R-Pi with Wi-Fi dongle

[Bourneendboy]

I'm using a model 3 B+ and wonder if there is much to be gained Wi-Fi wise by using a dongle like the Edimax.

Is it 'plug and play' or do I need to do some code messing? If I do I won't bother with it:)

[mikeyb]

I'm using a model 3 B+ and wonder if there is much to be gained Wi-Fi wise by using a dongle like the Edimax.

Is it 'plug and play' or do I need to do some code messing? If I do I won't bother with it:)As opposed to the built in WiFi?

[Bourneendboy]

Yes, as I guess it is more reliable?

[mikeyb]

Yes, as I guess it is more reliable?It used to be that you had to enable a WiFi dongle via ssh etc but I'm not sure about the newer Pi models.

[struth]

Think you need a bit of code.

[NRG]

Most dongles are plug n play these days if you are running the latest distro, another option if you are struggling with connectivity issues is one of these, plug n play. https://www.modmypi.com/raspberry-pi/communication-1068/wifi-wireless-1070/wifi-dongle-ultra-long-range-high-gain-w-5dbi-antenna

[Bourneendboy]

Thanks chaps!

[mikmas]

I have a couple of Netgear N300 in use with my Pi set-ups (RPi 2 and RPi 3)

Reasonable price and ultra reliable ... unlike a few 'made-for-Pi' dongles I have tried in the past - and much better than the RPi 3 built in wifi IMV.

Easy to set up - just locate your router and enter the password.

Argos (https://www.argos.co.uk/product/2592554?cmpid=GS001&_$ja=tsid:59158%7Cacid:532-198-3455%7Ccid:200290250%7Cagid:12504951290%7Ctid:pla-94813113650%7Ccrid:66128554130%7Cnw:g%7Crnd:136753 66865891104926%7Cdvc:c%7Cadp:1o4%7Cmt:%7Cloc:10068 76&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIw-Hg-IXx4AIVzJztCh3jQQEDEAQYBCABEgL6b_D_BwE)

(also available from Currys and Amazon for the same price)

[PaulBarnett]

I use a WiFi dongle with my Pi3/digione. I needed it because I am using the allo metal case that (I assume, I never tried it) would block wireless to the on-board wifi.

I'm using picoreplayer, and setup was easy thru it's Web interface (just disable internal WiFi and enable USB WiFi dongle), I think the initial setup was done over a temporary ethernet cable, but I think you can also do it by editing a config file on the micro sdhc card.

I think almost any wifi dongle will work with a current Linux kernel (I think all the music O/Ss for Pi use Linux), But if you are looking to buy one, it won't hurt to pick was that explicitly advertises Pi-compatibity

[Bourneendboy]

Thanks again fellas. I'm also using the Allo aluminium case, tried the built in wi-fi and get drop outs, so currently on an ethernet cable.
I'd like to lose the cable hence my original question.
I ordered the Netgear dongle suggested from Amazon which is being delivered later today (amazing Amazon Prime service), so hopefully should be running soon.

[Bourneendboy]

The Netgear N300 arrived last night and doesn't seem to do the job. Saying that, I'm not sure if is even working - how do I know whether the Netgear or the Pi is doing the WiFi?

I plugged it into the Pi and it continuously flashes blue, selected WiFi in volumio, selected my ssid, popped in the password and it works with lots of stuttering. This is what was happening with the Pi WiFi so I'm assuming that is what is being used

Any pointers what I might be doing wrong greatly appreciated.

[jonners]

The Netgear N300 arrived last night and doesn't seem to do the job. Saying that, I'm not sure if is even working - how do I know whether the Netgear or the Pi is doing the WiFi?

I plugged it into the Pi and it continuously flashes blue, selected WiFi in volumio, selected my ssid, popped in the password and it works with lots of stuttering. This is what was happening with the Pi WiFi so I'm assuming that is what is being used

Any pointers what I might be doing wrong greatly appreciated.

In MoOde the Pi3 internal wifi can be turned off. I don't know if this is possible with Volumio though.
If you know how to ssh into your Pi3 it's possible to turn internal wifi off that way.

[Kit1cat]

You need to turn the pi onboard wifi off, had the same problem on my setup. Don't know if Volumio has this setting, I use moode with gives you the option. If that don't solve your problem you might deed a wifi extender/booster.

[NRG]

The Netgear N300 arrived last night and doesn't seem to do the job. Saying that, I'm not sure if is even working - how do I know whether the Netgear or the Pi is doing the WiFi?

I plugged it into the Pi and it continuously flashes blue, selected WiFi in volumio, selected my ssid, popped in the password and it works with lots of stuttering. This is what was happening with the Pi WiFi so I'm assuming that is what is being used

Any pointers what I might be doing wrong greatly appreciated.

Bill are you able to ssh into the RPi with a pc and Ethernet cable?

If so do this...

sudo nano /boot/config.txt

Use the down arrow on the keyboard and at the end of the file add

dtoverlay=pi3-disable-wifi

Use cntrl O to output the file (ie save it)
Use cntrl X to exit

then...

sudo reboot now

That should disable the onboard WiFi

[jonners]

If you know how to ssh into your Pi3 it's possible to turn internal wifi off that way.

Another way, which avoids ssh, is to remove the sd card from your Pi and open it in your computer. You will see a list of files. Open the one titled 'config.txt' and add the following below what you see written in there:
dtoverlay=pi3-disable-wifi
Eject the card safely from your computer, return it to the Pi and boot up. Done!
If you ever want the internal wifi back just repeat and delete the added line.

[Bourneendboy]

Thanks again for your assistance chaps, much appreciated!

Before I try this and disable the onboard wi-fi, can you just let me know how to set the dongle up once I've done that.

Cheers,

Bill.

[jonners]

Thanks again for your assistance chaps, much appreciated!

Before I try this and disable the onboard wi-fi, can you just let me know how to set the dongle up once I've done that.

Cheers,

Bill.

Just have it plugged in to your Pi when you boot up. Should be as simple as that, (though I've never used that particular adapter).