I need a bit of help setting up communications between local app on iPad and Classic 150 , no internet,
SYSTEM:
iPad , 2 nd gen. MC707LL/A, 64 gb. os = iOS 7.1.1 (11D201) , wi-fi only
Classic 150 ,
MNGP 1608 10/4/13. Classic. 1609. 10/4/13
WBjr
3foot Cat 5e cable from Classic to:
Net gear router model WGR 614. Default access http://192.168.1.1
Classic net mode: static. Classic address 192.168.1.1
Local app see's unknown device
I am assuming I need to change address in Classic? To what?
Anything else I'm missing here?
More, when I type in http://192.168.1.1 to my browser, Safari, I get info back from my Verizon wi-fi hotspot
WAN Verizon
IP address 10.177.17.153
WLAN. 192.168.1.1. Subnet mask 255.255.255.0 DHCP enable
All three at the same address?.
Hardware I understand but this is confusing to me. Router light do not flash indicating communications.
I'm still trying to resolve this. Turning wi-fi hot spot on or off. makes no difference except I can't use safari to check 192.168.1.1, the routers default access, tried changing Classic to 192.168.1.2 and 192.170.1.1 no change, local app flashes "connecting" then unknown device appears just below banner.
There is an identical question and answer one thread below yours:
http://midniteforum.com/index.php?topic=1922.msg17634#msg17634
Happy networking!
ZB,
windows directions do not relate to apple iPad and iOS local app. There is no Ethernet port on an iPad , all communications are wi-fi. iPad and local app cannot communicate with router and Classic.
There is no app on an iPad that will let you set address and such that I am aware of.
td
Quote from: tecnodave on June 07, 2014, 12:29:41 AM
ZB,
windows directions do not relate to apple iPad and iOS local app. There is no Ethernet port on an iPad , all communications are wi-fi. iPad and local app cannot communicate with router and Classic.
There is no app on an iPad that will let you set address and such that I am aware of.
td
TD , See corrected post below.
RH,
The local app is at the apple App Store! I have had it for several weeks now. It is signed by MidNite Solar. I have ver 1.0.05
I want to monitor the Classic with the iOS app, I do not use windows, absolutely hate it.
td
Networking is analogous to the postal service.
Your IP address is equivalent to the address of your house in a city or zip code which is (sort of) specified by the subnet.
In your case, TD, you have made your router and classic have the same address. Now imagine you are the postman trying to deliver the mail. The mail is addressed to 5 Cherry Lane(192.168.1.1), but 2 houses on the block seem to have that same address (Classic and Router). Where does the mail go? In this case the Router is first house on the block so the mail will stop there and go no further.
Check the subnet: 255.255.255.0. The 0 field specifies which part of the IP address must be unique for your subnet (zip code). For 255.255.255.0 networks this means that the '0' field must be unique on the network. So your router is 192.168.1.1, your ipad will be 192.168.1.12(for example). Your network printer will be 192.168.1.55, your iPad will be 192.168.1.23, and your Classic will be 192.168.1.88(if you like).
You can also just leave the Classic set to DHCP if it's plugged into the router as it will get its own IP address and then advertise that address on the network to anyone who is listening (like the local app).
Quote from: tecnodave on June 07, 2014, 01:00:50 AM
RH,
The local app is at the apple App Store! I have had it for several weeks now. It is signed by MidNite Solar. I have ver 1.0.05
I want to monitor the Classic with the iOS app, I do not use windows, absolutely hate it.
td
Thanks for the correction TD. I had no idea MN had posted the iOS App. Guess I missed the announcement. Seems to me if your iPad is connected to the same Wi-Fi network that the Classic is on then it should work. Just leave the Classic in DHCP mode until it connects.
Andrew is correct you said you have all devices set to the same IP address. That will not work, they each have to have their own IP address. If the router is configured to be a DHCP server then it will hand out different IPs to each device if the devices are configured for DHCP mode. Type in http://www.routerlogin.net and see if that will log in to your router. If it is in factory default mode the user id is admin and the password is "password". Check your wireless settings and make sure it is set to broadcast the SID name. That SID name is the network you want the iPad Wi-Fi to connect to.
Andrew... How come this app will not rotate on the iPad?? In landscape mode it seems to be upside down and will not rotate.
I'm afraid I can be no help with the iOS/Android version of the Local App. I did all the coding for the original app, but Mike kindly did the porting to iOS and Android so I'll have to differ to him on this!
-A
RH & atop,
Thanks, by late I had figured that out.
I will need to reset the router first because it is second in line, the wi-fi port uses that address so it grabs it first then all calls to that address goes to the wi-fi port, not to the router,
The Classic has been reset to 192.168.1.250.
When I try to access the router I get the wi-fi hub!
I can go back to the computer shop and reset the router to a different address.
I had always used this router with a DSL modem connected to the in port and there are 4 out ports and the wi-fi channel. What I do not know is if you can run the input to the router through the wi-fi channel. I had no problems accessing this router from my XP machine using the first out port.
td
Atop8918 and Mike_Midnite,
I can confirm that there are iOS issues.
I think that some are scaling for retina display. The message boxes are tiny and not readable on my iPad ,2nd Generation MC707LL/A using iOS 7.1.1 (11D201)
Other apps have done this when upgrading from iOS 6.XXX to 7.XXX , bug fixes on the apps has corrected this. I had scaling problems on several apps do this but all are corrected except local app.
The display does not rotate, it comes up in portrait for the greeting display, then switches to landscape, sometimes upside down.
Has anyone successfully used the iOS local panel app. Local app does not recognize Classic. app does return address 192.168.1.250.502 when I set the configuration in the Classic to 192.169.1.250 and configure local app configuration to 192.168.1.250
Something is very wrong here as the Classic is not responding or is not recognized as a Classic.
The message windows that appear are so small that they are totally unreadable. The characters are smaller than .005 inch. It is not possible to expand screen size as the app The iPad locks up and the app cannot be closed
td
Quote from: tecnodave on June 07, 2014, 01:21:18 PM
Has anyone successfully used the iOS local panel app. Local app does not recognize Classic. app does return address 192.168.1.250.502 when I set the configuration in the Classic to 192.169.1.250 and configure local app configuration to 192.168.1.250
TD;
I donno squat about IOS or so called smart phones / tablets. I do understand networking and I have to point out that address 192.168.1.250.502 is NOT a valid local network address maybe it is a typo for 192.168.1.250:502 for IP 192.168.1.250 port 502. Networking is relatively simple but does require accuracy.every device needs a UNIQUE address. Period. End Quote!
I think you may need the help of someone local with networking experience.
Sorry if I am wrong, but from following this thread you seem confused on the basics of networking?.
Tom
I do know that local app is crashing my iPad . iPad keeps a log of crashes and in every one there is the line:
Application Specific Information:
com.midnitesolar.localstatuspanel failed to exit in time
10 times 10 reboots never connects to Classic
I do not know why the message box in less than 1 inch in size on a 10 inch screen , that does not make sense. The iPad resolution is 2048 by 1536. I did not buy ultra high resolution to have microscopic messages.
Facts. Router turned off, Classic powered down, wi-fi port turned off, launch local app, iPad crashes and leaves crash log in :
Settings. : General. : Diagnostic and usage data. : LatestCrash_LocalStatusPanel.ips
<beginning of crash report>
{"name":"LocalStatusPanelMobile","bug_type":"109","os_version":"iPhone OS 7.1.1 (11D201)","bundleID":"com.midnitesolar.localstatuspanel","version":"1.0.5 (1.0.05)","app_name":"LocalStatusPanelMobile"}
Incident Identifier: D33E1931-EEBB-43F3-8347-188C714BFA11
CrashReporter Key: 662595d1c68f51fc496f2c104673ee5635174fe9
Hardware Model: iPad3,1
Process: LocalStatusPanelMobile [1547]
Path: /var/mobile/Applications/EF81121A-A043-4E3F-84E8-6DA0D9CD5050/LocalStatusPanelMobile.app/LocalStatusPanelMobile
Identifier: com.midnitesolar.localstatuspanel
Version: 1.0.5 (1.0.05)
Code Type: ARM (Native)
Parent Process: launchd [1]
Date/Time: 2014-06-06 21:40:46.094 -0700
OS Version: iOS 7.1.1 (11D201)
Report Version: 104
Exception Type: 00000020
Exception Codes: 0x000000008badf00d
Highlighted Thread: 0
Application Specific Information:
com.midnitesolar.localstatuspanel failed to exit in time
Elapsed total CPU time (seconds): 1.850 (user 1.850, system 0.000), 13% CPU
Elapsed application CPU time (seconds): 0.000, 0% CPU
Thread 0:
0 LocalStatusPanelMobile 0x00c9546c 0xc9000 + 12371052
1 LocalStatusPanelMobile 0x00c9549c 0xc9000 + 12371100
2 LocalStatusPanelMobile 0x00f1a520 0xc9000 + 15013152
3 LocalStatusPanelMobile 0x00f1a4ec 0xc9000 + 15013100
4 LocalStatusPanelMobile 0x00433764 0xc9000 + 3581796
5 LocalStatusPanelMobile 0x0043e308 0xc9000 + 3625736
6 LocalStatusPanelMobile 0x0043e720 0xc9000 + 3626784
7 LocalStatusPanelMobile 0x0043ffd0 0xc9000 + 3633104
8 LocalStatusPanelMobile 0x00e6a2f0 0xc9000 + 14291696
9 LocalStatusPanelMobile 0x00e6a1dc 0xc9000 + 14291420
10 LocalStatusPanelMobile 0x00e6a760 0xc9000 + 14292832
11 LocalStatusPanelMobile 0x00c91b18 0xc9000 + 12356376
12 UIKit 0x3087ee0c 0x307ee000 + 593420
13 UIKit 0x3087c3e4 0x307ee000 + 582628
14 UIKit 0x307fdca0 0x307ee000 + 64672
15 UIKit 0x307fd86c 0x307ee000 + 63596
16 UIKit 0x30861cc4 0x307ee000 + 474308
17 GraphicsServices 0x32e37aea 0x32e2d000 + 43754
18 GraphicsServices 0x32e376d2 0x32e2d000 + 42706
19 CoreFoundation 0x2dfa7ab4 0x2df09000 + 649908
20 CoreFoundation 0x2dfa7a4e 0x2df09000 + 649806
21 CoreFoundation 0x2dfa6222 0x2df09000 + 643618
22 CoreFoundation 0x2df10f0a 0x2df09000 + 32522
23 CoreFoundation 0x2df10cee 0x2df09000 + 31982
24 GraphicsServices 0x32e3665e 0x32e2d000 + 38494
25 UIKit 0x3085c168 0x307ee000 + 450920
26 LocalStatusPanelMobile 0x00cae248 0xc9000 + 12472904
27 LocalStatusPanelMobile 0x010d54a8 0xc9000 + 16827560
Thread 1:
0 libsystem_kernel.dylib 0x3912d808 0x3912d000 + 2056
1 libdispatch.dylib 0x3906f078 0x39064000 + 45176
2 libdispatch.dylib 0x3906edfe 0x39064000 + 44542
Thread 2:
0 libsystem_kernel.dylib 0x3912da58 0x3912d000 + 2648
1 libsystem_kernel.dylib 0x3912d854 0x3912d000 + 2132
2 libsystem_kernel.dylib 0x391318d0 0x3912d000 + 18640
3 LocalStatusPanelMobile 0x004251ac 0xc9000 + 3522988
4 LocalStatusPanelMobile 0x00425374 0xc9000 + 3523444
5 LocalStatusPanelMobile 0x004255bc 0xc9000 + 3524028
6 libsystem_pthread.dylib 0x391a9916 0x391a7000 + 10518
7 libsystem_pthread.dylib 0x391a9886 0x391a7000 + 10374
8 libsystem_pthread.dylib 0x391a7aa0 0x391a7000 + 2720
Thread 3 name: BackgroundThread
Thread 3:
0 libsystem_kernel.dylib 0x3913ff2c 0x3912d000 + 77612
1 libsystem_pthread.dylib 0x391a8f22 0x391a7000 + 7970
2 libsystem_pthread.dylib 0x391a9d60 0x391a7000 + 11616
3 LocalStatusPanelMobile 0x00de436c 0xc9000 + 13742956
4 LocalStatusPanelMobile 0x00d34c68 0xc9000 + 13024360
5 LocalStatusPanelMobile 0x00de41bc 0xc9000 + 13742524
6 LocalStatusPanelMobile 0x00de4210 0xc9000 + 13742608
7 LocalStatusPanelMobile 0x00de3f1c 0xc9000 + 13741852
8 libsystem_pthread.dylib 0x391a9916 0x391a7000 + 10518
9 libsystem_pthread.dylib 0x391a9886 0x391a7000 + 10374
10 libsystem_pthread.dylib 0x391a7aa0 0x391a7000 + 2720
Thread 4 name: BackgroundThread
Thread 4:
0 libsystem_kernel.dylib 0x3913ff2c 0x3912d000 + 77612
1 libsystem_pthread.dylib 0x391a8f22 0x391a7000 + 7970
2 libsystem_pthread.dylib 0x391a9d60 0x391a7000 + 11616
3 LocalStatusPanelMobile 0x00de436c 0xc9000 + 13742956
4 LocalStatusPanelMobile 0x00d34c68 0xc9000 + 13024360
5 LocalStatusPanelMobile 0x00de41bc 0xc9000 + 13742524
6 LocalStatusPanelMobile 0x00de4210 0xc9000 + 13742608
7 LocalStatusPanelMobile 0x00de3f1c 0xc9000 + 13741852
8 libsystem_pthread.dylib 0x391a9916 0x391a7000 + 10518
9 libsystem_pthread.dylib 0x391a9886 0x391a7000 + 10374
10 libsystem_pthread.dylib 0x391a7aa0 0x391a7000 + 2720
Thread 5:
0 libsystem_kernel.dylib 0x39140c70 0x3912d000 + 81008
1 libsystem_pthread.dylib 0x391a7bda 0x391a7000 + 3034
2 libsystem_pthread.dylib 0x391a7a94 0x391a7000 + 2708
Thread 6:
0 libsystem_kernel.dylib 0x39140c70 0x3912d000 + 81008
1 libsystem_pthread.dylib 0x391a7bda 0x391a7000 + 3034
2 libsystem_pthread.dylib 0x391a7a94 0x391a7000 + 2708
<large portions removed due to size>
<End of crash report>
I would have to say that this is not a networking problem! All networks are off! iPad crashes with only local app running after a hard reboot !
td
The Local App tries to save a bunch of data when exiting. It seems like your version of iOS isn't happy with that. I'll ping Mike see what he says.
-A
Andrew,
I have several problems, the router was originally set up to use a DSL modem on its in port and the win XP machine and the others on the other ports. Wi-fi was not used. I have done a hardware reset on the modem but I still have the same issues. I cannot access the modem for setup because the only way in is through the wi-fi which uses the same address as the router. , 192.168.1.1 I will go rent time an a PC and try to setup the router to an address that will work. The bigger issue is something is awry in local app. It does not scale for retina display. I cannot read the EULA or even scroll down due to its tiny size, approx 1 inch by 2 inch. Closing the window does not work. I cannot accept terms of use without iPad crashing. At that point I need to do a hard reset, delete the app and reinstall from App Store at apple. Then same issue.
td
Ok, just heard back from Mike.
The iOS version of the app is still in Alpha and is not really ready for general public consumption. It's up in the app store for convenience for the Alpha testers but should not be relied upon for general use. So basically, use at your own risk, but it is not finished nor even technically functional yet.
That being said, please fell free to post problems like this as it will help us(Mike) debug. Just please have a realistic expectation that there is one guy working on the project and he also has about 15 other things to do as well!!! Par for the course around startups I'm afraid!
Quote from: tecnodave on June 07, 2014, 03:05:02 PM
Andrew,
I have several problems, the router was originally set up to use a DSL modem on its in port and the win XP machine and the others on the other ports. Wi-fi was not used. I have done a hardware reset on the modem but I still have the same issues. I cannot access the modem for setup because the only way in is through the wi-fi which uses the same address as the router. , 192.168.1.1 I will go rent time an a PC and try to setup the router to an address that will work. The bigger issue is something is awry in local app. It does not scale for retina display. I cannot read the EULA or even scroll down due to its tiny size, approx 1 inch by 2 inch. Closing the window does not work. I cannot accept terms of use without iPad crashing. At that point I need to do a hard reset, delete the app and reinstall from App Store at apple. Then same issue.
td
TD, You should be able to access the DSL Modem and the router by disconnecting each. Since you don't have a PC the Wi-Fi would have to be set up correctly on the router. Turn the DSL modem off and disconnect it from the router. Do a factory reset on the Router. Do you see the SID for the router in the iPad Wi-Fi setup? Does the iPad connect to this Router Wi-Fi as a first step? In Safari or any other iOS browser you have loaded on the iPad enter the URL I gave you above do you get the router logon screen.
I'm not at the boat until next Wednesday to try this app. But I'm not seeing the app crash yet. Of course I can not connect to a Classic. My guess is this app is not ready for prime time.
RH,
I am not using DSL at this time, my only internet access is through a Verizon wi-fi hot spot. It is 700 MHz 4Glte, output is wi-fi only, the USB connector is for power only.
The router was bought for my former DSL setup using service through AT&T with an AT&T supplied DSL modem
I think that this router can only accept input through the in port (DSL port). not through wi-fi. I am attempting to use the router using data in through wi-fi and Classic connected to port 1 , that is where my lack of knowledge comes from, knowing just what the hardware is capable of. I may have to buy a different kind of router or wi-fi access point . Netgear is not responsive as this is not this weeks current production
I am still attempting this
Verizon wi-fi port 192.168.1.1
iPad. 192.168.1.2. (assume this was assigned by wi-fi hotspot)
Classic. 192.168.1.250. Mode DHCP , Set by me
Still no connect, Next step configuration of router with win PC
I am frustrated but not at give up.
Andrew did chime in that local app iOS is still beta and that it is buggy.
td
Oh and I am shopping for a win7 notebook, prefer Asus or something of that quality.
TD, you have to get the networking right first. If you are using a 3g gateway device of some sort that outputs ethernet or wifi, but has no internal hub or switch, then you will need to provide one. The easiest way to do this is a 5 port switch about 20 bucks or so anywhere. Plus the 3g gateway into it, plug the classic into it, and the wifi devices can connect over the air. If you have a wireless router sitting around, then this may be repurposed as a switch, by disabling the WAN side, and just using it as a switch slash wifi access point. Be careful not having two access points, you dont want that.
If your gateway has no ethernet, then you need an accesspoint that is in client mode, ie it can only accepyt a single connection and its dhcp server is off (you only want one dhcp server on any given subnet), and that can turn the wifi into a wired network, so your wifi router then can bridge to the gateway device. This is kinda into advanced networking, and you may need a youngser! Else hopefully your wifi router has a decent manual. Those routers can be set to several different modes, of which the default isnt the one you want.
Sorry i brushed you off earlier, didnt realise your setup was so tricky. Most folk have a wired LAN already and its just a matter of getting the ips right.
ZB,
The router that I have apparently cannot be accessed from the wi-fi side. I went to a computer store and had it reset and reprogrammed to different IP address and I can connect to it with Ethernet but not wi-fi. I have come to the conclusion that the iPad is capable of many things but advanced use is not one of them. To that end I just bought a Toshiba laptop which does have USB and Ethernet and wi-fi and windoze 7. Now I can update my Classic and do other things that I have had to depend on others to do. Now if I can find local panel for windows, it's not on Midnites website.
td
Quote from: tecnodave on June 07, 2014, 07:22:28 PM
ZB,
The router that I have apparently cannot be accessed from the wi-fi side. I went to a computer store and had it reset and reprogrammed to different IP address and I can connect to it with Ethernet but not wi-fi. I have come to the conclusion that the iPad is capable of many things but advanced use is not one of them. To that end I just bought a Toshiba laptop which does have USB and Ethernet and wi-fi and windoze 7. Now I can update my Classic and do other things that I have had to depend on others to do. Now if I can find local panel for windows, it's not on Midnites website.
td
Make sure you install Abobe AIR first.
https://www.mymidnite.com/drupal-7.23/?q=node/7 (https://www.mymidnite.com/drupal-7.23/?q=node/7)
Good luck. To make matters a little easier, turn off the wire hot spot and get the local network working with your router. Configure the router with the PC. You could skip the wireless for now and just plug the Classic and laptop into the router ports 1-4. Setup the Classic for DHCP. If you reset that router to factory defaults it should come up as a DHCP server.
i am still stumbling with it. i do not have local app for the windows machine ad cant find it. i am trying to update the firmware in the classic but the instructions as how to do that have been taken down. computer now dying outta battery,
td
RH.
When I go to the link you posted and try to download local app I get the message
"Safari cannot download this file"
And when I try To download Adobe Air I get a message :
"This device does not support Adobe Air"
Do tell! An app written with Adobe Air for a device which does not support Adobe Air!!
That has gotta be the winner!
td
Not really you day mate. Thems the breaks.
Trust me when i say that once you start with networking you need a LAN. You cant go plugging things in an out just to get data off the classic, hence a permanent connection into your LAN is best.
If your router doesnt support client/bridge mode (are you sure?) then go out buy the cheapest name brand wifi router, one without dsl will be best. Something like this:
http://www.tp-link.com/lk/products/details/?categoryid=245&model=TL-WA5110G
will set you back about 40 bucks. That gives a bunch of ethernet ports and a wifi client/bridge.
Then you can use wifi from any device to access the classic. Then you check out the iOS local app, or whatever. The whole network subnet will transparently appear as though everything is connected. Its a beautiful thing...
Quote from: tecnodave on June 07, 2014, 08:36:09 PM
RH.
When I go to the link you posted and try to download local app I get the message
"Safari cannot download this file"
And when I try To download Adobe Air I get a message :
"This device does not support Adobe Air"
Do tell! An app written with Adobe Air for a device which does not support Adobe Air!!
That has gotta be the winner!
td
You have to have your Ipad connected to the internet then go to App store (one of the ipad touch buttons) and search for Midnite. It will find a couple of things and one of them is Midnite Solar Local App. You then download this.
You do not need to download or be concerned about Abobe Air.
When download completed you will have a new touch button for Local App.
It will automatically look at your LAN for Classics and any found will display the App summary one line to show its found.
When you select one to display the dashboard displays. Its pretty minimal, on my Ipad mini I just got the meters a bit squeezed but working, no data box below. You can see its a
work in progress so don't expect too much.
dgd
Quote from: tecnodave on June 07, 2014, 08:36:09 PM
RH.
When I go to the link you posted and try to download local app I get the message
"Safari cannot download this file"
And when I try To download Adobe Air I get a message :
"This device does not support Adobe Air"
Do tell! An app written with Adobe Air for a device which does not support Adobe Air!!
That has gotta be the winner!
td
TD, you have me totally confused. Are you using Safari on the PC ? You said you got a new PC so I assumed you where trying to install the LA on the PC. But to be total honest I'm not sure what you are trying to do now. If you trying to install on the PC do yourself a favor and get Chrome if you don't want to use IE. The only issue I have had with downloading the LA from that link is that sometime with IE it changes the file extension to .exe or .zip it should be .air just rename it if that happens. Use the second link under the square box to download AIR and the LA. The DOWNLOAD tries to do the install IIRC.
If AIR will not install go to ADOBE and down load the latest AIR from there.
Have no idea why MN has removed these instructions. I can not post it here do to the file size limit of the forums. If you want to PM me your email address I can try to send it to you.
Dgd,
I did go to iTunes Store and downloaded local app for iOS.
There are two problems.
1) my iPad does not see the router at all, an Toshiba laptop that I just bought does not see the router on wireless but does see it connected to Ethernet port.
2) when I launch local control app on the iPad the screen is in portrait and the iPad in in landscape only on the greeting screen. (Mock up of dashboard). Then it switches to landscape and it seems normal , but upside down, but not always. I then enter the Classic address and local app flashes "connecting" for about 3 minutes then iPad locks up. Message box pops up about 1" by 2" with characters so small that I cannot see them. About .005 inches high. Not knowing what to do I try to close app and iPad freezes.
I think it ( iPad n local app) are searching for Classic but router is not responding resulting in timeout, fail to disconnect and lock up
I do know and have experienced issues with iPad's "Retina Display" . iPad 1&2 do not have this iPad 3, 4 and 5 do have retina display . This quadruples total pixel count and some apps will not scale properly. This leaves you with tiny unreadable message boxes. Retina display is 2048 by 1536 which is ultra high resolution. I have seen this on four of my apps but only after upgrading iOS to this months version. The app developers seem to recognize this issue as when apple releases latest and greatest, app developers are soon listing upgrades.
In any case the software is not ready yet for iPad.
I bought the windows laptop so I could update the firmware on Classic and kid but someone has taken down the firmware upgrade instructions and the com8 driver is not to be found. Stuck in a rut again, my Tracer has given up, it charges batteries to 1.220 sg and no more so several times a day I have to reconnect my Classic to the several systems that I have here. My kid is still back at midnite for troubleshooting and firmware upgrade. My C-40 gets pressed into duty but a PWM controller on 70 volt strings is not very efficient.
It's pretty obvious that I will need another charge controller but at this point I do not know what to get. I need reliability more than anything but have not gotten that.
td
RH,
I did misread your post, I think that you pointed me to the windows version and I was thinking iPad.
It does seem that the iPad version does have some problems and I cannot upgrade my firmware on Classic and kid so I bought the windows laptop to do that as well as run local app. I got the firmware upgrade but the instructions and com8 driver are gone. Then the lad top died and I have no way to charge it right now. It needs 19.2 volts and I have not built a buck converter for it as yet. My batteries are too flat with 3 controllers down and one limping to run inverter just to charge the laptop so all must wait for next generator run.
My email address is no secret. tecnodave@yahoo.com. If you have those instructions that will be a big help!
Quote from: tecnodave on June 07, 2014, 11:55:40 PM
There are two problems.
1) my iPad does not see the router at all, an Toshiba laptop that I just bought does not see the router on wireless but does see it connected to Ethernet port.
Unless the router is setup correctly, it wont. See above.
Quote
2) when I launch local control app on the iPad the screen is in portrait and the iPad in in landscape only on the greeting screen.
...
I think it ( iPad n local app) are searching for Classic but router is not responding resulting in timeout, fail to disconnect and lock up
That all sounds like the last of your worrys.
Quote
I bought the windows laptop so I could update the firmware on Classic and kid but someone has taken down the firmware upgrade instructions and the com8 driver is not to be found.
Looks like theyve had a documenation rearrange. Here they are:
http://www.midnitesolar.com/firmwareReport.php?firmware_ID=3&firmwareProduct_ID=1&act=edit
Quote
It's pretty obvious that I will need another charge controller but at this point I do not know what to get. I need reliability more than anything but have not gotten that.
Seems like a hasty assessment there TD. Once youve got that network sorted out and the firmware installer going the sun will come out again...
Classic here rock steady, no reboots since 1849. Data's fair pouring out of the thing.
Looks like zoneblue has located the instructions for you. Let us know when you have that laptop charged.
ZB, dgd , RH,
I am at computer and have firmware update in \MidNiteSolar.
Laptop is connected to Classic and is not recognized
But the instructions assumes com8 driver is installed and needs updating. I just bought this so it is not there.
\device manager\other devices\boot loader ver 1.04
So I'm stuck again, I'm online with iPad.
I am reading more........I need to install com8 driver
Looking I assume it is usbser.sys
td
Ok I am dead in the water, the install instructions assume that this computer has been used before and has an existing driver, it is not on this computer, it has been refurbished and restored to factory condition. Reading down the install instructions to first time install it says to update the driver......well this is a new computer and I don't have a driver
Anybody know how to fix this?
td
I can only speak for the xp instructions, but starting at step 13 it holds your hand all the way through the driver/ com port install.
ZB,
Thanks I will go there, XP I am familiar with maybe I can make sense of it.
td
ZB and all,
Ok I have had enough, my solar system is down, bought computer to upgrade firmware, nothing works, going to Silicon Valley to buy a charge controller that works, hopefully one that won't take 6 months work just to upgrade the firmware! Classic 150 and kid for sale!
td
ZB,
I went to the XP instructions and it also expects the USB serial port emulation driver to be there. I guess I bought the wrong computer.
td
Mate, thousands of people have managed it, im confidnent that you can too.
Just follow the instructions EXACTLY. They work. Which OS is on the new laptop exactly?
Why dont you give Ryan a bell, he will talk you through it on the phone.
ZB,
The computer is a Toshiba Sattelite U505 S2950 Windows 7 Premium 64 bit it is a factory refirb
it does not have a have any file bootloaderXXXX period not anywhere on the disk uless it is sys and hidden
td
td,
Do not give up!
There have been a few people here just completely frustrated with this update process and ready to spit the dummy. Often success is reported after a support call to Midnite. Seriously consider making a call.
dgd
ZB,
I have been trying for 6 months now to upgrade my firmware to great expense with no results. I think it time to try something that just works, I have no electricity, 4 dead controllers and I am fed up with it. It can't be that hard but no one will focus on the issue that computers do not come with emulation drivers. My win95SE system does not have it, ditto win 98SE, ditto win XP,
I bought this laptop just to do the firmware upgrade and I guess I need to buy some special computer that comes loaded with a special driver just for midnite controllers. That is just too much to expect.
I did PM Ryan about it but he can't seem to address the issue. I am not going to buy a train car load of controllers just to get the correct firmware.
At this point I do not know how to deal with this issue except go over the hill and buy two new controllers, seems a shame!
td
ZB
you responded while I was typing. I bought the Classic in January ......that is quite enough time to deal with the issue.
td
Quote from: tecnodave on June 08, 2014, 06:26:09 PM
ZB, dgd , RH,
I am at computer and have firmware update in \MidNiteSolar.
Laptop is connected to Classic and is not recognized
But the instructions assumes com8 driver is installed and needs updating. I just bought this so it is not there.
\device manager\other devices\boot loader ver 1.04
So I'm stuck again, I'm online with iPad.
I am reading more........I need to install com8 driver
Looking I assume it is usbser.sys
td
Need some more information from you. Are you saying that in Device Manager there is no OTHER with boot loader ver 1.04?
There are two parts to getting the driver install. You need to have Step 19 in the Win 7 instructions as first step. If not then please make sure you have the USB cable plugged in to the Classic and the laptop and the Classic is power on.
Let me know if you have the OTHER showing up in Device Manager.
The drivers are in the Midnite firmware download.
RH,
I can see the driver in the midnite directory but cannot install it, Reading the instructions I need to go to device manager , other devices , bootloaderver104, select it and upgrade it. There is no procedure to install a bootloader if there is not one there.
There is no bootloaderver1.04. Not anywhere on new computer. , not on WinXP. , not on Win98SE. , not on Win95SE.
The laptop does recognize that something is plugged into the USB port but there is no driver and windows can't find one.
I have never heard of any such file, I gave up on windows after WinXP but I never heard of that kind of driver. I have an emulation driver on my Win95SE/Win98SE system but it is for a HPIB (IEEE-488) buss card but it is very specific to that HPIB bus card.
I don't know what to do, My Chinese Tracer will charge only to sg 1.220 , my kid is back at midnite and the C-40 just can't pull two systems at once
td
RH,
The list at other is. : Base System Device
And. : Base System Device.
Nothing else
Unplugging Classic causes list to be rewritten but no bootloader
Quote from: tecnodave on June 08, 2014, 11:04:42 PM
RH,
The list at other is. : Base System Device
And. : Base System Device.
Nothing else
Unplugging Classic causes list to be rewritten but no bootloader
Well I'm guessing here but it sounds like the software on this laptop may not have the required driver for the special chip sets that are integrated on the motherboard. The fact that it is saying Base System Device would lead me to guess that the laptop has a USB chip set that may only have the default Win 7 drivers. Most computer have a CD that has driver for the chipset on the motherboard. Does this have an AMD or an INTEL chipset? Where did you acquire this laptop from, you indicated it was a refurbished unit. Do you know who installed Win7.
I am total guessing at this point and I'm afraid I can not be of much help. As other have said I would call MidNite and let them see if they can shed some light on the issue.
I bought this computer from a dealer locally who buys factory refurbished computers. This one had a hard disk failure. My understanding is that Toshiba replaced it under warranty and sold it as a refurb unit.
It is NOT a low end computer. Toshiba has a stellar reputation! The Satellite is their top of line.
It does have wi-fi, Ethernet, cd read /write, all the whistles and bells. I would have bought new but windows 8 is gawd awful so my only choice was to buy new model refurb. The OS is not street variety 7 but is Windows 7 Premium 64 bit , processor is dual core intel 2.1Ghz
I have learned a few things digging around in it
There is a USB CDC serial port emulator under Ports (COM & LPT)
I selected that and tried the instructions but Windows decided that the driver was up to date and refused to update it from the \midnite directory
I changed it from COM5 to COM8
I tried updating anyway but update failed within seconds , tried 10 times
Message: update failed , check cable and try again
I tried two genuine MidNite cables , same result
I have commented in past posts the the Classic has a red LED just above the USB port that lights when cable is plugged into Classic and computer. Also computer makes a sound when plugging in or unplugging.
Right now I have to assume that this is a different driver or the other sets are not correct I.e. Baud rate, stop bits, etc.
Stumped and frustrated !!!
Anything you can think of?
td
Great, you have the CDC port driver and you can set port to COM8. Don't bother trying to update it from Midnite directory.
Here is what I do.
No USB cable connected to Classic.
Start the firmware update program and select the model of Classic you are updating.
You should have the black box telling you to connect USB cable and power on Classic
Power OFF Classic.
Connect USB cable to Classic.
Connect USB cable to computer
Power on Classic.
Wait as it boots then after a few seconds the black box should say something like firmware downloading
and there is a % figure that increases to 100%
When it says completeed in black box just keep waiting until the black box disappears. This may take several minutes.
Same process but this time start the MNGP firmware update.
This goes slower and the % increases more slowly.
Again wait until black box disappears.
Restart Classic after unplugging the USB cable.
Works every time for me on WIN7 and WIN8.
If the serial cable message appears again then try using a different USB port on your laptop.
USB ports on laptops are notorious for getting zapped and faulty. Refurbised or not.
dgd
Quote from: tecnodave on June 09, 2014, 12:39:11 AM
I have learned a few things digging around in it
There is a USB CDC serial port emulator under Ports (COM & LPT)
I selected that and tried the instructions but Windows decided that the driver was up to date and refused to update it from the \midnite directory
I changed it from COM5 to COM8
td
dgd posted while I wrote this but his instruction are correct
Well the USB CDC serial port emulator under Ports (COM & LPT) is the driver Midnite uses. I'm not sure how you got there or if it was installed from the c:\midnite directory or not. So it looks like you have the driver installed. You set it to Com8 and I assume 9600 baud, 8 bits, None, 1, None and Use FIFO buffers. It's critical from this point on to follow the instructions EXACTLY for powering the Classic on and off. If it fails close the firmware GUI and try the sequence again. Not sure if you have a lite or full Classic but do the Classic update first then the MNGP if you have one. Some folks had trouble with original long Midnite supplied USB cables. If yours is the shorter cable one you should be good.
RH,
I went from there and get Classic updated and MNGP is updating now.
I went back and watched win7 install video and right under other was Ports COM & LPT but that is not where the video directs you to.
I did not mess with sets except com5 changed to com8
I think it is set 119200,8,N,1
I will check in a few when install is done.
Status screen last now says : 1821 : 04/14/2014. MNGP
1849 : 04/21/2014. Classic
And yes it is the full version , if I had bought a lite I would be in deep stuff, I knew what the MNGP does and would not buy any controller that I cannot program not depending on anything else.
USB CDC serial port emulation is set. : 14400,8,N,1 flow control = none
I will not know until tomorrow noon or so before I get everything reconnected if it will work or not.
Can you tell me how to get to the dos command line on this machine?
They have moved everything around again.
td
John ,
I found the command but it is hidden, using DOS command line I find:
In c:\Windows\System32\drivers\usbser.sys 32,768 bytes. 08/04/2012 12:05PM
In C:\MidNiteSolar\usbser.sys. 32,768 bytes. 07/13/2009. 32,768 bytes. 01/21/2011 05:31PM
And several more copies of these files in \system32\Driverstore\filerepository\
With both of the above dates
As far as I know windows always stores drivers in use in \system32\drivers
Different dates and time, Microsoft version is newer.
Please do not assume that I am a computer newbie, I still have my first computer , the first computer kit from Silicon Valley, a IMSAI 8080 s/n 232 with 1k of memory , 2 MHz processor, and yes I can and do program in bit binary! I much prefer assembly!
td
Quote from: tecnodave on June 09, 2014, 01:28:54 AM
RH,
I went from there and get Classic updated and MNGP is updating now.
I went back and watched win7 install video and right under other was Ports COM & LPT but that is not where the video directs you to.
I did not mess with sets except com5 changed to com8
I think it is set 119200,8,N,1
I will check in a few when install is done.
Status screen last now says : 1821 : 04/14/2014. MNGP
1849 : 04/21/2014. Classic
And yes it is the full version , if I had bought a lite I would be in deep stuff, I knew what the MNGP does and would not buy any controller that I cannot program not depending on anything else.
USB CDC serial port emulation is set. : 14400,8,N,1 flow control = none
I will not know until tomorrow noon or so before I get everything reconnected if it will work or not.
Can you tell me how to get to the dos command line on this machine?
They have moved everything around again.
td
Glad you got the firmware updated.
CMD can be typed in the RUN dialog found under Start menu to get the DOS window in WIN 7. You may have to change the menu setting to show the Run option.
And while not my first computer I still have my Heathkit DEC LSI-11 with it's dual 8" floppies and RT-11 OS.
John ,
Quote from: Resthome on June 09, 2014, 02:11:53 AM
CMD can be typed in the RUN dialog found under Start menu to get the DOS window in WIN 7. You may have to change the menu setting to show the Run option.
And while not my first computer I still have my Heathkit DEC LSI-11 with it's dual 8" floppies and RT-11 OS.
Thanks for that info, I did not find it there. And yes I do remember the health kit DEC LSI-11 , I wanted one but I grew fond of the Z-80 chip and upgraded my IMSAI with a Cromemco Z-80 board and FDC. My Multi-boot Win95\Win98 machine has a dos boot sector which has UNIDOS which handles the 80486 and a Z-80 on a isa card using CPM and MSDOS programs , also residing in this is a 4 channel FDC which can do 16 floppies most any format and reads/writes most any format even an Mac disk and IBM mainframe 8" floppies. I was in communications as a field service engineer when the computer industry was born , I swapped trades and worked in the hard disk field as a root cause failure analysis engineer at Seagate and others. Mostly hardware but with lots of exposure in coding.
12 years of that and I have a slight case of computer burnout!!!
thanks for the help to you and dgd and the others who chimed in.
td
Quote from: tecnodave on June 09, 2014, 02:30:57 AM
John ,
Quote from: Resthome on June 09, 2014, 02:11:53 AM
CMD can be typed in the RUN dialog found under Start menu to get the DOS window in WIN 7. You may have to change the menu setting to show the Run option.
And while not my first computer I still have my Heathkit DEC LSI-11 with it's dual 8" floppies and RT-11 OS.
Thanks for that info, I did not find it there.
td
Right click the Start Button then select Properties - Select Start Menu - then Customize. Scroll down near the bottom and make sure the RUN option is check. You should now see Run on the bottom right of the menu when clicking the Start Button. Then you can type in the CMD command to get the DOS box.
John,
Thanks for that info, I have been off windows for some time but I must relearn it. The iPad is great but I am way over its limits of capability,
Classic back on line, upgrade successful, shutdown not happening.
Need another controller and want another kid so Classic can move to shop system full time.
Kid is flying in today I hope so I will have a backup system if nessecary
The horrible spelling is apple not me, computers are supposed to be owr slaves, not the other way around.
td
Quote from: tecnodave on June 09, 2014, 03:56:18 PM
Classic back on line, upgrade successful, shutdown not happening.
Thats good and you have removed busted from your sig ;) and SNAFU is not true :D
The better news is that now you have mastered the firmware update it will be just so easy in future and if you use the same laptop you dont have to reset port to com8.
Its a good place, this forum, where there are RHs who persevere with assisting others...
dgd
Remember which USB slot you used, as you might have to use the same slot for the update. On my Asus W7 Netbook, the assignment of Com8 is slot specific...
I found out about this little wrinkle while updating 2 Classics.
Im glad you perservered too. Its kind of a right of passage :)
ZB,RH,DGD,WB,Halfcrazy,& all who helped,
Thanks to all, I would have given up at least for a while. This is the one big reason why I bought midnite in the first place. I was on the forum Christmas Eve and some user was in trouble but others chimed in on the holiday eve. I know of no other manufacturer that has 24/7/365 support to this level.
The notebook has been returned to the dealer as it was too limited for my use. I'm shopping again and I'm impressed with Asus the most but I do not want to suffer Windoze8 so I'm looking for a factory reconditioned unit.
td
Yes Windows 8 is brilliant. 8.1 is even better. I need to start learning Linux myself and get away from Micro$oft.
Is this ios app still available somewhere? I am unable to find it in the app store. Even when I click on a link that should lead me to it, the store says it is not available.
- Cloud