Winegard ConnecT OS – A Revamped and Modernized Firmware for the ConnecT and Gateway Routers

Winegard just released a major overhaul of the firmware for its mobile routers, which it is calling "ConnecT OS."

Customers with compatible gear can download the update now. Here are the details of this major revamp:

Winegard Firmware Video Update

 

Overhauled User Interface

Until now, the firmware on Winegard routers has been very basic, with a generally bad user interface and user experience. The new ConnecT OS changes all that, and the UI is now modern and similar enough to other router UIs to make it easy to navigate.

Winegard tells us the new interface has been rebuilt from the ground up to be more intuitive, faster, and compatible with viewing on a computer or any mobile device.

The UI itself has a familiar structure with menu tabs on the left leading to all the core functions. It is a vast improvement over the previous interface.

Additionally, Winegard has added setup wizards to guide users in setting up various router functions. Since Winegard gear comes preinstalled on many new RVs, the customer base is large, with many non-technical users. The setup wizards are designed to help novices easily configure their system.

New Features

The new firmware comes with some new features:

Wi-Fi Extender Mode

The Wi-Fi Extender mode extends other Wi-Fi networks and acts as a Wi-Fi repeater, essentially extending Wi-Fi from home, public, and campground Wi-Fi internet sources.

This works similarly to a router in bridge mode - once enabled and connected to a Wi-Fi network, it brings up a new SSID that allows a passthrough connection to the original Wi-Fi source and acts as if you're connected to it directly while still allowing easy access to the router's control panel.

This is intended to be a simpler way to enable bridge mode in a router without the end user having to set up a static IP route to retain access to the router control panel. The goal is to make bridge mode easy for novices to set up and use.

Winegard routers and the new firmware also support Wi-Fi-as-WAN, which is how most people will want to connect to external Wi-Fi networks. However, this option is a nice addition for some niche use cases, such as extending a trusted home network.

Bluetooth Sensor Integration

The new firmware also enables Bluetooth connectivity with an optional Bluetooth dongle.

Bluetooth allows integration between Winegard's routers and its new line of Bluetooth monitoring and security sensors. The router can monitor and control the sensors, and users can set alerts and other functions.

Sensor data can also be sent to the cloud for remote access and monitoring via the RV Halo app on a smartphone.

Concluding Thoughts

The new firmware, at least on paper, seems to be a substantial improvement over the previous iteration in every area.

Winegard ConnecT 2.0 and Air 360+ systems are ubiquitous in the RV market, and it's great to see that Winegard has finally given them modern firmware and new features packaged in a UI that is much more friendly and accessible to the typical RV owner.

The update is available for download now.

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