The ATS Mini Radio is a compact DSP (Digital Signal Processing) radio designed for radio enthusiasts who value portability and advanced features. Beyond its core radio functionalities, the ATS Mini distinguishes itself with built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, enabling a suite of smart features.
One of its most highly anticipated capabilities is the ability to download the EiBi shortwave schedule, a comprehensive and regularly updated database of shortwave broadcasts. This integration transforms the ATS Mini Radio from a simple receiver into an intelligent tool, allowing users to keep their radio’s schedule information current without manual entry, significantly enhancing the shortwave listening experience. The following guide provides a step-by-step process for configuring Wi-Fi and leveraging this feature to download the EiBi schedule on your ATS Mini.
” The EiBi schedule (from eibispace.de) is a highly respected and comprehensive database of shortwave broadcasts. For shortwave radio enthusiasts, it’s one of the go-to sources for knowing what’s on the air, where, and when.”
Pre-requisites for ATS Mini Radio Wi-Fi Configuration
- ATS Mini DSP Radio: Ensure it’s fully charged to avoid interruptions.
- Wi-Fi Network: A 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network (the ATS Mini does not support 5 GHz).
- Smartphone or Computer: To access the ATS Mini’s web interface.
- USB-C Cable: A data-capable USB-C cable for firmware updates, if needed.
- Latest Firmware: Version 2.26 or higher is recommended for EiBiSpace integration. Check the firmware version in Menu > Settings > About on the ATS Mini. Update to the latest firmware (e.g., v2.28) if needed, using the guide from the official GitHub repository.
Step 1: ATS Mini Radio Wi-Fi ConfigurationSet Up
The ATS Mini supports multiple Wi-Fi modes: Off, Access Point (AP), Access Point + Connect, Connect, and Sync Only. To download the EiBi schedule, you need an internet connection, so you’ll use either AP + Connect or Connect mode. Here’s how to configure Wi-Fi:
- Access the Wi-Fi Menu:
- On the ATS Mini Radio, navigate to Menu > Wi-Fi.
- Select a Wi-Fi mode:
- Access Point (AP): The ATS Mini creates its own Wi-Fi network named “ATS-Mini” (useful when no external Wi-Fi is available).
- AP + Connect: The ATS Mini creates its own AP and connects to an external Wi-Fi network.
- Connect: The ATS Mini connects directly to an external Wi-Fi network.
- Sync Only: Only for time synchronization, not suitable for downloading EiBi.
- Connect to the ATS-Mini Access Point (Optional):
- If using AP or AP + Connect mode, connect your phone or computer to the “ATS-Mini” Wi-Fi network.
- No internet is available on this AP, so disable mobile data and any VPN/firewall on your phone to avoid connection issues.
- Open a browser and visit http://10.1.1.1 or http://atsmini.local to access the ATS Mini’s web interface.
- Configure Wi-Fi Settings:
- In the web interface, click the Config link.
- Add up to three Wi-Fi access points (SSIDs and passwords) that the ATS Mini can connect to.
- Optionally, set a login and password to secure the settings page.
- Set your time zone for accurate time synchronization (important for EiBi schedule display).
- Save the settings.
- Switch to Connect or AP + Connect Mode:
- Return to the ATS Mini’s Wi-Fi menu and select AP + Connect or Connect.
- The receiver will briefly display its dynamic IP address assigned by the external Wi-Fi network (e.g., your home router or mobile hotspot).
- Connect your phone or computer to the same external Wi-Fi network as the ATS Mini.
- Open a browser and enter the dynamic IP address or http://atsmini.local to verify the connection.
- Troubleshooting Wi-Fi:
- Ensure your Wi-Fi network is 2.4 GHz, as the ATS Mini does not support 5 GHz.
- If using a mobile hotspot, ensure it’s active and the ATS Mini is within range.
- If the connection fails, check for firmware issues (e.g., timeout bugs fixed in v2.27 or later).
Step 2: Download the EiBi Schedule
The EiBi schedule provides shortwave broadcasting information, which the ATS Mini stores in flash memory for tuning to stations. It requires an internet connection and only needs to be downloaded once unless updated schedules are desired.
- Ensure Internet Connectivity:
- Confirm the ATS Mini is connected to the internet via AP + Connect or Connect mode (check the dynamic IP or atsmini.local in your browser).
- Access the EiBi Download Option:
- On the ATS Mini, navigate to Menu > Load EiBi.
- Select the option to download the EiBi schedule. The receiver will fetch the schedule from EiBiSpace.de and store it in flash memory.
- Verify the Download:
- Once downloaded, the ATS Mini will display broadcasting stations on the tuned frequency at the bottom of the screen, provided the clock is synchronised.
- Synchronise the Clock:
- The EiBi schedule requires accurate time to display stations correctly.
- Ensure the ATS Mini’s clock is set via:
- Wi-Fi Time Synchronization: In Sync Only, Connect, or AP + Connect mode, the ATS Mini syncs time via NTP (Network Time Protocol).
- RDS Data: If receiving FM stations with RDS, the radio can sync time, but note that RDS time may be UTC, local, or inaccurate. Power cycle the receiver to re-sync if needed.
- Check the time in Menu > Settings > Aboutto confirm accuracy.
- Troubleshooting EiBi Download:
- If the download fails, ensure the ATS Mini Radio WiFi is online (test by accessing the web interface).
- Check for firmware issues (e.g., a crash bug when downloading EiBi offline was fixed in v2.26 or later).
- Verify the firmware version supports EiBiSpace (v2.26 or higher).
Step 3: Using the EiBi Schedule
- Once downloaded, the EiBi schedule is stored in flash memory and doesn’t need redownloading unless you want an updated version.
- When tuning frequencies, the ATS Mini displays possible stations from the EiBi schedule at the bottom of the screen, making it easier to identify and tune to broadcasts.
- If stations don’t display correctly, double-check the clock synchronisation.
Additional Tips in ATS Mini Radio Wi-Fi Configuration
- Firmware Updates: If you encounter issues, update to the latest firmware (e.g., v2.28) using the Expressif Flash Download Tool or Web Serial API (Chrome-based browsers only). Follow the guide at https://esp32-si4732.github.io/ats-mini/. Use a data-capable USB-C cable, as some cables only charge.
- Mobile Hotspot: If no Wi-Fi is available, set up a 2.4 GHz hotspot on your smartphone and configure the ATS Mini to connect to it.
- Battery Drain: Some ATS Mini V3 units have battery drain issues. Check community resources (e.g., GitHub or the “Si4732 Mini Receiver All Bands” Facebook page) for hardware fixes if the battery drains quickly.
- Antenna: For better shortwave reception, use an external antenna (e.g., a 10m wire or Mini Whip) instead of the stock antenna to reduce noise.
Notes
- Always back up your settings via the web interface (http://atsmini.local) before updating firmware, as some versions reset settings.
- The ATS Mini’s web interface also allows managing memory slots, viewing receiver status (e.g., frequency, RSSI/SNR), and adjusting settings like brightness or calibration.
- For advanced users, explore the GitHub repository (https://github.com/esp32-si4732/ats-mini) for custom firmware forks or additional features.
This guide should help you set up Wi-Fi and download the EiBi schedule on your ATS Mini. If you run into issues, consult the official documentation or community discussions on GitHub.
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