Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- en:faq [2026/08/05 17:04] – [PoE vs USB / jumper settings?] thomas585
+++ en:faq [2026/08/06 18:51] (current) – add cross references to detail pages, fix small typos fasteiner
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 ====== 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? =====
@@ Line 10: / Line 18: @@
 | 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? =====
@@ Line 20: / Line 30: @@
 ===== Is there a data buffer when offline? =====
-No. At the moment (Firmware 0.5.1) ther is no support for local data logging to the SD-card.
+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? =====
@@ Line 32: / Line 46: @@
   * **Direct sunlight** on outdoor installations.
-In direct sunlight in summer season more than 83°C where seen. :-(
+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 WALN Access Point near by -> seperate devices od deactivate 5GHz (ESP32 only uses 2.4GHz)
+  * 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? =====
@@ Line 42: / Line 60: @@
   * **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? =====
@@ Line 48: / Line 68: @@
 {{:en:poe_switch.jpg?200|}}
-^ Connector ^ Mode ^
+^ Power source ^ Jumper position ^ Notes ^
-| 802.3af   | PoE Mode - Power is supplied via LAN cable.|
+| 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   | USB Mode - Power supply comes via USB port (it doesn't matter which one)   |
+| 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]]