# Alfa WiFi dongle not working

Source: https://forum.modalai.com/topic/4538/alfa-wifi-dongle-not-working
Category: General Questions (https://forum.modalai.com/category/2/general-questions)
Posted: 2025-06-25 16:01:21 UTC by victochen
Replies: 1 · Views: 594

## victochen · 2025-06-25 16:01:21 UTC

Hi,

I have a setup with a VOXL 2 with WiFi via the [VOXL 2 WiFi Add-On Kit (MDK-M0151-1-02)](https://www.modalai.com/products/voxl-2-wifi-add-on-kit?_pos=1&_sid=3767a2364&_ss=r). It was working fine for a month (both in station mode and soft AP mode), but not it no longer seems to work.

When I use `voxl-wifi` and configure it for soft AP mode, I don't see the `VOXL-...` SSID broadcast in the list of WiFi SSIDs.

When I change it to station mode and try to connect to a WiFi network, it doesn't connect and `voxl-my-ip` always returns "none".

When I connect the Alfa WiFi dongle directly into the PC, no networks appear when it scans for WiFi networks; so the dongle doesn't work on my PC as well.

I also have a Starling 2 Max with WiFi so it uses the same model Alfa WiFi dongle. When I swap the dongle from the Starling 2 Max into my other VOXL 2, I'm able to see the `VOXL-...` SSID broadcast in the list of WiFi SSDs when I configure for soft AP mode and I'm able to connect to my WiFi network and get an IP address when in station mode.

Based on this, I assume there's an issue with the WiFi dongle. Is there anything else I can try? If not, is it possible to get a replacement dongle?

Thanks.

## Reply by DavidTorres · 2026-07-25 09:42:31 UTC

Same here, mine died after about 40hrs of operation. I suspect is thermal damage