the printer, retrieve the current IP address from the 0:/IP_address.txt file on the SD card to confirm the printer’s IP. Verify that the connection was successful and ensure that this IP address is on the same network as the device you are using to connect. Additionally, check that your computer is on the same network (in client mode) or that the Ethernet cable is properly connected.

3. Fallback to AP Mode if All Else Fails

• If neither network mode connects after the allotted attempts, the script disables both interfaces and configures the printer to run in Wi‑Fi Access Point (AP) mode.
• The printer will display red LEDs to indicate that it has switched to AP mode.
• In AP mode, connect to the 22 IDEX Wi‑Fi network (password: 1234567890), and use 22idex.local or 192.168.0.1 in your browser to access the machine.

4. Save IP Address

• When a connection is successfully established (whether in client or AP mode), the script writes the current IP address to 0:/IP_address.txt.
• Use this file to check the last known IP address, which is especially useful if you suspect the IP has changed or if yellow LEDs indicate a mode switch.

Image not yet added

FAQ

Support

If you could not find an answer here, reach out to our support team.