AP7 Ceiling first thoughts
Installed the first AP7 Ceiling unit today.
Easy to install like most other AP's. Because it is in the central part of the home, the Wife did not like some parts of it. Mainly the open rear area and .70" hole for the cable.
But that was a easy fix, used CAD and 3D printed 2 easy parts and made her happy.
Used NetSpot and I can say this is a way more powerful unit than the desk mount.
I had a desk mount AP7 in my basement, and it struggled to cover the 1700 square foot of living space. But this unit beaming down, I have total coverage even in the basement.
The construction is really good, the entire back plane is a heatsink. I will be adapting this unit for outdoor use. It is much better suited and sealed for outdoor use.
Pretty impressed with this unit. It just needs a little fine tuning for "home use" if your installing in a Wife Zone.





-
Hi John
I have 3 of the Standard AP7's operating outside. I have 1 Ceiling mount outside where I added external antennas. All work flawless.
2 of the Standard units are mounted with my https://makerworld.com/en/models/1365091-firewalla-ap7-holder
The other is in a Watertight box.
Here is a photo of the Ceiling unit with external antennas. You will need to seal a couple of opening in the casting. I 3D printed plugs to seal it. It has been operating since the first batch was released.

-
If you do not want to do external antennas then all you need to do is to seal up the holes in the AU backplate. Just make sure you leave the single hole in the lower bottom of the casting open incase you get some condensation. I also conformal coated the PCB, but you should be OK. See the photo and you can locate the holes on the rear of the device and seal with silicone so you do not have to take it apart. Just install under the roof eve so it's not in direct rain from above. Use some dielectric grease on the RJ45 plug and just to be sure run some tape around the outer edge where the plastic shell attaches to the AU backplate, and you will be in Business. The case is well designed, and would be easy for them to make it IP65 rated for outdoor use.

Please sign in to leave a comment.
Comments
4 comments