Error: Failed to initialise WiFi module, code -10 on 2.05

Phaedrux

How old is the Duet and where was it purchased?

JairoRB

It is about one year old. I would need to contact the sales department for the exact payment date, but I can confirm we received the package on October 18th, 2019. Judging from some emails, it was probably purchased on September 27th, 2019. It was purchased from Filastruder. However, it has been in storage since March, when the pandemic hit. Do you think it got damaged while unused? That would suck, I really hoped it was a software issue.

Phaedrux

Well it does seem to be a fault in the module. Reflashing the wifi server firmware appears to work correctly, but the error persists.

Unfortunately you're outside of the 6 month warranty, but we may be able to provide an exchange at reduced cost. Please contact roland@duet3d.com and explain the situation and include a link to this forum thread.

Alternatively, if you're in a situation where you have access to PCB soldering tools you may be able to replace the wifi module yourself, or have someone do it. The modules themselves can be obtained rather cheaply.

JairoRB

Well, that is unfortunate. I will send an email to that address as you suggested, thank you for the help.

I do have access to soldering tools. Haven't worked with SMD before, but I have other scrap boards I can practice with before I replace this, or I can ask someone else perhaps. Are there any instructions on how to replace this? As in, specific to the duet? Or do I just find the module itself and solder it back on and then run M122 and that's it?

Thank you for the help!

Phaedrux

@JairoRB said in Error: Failed to initialise WiFi module, code -10 on 2.05:

Are there any instructions on how to replace this? As in, specific to the duet?

See here: https://forum.duet3d.com/topic/2825/converting-the-duet-wifi-to-use-an-external-antenna

That should give you an idea of what's involved to decide if it's a worthwhile option.

A Former User

You might be able to replace the wifi function with a raspberry pi as well, but the required firmware RRF3.2 isn't released yet so it might be a bumpy road.

You'd likely not need to remove the Wifi to use the same signals for the SBC interface (depending a little on how the wifi module has failed) lots of details here https://forum.duet3d.com/topic/17203/duet-2-ethernet-and-sbc/

This post shows a no-solder approach for the wifi board (albeit a few crimps are needed): https://forum.duet3d.com/post/163005

dc42

Is the DuetWiFiserver.bin file that you uploaded to the WiFi module definitely the DuetWiFiServer.bin file version 1.23 from a recent release?

It's worth trying to install the WiFi firmware again. The firmware upload protocol defined by the manufacturer of the WiFi module does not include error detection, and I have known it to appear to succeed but to leave the WiFi module running corrupt firmware.

JairoRB

@Phaedrux that looks great! thanks. I have access to ESP-12E, does that work or does it have to be ESP-12S? I guess I can get an Adafruit HUZZAH or maybe a NodeMCU with the ESP-12S and salvage the module from that board, but if the E version is compatible that would be ideal.

A Former User

@JairoRB said in Error: Failed to initialise WiFi module, code -10 on 2.05:

ESP-12E

12E will be fine if the certifications on the module is acceptable for you (fcc/ce/ul etc)

JairoRB

@dc42 I am as sure as I think I can be, for what it's worth. I flashed for myself at first from github, then from the link provided by Phaedrux and then again from github, making sure it was indeed version 1.23. After running M997 S1, it completes no problem but the issue comes up.

Is there a way to make sure it is the hardware side?

JairoRB

@bearer Excellent, thank you

pipersw

@dc42 said in Error: Failed to initialise WiFi module, code -10 on 2.05:

The firmware upload protocol defined by the manufacturer of the WiFi module does not include error detection, and I have known it to appear to succeed but to leave the WiFi module running corrupt firmware

I have the issue on two wifi module. I could desolder the module from board and I have some Arduino.
How resolve the issue in this case ? (instead of solder the Ethernet module)

dc42

Best option is to replace the WiFi module, assuming you don't want to switch to Ethernet. the recommended modules are ESP12S (internal antenna) and ESP07S (external antenna).

Make sure you do not have a M587, M588 or M589 command in config.g. Some users mistakenly put M587 in config.g despite our advice not to. It may cause additional wear on the WiFi module flash memory every time it boots up.

A Former User

(Does the ESP12S have the same antenna improvement the ESP12E allegedly has? Too small sample size to say for sure but 2dBm improvement might be worth while for those replacing it if the certifications aren't an issue)

pipersw

@dc42 It's the second module which failed on the board. I will wait my ethernet module for swap now, more reliable