====== FAQ ======

===== What does the QR Code mean on the back side of the case? =====
If you scan the QR code with a mobile phone, you will be directed to the "Node Admin page" of this device.
URL https://opentrafficmap.org/service/?nodeId=nodeXXX

**ATTENTION**: Please change the "User Password" to protect your node settings!

More info can be found here: [[en:node_registration|Node Registration]]

===== What do the LEDs mean? =====

^ Label ^ Color  ^ Meaning ^
| SYS   | red / white    |         |
| RCV   | orange |         |
| ETH   | green  |         |
| MQT   | blue   |         |
| PKT   | purple |         |
===== Does it matter which USB-C port powers it? =====
No, it doesn't matter which USB port you use to power the board.

More info can be found here: [[en:getting_started|Getting Started]]

===== My phone won't do USB tethering — why? =====
Common causes:
  * The cable is a **charge-only cable** with no data wires → use a proper data cable.
  * USB tethering is **not enabled** on the phone (Settings → Hotspot/Tethering).
  * The node's port is a **power-only port** (see above).
  * Missing **driver / USB role** (host vs. device) — some nodes must be configured as USB host.

===== Is there a data buffer when offline? =====
No. At the moment (Firmware 0.5.1) there is no support for local data logging to the SD-card.

More info can be found here: [[en:software:mqtt|MQTT Server]]

===== Which antennas can I use? =====
The node with the case has an integrated antenna. (comes with the ESP32)

More info can be found here: [[en:hardware:antennas|External Antennas]]

===== Why is my node so hot? =====
Typical temperature is about 55°C.

Possible reasons:
  * **Status LEDs** at full power (set via Admin Node Portal > Set brightness (0 = off, 255 = maximum)
  * **Direct sunlight** on outdoor installations.

In direct sunlight in summer season more than 83°C were seen. :-(

More info can be found here: [[en:reception|Reception & Placement]]

===== Why is reception poor despite good height? =====
  * interference of a 5GHz WLAN Access Point nearby -> separate the devices or deactivate 5GHz (ESP32 only uses 2.4GHz)
  * indoor usage (Tinted windows also reflect waves) -> mount outdoor

More info can be found here: [[en:reception|Reception & Placement]]

===== How do I monitor my node in Home Assistant? =====
Common approaches:
  * **MQTT:** the node publishes telemetry to a broker, HA reads it via the MQTT integration.
From there you can build sensors, automations, and dashboards in HA.

More info can be found here: [[en:software:home_assistant|Home Assistant]]

===== PoE vs USB powered / jumper settings? =====
To switch the mode, the blue jumper must be removed and placed on the correct pins.

{{:en:poe_switch.jpg?200|}}

^ Power source ^ Jumper position ^ Notes ^
| Active PoE (IEEE 802.3af/at) | ''802.3af'' | Power via LAN cable from a standards-compliant PoE switch or injector. The board signals itself as a PD; the port is only switched on after successful negotiation/classification. |
| Passive PoE | ''Passive'' | Power via LAN cable from a passive injector supplying the rated DC voltage directly – no negotiation, no classification. Does **not** work on an 802.3af switch (the port stays off). |
| USB | irrelevant | Power via the USB port (either one). Independent of the jumper position. \\ **Do not supply USB and PoE at the same time!**|

More info can be found here: [[en:getting_started|Getting Started]]

===== Do I need surge protection for an outdoor node? =====

If the receiver is mounted outside and the LAN cable runs to a switch indoors: yes, recommended.
See [[en:hardware:surge_protection]] – one inline surge protector per outdoor run, and it must be grounded.

===== Does the node support WIFI? =====
No. The Espressif ESP32 C5 is used to receive the C-ITS signals only. So you have to use the LAN port.

More info can be found here: [[en:getting_started|Getting Started]]

===== How to view the raw data (MQTT packets) the node sends to the server? =====
To view ("subscribe" in MQTT language) you can use the MQTT client of your choice.

Here's a (incomplete) list of clients:
^ OS      ^ MQTT Client   ^ Homepage ^
| Linux   | MQTTX         | https://mqttx.app |
| Linux   | MQTT Explorer | https://mqtt-explorer.com |
| Linux   | MQTT Viewer   | https://mqttviewer.app |
| Windows | MQTTX         | https://mqttx.app |
| Windows | MQTT Explorer | https://mqtt-explorer.com |
| Windows | MQTT.fx       | https://mqttfx.jensd.de |
| Mac     | MQTTX         | https://mqttx.app |
| Mac     | MQTT Explorer | https://mqtt-explorer.com |
| Mac     | MQTT Viewer   | https://mqttviewer.app |

More info can be found here: [[en:software:mqtt|MQTT Server]]

===== How does OpenTrafficMap know the location of my node? =====
The location is unknown until you specify it in the Node Admin Portal under "Set coordinates on map".

More info can be found here: [[en:node_registration|Node Registration]]

===== Why is my node (not) visible on the map? ===== 
Your node will only appear on the map if you enable the "[X] Show on map" option in the node admin portal.

More info can be found here: [[en:node_registration|Node Registration]]