help getting started, next step?

[Poporacer]

I got my PI as a kit. It came with a USB WiFi adapter, which allowed network connectivity while I had Raspian installed on the PI. 

So your adapter is good.

Once I got that far, I decided to try FPP - that's finally done, but I've taken away, I guess, the ability to connect the PI wirelessly to the network. 

What does "I decided to try FPP - that's finally done" mean? Can you get into FPP? Installing a new OS requires you to re-configure your network settings. The SD card is the entire OS, there is no internal memory on the Pi.

By "activate", I mean, configure the PI to utilize the USB wireless adapter to connect to the network while using FPP

That is just part of the standard installation process, there is no activation, you just have to configure it correctly. It sounds like you are trying to use the Raspian thought process/procedures....FPP is totally different, and you need to forget about that process.

is there a command on FPP, or another wireless adapter, or any other way to connect things in the way I described.

You just need to configure your network correctly.

Since we don't know if you have been able to access FPP we can't really provide you much direction. Here is my suggestion.

Step back, forget about Raspian and start the process over.

Determine the correct network settings for your particular network (page 166 should help) or this video 


Decide what installation method you are going to use, then follow the Step by Step instructions in either the FPP Manual or the video I posted. 

The parts that are not pertinent would be things like the imaging program steps or installation method. If you used Balena Etcher to image the SD card, then the section on DotNet disk Imager would not be pertinent, if you are using the Network installation method, then the Wi-Fi Tethering and USB Tethering method would not be pertinent. Other than that, everything should be pertinent.

If you just follow the step by step process, you should be good to go.

[netfan]

Once I got that far, I decided to try FPP - that's finally done, but I've taken away, I guess, the ability to connect the PI wirelessly to the network.

What does "I decided to try FPP - that's finally done" mean? Can you get into FPP? Installing a new OS requires you to re-configure your network settings. The SD card is the entire OS, there is no internal memory on the Pi.

I went through the process of installing FPP on a clean SD card and booted the PI with that.  SO FAR I have only had the PI attached to a monitor with USB keyboard, mouse and WiFi adapter attached.  When it booted, I got the following on screen:

MY IP ADDRESS IS 192.168.8.1
RASPIAN GNU/LINUX 11 FPP tty1
FALCON PLAYER OS IMAGE V2022-11
MY IP ADDRESS: 192.168.8.1
FPP IS CONFIGURED FROM A WEB BROWSER....

FPP login:

I attempted to do as the message asked, from my PC connected wirelessly to my home network, but it failed.  So, that led me to believe the USB wireless adapter wasn't working with FP.  Hence my question.

is there a command on FPP, or another wireless adapter, or any other way to connect things in the way I described.

You just need to configure your network correctly.

Since we don't know if you have been able to access FPP we can't really provide you much direction. Here is my suggestion.

Step back, forget about Raspian and start the process over.

Determine the correct network settings for your particular network (page 166 should help) or this video

OK, I will watch the video later when I have an hour to focus.  In the mean time, does the information I've provided determine that I have successfully written FPP to the SD card and booted on the PI?  Is there anything I can do from that prompt on screen to configure the USB WiFi adapter?

I appreciate your time assisting, I really do!

[netfan]

I do see that there are USB WiFi adapters for Linux... is that what I need if I want the PI to connect to the network while running FPP?

[jnealand]

Assuming you have a laptop or can confugure a wifi adapter on your computer you need to connect to the 192.168.8.x network.  Look for an SSID of FPP and use the pw Christmas. Once you do that you can access 1192.168.8.1 in a browser (chrome referred) and start configuring.


https://falconchristmas.github.io/FPP_Manual(6.0).pdf

[Poporacer]

I went through the process of installing FPP on a clean SD card and booted the PI with that.

You need to follow the Manual and Video instructions, I know you are going to be offended, but if you don't want to follow the advice, I am sorry.

SO FAR I have only had the PI attached to a monitor with USB keyboard, mouse

Did this not make sense? A monitor, keyboard and mouse on your FPP have absolutely no use. Everything is done from your computer.
You cannot view this attachment.

I attempted to do as the message asked, from my PC connected wirelessly to my home network, but it failed. 

But that is not what the Video or Manual states to do. You really need to follow those exactly and not assume other things. 

So, that led me to believe the USB wireless adapter wasn't working with FP.  Hence my question.

No, it appears that your USB adapter is working.

In the mean time, does the information I've provided determine that I have successfully written FPP to the SD card and booted on the PI? 

Yes it does.

Is there anything I can do from that prompt on screen to configure the USB WiFi adapter?

Absolutely not, like the message sates, you configure FPP from a Web Browser and NOT that screen that you are looking at. You will need to start with one of the 3 Configuration methods.

OK, I will watch the video later when I have an hour to focus.

That might be a good thing. I think you might be trying to assume certain things based on other OS styles (Raspian?) But the Manual and Video actually give you the exact steps you need. Slow down, follow them step by step. Don't do anything more.

[Poporacer]

I do see that there are USB WiFi adapters for Linux... is that what I need if I want the PI to connect to the network while running FPP?

It looks like you already have the correct Wi-Fi adapter, you just need to complete the installation.

[rayster]

The one big common thing I am seeing on all these threads for just getting started is everyone thinks that FBB know your wi-fi login. It does not. The way I found that is easiest is to use an ethernet adapter and plug it into your wired network, then open up xlights and click on controller tab and discover it will show you the ip address. Or if you have 1 controller set up status tab and multi sync it will show you all your fpp installs. Or if you know how to get into your router find the leases page and it will show the ip address.

[Poporacer]

The one big common thing I am seeing on all these threads for just getting started is everyone thinks that FBB know your wi-fi login. It does not.

But if you follow the step-by-step instructions provided, then you can use any of the 3 installation methods, one of them being the Network method you mentioned. But if your Wi-Fi adapter supports AP mode then you can do all of the configuration over Wi-Fi!

[netfan]

Last question for the day...

It looks like I'll be purchasing a network switch - any recommendations?

Brand?
managed or unmanaged?
# of ports?

Thanks for all the input!!!

[Poporacer]

Last question for the day...

It doesn't have to be.... We are here to help and there are no limits on the questions.

The important question is, were you able to get into FPP to configure it?

It looks like I'll be purchasing a network switch

Why do you think you will need one? How many controllers and what kind are you using?

Brand?

A switch isn't really a complicated device, just about any brand will do. 

managed or unmanaged?

Un-managed, don't make things more complicated than they need to be

# of ports?

Enough to handle your controllers, but don't worry, you can always add another switch if you run out of ports.

You didn't ask about speed..... a 10/100 is usually fast enough

[netfan]

I have finally arrived at the FPP initial screen!
I had to wire the PI - the USB WiFi adapter was only working with Raspian

I will move on with the manual, youtube, etc....

Thanks! (I'll be back soon, I'm sure)

[Poporacer]

I had to wire the PI - the USB WiFi adapter was only working with Raspian

Raspian and Pi Imager allows you to configure your Wireless connection at the imaging process, you can't do that (yet) with FPP that is why you have to forget everything about Raspbian and that process and follow the FPP process. IF your Wi-Fi adapter doesn't support AP mode (it probably doesn't if you bought it as a kit) then you can only use the wired method for the initial configuration. But you will be able to configure the Wi-Fi to use with your network. 

[netfan]

What's Raspian?

So, is that forgetting enough?

[Poporacer]

So, is that forgetting enough?

[netfan]

I'm back, and WAY further than I thought I would be, but again at a wall.  My setup:

ALL wired...  router to 5 port switch,  switch to PI, switch to San Device E-682
12v power supply to San Device
1 - 100 pixel RGB string (bullets) connected to output 3-1 on San Device, currently running a San Device test pattern successfully (that was the port suggested for testing the san device set up)

I have read the FPP manual down to around page 90 and my head is swimming.

I just want to run a test sequence or something to make sure FPP is talking to the San Device, but I'm really lost as to how to get that to happen.

Can someone direct me to the pages I need to read?

Thanks!!