This article is an updated approach to connecting Yamaha Disklaviers to Wi-Fi. Previously, I used Powerline adapters to connect Disklaviers. In those cases, you weren’t technically connecting the Disklavier to Wi-Fi, but were instead bypassing the problem altogether by using the house’s wiring. However, I believe this updated approach is quite simple, somewhat less expensive, and will allow for higher connection speeds as Yamaha’s technology advances.
Notice: If you have a previous generation of Disklavier and haven’t updated its firmware since October 2020, it is absolutely necessary to update it before attempting to connect to the internet. Your Disklavier will tell you it isn’t connected to the internet, regardless of what you do, until the firmware is updated. I have additional information on updating the firmware on the Disklavier E3 (DKC-800 / DKC-850). I can also help with updating the firmware on the Disklavier Mark IV, and can even provide you with the media.
Supplies
GL.iNet Travel Router (“Mango”)
I’m recommending the model GL-MT300N “Mango” or similar. Presently, the GL.iNet “Mango” is about $30 on Amazon. This is a high-quality device from a reputable manufacturer, and it exceeds any of the other inexpensive bridges on Amazon in terms of build quality, setup, and reliability.
These are incredibly useful for mounting devices up underneath your grand piano.
Black CAT6 Ethernet Cables (3 feet) [OPTIONAL]
This item isn’t strictly necessary. The GL.iNet comes with a single Ethernet cord, which is actually enough for our purposes. However, if you want a short, black cord, see above. I use these for customer installations mainly because it’s neater and easier to conceal, but if you’re installing this yourself, you don’t really need it.
Why Connect Your Disklavier?
Yamaha Disklaviers bring professional concert performances right to your home. Connecting your piano to the internet unlocks features like streaming performances and automatic updates — but getting it online can be frustrating, especially with Yamaha’s awkward UD-WL01 adapter. If you want to use Yamaha Piano Radio with your Disklavier, but want a simple and reliable setup, read on!
Wireless bridges, however, can provide a solid Ethernet connection to your Disklavier without the headaches of Powerline adapters or other fragile Wi-Fi setups.
Why the GL.iNet Travel Router?
The GL.iNet travel router connects to your home’s Wi-Fi and delivers a hardwired Ethernet connection to the Disklavier. This means you don’t have to do any special setup on the Disklavier, or figure out how to use the UD-WL01.
I recommend the GL.iNet “Mango” — it’s affordable, compact, and extremely reliable. It’s also powered by USB! There are numerous wireless bridges that are a few dollars cheaper; however, the bridges in this price range are notoriously finicky. Some of them can even introduce so much noise to your local Wi-Fi as to slow down or stop your internet connection! I encountered that for the first time in a customer’s home in 2021, and was rather shocked by it, but evidently it does happen.
Installation and Connection
You’ll need a laptop, desktop, or cellphone to prepare the GL.iNet for use with your piano. You can do this after the unit is installed up underneath the piano, or you can do it ahead of time with the unit set up where you can easily reach it. Once you’ve connected it to your Wi-Fi network, it will stay connected even if you power it off and move it.
1. Configure the GL.iNet Router
Power up the GL.iNet router near your main Wi-Fi router.
Using a laptop, cellphone, or computer, connect to its network (the network might be named something like GL-MT300N-XXX).
Visit 192.168.8.1 in your browser.
Under Repeater Mode, connect it to your home Wi-Fi by scanning, selecting your network, and entering your password.
Save your settings.
Consider labeling the router’s new network as “Disklavier Bridge” for easy identification later.
2. Mount the GL.iNet Under the Piano
Choose a beam underneath the piano, near the Disklavier controller, to mount the GL.iNet. You want it to be close enough that you can plug in both the USB and the Ethernet.
Use the heavy-duty zip ties to secure the GL.iNet and the power strip tightly to the beam. Loop the zip ties fully around the beam and around the device, being sure not to block either the USB-C connection or the Ethernet port you’ll be using.
Avoid mounting near any Dampp-Chaser humidistat if installed, to prevent heat affecting readings. In the immediate proximity of the heat source, the Dampp-Chaser system will read low.
Zip ties are perfect here—they resist vibration and hold everything securely over time, unlike adhesives. Double-sided tape and Velcro can also lose their grip over time.
3. Connect Everything
Plug the GL.iNet USB cord into the available USB port on the control center.
Use a black CAT6 Ethernet cable — or the cable that came with your GL.iNet — to connect the GL.iNet router to your Disklavier’s Ethernet port.
Secure cables with additional zip ties or twist ties to prevent movement or strain, and to keep the wires neatly out of sight.
After your GL.iNet boots, it should show a solid Wi-Fi connection, and your Disklavier will have a reliable, wired network connection.
That’s It — Enjoy Your Streaming Piano!
Your Disklavier now enjoys the stability of a wired connection—with none of the headache. Performances, updates, and network features are now available.
Troubleshooting Quick Guide
Even with this simple setup, it’s possible not everything will go right! If you have any trouble at all, please don’t hesitate to reach out and contact me.
GL.iNet Not Connecting?
Check signal strength and reconnect via 192.168.8.1. If the piano is so far from your home router that the signal doesn’t reach, it might be necessary to add another repeater.
Disklavier Not Connecting?
Reseat the cable and ensure the router is in bridge mode. You can also try connecting a laptop to the GL.iNet wireless network. If you followed the above instructions, you will have labeled it “Disklavier Repeater.” Connect to this with your laptop to this Wi-Fi network, or just plug your laptop right into the Ethernet cord. Verify you have a connection.
While your laptop is connected, you can also go to speedtest.net and verify you’re getting proper speeds. The Disklavier doesn’t require very much bandwidth, but will operate poorly below 5 Mbps. If the bandwidth is too low, the piano will start and stop regularly to buffer.
Why Not Use Powerline Adapters Anymore?
Powerline adapters rely on your house’s wiring, which is unreliable in homes with multiple breaker panels or newer AFCI breakers. They’re also prone to interference in some homes. When they work, they’re by far the simplest to set up and maintain. However, I’ve had enough frustrations in customer’s homes now that they’re no longer my first choice.
The GL.iNet travel router eliminates those issues. Additionally, it draws its power from the USB port on the control center, so you don’t even need to add a power strip! Unlike with the Powerline adapters, you can now plug your Disklavier into a Tripp Lite ISOBAR6ULTRA surge protector (which includes $50,000 in insurance) without interfering with the signal! For more on this, see my article on surge protectors for the Disklavier.
It’s compact, clean, and keeps your Disklavier online without fail.