would be really nice if you can add a wifi to the cq12t using a usb dongle or some kind of addon card (to be purchased separately)
I need to downscale from the cq18t as I’m playing mostly in duo situations and this would be really nice
Something like this would work well.
I have used it with an SQ5 and currently use it with a dLive S series with zero issues.
I’m partial to the GL-iNet Travel Routers (even the basic “Opal” model works great). I like them because you can both connect to a local wifi network (ie the venue’s wifi for internet access) while also broadcasting your own secure wifi network (to connect mobile devices to your system) at the same time. Most other routers only have the ability to do one of these things at a time.
They also make it very simple to tether your phone or hotspot via the USB connection to ensure the most stable connection. Obviously you could also connect wirelessly to the device, but a hardwired connection is generally going to be better.
If you don’t need the USB port of the CQ12t, you can even use it to power one of these tiny routers routers. It’s two cables and a little box still, admittedly.
However, it’s not that surprising that tiny routers, and even more so USB Wifi Dongles, also have tiny antennas. So while saving space, you may sacrifice reliability of the tablet remote control.
I use two GL.iNet GL-AR300M16-Ext (with small external antennas), one is mounted into the case of my SQ5, the other one sits in the case of the CQ12t. Doesn’t work too well for larger open air things going on, but in small venues it’s pretty reliable.
As you mentioned, that model has the external antenna which means they are probably removable/replaceable. Depending on what connector they use, you could always get a larger antenna with a longer cable so that you can get the antenna up higher for better “line of site” while the router itself stays in the rack, case, etc. That would definitely increase the reliability of the wireless network.
Something like:
The GL.iNet GL-AR300M16-Ext luckily uses standard antenna connectors. However it does 2.4GHz only. What i like about this device is that it is inexpensive and reliable (within its wireless range, and if not exposed to physical forces).
However, for larger venues or open air setups, I make use of a second CAT cable from the FOH to the stage. I have a Teltonika router with larger antennas mounted into a Peli case. I have equipped that water-tight case with a POE extractor, an Ethercon connector and a mount for Manfrotto spigots. This way I can have water-proof Wifi high up somewhere in the trussing. With the SQ series, you can bridge the SQ control network to the Dante card, and the little control traffic usually doesn’t disturb Dante at all, so the additional CAT line is of even more use.
However, this is now quite far away from the original topic, which is Wifi solutions with virtually no footprint to control the CQ12t.
There’s a couple of even smaller routers, but I haven’t tried any of these. Search for Vonets on Amazon, there’s several models.
I personally wouldn’t wait for A&H to develop support Wifi USB dongles.
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