# Starling 2 max Not detecting Wifi hardware

Source: https://forum.modalai.com/topic/5246/starling-2-max-not-detecting-wifi-hardware
Category: General Questions (https://forum.modalai.com/category/2/general-questions)
Posted: 2026-06-04 20:50:13 UTC by vmbasvi
Replies: 5 · Views: 785

## vmbasvi · 2026-06-04 20:50:13 UTC

I am setting up a new Starling 2 Max (SKU: MRB-D0012-4-V2-C28-T8-M11-X0) and am unable to configure Wi-Fi.

The system reports:

voxl-wifi getmode → Mode: undefined, Hardware: single-mode (None)

voxl-my-ip only shows 192.168.168.100 (usb0)

iw dev returns no wireless interfaces

ip link shows no wlan0 or uap0

ping 8.8.8.8 returns Network is unreachable

I also verified that the Wi-Fi driver module exists and loads successfully:

88XXau.ko is present under /lib/modules/4.19.125/

modprobe 88XXau loads without errors

lsmod shows 88XXau loaded

However, no wireless interface appears after loading the driver. This Starling was taken directly out of the box and has not been modified.

System information:

System Image: 1.8.06-M0054-14.1a-perf

VOXL Suite: 1.6.3

Hardware Platform: M0054

Kernel: 4.19.125

Could you please advise whether additional configuration is required or if there may be an issue with the Wi-Fi hardware or image installation?

## Reply by Alex Kushleyev (ModalAI staff) · 2026-06-05 17:58:30 UTC

Are you able to unplug the wifi adapter from USB and plug it back in (while VOXL2 is on) and check what kernel reports in `dmesg` ?

## Reply by vmbasvi · 2026-06-06 03:29:38 UTC (in reply to Alex Kushleyev)

@Alex-Kushleyev ![04a8c33a-1e58-4acb-a897-8b8b4b708f9d.jpeg](https://forum.modalai.com/assets/uploads/files/1780716521639-04a8c33a-1e58-4acb-a897-8b8b4b708f9d-resized.jpeg) This is the drone in question so how exactly do you mean Wifi adapter

## Reply by vmbasvi · 2026-06-06 03:57:32 UTC (in reply to Alex Kushleyev)

@Alex-Kushleyev does it need additional usb wifi dongle?

## Reply by nl_vdi · 2026-06-07 16:11:59 UTC

@vmbasvi said in [Starling 2 max Not detecting Wifi hardware](/post/26031):
> MRB-D0012-4-V2-C28-T8-M11-X0

I don't have this config so I can't confirm, but It may not come with WiFi module out of the box.

It looks like the modem carrier board may support USB2, Referencing documentation here:
https://docs.modalai.com/microhard-add-on-datasheet/

So you may be able to add:
https://www.modalai.com/products/mcbl-00009
To J4/J5 (or equiv) on your modem board

And one of the USB WiFi modules listed here:
https://docs.modalai.com/voxl-2-wifi-setup/
Note: We've had great performance with the AWUS036ACS as long as it is connected to a 2.4ghz network.

Perhaps @Alex-Kushleyev can confirm if this setup will work through the modem USB ports.

## Reply by tom (ModalAI staff) · 2026-06-08 17:59:25 UTC (in reply to vmbasvi)

@vmbasvi That appears to be a Microhard modem, not a WiFi dongle.