I have read the other posts regarding this and the answer was to insert USB memory stick and upload dude server npk to the router so it is not in the flash.

This is not working for me. After reboot there is nothing there.
I have tried both ext3 and FAT32 on a 4GB memory stick. I have uninstalled NTP package. Am using dude-6.48.1-arm.npk

Any ideas please?

I don't understand what you are trying to do with the USB stick.

The upgrade/install process does not work from an USB stick.

you need to put the file dude-6.48.1-arm.npk in the /files directory and reboot to install it

I don't understand what you are trying to do with the USB stick.

The upgrade/install process does not work from an USB stick.

you need to put the file dude-6.48.1-arm.npk in the /files directory and reboot to install it

From this page https://wiki.mikrotik.com/wiki/Manual:T ... stallation
Note: For models with 16MB on-board storage use of USB/μSD storage is required to run The Dude server on the device.

that means the dude database must be stored on some external media, it won't fit on the build-in memory ...
The package should always be installed in /files

That is what I have been trying.
On reboot - nothing

What version is the rest of the hAP AC2 running ?

RouterOS is also 6.48.1

please post the first lines of your log after rebooting ?
there should be some info about that file

I don't believe it.
I did exactly the same thing as the previous n times so I could post the log. This time is has worked and the dude is there. Bizarre!
About 2 or 3 attempts ago I removed NTP server and then any backups in the flash.

Keep in mind that running dude to monitor a large environment takes a lot of resources ...
A hAP AC2 is intended to be a wifi accesspoint for home use.
you might want to lookout for a dedicated "stronger" device as your network grows ...

Thanks for the all the advice. I am indeed testing on a small setup with 3 VLANS just to test and get to know it. I then hope to deploy on a CCR1016 once I know what I'm going.
Still bewildered it has worked this time!