Get to Know YS1604 SpeakerHub (Q&As)

Q: Why is a YoLink Hub necessary?
A: YoLink smart devices utilize a unique wireless technology based on LoRa, which provides an exceptionally long range (1000 feet compared to 100 for WiFi, outdoors, line-of-sight) and superior obstruction penetration, including concrete and metal. However, they do not use your WiFi. To wirelessly connect to the internet, the cloud, and integrate with the YoLink system and third-party services, YoLink devices require a YoLink Hub. One YoLink Hub can support over 200 YoLink devices in real-world tests.
Q: What is the maximum number of devices one hub can connect to?
A: There is no specific limit on the number of devices you can add to one hub. In tests, a single hub was capable of supporting 180 devices without issues. It is recommended customers consider adding another hub if they have between 100 and 200 devices.
Q: Is my YS1604-UC Hub compatible with your newer devices?
A: Yes, both the YS1603-UC Hub and YS1604-UC SpeakerHub are compatible with all YoLink UC model (US server) devices, except for the YS3603-UC Remote.
Q: If I purchase a speaker hub, will my regular hub become redundant?
A: If you already have a regular hub and then add a speaker hub, your regular hub will not become redundant. Having two hubs makes your system more reliable; when hub A is offline, devices will automatically connect to hub B. If you don't have a regular hub, a single speaker hub should be sufficient.
Q: Can I use multiple YoLink hubs within the same network?
A: Yes, you can set up multiple hubs within the same network, and it is recommended doing so. Having two or more hubs increases system reliability. If hub A is offline, devices will automatically connect to hub B. Additionally, placing hubs in various locations throughout your home will expand their communication range.
Q: What is the communication range between the hub and the devices?
A: The maximum communication range between the hub and devices is up to 1/4 mile (open-air). However, the range may decrease due to interference from metals and other obstructions.
Q: How can I extend the range of my YoLink Hub within my facility?
A: To extend the range of your YoLink Hub, install multiple hubs at different locations throughout your facility. This will expand the communication range and improve overall coverage.
Q: Can YoLink work across multiple homes?
A: Yes, YoLink can operate in multiple homes at different locations. However, you will need a YoLink Hub for each location to ensure proper connectivity.
Q: Does the YoLink Hub require a 2.4GHz WiFi connection?
A: Yes, YoLink SpeakerHub requires a 2.4GHz WiFi connection.
Q: Will YoLink work with 5G internet? My home has 5G WiFi; is that compatible?
A: YoLink supports 5G cellular networks but does not support 5GHz band WiFi. "5G WiFi," technically referred to as 5GHz, is a frequency band, whereas 5G cellular refers to the fifth generation of mobile networks. Although they share a similar name and technology, they are not the same thing.
Q: Can YoLink Hub work with free public WiFi?
A: No, the YoLink Hub is not compatible with free public WiFi networks.
Q: Can I plug the YoLink Hub into a 220V outlet?
A: Yes, the YoLink Hub can work with a 220V power supply. It requires an output of 4.3-6V and an input of 100V-240V. The provided power adapter has an input range of 100V-240V and an output of 5V-1A.
Q: How much power does the YoLink Hub consume?
A: The YoLink Hub has low power consumption, with an average consumption of about 0.012 KWH/day at a 5V DC power supply (peak current can reach up to 350mA).
Q: Will the YoLink Hub work with a 2Mb/s internet connection?
A: The YoLink Hub requires a stable internet connection but does not need a high-speed connection. The YoLink smart home system uses very little data from the internet, so a 2Mb/s connection will work.
Q: What is the MAC address format for the YoLink SpeakerHub?
A: The MAC address is D88B4C04+the last 4 digits of the EUI number, you can view the EUI number on the device details screen.
Q: My network has firewall restrictions. What IP addresses and ports do I need to allow for YoLink?
A: To ensure YoLink functions properly with your network, please allow the following IP addresses and ports in your firewall settings:

us.yosmart.com 443
api.yosmart.com 443
mq-yl-appt.yosmart.com 8001-8002
For ports 8001-8002, only TCP traffic is allowed.
Q: If I replace my YoLink Hub, do I need to rebuild my system and rebind all my devices?
A: No, all you need to do is connect the new hub to the internet. All settings are saved in the cloud, and the hub only transfers data without storing any information.
Q: Is there an option for cellular backup with YoLink?
A: Currently, YS1604 is not a cellular-hub. However, you can use a mobile hotspot device and a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) battery backup as an alternative solution. YoLink will release a cellular-hub in the future.
Q: Does the YoLink Hub have a battery backup?
A: The YoLink Hub does not have a built-in backup battery. You can connect the hub to a UPS backup power supply for uninterrupted operation during power outages.
Q: Will the YoLink Hub continue to function during internet interruptions or power outages?
A: The YS1604 YoLink Hub does not support local networks and does not have a battery backup. If you are concerned about internet interruptions or power outages, it is recommended using a mobile hotspot for Wi-Fi and a UPS battery backup to maintain functionality in those situations.
Q: If there is an internet outage at my location, will the programming that I set up for my YoLink home security system still work?
A: If there is an internet outage, the app functions will not work as the settings are saved in the cloud. However, you can set up a hub offline notification to stay informed about the hub's status.
Q: Is there a retry limit in the firmware and network settings for a loss of network connection?
A: The YoLink Hub does not have a retry limit for reconnecting to the internet. If the hub is offline, its software will reboot the system every 2 minutes until the connection is re-established.
Q: Is there a way to remotely reboot the YoLink Hub?
A: To remotely reboot the hub, you can use a YoLink smart plug. Set up automation in the app to turn off the plug and then add a delayed device action to turn it back on.
Q: Does the YoLink Hub work with Google Home?
A: Yes, the YoLink Hub can be integrated with Google Home. Please note that in the Google Home App, you will only see YoLink devices, not the YoLink Hub itself.
Q: Can you provide definitive information on how often each YoLink device communicates with the Hub to report its status?
A: YoLink devices are classified into three types: Class A, Class C, and Class D. Most battery-powered devices are Class A, such as door and leak sensors. They send a signal to the Hub when an event occurs and transmit a status update to the cloud every 4 hours. Class C devices, such as energy plugs, are externally powered and always in receive mode. They send status updates to the cloud every 30 minutes. Class D devices, like valve controllers, can be powered by a battery and external power simultaneously. They are always in receive mode and send status updates to the cloud every 4 hours.
Q: How often do YoLink devices send status updates?
A: Class A devices (battery-powered) send updates every 4 hours, Class C devices (external supply) every 30 minutes, and Class D devices (battery and power supply) every 4 hours.
Q: How can I set up offline notifications for my YoLink Hub?
A: You can set up offline notifications for your YoLink Hub by following these steps:

1. Open the YoLink app on your mobile device.
2. Tap on the three horizontal bars in the upper left corner to access the menu.
3. Select "Settings" from the menu.
4. Choose "Alarm Strategies" from the settings options.
5. Tap on the plus icon in the lower right corner to create a new strategy and name it "hub".
6. In the "Related Devices" area, choose your hub(s).
7. Enable the strategy and set the app/email/SMS notification to admin/all, if desired.
To test the setup, unplug the hub, wait for 1 minute for it to show offline in the app, and then wait for 5 minutes to receive notifications.
Q: Can I receive an alert when there is an Internet outage or power supply failure for my YoLink Hub?
A: You can set up hub offline notifications by following the steps provided in the above answer. Be sure to allow YoLink app notifications in your phone settings, verify your email address (to receive email notifications), and add your phone number (to receive text messages). You can check your email address and phone number in the YoLink app by going to Menu (upper left) > Settings > Account.
Q: Why doesn't the Wi-Fi connection work for my YoLink Hub?
A: To troubleshoot the Wi-Fi connection issue, please follow these steps:

1. Check the LED behavior on the hub. If the LED blinks green, blue, and red alternately, the hub is in ATE mode. Repower the hub without pressing and holding the SET button during the process.

2. If the green LED is dimly blinking, try using another USB adapter and USB cable. Do not plug the USB cable into a USB extension cable, as it may reduce the power supply, causing the hub to malfunction.

3. If the LED blinks green only, use the hotspot configuration method as instructed by the app. If you encounter a "Connect to device timeout" error, tap Close, pull down the notification panel on your phone, and select the notification about no internet access. Tap "Yes" to stay connected to the hotspot and continue.

If you're using a mesh network, search for a solution to temporarily disable the 5GHz band on your router forum or contact YoLink with your router brand and model for assistance. Temporarily disabling 5GHz will not disconnect your other devices.

Please ensure that you follow these troubleshooting steps and instructions for the proper connection of your YoLink Hub to Wi-Fi.
Q: I have reset the hub numerous times, but it still connects to an old wireless SSID. What should I do?
A: Resetting the hub doesn't clear the SSID, but connecting to a new Wi-Fi network will overwrite it. Please connect the hub to the desired Wi-Fi network, and it will replace the old SSID.
Q: I only have Wi-Fi from my phone hotspot, but I haven't had any luck getting the hub to connect. My phone shows the Wi-Fi and connects to it, but the hub won't.
A: To connect the hub to your phone's hotspot, follow these steps:

Use Phone A to create a 2.4 GHz hotspot Wi-Fi
Connect Phone B to the hotspot Wi-Fi provided by Phone A
Download the YoLink app on Phone B, go to the hub page, and tap the Wi-Fi icon to configure the Wi-Fi settings
Q: How can I remotely reboot the YoLink hub?
A: You can purchase a YoLink plug to remotely reboot the hub. Set up an automation in the app with the following actions:

When the plug turns off
Add a device action: delay on the plug
This automation will trigger a reboot of the hub when the plug turns off.
Q: Can I use my Amazon Echo Dot with Alexa as a hub for YoLink devices?
A: Unfortunately, YoLink devices use a proprietary protocol based on LoRa, which is not compatible with the Amazon Echo Dot or Alexa hubs. To use YoLink devices, you will need a YoLink Hub specifically designed for their system.
Q: Can I combine two locations with two hubs in the same app under "home"? Would that work?
A: Yes, you can have multiple hubs at different locations within the same "home" in the YoLink app. There is no device limit, so you can manage both hubs and their associated devices seamlessly through the app.
Q: Is the Hub required during pairing a siren and water leak sensor for YoLink Control?
A: No, the Hub is not required when you are pairing the siren to the water leak sensor. If you only want the siren to be controlled by the water leak sensor and do not require smartphone notifications, you do not need the Hub. This is known as the YoLink Control protocol. However, if you want to have remote control and receive notifications on your smartphone, then the Hub is necessary.
Q: When I connect the Speakerhub to WiFi, on the "Choose WiFi" screen in the YoLink app, it says error "device time out." Can you help me solve the problem?
A: This issue may be related to some Android phones (due to different phone default network settings). When you connect to the hotspot YS_1604XXXX and return to the YoLink app, you might receive a notification like "YS_1604XXXXXX has no Internet access." Please tap on this notification for options.

If there is a pop-up question like "This network has no Internet access, stay connected? No or Yes," please tap "Yes." Then, go back to the YoLink app, and you should be able to find your WiFi SSID from the "Choose Wifi" screen.

If you cannot find your WiFi SSID (assuming you don't broadcast your SSID), please tap the "Choose A WiFi" area and scroll down to manually input your WiFi SSID and correct password. Please note that the YoLink SpeakerHub connects to the 2.4GHz band WiFi only, so do not disable the 2.4GHz band.
Q: Is there any way to store a file in the cache of the device so there's no delay when sending a request to play it via API?
A: Unfortunately, YoLink SpeakerHubs do not support this feature. They do not provide the ability to cache a file on the device for immediate playback when requested via API.
Q: I am attempting to get the speakerhub to alert but not with a voice, just a tone. How can I turn off the voice option when a door opens?
A: You can customize the Speakerhub alerts using the YoLink app by creating an automation:

1. Open the YoLink app and navigate to the "Smart" section.
2. Tap "Automation" and create a new automation.
3. Set the trigger as "when device action - door is opened".
4. Add the desired action: "device action - speaker hub - custom alarms" and then select the tone only option.
5. Save your automation.
6. Finally, set the door sensor's alert to "don't alert" to prevent it from triggering the alarm via the alarm strategy.

This will allow the Speakerhub to play a tone rather than a voice message when the door opens.
Q: I assume if I name the speaker hub in the second house differently, I can modify my home sump pump alarm to announce on the speaker hub at both locations also. Can I do that?
A: Yes, you can trigger multiple speaker hubs at different locations by one of your sensors, as long as they are all bound to the same home in your YoLink account.
Q: How do I upload the speaker hub audio file?
A: To upload an audio file to your Speaker Hub, follow these steps:

1. Open the YoLink app and navigate to the Speaker Hub page.
2. Tap the "Speaker" icon at the bottom of the page.
3. In the "Play Audio" section, tap the arrow on the right side and choose "Audio File."
4. Tap "Select an Audio File."
5. In the bottom right section, tap the upload icon to upload your desired audio file.
Q: I have a speaker hub, and one motion sensor, and can't get the Speakerhub to talk when the sensor is triggered.
A: To set up the Speaker Hub to talk when the motion sensor is triggered, please go to YoLink App->Menu->Settings->Alarm Strategies->Find the strategy that is related to your motion sensor, trigger the Speakerhub in the strategy.
Q: Why can't I save my voice command message for my SpeakerHub?
A: The play icon on the Speaker Hub screen is for testing purposes only. To save a custom voice command message for your Speaker Hub, you should create an automation or modify an existing alarm strategy. If you want sensors to trigger your speakerhub, you can go to the App->Menu->Settings->Alarm Strategies->Find the strategy that is related to your sensor, trigger the speakerhub in the strategy. Or you can go to Smart->Automation to set up custom voice alert, eg: when device action - sensor - water leak alert, then add behavior - device action - speakerhub - custom the settings.
Q: Can I have 2 Speaker Hubs on one network?
A: Yes, you can set up multiple Speaker Hubs on one network without any issues. Additionally, you can also add multiple Speaker Hubs to one account, even if they are located at different locations using different networks. This allows for greater flexibility and customization in your smart home setup.
Q: Can SpeakerHub be integrated with Alexa or IFTTT?
A: SpeakerHub does not have native integration with Alexa or IFTTT. However, you can use Alexa or IFTTT to play messages on the SpeakerHub by setting up a YoLink scene that triggers the desired tone/sound and phrase.
Q: Is it possible to set a custom message when using SpeakerHub in alarm strategies?
A: Currently, SpeakerHub does not provide an option to set a custom message when using it in alarm strategies. However, when SpeakerHub is set as the trigger behavior in a strategy, it will read out the same message that is sent via email, SMS, or push notification.
Q: Can the YoLink SpeakerHub be used with sensors from other brands?
A: The YoLink app does not support sensors from other brands. However, you can set up a scene on the YoLink app for the SpeakerHub to play a voice message. Then, using the Alexa app (even if you don't have an Alexa device), you can discover new scenes and set up a routine that triggers when a sensor from another brand detects an event. The routine can then execute the scene you set up on the YoLink app to play the voice message on the SpeakerHub.
Q: How can I make the YoLink SpeakerHub repeat a noise continuously instead of just three times?
A: The SpeakerHub currently only has the option to repeat a noise three times. However, you can record a continuous voice message and upload the file. And create automation, under the behavior settings, select "Speaker Hub" and then "Play Audio" and upload the audio file with the continuous message.
Q: Can the YoLink SpeakerHub be used as a replacement for an indoor siren? Is it as loud as a siren?
A: The volume of the SpeakerHub typically ranges from 80-100dB when set to volume level 16, and the tone TEMPORAL-3-FIRE. HI-LO. WHOOP is selected. In comparison, an indoor siren typically has a volume of 100-110dB. While the SpeakerHub can produce loud sounds, it may not be as loud as a dedicated indoor siren.
Q: Does YoLink hub use DHCP server 192.168.100.10 on my network?
A: Yes, YoLink hub uses DHCP server.
Q: Can I pair my speaker hub to my sensors through the D2D control so that when the internet is down, the speaker hub can still announce alerts from my sensors?
A: No, the speaker hub is among the Yolink devices that do not support the D2D Control.

Get to Know YS1604 SpeakerHub (Q&As)

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