GENERAL AIRSTAGE Technical Reference

anywAiR - Connecting to Starlink Wi-Fi

Connection checks and hotspot onboarding workaround
For anywAiR systems that will not complete their initial internet connection when using a Starlink network.
Issue: An anywAiR tablet or Wi-Fi-enabled system may be unable to complete its initial connection directly to a Starlink Wi-Fi network. A field-proven workaround is to complete the initial onboarding using a mobile phone hotspot, then manually enter the Starlink network details.

1. Before you start

Before using the workaround below, confirm the basic Starlink Wi-Fi settings are suitable for the anywAiR connection process.

  • The customer can connect a phone or other device to the Starlink network and access the internet.
  • The Starlink 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network is available.
  • If the Starlink router is combining 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz under one Wi-Fi name, split the bands temporarily and give the 2.4 GHz network its own SSID.
  • Confirm the Starlink Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password are known and entered exactly, including upper/lower case characters.
Important: Do not conclude that the anywAiR product is faulty solely because it will not complete initial onboarding directly through Starlink. Complete the hotspot method below first.

2. Hotspot onboarding workaround

If the anywAiR system will not join Starlink directly, use the following process.

StepAction
1Enable a mobile phone hotspot with an active internet connection.
2Connect the anywAiR tablet / system to the phone hotspot.
3Allow the customer to complete the normal anywAiR connection or onboarding process while internet access is being provided by the hotspot.
4Once the system has been successfully connected and initialised, open the Wi-Fi/network settings.
5Manually enter the customer's Starlink SSID and Wi-Fi password.
6Connect to the Starlink network and confirm the system remains online after the phone hotspot is turned off.
Field experience: GENERAL AIRSTAGE technical support in New Zealand has successfully used this method where the system would not initially join Starlink directly.

If the system still cannot connect after onboarding through a hotspot, review the Starlink network configuration.

Use the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi band

The anywAiR Wi-Fi connection process should be completed using a 2.4 GHz network. If the Starlink router is using one network name for both bands, temporarily split the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks in the Starlink app and connect the anywAiR system to the 2.4 GHz SSID.

Check the Wi-Fi credentials

Manually re-enter the SSID and password. Check for spaces, special characters and upper/lower case differences.

Check signal strength

Confirm there is adequate Starlink Wi-Fi signal at the anywAiR equipment location. If the signal is weak, test the connection with the router or mesh point positioned closer to the equipment.

4. If it still will not connect

  • Confirm the phone hotspot method works and that the anywAiR system can reach the internet through another network.
  • Power cycle the air conditioning system / anywAiR equipment, then retry the connection.
  • Forget the saved Starlink network and manually add it again.
  • Confirm the Starlink 2.4 GHz SSID is visible from the anywAiR tablet or device.
  • If the system works correctly on a phone hotspot but repeatedly fails only on the customer's Starlink network, the issue is likely related to the local network configuration rather than the air conditioning equipment.
Information to collect before escalation
  • anywAiR product / controller type
  • Air conditioner model number
  • Whether the system connects successfully through a phone hotspot
  • Starlink router generation, if known
  • Whether 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz have been split
  • Exact behaviour or error displayed during connection
Technical note: This article documents a field workaround used successfully by GENERAL AIRSTAGE technical support. Router firmware and network behaviour can change, so Starlink-specific settings may vary by router generation and software version.