But setting admin/network to client and using my ssid and pw, the controller restarts, but i don’t see the IP address show up.
My laptop and phone are both connected to the same wifi hotspot that is 15 feet away.
There are no error messages or admin/debugging that gives me insight into this. how can i dive in here, I don’t want to run ethernet cables across the garage.
Two things, you must be within 10ft and clear line of site of the controller to your router/extender.
The other is you must put in the SSID EXACTLY as your router/extender outputs, capitals, lowercases, spaces, special characters, etc. If even one is off, it will never connect.
Have you considered using a wifi extender that has an ethernet port on it? Something like the TP-Link RE315 just needs a power plug and has an ethernet port. I would think you just plug this in nearby (wall outlet, power strip) and run a short ethernet jumper cable over to the controller. Essentially, you’re adding an antenna the hard way…
Caveat: This is just an idea and I haven’t tried this, but seems like it would work…