If your computer has a newer WiFi card (one that supports the 5GHz band) it can be helpful to change a setting so it will stay connected to the 2.4GHz band that your Pico devices require to communicate. To make this change start by typing in Device Manager in the Windows search box and then click on the Device Manager option.
The device manager screen shows a bunch of categories showing the hardware that is contained in your computer. Click on the “>” next to the Network adapters category to show the devices in that category.
Next you will need to locate which device is your WiFi card. This will normally have a name that contains WiFi or Wireless in the description. In the window below the wireless adapter is called Intel(R) Wireless-AC 9560 160MHz. Once you have located your WiFi adapter double click on it to show the options available for your card.
By default the General Tab will open. Let’s first change the Power Management option that can allow your WiFi to go into sleep mode which will prevent your Pico devices from communicating with SBC. Click on the Power Management Tab.
If you have a check mark in the “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power” option then remove that check mark by clicking on the box next to that option.
The setting we want to change to keep the WiFi connection on the 2.4GHz band is located in the Advanced section. Click on the Advance Tab to access this option. Next look down the list on the left and see if you have a menu option called Preferred Band – if you do click on that option and then if available in the Value menu on the right select the Prefer 2.4GHz band option. After you have made this change click the OK button and then close the Device manager.
