arpschuino

Getting Started with the Arpschuino32 or Wilulu32: Connecting


arpschuino32

You just received and assembled your Arpschuino32 or Wilulu32. The first step is to connect to it.

There are several ways to do this. Don’t worry—you only need to do it once. Afterward, your board should automatically connect to your router (or another network).

Required Equipment:

  • USB/Serial adapter
  • Wi-Fi router

In this tutorial, we will cover:

  1. First connection using the SSID "rescue".

  2. Accessing the server

  3. Configuring your network

  4. Forgotten password or SSID


For this first connection, you can power your Arpschuino32 using a USB/Serial 5V programmer. This allows you to monitor the board, easily retrieve its IP address, and more. See how in chapter 2.3.

Special Wilulu32 The Wilulu32 has a multicolor LED to indicate connection status:

  • Red: no connection.
  • Orange: the board has created an access point.
  • Blue: the board is connected to a network.

1. First connection using the SSID "rescue":

For a new Arpschuino32 or Wilulu32, a default SSID (network name) is already set.

Before powering the board, create an access point using this SSID on your smartphone or computer. Guides are available for:

Use the following SSID and password:

SSID:

rescue

Password:

arpschuino

Finally, power on or reset your Arpschuino32 or Wilulu32. After a few seconds, it will connect to your access point.

With the Wilulu32, the LED turns blue.


2. Accessing the server:

On a local network, access the server by entering its IP address in a browser. Make sure your computer (or smartphone) and the Arpschuino32 are on the same network.

If you don’t know the IP, there are several solutions:

2.1. Using mDNS:

Simply type the board’s hostname (default: arpschuino32) followed by .local. For example:

arpschuino32.local

Or for Wilulu32:

wilulu32.local


Connecting with mDNS

This works directly on Mac, iPhone, and recent Android devices.

On Windows, if it doesn’t work, install the Bonjour utility (here) and restart your computer. If you have installed Apple software like Safari or iTunes, Bonjour may already be installed.

On Linux, this usually works on distributions like Mint or Ubuntu. If not, install Avahi.

On Android, this method doesn’t work before version 12. From Android 13, it should work like on iPhones.

2.2. Finding the IP through your router:

You can also find the IP by logging into your router or modem. The IP or URL is usually printed on a label on the device along with the password.

Look under “active devices”, “connected devices”, or “clients” to find it.

Example with a Bbox router

If connected to an access point, check its settings:

Finding the board's IP in the access point settings

2.3. Using a network scanner:

On a computer (Windows, Mac, or Linux) you can use a network scanner like Angry IP Scanner (open source).

Angry IP Scanner

On smartphones, apps like Fing for Android or Fing for iOS can be used.

Fing IP scanner (1)

Fing IP scanner (2)


2.4. Monitoring with a USB/Serial 5V:

To know your board’s IP, you can use a 5V USB>Serial adapter or any 5V USB/TTL adapter.

If you haven’t already, install the Arduino IDE here.

For CP210-based programmers, drivers are available here.

WARNING: On recent Mac OS X versions, do not install Silicon Labs drivers; a native driver is included in the OS. You may even need to uninstall an existing Silicon Labs driver after updates.

Restart your computer and open the Arduino IDE.

Install the ESP32 core via File -> Preferences, and in "Additional Boards Manager URLs" enter:

https://dl.espressif.com/dl/package_esp32_index.json

Separate multiple URLs with commas. Example:

https://raw.githubusercontent.com/arpschuino/Arpschuino/master/Core/package_arpschuino_index.json, https://dl.espressif.com/dl/package_esp32_index.json

Then go to Tools -> Board -> Board Manager, search for ESP32, and install "esp32 by Espressif Systems".

Select ESP32 Dev Module under Tools -> Board.

Choose the correct port under Tools -> Port. If unsure, unplug and replug to identify it. Other devices may appear.

Open the serial monitor (magnifying glass icon) and set the baud rate to 115200. Restart the board to view output.

Serial monitor


3. Configuring Your Network:

Now that we are connected, we have accessed the network page of the Arpschuino32 server:

Arpschuino32 server

We will now configure our network. After this, the Arpschuino32 will automatically connect at startup.

MAC Address:

The board’s MAC address is displayed first; it cannot be changed—it serves as a serial number.

Current IP:

Shows the current IP address of the board.

Network, Password:

Enter the name (SSID) and password of your network. For home use, you can enter your router’s credentials. For Wi-Fi Artnet use, enter the SSID of the show’s router. Click the eye icon to view the password.

Clicking OK saves the new values, which will be applied at the next restart.

Second SSID Enabled:

This allows a second SSID. We strongly recommend keeping it Enabled.

Network 2, Password:

The second SSID is a backup. If the board cannot connect to the primary SSID, it will try this one. You can leave it as "rescue" or use your smartphone’s access point. Just remember it for emergency access.

We recommend keeping "rescue" until the setup process is complete.

Hostname:

Change the board’s hostname, which is how it appears on the network and what you type in the browser. Give it an explicit name, especially if you have multiple Arpschuino32 boards. Example: "turntable_motor" or "remote_led_strip". No spaces allowed!

Timeout:

Timeout is the maximum time the board will try to connect. 20 seconds is sufficient; you can reduce it slightly, but be careful.

      OK

As mentioned, the OK button saves the previous changes, but they will only take effect after the next restart.

IP Mode:

DHCP assigns the IP automatically via the router. You can also assign a fixed IP, but we recommend only doing this if experienced, to avoid conflicts or incompatible addresses.

Reminder: To connect to a DHCP-assigned board, see chapter 2.

You can also configure Access Point mode. The Arpschuino32 enters AP mode if it fails to connect to a network.

Hotspot, Password:

Name of the network created by the Arpschuino32 and its password.

IP Address:

Fixed and cannot be changed.

Visible SSID:

You can hide the SSID, but it will be difficult to reconnect from devices that haven’t connected before.

Don’t forget to click OK and restart the board for changes to take effect.


All settings are now stored in the Arpschuino32’s non-volatile memory and will persist, even after firmware updates.

The board will now connect automatically. You can configure it for your intended use. See our Arpschuino32 configuration tutorial.


4. Forgotten Password or SSID!

What if you forget your SSID or password, or make a typing error?

Use the second SSID if available. If it was disabled (not recommended) or changed and lost...

If the board cannot connect to any network, it automatically enters Access Point mode. On the Wilulu32, the LED turns orange.

It behaves like a mini router. The SSID and password are fixed:

SSID:

new_arpschuino32

Password:

12345678

The AP should now appear in your computer’s or smartphone’s available networks:

Arpschuino32 access point

Once connected, access the Arpschuino32 server by typing its IP in your browser. In AP mode, this is fixed:

192.168.4.1

The AP may be unstable, so multiple attempts may be needed. Be careful with browsers that automatically prepend HTTPS!

If the network page of the Arpschuino32 server appears, congratulations! First, enter the primary fields: Network and Password (your router/box SSID and password).

Click OK to save. To view the password, click the eye icon.

Finally, restart the board using the reboot board button or the reset button. Your computer or smartphone should reconnect to your usual network automatically.

The board will restart and connect automatically. On the Wilulu32, the LED turns blue.


If you encounter any difficulties, feel free to ask questions on the Arpschuino forum.