First i wrote to Asus support explaining the complete past and present setup and problem. I received a canned reply telling me to do everything that I explained I tried in my first post to them so that was a waste of time.
Here's the setup first config was axe 11000 as AP to fiber modem, ax56 in storeroom 50 ft and 2 stucco walls away, then next ax56 50 ft from first ax56 and connecting thru the first 56 all wireless except wired to fiber modem. Then I got the axe 16000 set as an AP, put the 11000 into mesh node mode and replaced the 56 in storeroom with it. connection between 16000 and 11000 was really fast and much stronger than the 56's. I then factory reset the56's and paired them with the 1600, when they successfully paired they wouldn't connect to the 1600 from 2 feet away and wouldn't connect thru the 11000 either, they connect, but show a very weak signal and drop on and off. This is for a small apt bldg I own and is for the security cameras and other sensors I need. It takes me about 2-3 hours to get to all the areas I have the stuff in and try new ideas, so I hate wasting time with useless suggestions. The 11000 connects perfectly and strong with the 16000 it's just the 56's that won't.
I'm starting to feel that I got a $700 wireless boat anchor.