NETGEAR is aware of a growing number of phone and online scams. To learn how to stay safe click here.
Forum Discussion
iNexxFear
May 24, 2020Apprentice
Nest Thermostat Batteries LOW on a new ORBI AX setup
I have a brand new ORBI AX wifi setup (RBR850 and 2 satellites) that i got configured and updated to the latest firmware (V3.2.15.25) about 10:00 last night with all nodes up to the version with a bi...
- Oct 03, 2021
No.
Only thing I found was that with mine, being so close to the RBR, 5 feet, was having problems with the NEST. I found that when I moved the RBR away from the one NEST controller, 20-25 feet, the NEST controller started working with out draining the battery. Also was said that this is also a NEST controller issue as well that NEST needs to fix it on there side as these controllers ping pong back and forth on there own when there is more than 1 signal source in play, i.e. RBR and 1 or 2 RBS. Its also recommemeded to install the C power wire to your NEST from the main central AC system to help avoid the battery draining. You'll need to consult your systems mfr wiring diagram to find out which connection that is.
cha_d
Oct 15, 2020Tutor
I understand Netgear is “aware”. Netgear should stop giving canned responses to the support tickets then since there is a significant time commitment in getting through in the first place.
Also, the free support period should be increased for products like this, or specific problem topics.
Also, the free support period should be increased for products like this, or specific problem topics.
iNexxFear
Oct 15, 2020Apprentice
That’s what I keep trying to say as this has been too long for too many people. It should never have gotten here and resolved sooner or product stopped.
- Mikey94025Oct 16, 2020Hero
iNexxFear wrote:
That’s what I keep trying to say as this has been too long for too many people. It should never have gotten here and resolved sooner or product stopped.Netgear and Nest should really get this fixed, but it also doesn't make sense that Netgear would pull a product just because a specific thermostat cannot connect reliably. Many of us still benefit from the product, especially since Nest thermostats do not require internet connections to run correctly. Nest thermostat owners with "C" wire to deliver power are also unaffected by this issue.
Most of our daily internet traffic via our home routers also does not involve our thermostats. I am a Nest thermostat owner affected by this issue so I use my old router for my Nest thermostats and a small number of other older devices that are incompatible with the Orbi AX wireless. The tradeoff of higher wireless performance for my computers, phones, and all my other devices is better for me than the Nest incompatibility. Other Nest owners must make their own choices.
- TahabhaiOct 16, 2020AspirantWell said! I returned my orbi rbr 852 due to the nest thermostat issue and so far, nothing comes close to the performance I had with orbi. Going to re purchase orbi. Thanks for suggesting a different router, while it's not elegant, it is "workaround-able"
- iNexxFearOct 16, 2020ApprenticeAnd to make this clear for other folks reading this it is indeed orbi AX specific.
I’m using an ASUS ROG AX11000 with no issues, was using it prior to the issues I encountered. I thought that having the multiple access points with the AX would help with some better coverage and speed in points.
I just had so many other issues getting f points with the correct versions, setup and then the drain on a major component of my smart home did it for me. Living where the snow flies I can’t afford to deal with changing this, doing that, measuring distances, turning down frequencies and more.
That’s garbage and what Netgear labs should be doing. This needs to be better fielded by Netgear before it comes a premium price product on retail shelves before users experience it. And if they do, fix it! It’s a premium price after all!
If they are not going to fix it at that level then this should not be sold. - FURRYe38Oct 16, 2020Guru - Experienced User
If you do get another, we would still like to have your feed back information regarding your experiences and the specifics I asked about. I'm workng with NG on this issue in hopes to help them get this issue fixed. Any and all specific information would be most helpful.
Otherwise, Orbi AX works well. Just got to get the bug ironed out is all. Patience is needed here.
Tahabhai wrote:
Well said! I returned my orbi rbr 852 due to the nest thermostat issue and so far, nothing comes close to the performance I had with orbi. Going to re purchase orbi. Thanks for suggesting a different router, while it's not elegant, it is "workaround-able" - TahabhaiOct 26, 2020AspirantI have the blue wire plugged in my nest 3rd gen and.... No issies after 1 week of testing. All devices are running blazing fast. Satisfied customer.
- FURRYe38Oct 27, 2020Guru - Experienced User
What FW version are you using?
I reverted back to v11.2 FW and have had 6 days of zero problems with NEST. Blue wire is not used for my NEST. Seems to be some problems in FW with FW versions after v11.2. Have sent info to NG as well.
Glad yours is working.
Tahabhai wrote:
I have the blue wire plugged in my nest 3rd gen and.... No issies after 1 week of testing. All devices are running blazing fast. Satisfied customer. - cha_dOct 28, 2020Tutor
What did you do differently compared to the first time you setup the orbi? What is your power output on the thermostat now?
- FURRYe38Oct 28, 2020Guru - Experienced User
Nothing with the wiring changed for me. Using no power wire for the NEST. Even though eventually I may change this. :smileywink:
I've downloaded and installed v11.2. Appled RBS first then RBR.
Using AX mode enabled.
20/40Mhz and 40Mhz only works.
Default CTS value is at 64 and have not changed this.
Manual channel 1 and 36 have been working well since I have a next door nieghbor with a Orbi system.
Power at 100%.
Using two RBS850s.
I only have 1 3rd gen NEST and 1 2nd Gen NEST controllers.
I tested with all RBS online and both NEST seem to perfer connecting to the RBS in my dinning room area which is farther away from the 3rd gen NEST which is near and close to the RBR upstairs. I did turn OFF the dining room RBS and let the NESTs connect to the RBR.
Only minimal changes to channel width and RBS, NESTs have been ONLINE and have seen ZERO disconnects since loading v11.2.
I applied and powered OFF the system then back ON. No factory reset.
I wanted to go back and see if an older version of FW worked vs newer and let NG know. I've got a new buid of FW to test out to capture some data for NG to review. Hopefully NG can figure out the changes between versions of FW and see if the data collected can help get NEST working better on newer FW versions.
cha_d wrote:What did you do differently compared to the first time you setup the orbi? What is your power output on the thermostat now?
- samnt650Dec 09, 2020Tutor
RBR850 & two RBS850. Firmware v3.2.16.22
Like everyone, NEST 3rd Gen keep dying from low battery since I switch to Orbi. Put the NEST back to Nighthawk and problem disappeared. Agreed with previous post, this is specific to the Orbi product. I tried mess with CTS/RTS setup, on/off with the AX setup, cannot fix the NEST low battery problem.
- FURRYe38Dec 09, 2020Guru - Experienced User
How did you update yoru RBR and RBS? Auto update thru the RBR or manually with downloading the FW files?
What is the size of your home? Sq Ft?
What is the distance between the router and satellite(s)? 30 feet or more is recommended in between RBR and RBS to begin with depending upon building materials when wirelessly connectedWhat is the distance between the NEST controller and the RBR and RBS?
I've loaded my system with v22 manually:
Using AX mode enabled.
20/40Mhz and 40Mhz only.
Default CTS value is at 64 and have not changed this.
Manual channel 1 and 36(40) have been working well since I have a next door nieghbor with a Orbi system.
Power at 100%.
Using two RBS850s.
I only have 1 3rd gen NEST and 1 2nd Gen NEST controllers.
I tested with all RBS online and both NEST seem to perfer connecting to the RBS in my dinning room area downstairs which is farther away from the 3rd gen NEST which is near and close to the RBR upstairs. I did turn OFF the dining room RBS and let the NESTs connect to the RBR.
Only minimal changes to channel width and RBS, NESTs have been ONLINE and have seen ZERO disconnects since loading v22.
I applied and powered OFF the system then back ON. No factory reset.
samnt650 wrote:RBR850 & two RBS850. Firmware v3.2.16.22
Like everyone, NEST 3rd Gen keep dying from low battery since I switch to Orbi. Put the NEST back to Nighthawk and problem disappeared. Agreed with previous post, this is specific to the Orbi product. I tried mess with CTS/RTS setup, on/off with the AX setup, cannot fix the NEST low battery problem.
- FURRYe38Dec 09, 2020Guru - Experienced User
Also what is the FW/SW version seen on your 3rd gen NEST controller?
samnt650 wrote:RBR850 & two RBS850. Firmware v3.2.16.22
Like everyone, NEST 3rd Gen keep dying from low battery since I switch to Orbi. Put the NEST back to Nighthawk and problem disappeared. Agreed with previous post, this is specific to the Orbi product. I tried mess with CTS/RTS setup, on/off with the AX setup, cannot fix the NEST low battery problem.
- samnt650Dec 11, 2020Tutor
Orbi firmware is v3.2.16.22_1.4.9 2.
NEST 3rd Gen Thermostat with firmware 6.1-9
RBR & RBS connected via RJ45
Less than 25 to RBR. Less than 45 to RBS.
- FURRYe38Dec 11, 2020Guru - Experienced User
What channels are you using? Manual or Auto on 2.4Ghz? What channel are you using on 5Ghz?
I'm using channel 1 for 2.4Ghz and channel 40...
samnt650 wrote:Orbi firmware is v3.2.16.22_1.4.9 2.
NEST 3rd Gen Thermostat with firmware 6.1-9
RBR & RBS connected via RJ45
Less than 25 to RBR. Less than 45 to RBS.
- FURRYe38Dec 11, 2020Guru - Experienced User
Also how did you update your Orbi system? Manual or automatic?
- samnt650Dec 11, 2020Tutor
2.4G on auto Channel
5G on 48 Channel
Orbi firmware update was done via out-of-band file upload (to fix the speed check problem) later via direct update from the device web console.
I am working with the Tech Support, have the following config deviated from defaults
MTU - 1492
AX for 2.4G & 5G - Disabled
CTS/RTS - 2347
At of 15:00 EST 11Dec, These changes are on Orbi with fully charged NEST. Let see how many days or hrs before the NEST lose the Wifi connection.
If tech ask me to make further changes, I'll reset the battery drain test process. (Yes, I full batter charge NEST after each Orbi config change)