Radions Won’t Connect Via USB

Fumbles · Apr 10, 2019

I bought 2 radion xr30 from 2 different sellers. Gen 2 and 3 both non pro.

I want to set them up with my reeflink like my Vortechs are. I’ve tried it with the reeflink on ESL with the connection manager closed and also through the connection manager with my reeflink unplugged. I’ve used 2 different usb cables and 2 different laptops (Mac and PC). I have also tried going into ESL, clicking on reeflink, clicking on light actions, and trying a factory reset on the lights, but that hasn’t helped either. And since then, the gen 3 leds will no longer turn on when plugged in. Only the fan turns on.

I updated the firmware on my reeflink twice and tried both steps exactly from multiple sources.

I’ve searched everywhere and called ecotech, but still can’t figure this out. Ecotech told me that if I followed instructions and am using a good usb cable, there is a hardware issue with the lights. I doubt that’s the case and one of the lights was previously re-connected to the sellers reeflink to confirm it can connect.

I really want to use these on my tank, but this is getting frustrating.

JustAnotherReefer · Apr 10, 2019

did you factory reset the lights?

fattiremike · Apr 10, 2019

Cush2push said:
did you factory reset the lights?

I had to fight with mine too. Once I properly reset them, they hooked right up.

Fumbles · Apr 10, 2019

Cush2push said:
did you factory reset the lights?

When you say factory reset, what are the steps you’re referring to. In the post I said i factory reset the lights under the reeflink tab on ESL. This is the only way I found to “factory reset” and I don’t even know if it’s working.

JustAnotherReefer · Apr 10, 2019

Fumbles said:
When you say factory reset, what are the steps you’re referring to. In the post I said i factory reset the lights under the reeflink tab on ESL. This is the only way I found to “factory reset” and I don’t even know if it’s working.

are you plugging and resetting into each one or just one and using the app?

1. Disconnect via USB and power down all lights for at least 30 seconds

2. Log in to EcoSmart Live using Google Chrome or Safari

3. Select the Settings then New Profile and Yes

4. Log out of EcoSmart Live

5. Start the Connection Manager and connect via USB to one Radion

6. Right click the connection manager icon select USB Radion then Factory Reset and Yes

7. Repeat step 6 for each light

8. Log in to EcoSmart Live and program your lights using the Aquarium Setup

9. Select the Program All button to save all changes

Fumbles · Apr 10, 2019

fattiremike said:
I had to fight with mine too. Once I properly reset them, they hooked right up.

How did you do your factory reset?

Fumbles · Apr 10, 2019

Cush2push said:
are you plugging and resetting into each one or just one and using the app?

1. Disconnect via USB and power down all lights for at least 30 seconds

2. Log in to EcoSmart Live using Google Chrome or Safari

3. Select the Settings then New Profile and Yes

4. Log out of EcoSmart Live

5. Start the Connection Manager and connect via USB to one Radion

6. Right click the connection manager icon select USB Radion then Factory Reset and Yes

7. Repeat step 6 for each light

8. Log in to EcoSmart Live and program your lights using the Aquarium Setup

9. Select the Program All button to save all changes

The problem with the connection manager is it doesn’t show that the radion is connected. This is what I get:
*Edit* I have followed that list exactly and it won’t show it’s connected.

dadnjesse · Apr 10, 2019

I have called Ecotech customer support twice in the last week. once for my Radions and for my Vortech mp 40's and they were very helpful. I'm surprised they didn't get it working for you. I would call back maybe you got a bad rep

JustAnotherReefer · Apr 10, 2019

they are not showing up because they're linked to another profile.

I have had better luck shooting them an email with the Radions device IDs for them to remove/reset them

Fumbles · Apr 10, 2019

Cush2push said:
they are not showing up because they're linked to another profile.

I have had better luck shooting them an email with the Radions device IDs for them to remove/reset them

I was wondering if this was possible. I almost did the same thing with my reeflink, but the old owner was able to remove it, allowing me link it to my profile. Is it possible the old owners of the radions can remove them from ESL or does tech support have to do it? Thank you.

JustAnotherReefer · Apr 10, 2019

Fumbles said:
I was wondering if this was possible. I almost did the same thing with my reeflink, but the old owner was able to remove it, allowing me link it to my profile. Is it possible the old owners of the radions can remove them from ESL or does tech support have to do it? Thank you.

Ecotech should be able to reset them for you

would send pictures of them JIC

Fumbles · Apr 10, 2019

Cush2push said:
Ecotech should be able to reset them for you

would send pictures of them JIC

I appreciate the help!

Fumbles · Apr 10, 2019

Well I’m relieved to say that I figured it out. Basically the 2 different usb cables I was using weren’t good enough to connect to the radions properly. As a last effort, I decided to buy a nice cable and it worked flawlessly. I hate that I wasted my entire day on it, but glad that I no longer feel crazy.

myakuel · Oct 12, 2019

i am having a similar issue. but its not the cord, because the cord connects one of my radions but not the other. i think i disabled the buttons by accident but dont know how to enable the buttons because the light does not connect to the computer. i tried to factory reset via the buttons on the radion but nothing happens. in my eco smart live, there are no devices showing.

Bigema · May 19, 2020

Fumbles said:
Well I’m relieved to say that I figured it out. Basically the 2 different usb cables I was using weren’t good enough to connect to the radions properly. As a last effort, I decided to buy a nice cable and it worked flawlessly. I hate that I wasted my entire day on it, but glad that I no longer feel crazy.

Hi there! By any chance could you tell me which brand cable you brought? I am having the exact same problem as you

Fumbles · May 19, 2020

Bigema said:
Hi there! By any chance could you tell me which brand cable you brought? I am having the exact same problem as you

I’m not currently home, but I can check by tomorrow and get back. I just know that I found the most expensive one and spent about $20 on it. If it’s the same issue, I think you’d be safe doing the same. Good luck!

Jonreefer · May 19, 2020

Radions are picky with the USB cable. i have tried a bunch and so far the only ones that have ever worked for me are the ones from ecotech and Anker USB cable

jmichaelh7 · Jan 2, 2022

Can someone shed light on those USB cables

Fumbles · Jan 2, 2022

jmichaelh7 said:
Can someone shed light on those USB cables

Do you mean why some work and others don’t?

I can’t speak technically, but I assume the cheap cables I tried couldn’t handle the connection. Easiest way to explain it is like trying to drink a shake through a coffee straw.

jmichaelh7 · Jan 2, 2022

Fumbles said:
Do you mean why some work and others don’t?

I can’t speak technically, but I assume the cheap cables I tried couldn’t handle the connection. Easiest way to explain it is like trying to drink a shake through a coffee straw.

I’m headed to target to get one just wanted to know what one