Use this guide to connect a Wi-Fi cordless fastening tool to your company’s wireless network and pair it with an ICX or QCX controller.
How the Connection Works
The tool connects to your company’s Wi-Fi network through a wireless access point. The controller connects to the company network through an Ethernet cable. Once both devices are connected, the tool can pair with the controller and communicate with the production system.
ICX controllers also offer a built-in Wi-Fi access point, allowing tools to connect directly to the controller. This guide focuses on connecting through your company’s Wi-Fi network.
ICX Network Diagram with Wi-Fi & 802.15.4
QCX Network Diagram with Wi-Fi
Tool Connectivity Datasheet – Number of Tools Per Controller
| Platform | Tool type(s) | 802.15.4 radio only | Wi-Fi only (Plant AP) | Wi-Fi only (ICX AP) | Radio + Wi-Fi (Plant AP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| QCX 1000/2000 | QX only | Max 6 QX without trace; Max 3 QX with trace | Max 10 QX Wi-Fi 4, Wi-Fi 6 | — | Max 6 radio + 4 Wi-Fi |
| QCX 1000/2000 | RTS only | Max 10 RTS | Max 20 RTS | — | Max 10 radio + 10 Wi-Fi |
| QCX 1000/2000 | QX + RTS | Max 6 total without QX trace | Max 10 total | — | Max 10 total, with Max 6 radio + remainder Wi-Fi |
| QCX 1000/2000 | QX + Accessories | Max 3 QX without trace + Max 6 accessories | Max 10 QX Wi-Fi + Max 6 accessories | — | Max 10 QX, with Max 6 radio QX + remainder Wi-Fi QX, plus Max 6 accessories |
| ICX | QX only | Max 6 QX; Max 3 QX with trace | Max 10 QX | Max 6 QX; 1 with trace + remote UI | Max 6 radio + 4 Wi-Fi |
| ICX | RTS only | Max 10 RTS | Max 20 RTS | Max 6 RTS + remote UI | Max 10 radio + 10 Wi-Fi |
| ICX | QX + RTS | Max 6 total without QX trace | Max 10 total | Max 6 total remote UI | Max 10 total, with Max 6 radio + remainder Wi-Fi |
| ICX | QX + Accessories | Max 3 QX without trace + Max 6 accessories | Max 10 QX + Max 6 accessories | Max 6 total QX + accessories + remote UI | Max 10 QX, with Max 6 radio QX + remainder Wi-Fi QX, plus Max 6 accessories |
Note: Plant AP means the customer network’s access point.
Before You Begin
You will need help from your company’s network administrator or IT team. They do not need to configure the tool for you, but they must provide the correct network information and confirm that the tool and controller are allowed to communicate.
Before starting, gather the following information.
| What you need | Who can provide it |
|---|---|
| Wi-Fi network name | Network administrator or IT team |
| Wi-Fi password or enterprise login information | Network administrator or IT team |
| Whether the network uses DHCP or a static IP address | Network administrator or IT team |
| Static IP address, subnet mask, and gateway, if required | Network administrator or IT team |
| QCX controller IP address | Controller administrator or installation team |
| Confirmation that the Wi-Fi network can communicate with the controller network | Network administrator or IT team |
Software Version Checklist
Before connecting the tool to Wi-Fi, check that the recommended tool software versions are installed:
| Tool software category | QX | RTS |
| Display version | 130.x.x.x/140.x.x.x | 3.7 and higher |
| Wi-Fi version | 3.0.1.x/140.x.x.x | Not applicable. After pairing, the controller will show 0.0.0.0. |
Before using the INSIGHT Connect app for Wi-Fi settings on the tool, check that the recommended app version is installed:
| INSIGHT Connect app | QX and RTS |
| Windows | 9.0.0 and higher |
| Android | 5.2.2 and higher |
| iOS | 3.2.2 and higher |
Tool Connectivity Datasheet – Wi-Fi Communication
| Item | QX Tools | RTS Tools | Accessories | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IEEE 802.15.4-2011 | IR protocol for QX | IR protocol for RTS | IR protocol for accessories | IR tools use a special protocol built over 802.15.4. They do not use the Zigbee protocol. |
| 2.4 GHz channels | 11–26 | 11–26 | 11–25 |
1. Channel 25 is used for pairing with the controller, not for normal operation. 2. The operating channel is selected on the controller and transmitted to the tools/accessories. If the controller’s channel changes while a paired tool/accessory is offline, the channel can be programmed on that tool/accessory through a USB connection using the controller/INSIGHT app. |
| Power levels per channel | Channels 11–24: −1 to 4 Channel 26: −1 |
Channels 11–24: −1 to 4 Channel 26: −1 |
Channels 11–24: −1 to 4 |
1. A higher value indicates higher transmitting power and range. 2. The tool uses the same power level set on the controller. 3. Channel 26 cannot be used by older tools. |
Tool Connectivity Datasheet – Wi-Fi Security
| Security Mode | QX Wi-Fi 4 Tools | RTS Tools | QX Wi-Fi 6 Tools | Accessories |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WEP Authentication/Encryption | Static Key / RC4 | Static Key / RC4 | Not supported | Not supported |
| WPA-Personal Authentication/Encryption | PSK / TKIP, AES CCMP | PSK / TKIP, AES CCMP | PSK / TKIP, AES CCMP | PSK / TKIP, AES CCMP |
| WPA-Enterprise Authentication/Encryption | EAP TLS 1.0 / AES CCMP, TKIP PEAP MSCHAPv2 / AES CCMP, TKIP |
EAP TLS 1.2 / AES CCMP PEAP MSCHAPv2 / AES CCMP, TKIP |
EAP TLS 1.2 / AES CCMP, TKIP PEAP MSCHAPv2 / AES CCMP, TKIP |
EAP TLS 1.2 / AES CCMP, TKIP PEAP MSCHAPv2 / AES CCMP, TKIP |
| WPA2-Personal Authentication/Encryption | PSK / AES CCMP | PSK / AES CCMP | PSK SHA256 / AES CCMP | PSK SHA256 / AES CCMP |
| WPA2-Enterprise Authentication/Encryption | EAP TLS 1.0 / AES CCMP, TKIP PEAP MSCHAPv2 / AES CCMP, TKIP |
EAP TLS 1.2 PEAP MSCHAPv2 / AES CCMP, TKIP |
EAP TLS 1.2 / AES CCMP, TKIP PEAP MSCHAPv2 / AES CCMP, TKIP EAP-TTLS 1.2 / AES CCMP, SHA256 |
EAP TLS 1.2 / AES CCMP, TKIP PEAP MSCHAPv2 / AES CCMP, TKIP EAP-TTLS 1.2 / AES CCMP, SHA256 |
| WPA3-Personal Authentication/Encryption | Not supported | Not supported | SAE / AES CCMP, PMF | SAE / AES CCMP, PMF |
| WPA3-Enterprise Authentication/Encryption | Not supported | Not supported | EAP TLS 1.2 / AES CCMP EAP-TTLS 1.2 / AES CCMP, PMF |
EAP TLS 1.2 / AES CCMP EAP-TTLS 1.2 / AES CCMP, PMF |
- The tool settings do not differentiate between personal and enterprise; the security technology and authentication can be configured via the InsightConnect App.
- EAP TLS, PEAP (MSCHAPv2) and EAP-TTLS are EAP modes configurable via the app; PEAP domain name is not supported.
- Encryption cannot be configured on the tool, it depends on what is set on the access point.
Tool Connectivity Datasheet – Wi-Fi6 Security With Roaming
| Security Type | QX Wi-Fi 6 Tools | App Settings | Roaming Support |
|---|---|---|---|
| WPA-Personal Authentication/Encryption | PSK / TKIP, AES CCMP | Security: WPA-PSK | Basic supported Fast not supported |
| WPA-Enterprise Authentication/Encryption | EAP TLS 1.2 / AES CCMP, TKIP PEAP MSCHAPv2 / AES CCMP, TKIP |
Security: WPA-EAP EAP mode: EAP-TLS EAP mode: EAP-PEAP |
Basic supported Fast not supported |
| WPA2-Personal Authentication/Encryption | PSK / AES CCMP, SHA256 | Security: WPA2-PSK | Basic and Fast supported |
| WPA2-Enterprise Authentication/Encryption | EAP TLS 1.2 / AES CCMP, TKIP PEAP MSCHAPv2 / AES CCMP, TKIP EAP-TTLS 1.2 / AES CCMP, SHA256 |
Security: WPA2-EAP EAP mode: EAP-TLS EAP mode: EAP-PEAP EAP mode: EAP-TTLS |
Basic supported with EAP-TLS and EAP-PEAP Fast supported with EAP-TLS |
| WPA3-Personal Authentication/Encryption | SAE / AES CCMP, PMF | Security: WPA3-PSK | Basic and Fast supported |
| WPA3-Enterprise Authentication/Encryption | EAP TLS 1.2 / AES, TKIP EAP-TTLS 1.2 / AES CCMP, SHA256, PMF |
Security: WPA3-EAP EAP mode: EAP-TLS EAP mode: EAP-PEAP EAP mode: EAP-TTLS |
Basic supported with EAP-TLS and EAP-PEAP Fast supported with EAP-TLS |
- Fast roaming (802.11r) is not supported with some authentication mechanisms.
- Time to reconnect to controller during roaming depends on: if tool is idle OR if tool is running, sending EOR, large buffer, complete trace transfer.
- The difference in reconnect to controller with basic roaming vs fast roaming is not noticeable.
- The AP takes a while to detect the disconnection of the tool; reconnection to the AP depends on this detection time. This can be observed if the tool is powered off and on with a 2 min gap vs a few seconds.
Tool Connectivity Datasheet – Wi-Fi Security SSID, Passwords & Certs
| Item | QX Wi-Fi 4 Tools | RTS Tools | QX Wi-Fi 6 Tools | Accessories | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SSID length | 32 characters | 32 characters | 32 characters | 32 characters | — |
| User ID length | 30 characters | 30 characters | 30 characters | 30 characters | RTS tools do not support special characters. |
| Wi-Fi password length | 63 characters | 32 characters | 63 characters | 63 characters | RTS tools do not support special characters. |
| User password length | 32 characters | 30 characters | 32 characters | 32 characters | — |
| TLS combined certificate maximum size | 12 Kb | 10 Kb | No limit | No limit | QX tools and accessories support combined certificates only. |
| TLS individual certificate maximum size (CA/client/key) | Not supported | 4 Kb for each CA, client, or key file | Not supported | Not supported | — |
| TLS certificate format | PEM | PEM | PEM | PEM | — |
| TLS version/certificate encryption | TLS 1.0 | TLS 1.2 | TLS 1.2 / SHA256 | TLS 1.2 / SHA256 | — |
- Certificates on device & on radius: EAP TLS
- On radius: PEAP, EAP TTLS
- The QX tool requires a single combined PEM file that includes the private key, the device certificate, and the complete CA certificate chain in the defined format.
- The combined PEM file must be created by concatenating the required components in an exact order
Tool Wi-Fi Typical* Performance Characteristics
| Item | Network Configuration | QX Wi-Fi 4 Tools | RTS Tools | QX Wi-Fi 6 Tools | Accessories | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First connection to AP | Dual band | 15 s | 15 s | 17 s | 5 s | — |
| First connection to AP | Single band | 8 s | 10 s | 15 s | 5 s | — |
| First connection to AP | Single channel | N/A | N/A | 10 s | N/A | — |
| Subsequent connection to AP after sleep/wakeup | Dual band | 15 s | 15 s | 10 s | N/A | Sleep/wakeup is not available in accessories. |
| Subsequent connection to AP after sleep/wakeup | Single band | 6 s | 5 s | 8 s | N/A | Sleep/wakeup is not available in accessories. |
| Subsequent connection to AP after sleep/wakeup | Single channel | N/A | N/A | 8 s | N/A | Sleep/wakeup is not available in accessories. |
| Subsequent connection to AP after a power cycle | Dual band | 15 s | 15 s | 15 s | 25 s | A High Torque Angle tool takes longer to connect in the same environment. |
| Subsequent connection to AP after a power cycle | Single band | 6 s | 5 s | 14 s | 25 s | — |
| Subsequent connection to AP after a power cycle | Single channel | N/A | N/A | 10 s | N/A | — |
| Subsequent connection to AP when going from offline to online without a power cycle | Dual band | 20 s | 20 s | 25 s | 25 s | — |
| Subsequent connection to AP when going from offline to online without a power cycle | Single band | 15 s | 15 s | 15 s | 25 s | — |
| Subsequent connection to AP when going from offline to online without a power cycle | Single channel | N/A | N/A | 10 s | N/A | — |
| Reconnection while roaming | — | 30 s | N/A | 5 s | 5 s | — |
| AP RSSI for a stable connection | — | > −65 dBm Good network or higher |
> −65 dBm Good network or higher |
> −55 dBm Very Good network or higher |
TBD |
1. RSSI is higher when the tool is closer to the AP. 2. RSSI needed for a stable connection varies with the access point’s make and model. 3. High Torque Angle tools may need higher RSSI than pistol tools in some environments. |
*These time values are the most frequently observed with the same access point; lower and higher values have been occasionally observed but not indicated here.
Confirming That the Network Will Work
QX Limitless Wi-Fi tools use 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz Wi-Fi networks. Before you configure the tool, ask your network administrator to confirm the following.
| Network requirement | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Wi-Fi standard | The network supports 802.11a/b/g/n. |
| Wireless band | The access point uses the approved 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz band. |
| Wireless channel | The access point uses a channel supported by the tool’s regional settings. Do not rely on automatic channel selection without confirming the active channel. |
| Security | The network uses a supported security type. Wi-Fi 4 tools do not support WPA3. |
| Coverage | The tool will have a strong, stable wireless signal throughout its work area. |
| Access-point coverage | The tool will remain within the coverage area of one access point while in use. Wi-Fi 4 tools do not support roaming between access points. |
| Network access | The tool is allowed to communicate with the QCX controller through the customer network. |
Important: If the tool cannot see the expected Wi-Fi network, connects but does not receive an IP address, or loses communication while moving through the work area, contact your network administrator before changing tool settings.
Connecting the QCX Controller to the Network
Before pairing a tool, make sure the QCX controller is connected to the company network.
- Connect the controller Ethernet cable to the company network.
- Power on the controller.
- Open the controller interface and sign in with the appropriate administrator credentials.
- Confirm that the controller has a valid IP address and an active Ethernet connection.
- Confirm that the controller is configured to communicate with wireless tools.
If you do not have controller administrator access, ask the controller administrator or installation team to complete these steps.
Checking Controller Setup After Configuration
Controller Setup Checklist
Before pairing the tool, confirm the controller’s network connection and communication settings.
| Check | What to Do | What to Confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Ethernet connection | Check the Ethernet cable and the controller port used for the network connection. | The cable is securely connected to the correct network port. For QCX Wi-Fi setup, use Port 1 (ETH-0). |
| IP address mode | Open the controller’s Ethernet settings and review the network type. | DHCP or static addressing matches the network configuration provided by IT. |
| Controller IP address | Confirm the IP address assigned to the Ethernet port used for the network connection. | Record this address for tool setup. A computer on the permitted network can open the controller interface using this address. |
| Communication port | On QCX, open Wireless Tools > LAN Settings. Review the selected Ethernet port and communication port number. | The selected port matches the network connection. Record the communication port number for tool setup when required. |
| Saved settings | If LAN settings changed, select Update LAN Settings. | The controller displays the intended settings before you begin pairing. |
After configuring the controller’s network settings, verify that the connected Ethernet port matches the port selected in the controller’s settings.
| Check | What to Do or Expect |
|---|---|
| Physical Ethernet port | Identify which controller port is connected to the LAN: Port 1 or Port 2. |
| Ethernet settings | Open the controller’s Ethernet Settings page and verify that the connected port is configured. |
| Wireless LAN settings | On the controller’s Wireless Settings page, verify the selected Ethernet port and the user-programmable network port number. Port 1 = ETH-0; Port 2 = ETH-1. |
| Physical LAN connection | Check the controller’s LAN connection. The LED on the connected Ethernet port should blink. |
| Controller IP address | Check the connected Ethernet port’s IP address on the controller’s home screen. Record it for future reference. |
| Expected result | The controller’s home screen shows the IP address and a green icon for the connected Ethernet port. |
Connecting the Tool to Wi-Fi
Use the INSIGHT Connect App and a USB connection to configure the tool.
- Connect the tool to a computer using the applicable USB cable.
- Open the INSIGHT Connect App and connect to the tool.
- In Tool Setup, open Interface Setup.
- Turn on Keep Alive, then save the setting.
- Open Wi-Fi Setup.
- Select the Wi-Fi icon to scan for available networks.
- Select the company Wi-Fi network.
- Select the correct wireless band, if prompted.
- Enter the Wi-Fi password or the enterprise information provided by your network administrator.
- Select DHCP or enter the static IP information provided by IT.
- Enter the QCX controller IP address and the controller communication settings provided for the installation.
- Save the settings, disconnect the USB cable, and power cycle the tool.
After the tool restarts, check the tool display. It should show a successful connection to the wireless network and a valid IP address.
Checking Tool Setup After Configuration
After programming the tool’s Wi-Fi settings, complete these checks before pairing it with the controller.
| Check | What to Do or Expect |
|---|---|
| Wi-Fi settings | Verify that the tool’s Wi-Fi settings match the access point’s settings. |
| Static IP settings | If the tool uses a static IP address, verify that the correct IP address, subnet, and gateway are entered. |
| Wi-Fi range | Confirm that the tool is within Wi-Fi range before initiating pairing. As a cross-check, verify that a laptop, mobile device, or another device can connect to the same network using similar settings. |
| Tool power cycle | Power cycling the tool is recommended after writing Wi-Fi settings to it. |
| Expected result: QX tool | After programming Wi-Fi settings and power cycling the tool, the display shows a checkmark on the access point symbol and an IP address. The controller symbol still shows an ×, indicating that controller pairing has not yet occurred. |
| Expected result: RTS tool | The RTS tool connects to the Wi-Fi network only when pairing is initiated. After programming the settings, there are no connection indications on the tool display. |
Pairing the Tool to the Controller
Pair the tool only after it has connected successfully to the Wi-Fi network.
Important: Controller should be put in pairing mode before the tool is put in pairing mode.
- On the tool, start pairing. Confirm that the pairing icon and hourglass appear and that the tool LEDs blink.
- Within 60 seconds, open the controller’s Wireless Tools settings and start pairing.
- Wait for the controller to detect the tool.
- Confirm that the tool appears in the controller’s wireless-tool list.
- Use the controller ping function, if available, to confirm that the tool responds.
- Confirm that the tool display shows successful connections to both the access point and the controller.
Troubleshooting Common Connection Problems
Points to Check
| Check | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Tool range | Check whether the tool is within range of the controller. |
| Obstructions | Check for obstructions between the controller and the tool. |
| Channel activity | Use the controller’s energy scan to check whether the channel in use is very busy. |
Troubleshooting During Tool Pairing
| Image (below table) | QX Tool | RTS Tool | Controller Display | What to Do |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Three LEDs are not blinking. The pairing icon does not appear on the tool display. | Access point icon is blue. | The Wireless Tools page has no new row for the tool. | The tool is not in pairing mode. Power cycle the tool and try again. If the issue persists, factory reset the tool and retry pairing. |
| B | Three LEDs are blinking. Pairing and hourglass icons appear on the tool display. | Access point icon is blue, and an hourglass icon appears. | The Wireless Tools page has no new row for the tool. |
The tool is in pairing mode but has not paired with the controller. 1. Check whether the tool’s Wi-Fi network can receive UDP communication from the controller’s LAN. 2. Power cycle the tool. Initiate pairing from the tool first, then initiate pairing from the controller again. |
| C | Orange LED is on. Pairing and hourglass icons remain on the tool display. | Access point icon is yellow, and an hourglass icon appears. | The Wireless Tools page has no new row for the tool. |
The controller has not accepted tool pairing. 1. Check whether pairing this tool would exceed the installed controller tool licenses. 2. Check whether the maximum combined Radio + Wi-Fi tool limit has been reached. 3. Check whether another controller on the same network has initiated pairing. Stop that pairing process, or configure direct pairing through the app using the intended controller’s IP address. 4. If these checks do not resolve the issue, power cycle the controller and retry pairing. |
| D | Green LED is on, and “J” appears on the tool display. | Access point icon is green, and “J” appears on the tool display. | The Wireless Tools page has no new row for the tool. |
The controller has not reflected successful pairing. 1. Wait 30 seconds, then refresh the controller’s web or local interface. 2. If a new row appears for the tool, select the blue Ping button to confirm that it is connected. 3. If the issue persists, factory reset the tool and initiate pairing with the controller again. |
| E | Green LED is on, and “J” appears on the tool display. | Access point icon is green, and “J” appears on the tool display. | A new tool row appears, but it shows “Pairing halted for this tool” with a red icon. |
The controller has not reflected successful pairing. 1. Wait 30 seconds, then refresh the controller’s web or local interface. 2. Use the blue Ping button to check the tool’s connection. 3. If the issue persists, unpair the tool through the controller’s wireless settings and through the tool’s interface. Then initiate pairing with the controller again. |
Troubleshooting After Tool Paring
| Reference(above table) | QX Access Point Icon | QX Controller Icon | QX Error Code | RTS Access Point Icon | Possible Cause | What to Do |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | × | × | B80 | Red | The tool is connected to neither the access point nor the controller. |
1. Check access point signal strength. Connect a laptop or another device to the access point as a cross-check. 2. Check for interference between the access point and tool. 3. Check the band and channel currently used by the access point. 4. Check router/RADIUS server logs for entries concerning the tool’s MAC address. 5. Power cycle the tool and check whether its connections recover. |
| B | ✓ | × | B80 | Yellow | The tool is connected to the access point but not the controller. |
1. Check the controller’s physical connections. 2. Verify that the controller’s IP address has not changed since pairing. Access its remote interface through a browser. 3. Check whether the controller’s wireless LAN settings have changed since pairing. 4. Power cycle the controller and tool, then check whether the connection recovers. |
| C | ✓ | × | B80 and lock icon with −06 | Red, with lock icon | The tool is connected to the access point but not the controller. | Follow the checks in Row B. |
| D | ✓ | × | B80 and B06 | Red | The tool is connected to the access point but not the controller. | Follow the checks in Row B. |
QX Error Code Notes:
- B80: Appears when the QX tool cannot communicate with the controller for 10 seconds.
- B80 and lock icon with −06: Appear when communication has been lost and the buffer count is exhausted or the tool is waiting for an interlock. The tool is locked because it cannot proceed.
- B80 and B06: Appear at tool power-up after a trigger press when controller communication is lost.
Connection Status Note: The tool and access point may take time to detect a disconnection. The displayed icon status is not always accurate.
When to Contact IT or Ingersoll Rand Support
Contact your network administrator when:
- The tool cannot find or join the company Wi-Fi network.
- The tool does not receive an IP address.
- The access point uses enterprise security, certificates, VLANs, access controls, or firewall rules.
- The tool connects to Wi-Fi but cannot reach the QCX controller.
- The connection becomes unreliable in a specific work area.
Contact Ingersoll Rand support when:
- The tool will not pair after the network and controller settings have been confirmed.
- The tool continues to show connection errors after restarting the tool and controller.
- You need help confirming the applicable tool, controller, or software configuration.
Before contacting support, record the tool model and serial number, controller IP address, Wi-Fi network name, tool display icons, LED status, and any error code shown on the tool.
Please contact Ingersoll Rand's Power Tool Technical Support Team through Submit a Request via our Help Center, email at IRToolHelp@irco.com, or call us at 866-TOOL-HLP (866-866-5457).
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