I’m pleased to announce a new update to CoachProxy’s hardware and software!
CoachProxy 3.0 is a new software image, rebuilt from the ground up. Rather than adding new features, 3.0 contains many “under the hood” changes designed to improve reliability and performance. These changes include:
- Completely new WiFi networking software, to simplify configuration and reliability.
- A redesigned “read only” memory card configuration, to reduce the chances of the memory card image becoming corrupted.
- A significantly updated Linux operating system version.
Also, all new CoachProxy units will include a hardware update as well — a second WiFi interface. CoachProxy has always supported both a “Direct WiFi” connection as well as the ability to connect to your existing WiFi network. Previously, both of these WiFi connections were managed by CoachProxy’s single built-in WiFi hardware interface. By adding a second hardware WiFi interface, each of the network connections can now be operated on their own WiFi hardware. This greatly simplifies the CoachProxy WiFi management software, makes it easier and faster to change networks and passwords, and is expected to improve CoachProxy’s WiFi connection reliability.
CoachProxy will begin shipping with the new WiFi hardware and CoachProxy 3.0 software in late November.
Note: you may notice that the label on your CoachProxy says “Hardware v3.0” — that reflects the internal hardware within the unit, and is completely separate from the software version. The fact that both are now v3.0 is purely coincidental. Please see our Change Log for details on the various software versions.
Software v3.0 for Existing Customers
The new CoachProxy 3.0 software was created specifically to work with the new upgraded WiFi hardware which begins shipping in November 2018. Unfortunately, that means the new 3.0 software will not work with older CoachProxy hardware. However, upgrade paths are available for existing customers who wish to upgrade:
If your CoachProxy is under warranty (less than one year old), you can request a free upgrade for your hardware. This option is no longer available as all units are now out of warranty.
We will send you the new WiFi interface completely free (shipped via Amazon.com). It easily plugs into a USB port on the side of your CoachProxy (see photo above). You will need to download the CoachProxy 3.0 software from our web site and install it on your CoachProxy’s memory card to complete the upgrade.
– Request Free WiFi Hardware Upgrade
– Instructions for Installing CoachProxy 3.0 SoftwareIf you prefer not to download and install the new software yourself, we can ship you the new WiFi interface, along with a new memory card pre-loaded with the CoachProxy 3.0 software. There is a $15 charge (plus shipping) for this service. Just plug the WiFi adapter into a CoachProxy USB port and replace your CoachProxy’s new memory card with the new one.
– Request Free WiFi Hardware Upgrade
– Purchase CoachProxy 3.x Software Card
If your CoachProxy is out of warranty (more than a year old), you can purchase the WiFi hardware upgrade directly from Amazon or other retailers for around $15.
- Purchase from Amazon at https://amzn.to/3q6Tes9 (be sure “N150-Nano” is selected) or search the web for “Edimax EW-7811Un Nano Wi-Fi USB Adapter”. Just plug the WiFi adapter into a CoachProxy USB port. NOTE: Be sure not to purchase the “New V2 version” WiFi adapter, it will not work.
- You will also need to download the CoachProxy 3.0 software from our web site and install it on your CoachProxy’s memory card to complete the upgrade.
– Instructions for Installing CoachProxy 3.0 Software If you prefer not to download and install the new software yourself, we can ship you a new memory card pre-loaded with the CoachProxy 3.0 software. There is a $15 charge (plus shipping) for this service. Just plug the WiFi adapter into a CoachProxy USB port and insert the new memory card into CoachProxy.This option is no longer available.
Important: CoachProxy 3.0 IP Address Change
If you upgrade your CoachProxy to the new WiFi hardware, your home router/hotspot will detect it as a new device, and will assign it a new IP address. Any saved bookmarks, favorites, home screen icons, etc. will need to be updated to use the new IP address assigned by your router. Alternately, you may be able to reconfigure your router to assign your prior CoachProxy IP address to the upgraded CoachProxy device.
This is especially important for Voice Integration customers. During the discovery process, your Alexa/Echo device memorizes CoachProxy’s IP address, and Amazon offers no interface to change that address once learned. You will need to use the Alexa app or web site to “forget” your devices, and re-run the discovery process with the upgraded CoachProxy. Please see Updating Alexa Voice Integration Device List for more details on this process.
Note: if you recently updated your Alexa Voice Integration Device List with the instructions linked above, or if you were running CoachProxy version 2.3.0 or newer when you first set up voice integration, and if you can reconfigure your router to assign your prior CoachProxy IP address to the upgraded CoachProxy, you should not need to forget and re-learn your Alexa devices.
What about CoachProxy 2.x?
If you are happy with your current CoachProxy hardware and software, there’s no need to upgrade to CoachProxy 3.0. Software version 2.x (currently at version 2.3.3) will continue to receive periodic bug fix updates.
However, any new features and support for new coaches will only be released for CoachProxy 3.0. Unfortunately the two software versions are different enough that developing new features for both is not feasible.
CoachProxy Price Change
Beginning with orders placed on January 1, 2019, CoachProxy’s price will increase from $399.95 to $449.95. This change is being made to reflect the increasing costs of CoachProxy parts, the addition of the new WiFi interface hardware, and the ongoing investment in developing new features.