Connection

The primary way to interact with the Hackers Nightlight is through its web-based user interface (WebUI).

Connecting in AP Mode (Default)

By default, the device starts in Access Point (AP) mode. It creates its own Wi-Fi network that you can connect to.

1. Power on your Hackers Nightlight.
2. On your computer or smartphone, scan for new Wi-Fi networks.
3. Connect to the network with the SSID HNL-XXXXXX.
4. The default password is 12345678.
5. Once connected, open a web browser and navigate to http://192.168.4.1 or http://hnl.cc.

Configuring AP (Access Point) Mode

You can change the settings for the device’s own Wi-Fi network from the System Settings panel.

• SSID: Change the network name.
• Password: Set a new password (must be at least 8 characters).
• Channel: Change the Wi-Fi channel (1-11).
• Hidden: You can hide the network’s SSID from being broadcast.

After saving, the device’s AP will restart with the new settings, and you will need to reconnect.

Connecting in Client Mode

You can connect the device to an existing Wi‑Fi network so you don’t have to switch networks.

1. Open the WebUI and go to System Settings → Connect (Wi‑Fi Client).
2. Pick an SSID from the table (or type it), enter the password, then click Join.
3. On success:
   • The device stops hosting its own AP.
   • The Wi‑Fi Client panel shows your assigned IP, Gateway, and Subnet.
   • The header badge shows: <Your SSID> (connected).

Disconnect: In the same panel, click Disconnect to leave the network and return to AP mode.

Reboot behavior: On boot, the device tries the last saved network first. If it can’t obtain an IP within ~12–15 seconds, it automatically falls back to AP mode.

Auto-connect switch: There is an Auto-connect to Wi‑Fi on boot toggle in the WebUI under System Settings → Connect. Default is enabled. When enabled the device will attempt to join the last saved network on boot and fall back to AP mode if it fails to get an IP in ~12–15s. When disabled the device will skip the STA attempt and start in AP mode on boot. The choice is persisted; changing it via the WebUI updates the saved preference (it affects subsequent boots). Manual connect/disconnect from the Connect panel still works regardless of this setting.

Hostname (mDNS): Access the device at http://<hostname>.local (default hnl.local). You can change the hostname under System Settings → System.

Notes:

• 2.4 GHz networks only. For best compatibility, use WPA2/WPA3‑PSK (mixed) when enabling WPA3.