How to Make the HomeStation Mobile

Note: This article is for collars and HomeStations with serial numbers below 20000


When your cat is out of the HomeStation's range or you suspect he is inside a building or in a location with poor GPS reception, you need to make the HomeStation mobile.

Watch this video to learn how to do this. You will also find the steps to follow below:

STEPS

You will need a smartphone with internet access to connect the HomeStation to it via a hotspot. You will also need a power bank to power the HomeStation.

Here is the sequence to connect your HomeStation to your smart phone device:

  1. Use the Wi-fi Configurator to add your hotspot to the list of available Wi-Fis. Ensure it is the 1st one on the list, you might have to remove your Home Wi-Fi to do this. (Below you will find steps to activate the Hotspot)
  2. Disconnect HomeStation from mains
  3. Switch on the Hotspot on your smart phone device
  4. Connect HomeStation to powerbank

iOS (Apple)

1. Go to Settings > Cellular or Settings > Personal Hotspot.

2. Tap Personal Hotspot, then tap the slider to turn it on.

3. Make sure the Personal Hotspot is on.

4. On the same screen you will be able to set a Wi-Fi password. You will need to enter this on the Wi-Fi Configurator software.

Note: Further information can be found directly on Apple's support website LINK

GOOD TO KNOW: Sometimes the Personal Hotspot in Settings is shown as switched on but for some reason it is not. If you go to Control Panel, tap and hold the Wi-Fi section for 1 second, it will expand and reveal more options. Ensure that your Hotspot is set as Discoverable:



Android

1. Open your phone's Settings app.

2. Tap Network & internet > Hotspot & Tethering > Mobile Hotspot.

3. Turn on Mobile Hotspot.

4. To see or change a hotspot setting, like the name or password, tap it. If needed, first tap Setup Mobile Hotspot.

Note: Further information can be found directly on Google's support website: LINK

Selecting the Hotspot on your HomeStation

1. Turn on the hotspot on your Smartphone (please refer to section above as needed).

2. Start the Wi-Fi Configurator software on your computer.

IMPORTANT: On iOS devices (iPhones, iPads, etc.) the hotspot automatically turns off after 90 seconds (automatic time-out function). Therefore please make sure that the Wi-Fi configuration takes place immediately as otherwise the hotspot will not be displayed on the Wi-Fi Configurator.

3. After successful configuration please connect the HomeStation to the power bank.

IMPORTANT: For Android devices with the latest operating system the option "Allowed devices only" must be deactivated.

If the connection is successful the HomeStation is displayed under "Connected devices" with a name in the format of: "ESP _ ******".

4. Ensure that the blue LED on the HomeStation changes to a single flash and your smartphone indicates a device (the HomeStation) has been connected to your hotspot. If not, please unplug the HomeStation and reconnect it. As long as the blue LED shows a double flash (meaning no connection to the internet), the radio search will not work.

5. Log in to the web portal via the browser or app and select Fast Mode if it is not already active (an hour glass will appear and stay on until the collar is contacted).

You now have a mobile HomeStation and can start searching for your cat or lost collar. 

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