What type of WiFi networks can Marty connect to

These articles are for Marty the Robot version 1

If you've received your Marty after 2020 it's likely you have a version 2!

Marty the Robot WiFi Specification

Marty’s control board utilises an ESP8266 WiFi module - specifically the ESP-12E.

  • WiFi type: 802.11 b/g 2.4GHz
  • Authentication: WEP/WPA

Ports

Marty uses a few ports:

  • 23, 24: Socket connections, used for programming over Python etc
  • 80: Web based service discovery, used by Scratch etc. to detect Marty
  • 81: Websocket connection - essential for Scratch, set up, and remote control
  • 4000: UDP based discovery. Used by the app or from Python etc. to scan for Martys

For basic Scratch programming, make sure ports 80 and 81 are unblocked.

Setting up the WiFi

On power-up, Marty will try and connect to the last used WiFi network. If it can’t find that network, or if it’s the first time Marty has been turned on, the control board will generate a “Marty Setup” WiFi network. You can connect to that network to provide Marty with login details for the WiFi network it should use.

Marty will only remember the login details for one WiFi network, it does not save previous networks

If you want Marty to leave a WiFi network, or in general to reset the WiFi, you can use the Reset WiFi option in the app, or online here. Alternatively you can press the button marked “Bob the Button” on the control board.

Complex WiFi Environments

Note, WPA2 Enterprise, and EAP/PEAP are not currently supported by Marty. Basically - if you have to provide a username and password, beyond the normal WiFI password, to connect to a network, Marty won’t be able to connect to that network.

We’re working on WPA2 Enterprise support, but usually for those networks set up is more complicated than just logging on. For that reason we recommend users, for example in schools and universities, use a different network for Marty. We recommend the use of a “Marty Command Hub”, detailed in the next section, and provide one of these with every class pack.

Alternatively, you can use a phone or other device to generate a WiFi hotspot, that you can then connect Marty to.

Marty “Command Hub”

A Marty Command Hub is a small WiFi router that is specially configured to also run Scratch and host a few learning resources. It lets you set up a network for Martys anywhere, so you can be confident you'll always be able to connect to your Marty

We really recommend the command hub for school environments, where WiFi can be tricky. They're included in all of our Marty v1 education sets.

Marty’s IP and MAC addresses

IP Address

If the Marty app can find Marty when you click “Scan for Marty”, it’ll tell you the IP address there. Similarly, if the web based calibration finds Marty, it’ll show you the IP address.

If neither of those are working, please try using an IP scanner like Fing to find your Marty's IP address

MAC Address

Each Marty’s MAC address is unique and constant. If Marty’s connected to your network you can use a network scanner (for example Fing on Android/iOS, or Angry IP Scanner on PC) to find out what this is.

If Marty’s not yet on your network, try connecting your phone/tablet to the Marty Setup network and go to 192.168.4.1/i

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