Best way to configure a multiple controller layout?

[marci]

Thanks Jim and K-State, that's what I thought. That makes the most sense.

Is there any reason to get a K4 other than if you need a tiny enclosure? It's only $20 cheaper than a K8 and without an ethernet port. Cost/value-wise I don't see a reason to get a K4 even if I only need 4 ports since the cost is relatively close. Also, I don't see a reason to get a pocket beagle version since it's only $10 less than the BB version with an ethernet port. Does this sound right?

[jnealand]

I think you have a pretty clear understanding, at this point, of what can be done and now it is time to start implementing.  The K8s are a great buy and I agree with using the K8-B with a full sized Beagle.

[marci]

Thank Jim. One more question after I started to implement. I played with a K-8 today and i had pretty bad wifi range with the mini wifi that Dan sells with his K8s. This one:
https://kulplights.com/product/1200mbs-mini-wifi/

I couldn't get enough range to reach down my yard even 80' from the nearest access point.

I'm wondering what you Kulp user use for wifi? I know he sells another one with an antenna:
https://kulplights.com/product/1200mbs-antenna-wifi/

Anyone use something else that they get decent range with?

[tbone321]

Those ones have minimal range.  I use this one and it works fine and is dirt cheap.  While it is on the 2.4Ghz frequency, it still transfers sequence files fast enough for me and works without issue during the show.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0827LG8L2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[marci]

wow. awesome tip. thx tbone321! I'll check it out.

[marci]

What do you need to look for to know if a wifi antenna is compatible with BB?

[tbone321]

It's not the antenna, its the wifi adapter that matters and if its compatible with Linux, and most of them are, then it will work with the BB and the Pi.  There are or were a few that are Windows only and depend on Windows internal drivers to work but most of those are clearly marked.

[jnealand]

All my Beagles use a USB extension to get the wifi physically a little apart from the Beagle.  Some just 6".  I was using and am still using Edimax N300 and it came with a short stiff USB extension wire https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B005GSGPDM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1, but today my units use an Edimax AC1200 with an old Logitech USB extension that came with an old cordless keyboard. https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0799LXYQR/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[jnealand]

I have also tried this TP Link wifi adapter and it worked good, but I di not like the way the antenna would have fit inside my case and I did not want to go the external antenna route.  Today I use this on an old laptop I keep in my shop to reach the home network.  Again I have it plugged into a USB extension, but just to get it out of the way in my work area.   https://www.microcenter.com/product/631806/tp-link-usb-wifi-adapter-for-desktop-pc,-ac1300mbps-usb-30-wifi-dual-band-network-adapter-with-24ghz-5ghz-high-gain-antenna,-mu-mimo,-windows-10-81-8-

[marci]

That's a big help. Thx guys.