Raspberry Pi and WiFi..... issues

[dodog]

I imaged an SD card with Volumio, connected an ethernet cable to my router and fired it up. Success! However, this will be in another room and I'll need to do WiFi. I edited my etc/network/interfaces per these instructions (similar to many other sites):


https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit...twork-setup/setting-up-wifi-with-occidentalis

Note: I realize there is not a slash before "etc" above. If I try to do that, the software throws up a php error and thinks I'm trying to do something naughty.


I disconnected the LAN, plugged in the USB WiFi and rebooted. Now I have issues. lsusb shows the wifi connected (offline now but something with ralink or realtek chip). I can ping my router, ifconfig looks like I'm receiving packets, etc. However, if I try to connect to volumio.local in a browser, I don't see anything. Plug in the LAN and boom, it's up. So, it's a wifi issue. It could be the USB device is a POS, but I don't have another to check with at the moment. Like many things Linux, it's about HOW to ask the question to the internet to get the correct response. At the moment I see lots of folks with the same issues I have but no real consensus as to how to solve the problem. I see the typical Linux "I did this and it fixed it," yet everyone is doing something different and no one is probably really posting what the fix is.


So, who uses a Pi with WiFi? Anyone handy enough with Linux to help? Better yet, anyone know what to do with Volumio?

 

[ldatlof]

I use my RPi headless with WiFi. Don't have any problems. lsusb only tells you if there is a device plugged into a usb port not whether it is working. Can you ping the RPi? What is the output of ifconfig? This is what mine looks like:

eth0      Link encap:Ethernet  HWaddr b8:27:eb:c7:51:78
          UP BROADCAST MULTICAST  MTU:1500  Metric:1
          RX packets:0 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 frame:0
          TX packets:0 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 carrier:0
          collisions:0 txqueuelen:1000
          RX bytes:0 (0.0 B)  TX bytes:0 (0.0 B)

lo        Link encap:Local Loopback
          inet addr:127.0.0.1  Mask:255.0.0.0
          UP LOOPBACK RUNNING  MTU:65536  Metric:1
          RX packets:16076 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 frame:0
          TX packets:16076 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 carrier:0
          collisions:0 txqueuelen:0
          RX bytes:912676 (891.2 KiB)  TX bytes:912676 (891.2 KiB)

wlan0     Link encap:Ethernet  HWaddr 00:21:2f:51:4f:f1
          inet addr:192.168.0.29  Bcast:192.168.0.255  Mask:255.255.255.0
          UP BROADCAST RUNNING MULTICAST  MTU:1500  Metric:1
          RX packets:76494 errors:0 dropped:568162 overruns:0 frame:0
          TX packets:17720 errors:0 dropped:105 overruns:0 carrier:0
          collisions:0 txqueuelen:1000
          RX bytes:475413663 (453.3 MiB)  TX bytes:230972789 (220.2 MiB)

I believe I set my wifi up using wicd.

 

[dodog]

I'll see if I can install wicd tonight. Off my memory, which is poor, ifconfig would show wlan0 and have inet addr as something like "192.168.211.11". I would just ping this address, correct? ifconfig would also show RX/Tx packets without errors, not sure if it was reporting broadcast running multicast.

If I use the LAN, I can connect in chrome with volumio.local. With LAN disconnected and WiFI (seemingly) enabled, it never reaches. I could never see it on my chromebook either way, I had to use my Son's iPhone to see it with the LAN. It looks like bonjour can't be installed on a chromebook? I installed some **** "zerconf" browser and it shows that there is a "_VOLUMIO" running, but the browser doesn't allow any type of connection. Further, on the volumio documentation page it states, under "UI Connection":

https://volumio.github.io/docs/User_Manual/Quick_Start_Guide.html

"The UI can be accessed from any device with a browser: Tablets, PC, Mac, Android Phones, iPhones, Smart TVs, Ebook readers etc..", but later it states "Please note that this function is not available on Android devices, just on Mac and iOs or in Windows (if that does not work, install Bonjour )". I take that to mean Android in Phones only, not chromeOS, although my flipbook IS one of the devices with Android enabled. Quite frustrating.

However, I think that is whole separate issue. I'll try to load things back up tonight, check ifconfig and try connecting again with an iPhone or iPad.

 

[Oozure]

Have you tried typing the IP address of the pi into chrome instead of volumio.local?

 

[ldatlof]

I'll see if I can install wicd tonight. Off my memory, which is poor, ifconfig would show wlan0 and have inet addr as something like "192.168.211.11". I would just ping this address, correct? ifconfig would also show RX/Tx packets without errors, not sure if it was reporting broadcast running multicast.

Yes ifconfig will show that wlano has been assigned an ip address and then you could just ping that address.

 

[dodog]

Have you tried typing the IP address of the pi into chrome instead of volumio.local?

Yes, that wouldn't work on a chromebook. That could be a chromebook issue though. I'll try that on an Apple product tonight.

 

[dodog]

This is so frustrating!

I ran apt update and upgrade, and got wiicd.

With the LAN disconnected, USB antennae connected, wicd, it shows my network, and my "guest" network. Network is set up as WPA2. However, when I go into my network for setup, under the section for encryption type, there is no WPA2 or WPA-PSK (like my chrome is connected with). The closest setting I can see is WPA 1/2 with alpha/numeric I have this selected, type in my password (triple-checked), save and try to connect.... and it won't connect. What am I doing wrong?

 

[dodog]

Have you tried typing the IP address of the pi into chrome instead of volumio.local?

If I'm connected via ethernet, volumio.local won't work BUT it will work if I type in the ethernet address from ifconfig. So, that's good confirmation that my chromebook *can* work, if I could get wifi sorted out.

 

[for_p1]

Try

I imaged an SD card with Volumio, connected an ethernet cable to my router and fired it up. Success! However, this will be in another room and I'll need to do WiFi. I edited my etc/network/interfaces per these instructions (similar to many other sites):


https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit...twork-setup/setting-up-wifi-with-occidentalis

Note: I realize there is not a slash before "etc" above. If I try to do that, the software throws up a php error and thinks I'm trying to do something naughty.


I disconnected the LAN, plugged in the USB WiFi and rebooted. Now I have issues. lsusb shows the wifi connected (offline now but something with ralink or realtek chip). I can ping my router, ifconfig looks like I'm receiving packets, etc. However, if I try to connect to volumio.local in a browser, I don't see anything. Plug in the LAN and boom, it's up. So, it's a wifi issue. It could be the USB device is a POS, but I don't have another to check with at the moment. Like many things Linux, it's about HOW to ask the question to the internet to get the correct response. At the moment I see lots of folks with the same issues I have but no real consensus as to how to solve the problem. I see the typical Linux "I did this and it fixed it," yet everyone is doing something different and no one is probably really posting what the fix is.


So, who uses a Pi with WiFi? Anyone handy enough with Linux to help? Better yet, anyone know what to do with Volumio?

Try Max2Play image. It has WiFi configuration page there - you do not need to edit files. I also suggest to have IP address hardcoded rather than use DHCP. Use IP address to open config web page. Auto-registration of names may NOT work like you expect. The only sure way to use names instead of IP for remote devices with DHCP, is when your DHCP system does DNS registration too, and this usually requires special setup which is beyond abilities of those who is not versed in computers at sysadmin level.

 

[dodog]

In case I borked something, would you mind sharing what the etc/network/interfaces should look like?

 

[dodog]

Try

Try Max2Play image. It has WiFi configuration page there - you do not need to edit files. I also suggest to have IP address hardcoded rather than use DHCP. Use IP address to open config web page. Auto-registration of names may NOT work like you expect. The only sure way to use names instead of IP for remote devices with DHCP, is when your DHCP system does DNS registration too, and this usually requires special setup which is beyond abilities of those who is not versed in computers at sysadmin level.

I appreciate the suggestion, and may go that route if I can't get things working, but I'd really like to get Volumio sorted first.
IP address hardcoded? Is that something I set up through my router? And hard-coded to what?

IP crap is a bit out of my league. Sorry for the terrible questions.

 

[E.Man]

I tried using a Pi, but seeing as it's a micro computer and not a piece of stereo it took me ages to get it to do what I wanted and traumatised me so much I *gave* it away.
Now I use a Logitech touchscreen thing they stopped making years ago but it does what I want it to without me trying to become a computer programmer.
MAX2Play is where I went as sugested to me and it's what traumatised me so much.

Some people have great success with them. I'm happier without it.

 

[dodog]

Slight update:

Something worked but I'm not sure what. ifconfig now shows and address of 192.168.1.110. With sudo I can ping google! From my Chromebook, with an ssh shell, I can get into the Pi! volumio.local works!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

However, my patient wife want me to stop using our TV as my monitor for the Pi. Time to shut it down for the night and pray that everything connects again tomorrow. Maybe then I can hook up my external drive and see if I can catalog my TB of music. Then to hook it up and let it rip.

 

[Alobar]

This probably has nothing to do with your issue but do remember that the Pi doesn't have much power to spare for usb accessories that don't have their own power sources. It can be the cause of some wonkiness. Hope you can get it sorted out. My Rpi3 is running JRiver and works and sounds very well without a hiccup but doesn't support wireless so uses an ethernet cable.

 

[dodog]

I tried using a Pi, but seeing as it's a micro computer and not a piece of stereo it took me ages to get it to do what I wanted and traumatised me so much I *gave* it away.
Now I use a Logitech touchscreen thing they stopped making years ago but it does what I want it to without me trying to become a computer programmer.
MAX2Play is where I went as sugested to me and it's what traumatised me so much.

Some people have great success with them. I'm happier without it.

Hah! I have a Squeezebox that I'm abandoning and am going with a Pi. I'd been using it to play MAME on but thought I'd try it out as a music player instead. The great thing about it is that I can always swap out the SD card and play games if I want to.

I work with Linux at work so I'm not gonna let a little Pi intimidate me. It's like getting punched in the balls, getting up, and asking for more. It's rewarding when you get these things sorted out.

 

[dodog]

This probably has nothing to do with your issue but do remember that the Pi doesn't have much power to spare for usb accessories that don't have their own power sources. It can be the cause of some wonkiness. Hope you can get it sorted out. My Rpi3 is running JRiver and works and sounds very well without a hiccup but doesn't support wireless so uses an ethernet cable.

Yeah, I'm pretty sure it's not the power issue, might have been me mucking with the etc/network/interfaces file. Wicd was extremely helpful.

You have a Pi3? I thought those had built-in wifi?

 

[Alobar]

Yeah, I'm pretty sure it's not the power issue, might have been me mucking with the etc/network/interfaces file. Wicd was extremely helpful.

You have a Pi3? I thought those had built-in wifi?

They do but I went with JRiver ID for the Pi3 which is a more or less plug and play with everything loaded on the micro SD card including the os. In their instructions they said at least for the time being wireless isn't supported. In my case it wasn't a problem because I was just look for a way to get my DAC off the noisy pc usb. I now push (stream) from my pc to the rpi but it can be stand alone or used with a USB hd (self powered) or NAS. It was working right away once I figured out the right driver for my Modi mb. The Sq really is superior to the pc was even when it wasn't acting up. For under $100 it sure solved a lot of problems I was having. I think they are working on support for wireless but this just became available in Sept so well see.

 

[E.Man]

Hah! I have a Squeezebox that I'm abandoning and am going with a Pi. I'd been using it to play MAME on but thought I'd try it out as a music player instead. The great thing about it is that I can always swap out the SD card and play games if I want to.

I work with Linux at work so I'm not gonna let a little Pi intimidate me. It's like getting punched in the balls, getting up, and asking for more. It's rewarding when you get these things sorted out.

Haha, yeah, each to their own.
The fact you work with Linux backs up my experience here in Oz. Blokes familiar with poking about with programs can get them to go how they want, otherwise the learning curve is a matter of how much it matters to you.

 

[ldatlof]

Hah! I have a Squeezebox that I'm abandoning and am going with a Pi. I'd been using it to play MAME on but thought I'd try it out as a music player instead. The great thing about it is that I can always swap out the SD card and play games if I want to.

I work with Linux at work so I'm not gonna let a little Pi intimidate me. It's like getting punched in the balls, getting up, and asking for more. It's rewarding when you get these things sorted out.

If you are in the squeezebox world why not try squeezelite? It is a squeezebox emulator and plays great. Many tutorials on how to set it up. It is easy to do and sounds better than a squeezebox. My SB3 and Duet have given up the ghost a long time ago.

Speaking of MAME I use the retropie image on my RPi to play games. I added squeezelite to it and now it plays music too. It also has Kodi built in if you are into video. Rock solid!!

You guys are ahead of me. I burned volumio to an SD card and fired her up. I couldn't even get volumio.local to work via ethernet. I did see the volumio hotspot on my Wi-Fi though. I seem to have a DNS issue. Oh well.

 

[dodog]

Haha, yeah, each to their own.
The fact you work with Linux backs up my experience here in Oz. Blokes familiar with poking about with programs can get them to go how they want, otherwise the learning curve is a matter of how much it matters to you.

Yeah, Linux can be quite frustrating. I get why people don't want to monkey with things. My wife, after seeing me typing and cursing for an hour, asked me why I would want to do something that would make me so frustrated.