Thor Miramar Firefly Vegatouch Eclipse - Starlink connection fix

[k_enn]

I have a 2023 Miramar with the Firefly Eclipse multiplex. I use Starlink for my wi-fi internet service. For a very long time, I could not get a stable remote connection between the Eclipse module and the Firefly Eclipse server. Usually, any time between 1/2 hour and two hours the connection would drop and I could not use remote connection to check on or control the coach. Once it dropped the connection, it would not reconnect unless I reset the wi-fi using the local connection on my app (which means I could not do it when I was away from the RV). I checked Firefly's website for trouble shooting guidance, but found nothing that addressed this problem

Upon finally checking directly with Firefly' tech support, I was told that the Starlink wi-fi network is generally 5 GHz. They told me I needed to "split" the Starlink network into 2 wi-fi networks, one at 5 GHz and a second at 2.4 GHz. They explained that their module is designed to be used on a 2.4 GHz network. Splitting was easy through the Starlink app, just requiring one setting change. You can keep the same password for both networks. Once I did this, I got solid remote connections that are stable for at least days.

 

[macdaddy1111]

Found a solution!!

I use team viewer, and an android tablet over tmobile 99% of the time. Starlink when in boonies.
Firefly wanted around grand to upgrade to wifi system. Have 2020 rig

Did yours come with rig?

 

[16ACE27]

I have a 2023 Miramar with the Firefly Eclipse multiplex. I use Starlink for my wi-fi internet service. For a very long time, I could not get a stable remote connection between the Eclipse module and the Firefly Eclipse server. Usually, any time between 1/2 hour and two hours the connection would drop and I could not use remote connection to check on or control the coach. Once it dropped the connection, it would not reconnect unless I reset the wi-fi using the local connection on my app (which means I could not do it when I was away from the RV). I checked Firefly's website for trouble shooting guidance, but found nothing that addressed this problem

Upon finally checking directly with Firefly' tech support, I was told that the Starlink wi-fi network is generally 5 GHz. They told me I needed to "split" the Starlink network into 2 wi-fi networks, one at 5 GHz and a second at 2.4 GHz. They explained that their module is designed to be used on a 2.4 GHz network. Splitting was easy through the Starlink app, just requiring one setting change. You can keep the same password for both networks. Once I did this, I got solid remote connections that are stable for at least days.

In other words; Firefly's 5 GHz transceiver is not up to snuff. If it wasn't designed for 5 GHz WIFI it would never have seen it or connected in the first place

 

[k_enn]

In other words; Firefly's 5 GHz transceiver is not up to snuff. If it wasn't designed for 5 GHz WIFI it would never have seen it or connected in the first place

It would see it and connect, but the connection never lasted. As explained to me, Firefly is not 5Ghz, but Starlink would allow a connection without splitting although the un-split connection was not stable from the Firefly end. Splitting Starlink into 2 networks, and connecting Firefly to the 2.4GHz network solved the problem.

Here is the email from Firefly:

Did you download the latest update from the app store for the VegaTouch Eclipse? This was just released as of Monday this week. This is a new software download that is supposed to fix a software issue within the Eclipse module in your coach.​

Also, with the Starlink, I was told that you have to split your Starlink network and then connect to the 2.4 GHz network with the Eclipse.​

​

Here is my inquiry to Firefly:

Firefly Vegatouch Eclipse -- module firmware 05.02|02.28|01.17 - Module hardware 02.00 - config MRv8-103023 - app 2.11.6 The eclipse module keeps dropping its connection to Firefly Cloud despite having a good connection to the internet through Starlink WiFi and satellite despite whatever setting I use for Local Reconnection. For what its worth, sometime when I try to reconnect to WiFi when local reconnection is set to never, I get error code 2. Since the purpose of remote connection is to connect when away from the RV, and I need to use local connection to reconnect to WiFi when it keeps dropping, functionality is greatly reduced. Any solution or advice?​

​

I hope this helps others who have the same or similar problem.

 

[k_enn]

<snip>
Did yours come with rig?

Yes, my Class A came with it.

But I had a lot of problems with it in the beginning. When first set up, the app did not have the right floorplan for my coach (e.g., the switch on the multi-panel for the living room light would operate the bathroom light, etc.). (The floorplan on the multiplex panel was correct). The dealer's tech and I spent a lot of time trying to get it to go right -- uninstalling and reinstalling the app multiple times, clearing the app's cache and storage, etc. Finally, the dealer tech got through to Firefly's tech, and they email us new software to re-flash the eclipse module. Still had the wrong floorplan problem with the app after that. Firefly then overnighted a new module. That did not solve the floorplan issue either. After more futzing around, including a reset of the android phone, we got the app to work on a local (bluetooth) connection with the right floorplan. It wasn't until later that I realized there was an issue with the remote (internet) connection.

I found the eclipse system to be convenient and good at the multiplex panel and using a local bluetooth connection. Nice being to control the awning and its lights when outdoors, or set up the awning or slides in tight spaces when you are outside and can keep an eye on it. Just wished I could check / control some things from a distance (e.g., turn the generator on or off, or bring in the awning when a storm is coming but I am away at a store). I have that capability now.

 

[k_enn]

Update:

I just ran into a problem last week. The Eclipse Module would not connect to the eclipse server. Most of the time I kept getting the message to make sure it is in range and that the password is correct. It was definitely in range and the password was correct. On other occasions, I would get the “spinning cloud” symbol with “connecting” message after entering the password, but it could spin for an hour and still not connect. Everything else on the 2.4GHz network was running fine. I cleared storage and cache on the app/phone multiple times, uninstalled and reinstalled multiple times, and even turned off the phone between reinstalls to make sure everything is clear. It still would not connect to the wifi. I have also checked the Starlink configuration and rebooted the Starlink and its wifi several time. No luck.

Finally I uncovered the problem. There is feature in the app under settings that allows you to reset the Eclipse Module. Upon resetting, it would connect again.

I still like the system when it works, but it does get wonky once in a while and the Firefly site is not the most helpful when it comes to troubleshooting these app and connection problems. However, when you reach their tech representatives, they are helpful.