Issue
We are looking to upgrade a Mikrotik Device to a newer firmware version, or there is an issue where the Mikrotik Groove is not able to connect to the Mikrotik Access Point despite having the correct SSID and PSK.
Environment
We are using both Mikrotik Access Points and Mikrotik Grooves inside vehicles.
The devices are on older firmware. Our currently suggested firmware version is: 7.12.2.
If the Mikrotik AP (SXT) is version 6.3, the AP will not talk with Grooves that have newer (7.6+) firmware.
In "Quick Set" on the Groove, it will say "Searching for Network" despite having the correct SSID and Pre-Shared Key (PSK) in the Wireless settings.
***Please be advised: DO NOT upgrade the devices to firmware above 7.12.2***
Mikrotik Firmware Versions above 7.12.2 separate the Wireless Module from the core NPK file, meaning the upgrade process is more involved. This results in needing to download the All_Packages.zip file and extracting the wireless module as an additional step, before installing it like we do the NPK file.
Resolution
1: Gain access to the Mikrotik Device.
The Easiest way is, if possible, to remote access onto the server and open Winbox. If the Mikrotik AP has a known IP address, browser access is also an option.
2a: In Winbox, locate the Device we are looking to upgrade. This is often an Access Points will often say "SXT" followed by the device model designation under the "Board" column in Winbox, while Grooves will often say "Groove" followed by the device model designation.
Example: From Inside WinBox
2b: After locating the Device, check the "Version" column to see what version of the firmware it is operating. For Access Points, an SXT on Version 6.3 is guaranteed to cause problems with Grooves that are on newer firmware, while 6.4-6.5 will sometimes work.
3: Connect to the Device using the user Login and the Password. If you are not sure what it is or the credentials you have aren't working correctly, do not hesitate to call us for assistance at: 1-800-674-4357 Option 5
4a: At the top of the screen/Winbox window, Winbox will have a line telling you what device you are connected to. Confirm you are in the correct Mikrotik Device and then look at the end for a series of letters in parenthesis. An example of this would be (mipsbe).
4b: This is the specific board and will dictate which version of the firmware you will need to download from the Mikrotik website.
4c: The latest firmware for all board architectures can be found at: https://mikrotik.com/download.
Meanwhile, the firmware archive where you can get the currently advised firmware version (7.12.2) is located at: https://mikrotik.com/download/archive.
5: Transfer the downloaded firmware (the NPK file for firmware 7.12.2 and below) to the server/computer you are access the Device from.
6: With the firmware file now on the device, go back into Winbox and open "Files" on the sidebar.
7: Add the firmware to Files (If files are present, make sure the package is added to the root menu, not the hotspot folder).
8: Go into "System" on the sidebar and select "Reboot".
9: When the Device comes back up, it will be under the new firmware version. For Access Points previously on firmware version 4.3, the upgrade will allow them to be accessible by both newer and older firmware Grooves.