Glo I give up (wifi failure) - Page 3

DNSB · 08-03-2013, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oj829

I'm surprised at

a) how annoying it is, and I usually dismiss most UI complaints as just whining.

b) how long it took Kobo to fix it (2.5.1? Wow. Back I go to the FW thread.)

Oddly, a complaint about 2.6.1 and 2.8.1 is that the ability to set the bottom bar to black has been removed leaving clear as the only choice. This and the forced change to the Aura style tiled interface. So I'm not sure as to why Ripplinger is remaining on 2.5.1 unless he does want the black bottom bar when the light is on. Nor can you set it in the Kobo eReader.conf file as the setting under power options to invert the footer when the light was on no longer has any effect.

Regards,
David

Ripplinger · 08-03-2013, 03:21 PM

I don't use the black bar because at the bottom of the screen is a very bright white line under it, which is very annoying to keep starting at while reading. I prefer the clear.

I really don't like the Aura-styled tiles on the main page. I'll even say I hate it, as well as the the text line for Library, etc. is no longer centered. Just having my current and next 4 reads visible was nice and clean. I also don't like the way the settings options have changed. Enough to avoid a firmware update with it (although the tiles alone is enough for that).

It's not like 2.6.1 or 2.8.1 fixed any bugs that bother me to make me tolerate the tiles. If it did, I'd probably suffer with the ugly homescreen. But there's no reason to if you don't like it.

oj829 · 08-03-2013, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DNSB

Oddly, a complaint about 2.6.1 and 2.8.1 is that the ability to set the bottom bar to black has been removed leaving clear as the only choice. This and the forced change to the Aura style tiled interface. So I'm not sure as to why Ripplinger is remaining on 2.5.1 unless he does want the black bottom bar when the light is on.

Well, I loaded 2.5.1 onto my Glo last night, and I have a choice under "Settings" whether I want the Light Indicator Bar "clear" or "solid". As others have said, in not so many words, choice is good. And it is. Thanks to whoever it was who tipped that it didn't happen until 2.5.1. Otherwise I would have been making my way sequentially through them all from 2.1.2. Yikes.

But by stopping at 2.5.1. I also get the 'classic' Kobo front-page interface, and not the blocky-tiles 'Aura'-era interface, which always looked to me like a child struggling (unsuccessfully) with a block puzzle.

And since every book I buy, borrow or steal goes through Calibre anyway, I finally relented and let it be my new Kobo-manager. MY SO stays happy in the living room, so there is Peace in the Valley.

In the end, it really does come down to choice. I can make better decisions for myself about SSIDs and lighting indicator bars than Kobo can.

TechniSol · 08-03-2013, 07:32 PM

Curiously, I note you never responded when I asked what was the first thing changed that led to WIFI no longer working...

oj829 · 08-11-2013, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TechniSol

Curiously, I note you never responded when I asked what was the first thing changed that led to WIFI no longer working...

I don't keep a diary. It could have been the switchover to a hidden SSID. It could have been one of the FW updates. I don't know. I spent a lot of time with other new toys over the course of [x] months, tweaking them, hating them, loving them, troubleshooting my SO's B&N hardware/account, etc.

I came back to the Glo, and discovered the something which used to work no longer did. (I used to connect to a network, fire up the Glo browser, and access the full-desktop version of Dropbox to download books which instantly and without fuss successfully added themselves to my library. A networked Glo was also awesome for reading store-selected previews then deciding whether to press "Buy".)

It was awesome while it lasted.

TechniSol · 08-11-2013, 11:46 PM

Well, as no one else complained of such a problem with a new firmware update it seems at least somewhat likely that it was the hidden SSID as others have suggested. Easy enough to test by making the SSID visible. You're really not getting any advantage with a hidden SSID. The reason I'm asking is that it's important to suss these things out for the next person that hits this forum with the same question.

PeterT · 08-12-2013, 12:14 AM

If you read further back you will see an explanation for the hidden SSID and the complications with changing it

TechniSol · 08-12-2013, 01:43 AM

PeterT,

No offense, but I've followed the thread from the first post. And read every one. TWICE. My only problem with the thread is the OP is blaming it entirely on the equipment when it was originally working with multiple references to the device being a POS. I think it's unfair, hardly constructive, and does nothing to help others who might benefit by the OP simply taking a minute or so to make their SSID visible and see if that's the core issue so the next person might benefit from it.

Whether they can take a minute to help someone else out is up to the OP, but it seems only fair as they too came here and sought help. I hate seeing something unfairly labeled a POS especially when it was originally working fine.

oj829 · 08-12-2013, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TechniSol

PeterT,

No offense, but I've followed the thread from the first post. And read every one. TWICE. My only problem with the thread is the OP is blaming it entirely on the equipment when it was originally working with multiple references to the device being a POS. I think it's unfair, hardly constructive, and does nothing to help others who might benefit by the OP simply taking a minute or so to make their SSID visible and see if that's the core issue so the next person might benefit from it.

I feel comfortable saying POS (on this aspect of an otherwise awesome little machine) because it's the only one of 8 or so devices - several of them heavily maligned brands like Archos and Vizio - which has a showstopping problem with (apparently) a hidden SSID.

For reasons the previous poster caught, the hidden SSID is here to stay. I got domestic bliss in exchange for it, and flawless operation on all my devices but one.

I'm not a Kobo lab tester. As for readers of the future looking here for Wifi troubleshooting tips for their Glo...., I think they got the point by now: hidden SSIDs == one potential source problem for WiFi reliability on the Glo. If it's no big deal, try and live with broadcast enabled. Make it your first troubleshooting step.

PeterT · 08-12-2013, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TechniSol

PeterT,

No offense, but I've followed the thread from the first post. And read every one. TWICE. My only problem with the thread is the OP is blaming it entirely on the equipment when it was originally working with multiple references to the device being a POS. I think it's unfair, hardly constructive, and does nothing to help others who might benefit by the OP simply taking a minute or so to make their SSID visible and see if that's the core issue so the next person might benefit from it.

Whether they can take a minute to help someone else out is up to the OP, but it seems only fair as they too came here and sought help. I hate seeing something unfairly labeled a POS especially when it was originally working fine.

I agree 100% with your comments here. I was just explaining that the OP basically refuses to attempt the non hidden SSID option.

Reading I have done elsewhere (to my eyes at least) confirms that Linux and hidden SSID's is anything but smooth sailing.

oj829 · 08-12-2013, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeterT

I agree 100% with your comments here. I was just explaining that the OP basically refuses to attempt the non hidden SSID option.

"... refuses to screw up the domestic network solution to accommodate the lone non-operating device."

FTFY.

Quote:

Reading I have done elsewhere (to my eyes at least) confirms that Linux and hidden SSID's is anything but smooth sailing.

Maybe in the next FW, Kobo could remove those options which let one specify the names, security levels and passwords of hidden SSIDs.

meeera · 08-12-2013, 09:52 AM

I wonder if there is something else particular about the network that the Kobo won't connect? I have a Glo and a hidden SSID here, and have not had a problem: I just go to Add Network after the initial scan doesn't find it, type in the network name and (WPA2-Personal) password, and away it goes. Initial connection takes a while (about 20 seconds), but it works. It seems to remember the hidden-SSID network, too.

Apple wireless router, if that's at all relevant (Time Capsule hardware). Glo from the earliest batches to his Australia. Latest FW.

--

eta: and now, re-reading the thread, I'm wondering whether the cable-yanking episode has anything to do with it. Has there been a factory reset since then?

PeterT · 08-12-2013, 10:22 AM

I think what is truly frustrating here is that ALL people are suggesting is AS AN EXPERIMENT remove the hidden SSID; see if the Glo works and then REVERT TO THE HIDDEN SSID.

I'm nto sure ANYONE has suggested changing full time.

oj829 · 08-12-2013, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by meeera

eta: and now, re-reading the thread, I'm wondering whether the cable-yanking episode has anything to do with it. Has there been a factory reset since then?

I think I simply reverted back to (?) 2.1.2 with the cable yank during Desktop Update. Once or twice I was prompted for my language, but interestingly, the Glo did NOT lose my Kobo account info through all the trauma.

I wanted stability, so I eventually loaded the .ZIP for 2.5.1 via the cable, and things have been smooth (if not wireless) since.

TechniSol · 08-12-2013, 11:05 PM

Oj829,

OK, I think I'm perfectly justified in saying that anyone who can't be bothered to be part of the solution to their own problem, probably doesn't deserve much help. I also feel perfectly justified in stating that their opinion regarding whether something is a POS, after they had it working and then shot themself in the foot, and can't admit it, probably wouldn't carry a whole lot of weight with me. I've made a career of making things work, not whining when they don't work exactly as I'd like. You don't require a hidden network, and they're a fool's paradise type of "solution." I don't ever recall Kobo, or any other manufacturer, saying, "our equipment will work with everyone's network, especially the most ineffectual methods possible." At the moment, WPA2 is your friend, and AES seems to be most robust.

Good luck. I hope every piece of equipment you buy works with every other in whatever magical land you apparently live. In my day job I keep my hand in by selling equipment for a Systems Integrator as a Systems Consultant. You remind me of someone I had to deal with today, who told me the equipment I spec'd was too expensive... they freely admit they know nothing about it, but could find "similar" equipment for 2/3 the cost. I had to slowly reign it in and explain to them that two things that are "equal" are not the same. The difference between the two devices is that the one I spec'd for around 1400 more including installation, setup, testing and training actually works!

Best of luck in your "Hidden SSID based Fool's Paradise" when, as DNSB suggested, some 14 year old with a homemade Pringles can antenna locks in and starts "dating" an FBI agent pretending to be an underaged kid with your IP address. Fun, fun, fun.

You have knowledgeable people who work in fields encompassing and adjacent who are telling you to do otherwise, ignore their advice at your own peril. It may never happen to you.

08-12-2013, 09:52 AM	#42
meeera Grand Sorcerer Posts: 5,803 Karma: 68407974 Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Australia Device: Kobo Libra 2, iPadMini4, iPad4, MBP; support other Kobo/Kindles	I wonder if there is something else particular about the network that the Kobo won't connect? I have a Glo and a hidden SSID here, and have not had a problem: I just go to Add Network after the initial scan doesn't find it, type in the network name and (WPA2-Personal) password, and away it goes. Initial connection takes a while (about 20 seconds), but it works. It seems to remember the hidden-SSID network, too. Apple wireless router, if that's at all relevant (Time Capsule hardware). Glo from the earliest batches to his Australia. Latest FW. -- eta: and now, re-reading the thread, I'm wondering whether the cable-yanking episode has anything to do with it. Has there been a factory reset since then? Last edited by meeera; 08-12-2013 at 09:58 AM.

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08-03-2013, 03:21 PM	#32
Ripplinger 350 Hoarder Posts: 3,574 Karma: 8281267 Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Midwest USA Device: Sony PRS-350, Kobo Glo & Glo HD, PW2	I don't use the black bar because at the bottom of the screen is a very bright white line under it, which is very annoying to keep starting at while reading. I prefer the clear. I really don't like the Aura-styled tiles on the main page. I'll even say I hate it, as well as the the text line for Library, etc. is no longer centered. Just having my current and next 4 reads visible was nice and clean. I also don't like the way the settings options have changed. Enough to avoid a firmware update with it (although the tiles alone is enough for that). It's not like 2.6.1 or 2.8.1 fixed any bugs that bother me to make me tolerate the tiles. If it did, I'd probably suffer with the ugly homescreen. But there's no reason to if you don't like it.

08-03-2013, 07:32 PM	#34
TechniSol GranPohbah-Fezzes r cool! Posts: 1,056 Karma: 3151024 Join Date: Jul 2010 Device: Nook STRs, Kobo Touch, Kobo Glo	Curiously, I note you never responded when I asked what was the first thing changed that led to WIFI no longer working...

08-11-2013, 11:46 PM	#36
TechniSol GranPohbah-Fezzes r cool! Posts: 1,056 Karma: 3151024 Join Date: Jul 2010 Device: Nook STRs, Kobo Touch, Kobo Glo	Well, as no one else complained of such a problem with a new firmware update it seems at least somewhat likely that it was the hidden SSID as others have suggested. Easy enough to test by making the SSID visible. You're really not getting any advantage with a hidden SSID. The reason I'm asking is that it's important to suss these things out for the next person that hits this forum with the same question.

08-12-2013, 12:14 AM	#37
PeterT Grand Sorcerer Posts: 13,379 Karma: 78877538 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Toronto Device: Libra H2O, Libra Colour	If you read further back you will see an explanation for the hidden SSID and the complications with changing it

08-12-2013, 01:43 AM	#38
TechniSol GranPohbah-Fezzes r cool! Posts: 1,056 Karma: 3151024 Join Date: Jul 2010 Device: Nook STRs, Kobo Touch, Kobo Glo	PeterT, No offense, but I've followed the thread from the first post. And read every one. TWICE. My only problem with the thread is the OP is blaming it entirely on the equipment when it was originally working with multiple references to the device being a POS. I think it's unfair, hardly constructive, and does nothing to help others who might benefit by the OP simply taking a minute or so to make their SSID visible and see if that's the core issue so the next person might benefit from it. Whether they can take a minute to help someone else out is up to the OP, but it seems only fair as they too came here and sought help. I hate seeing something unfairly labeled a POS especially when it was originally working fine.

08-12-2013, 10:22 AM	#43
PeterT Grand Sorcerer Posts: 13,379 Karma: 78877538 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Toronto Device: Libra H2O, Libra Colour	I think what is truly frustrating here is that ALL people are suggesting is AS AN EXPERIMENT remove the hidden SSID; see if the Glo works and then REVERT TO THE HIDDEN SSID. I'm nto sure ANYONE has suggested changing full time.

08-12-2013, 11:05 PM	#45
TechniSol GranPohbah-Fezzes r cool! Posts: 1,056 Karma: 3151024 Join Date: Jul 2010 Device: Nook STRs, Kobo Touch, Kobo Glo	Oj829, OK, I think I'm perfectly justified in saying that anyone who can't be bothered to be part of the solution to their own problem, probably doesn't deserve much help. I also feel perfectly justified in stating that their opinion regarding whether something is a POS, after they had it working and then shot themself in the foot, and can't admit it, probably wouldn't carry a whole lot of weight with me. I've made a career of making things work, not whining when they don't work exactly as I'd like. You don't require a hidden network, and they're a fool's paradise type of "solution." I don't ever recall Kobo, or any other manufacturer, saying, "our equipment will work with everyone's network, especially the most ineffectual methods possible." At the moment, WPA2 is your friend, and AES seems to be most robust. Good luck. I hope every piece of equipment you buy works with every other in whatever magical land you apparently live. In my day job I keep my hand in by selling equipment for a Systems Integrator as a Systems Consultant. You remind me of someone I had to deal with today, who told me the equipment I spec'd was too expensive... they freely admit they know nothing about it, but could find "similar" equipment for 2/3 the cost. I had to slowly reign it in and explain to them that two things that are "equal" are not the same. The difference between the two devices is that the one I spec'd for around 1400 more including installation, setup, testing and training actually works! Best of luck in your "Hidden SSID based Fool's Paradise" when, as DNSB suggested, some 14 year old with a homemade Pringles can antenna locks in and starts "dating" an FBI agent pretending to be an underaged kid with your IP address. Fun, fun, fun. You have knowledgeable people who work in fields encompassing and adjacent who are telling you to do otherwise, ignore their advice at your own peril. It may never happen to you.