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MakerOps
In this manual: Machine Controller

Troubleshooting

Working through the common controller problems: offline screens, failed Wi-Fi joins, scans that refuse, and update questions.

Most controller problems are network problems. Start at the admin menu’s NETWORK STATUS and SIGNAL METER pages (hold STOP on the idle screen) — they answer “is it connected, and how well” in one look.

”OFFLINE — WIFI LOST, OUTPUT OFF”

The controller lost Wi-Fi or its connection to the platform and failed safe: the output is off on purpose. It reconnects and returns to normal on its own once the network is back.

  • If it happens at random on one machine, check SIGNAL METER at the mounting spot — metal enclosures and big castings shadow Wi-Fi. Relocating the controller a foot or two often fixes it.
  • If every controller drops at once, it’s your network or internet uplink, not the controllers.

A Wi-Fi join keeps failing

  • Wrong password loop: the controller stores credentials as soon as they’re sent, so a bad password retries forever. On the setup screen, hold STOP ~5 s to wipe the attempt and start clean.
  • Enterprise (802.1X) network refuses good credentials: try setting the outer identity your IT department uses (eduroam realms often need it). If it still refuses, the network may require a client certificate (EAP-TLS) or a password scheme other than PEAP/MSCHAPv2 — neither of which the controller currently speaks; ask IT for a PSK or MAC-registered network instead.
  • MAC-registration network: the MAC to register is shown on the SETUP MODE screen and the NETWORK STATUS page.

A member’s scan won’t start the machine

  • The app itself says why a scan was refused — missing credential, waiver, reservation conflict, or a required buddy. That’s a platform rule, not a controller fault; see Machine access.
  • DOWN FOR MAINTENANCE / OUT OF SERVICE on the display: staff took the machine down in the platform; bring it back in service there.
  • Armed but “GREEN does nothing”: the arm window may have expired — scan again and press GREEN promptly.

Firmware updates

Updates are pushed from the platform automatically; there is nothing to install by hand. To check on demand, use the admin menu’s CHECK FOR UPDATES. During a FIRMWARE UPDATE screen, leave the controller powered — it verifies the image and reboots itself. An interrupted download simply retries; the controller never runs a half-written update.

When you contact support

Have three things from the admin menu: the SERIAL NUMBER, the FIRMWARE VERSION, and what NETWORK STATUS shows. They pin down almost every report.