I read through this discussion but I don't see where connectivity to free wi-fi hotspots was resolved, hi!
I have the same problem that W6SA experienced: connection to Starbucks wi-fi OK but no connection to radio RRC. In my set up, I use a wireless bridge to do a network scan. After the network scan, I connect to wi-fi then pull wiresless bridge cat 5 cable from laptop and plug it into the control RRC. Press power button on TS-480SAT and nothing happens.
I have gone to various wi-fi hotspots, scanned and connected with wireless bridge, moved ethernet cable to control RRC...but no success connecting to radio RRC.
On the other hand, I have done the exact same set up connecting to our 'visitor wi-fi' at work with no problems at all. But other wi-fi like Starbucks, McDonalds, local library, etc...no luck.
BTW, I am using a LinkSys WET610N wireless bridge to connect a wireless signal to the control RRC...
Anyone actually solve this problem of not connecting from wi-fi spots?
73 John K7FD