Success with these steps:

  1. Factory reset master node by holding down the power button until the power light blinks rapidly and shuts off. Release the power button. (Bench tests show a more successful initial mesh if the master is operating on a clean UI.)
  2. Connect master node via WIFI or Ethernet
  3. Log into master node UI at 192.168.8.1. Perform the initial language selection and administrative password update.
  4. Ensure that there is a powered ethernet device on the WAN port-this does not need to be an upstream device, it is required for the Master to identify itself as the master when entering the mesh mode.
  5. Ensure that there are no other devices via WIFI or LAN, other than your connected PC and the step 3 WAN port connected.
  6. Ensure that there are no ethernet or WAN connections to the slave.
  7. Reset 1st slave node
  8. Place slave node near the master node
  9. Press the mesh button on the master node until the second faster flash and release
  10. Press the mesh button on the slave node until the second faster flash and release
  11. Wait - this appears to take a completely random amount of time to get a proper mesh connection. Often more than the state 3-4 minutes above.
  12. You can go to the master node @ 192.168.8.1 and watch the status of the mesh ( doing browser refreshes) , you should eventually see “Wireless” change to “Mesh” on the LHS menu and you should see node 1 appear under the mesh on the mesh page. Wait until you get solid green on both nodes.
  13. If you have additional nodes, reset them, bring them close to the master node and slave node
  14. Repeat steps 9-12 above until you see node 2, node 3 etc and solid mesh lights
  15. Change the mesh name and password to what you want it to be on the mesh node on the master node
  16. Place the nodes where you want them
  17. Find the optimal position for the nodes so that all nodes show connecting to the mesh (solid led)

I attempted additional mesh connections after the 3.203 update on both the S1300 and the B1300, thinking that doing a master reset on both, updating both to 3.203, master resetting the B1300 and going through the procedure which was successful above, might work as if you had an existing mesh between the same units and updated the master that the slave wouldnt have the new firmware.

This was initially successful in creating a mesh with both units under the 3.203 firmwares on both units, but both became unstable and lost internet connection after time.

I also noted that the B1300 unit seems unable to take the Luci or other plugins after the 3.203 firmware update. This appeared as an insufficient memory/storage in the unit. Not sure if this is causing issues with the mesh as it is attempting to receive information from the master.

Both have been reverted to the 3.105 firmware and following the procedure above, are meshed and up and running stable.

Recommend that tech support use the above amended procedure for instructions in establishing a mesh between a S1300 (master) and a B1300 (slave) in a firmware 3.105 mesh scenario. Please update us here when the 3.203 mesh is stable.

Thanks for everyone’s input.

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