Don't think my usb C port is working

[Guido Guido]

I don't think my usb C port is working, is there way to check? Got an external drive didn't get recognized in the C port, did in A but wifi didn't work in C.  Got a powered usb hub, external drive and/or wifi still not working in C.  With the hub and wifi and drive in it and it in A only drive is recognized no wifi.  I would like to be able to have both external drive and wifi at same time.  Thanks.

[Daniel Taylor]

The fact that you can read your external drive in A but not in C, is an indication that there's something wrong with port C.  Can I infer from what you said that your WiFi dongle does work in port A, while it doesn't work in port C?  Do you have a USB stick that lights up when it is plugged into a port with power?  If so, try that to see if it's getting power.

If it were my unit, I'd take off the back and make sure the cable from the outside port is plugged in securely to the board it goes to.

[Guido Guido]

Thanks for that idea, Daniel.  I put a usb stick into the C port and it does light up, so apparently there IS some power there.  You are correct the wifi dongle doesn't work in C with or without the powered hub.  I thought by plugging the external drive into the powered hub and the hub into the C port and starting the B2 up all would be good, but it does not recognize the drive that way either.  I'm at a loss at this point.

[Daniel Taylor]

Did you make sure the internal cable was securely seated?

[fred.w....@gmail.com]

Just to be sure that we have all the information.

I assume that your Brennan B2 is a new unit and not one with 3 USB ports at the back (older models have USB A, USB B and USB C) if it is an older model the USB B port is non functional and should not be used.

Next there is a difference in the power available to USB A and USB C in a normal, functional B2. USB A has the most power

A normal, functional B2 should work with the WiFi dongle in either USB port.

To summarise your issue

1) your WiFi Dongle works in USB A not C

2) your WiFi Dongle does not work in USB C

3) A USB thumb drive with a status light does light up when plugged into USB A 

4) A USB thumb drive with a status light does light up when plugged into USB C

5) When plugging a externally powered (with the power connected) USB Hub into USB C, plugging the WiFi dongle into that and powering up the B2 - the WiFi dongle is not recognised.

6) When plugging a externally powered (with the power connected) USB Hub into USB C, plugging an External USB drive into that and powering up the B2 - the External USB drive is not recognised.

If the above is correct the the WiFi Dongle is not the problem.

If the above is correct there is indeed something wrong with the B2's USB C port.

The fact that it appears to be powered shows that it is connected internally (the B2's USB ports are taken off the USB ports on the Raspberry Pi mother board but the connections are not direct and are shared with the Brennan's internal drive system). There could be a loose connection causing the issue (hence Daniels suggestion above).

The other possibility is that the B2 software is corrupt (this is held on a small internal SD Card separate from the HDD on which it stores music) - This could be tested by re-flashing the SD Card with the software.

However if the Unit is new or still under guarantee, I am sure that Paul from Brennan (the moderator/owner of this Forum) will pick up on this thread and make suggestions to help sort you out.

If your machine is out of warranty (12 months I think) then if you come back to us we will "talk" you through what to do next (short of sending it off for repair).

Fred

[Guido Guido]

Fred,

You are correct on all 6 of your points above.  The unit is a new B2 2T unit without the B port.  It is only a month or so old.

Is there documentation on re-flashing the software on the SD card?

Dan,

Since the thumb drive status light activated when in the C port I did not think it was necessary to open the unit to make sure the cable was securely seated.  Do you think this might still be valuable to do?

[Daniel Taylor]

You have a point about the voltage being present on the port.  To thoroughly satisfy myself, I would look inside anyway, but the chances that I'd find anything are slim.

The instructions on re-flashing the SD card are on the Brennan website on the Techy Stuff page; how to change the card is at the top of the main column, and how to flash the software is at the top of the left column.  When downloading the file, do NOT unzip it.

[Guido Guido]

Dan, On the Brenna site under B2 under Techy Stuff I don't see the columns your refer to.  I see how to change the SD card and how to create a new one but not the options you mention.
I would prefer not to purchase a new SD card and usb sd adapter and go through that hassle.  I would think Brennan would just send me an updated on that I could install myself if that ends up being the issue.  Me going through the process when it might not even solve the issue seems unnecessary.  

[Daniel Taylor]

You can load fresh software on the SD card you already have.  But I can appreciate how you feel.  If your B2 is still under warranty, I think they would send you a new SD card.  Send them an email to thebrennanb2 @ gmail . com (no spaces).

[PMB]

Hi guid...,

Please email us on -   thebrennanb2   @   gmail   .   com   - no spaces, requesting a new SD Card.

Paul

Brennan Support.

[Guido Guido]

Thanks, Paul.  Email sent.

[Guido Guido]

Hello,

I finally had time to put the new SD card in.  Unfortunately, now I can no longer connect to wifi.  The unit is in the same spot where I could before.  Tried both midi ports but no dice.  Next step in the sd card replacement is the web upgrade and with no wifi that is not possible.
Suggestions please!

Kevin

[JFBUK]

Hi Kevin

just to clarify.

You have gone through the Wi-Fi setup process with your new SD card inserted ?

John

[Daniel Taylor]

If you cannot connect the B2 to the internet right now, you can download the latest officially released software to your computer, then copy it to a FAT32 formatted USB stick.  Then run the SW Upgrade command (Maintenance menu) with the USB stick inserted in the B2.

To download the file, go to the Latest Software page on the Brennan website.  At the top of the right colum, the first three links are for B2, B2B, and BB1 software.  Pick the appropriate one and download the file.  Do not unzip it.  Copy it to the FAT32 formatted USB stick.

[Peter Lowham]

Hi Daniel,

I believe that the 'SW Upgrade' function only works from the USB C port, and it is the C port that seems to be faulty.

Regards,

Peter.

[fred.w....@gmail.com]

Have you tried form the Front controls 

Then try and set the WiFi up afresh.

Fred

[Guido Guido]

I did the Reset WiFi as suggested and the device rebooted.  I then did the scan for networks and it displays scanning and then after a minute or two goes back to the b2 2000g display where when it scrolls through the options still says no network.

Any other ideas or help?

[fred.w....@gmail.com]

OK so now the USB dongle will not work in USB Port A or USB Port C.  

Have you a USB Stick (Formatted to FAT32) that you could plug into the USB ports to see if the B2 can see this device (or a USB CD reader)

It may be that your USB Wifi dongle has gone bad - and if we can prove the USB ports are working this would seem to indicate this).

Fred

[Guido Guido]

I plugged the external CD drive in the A Port and it ripped a CD from it. I put it in the C port both with and without a powered usb hub and it was not recognized,

Wifi still not working.  Don't know why dongle would have gone bad, unit is in the same spot as always and dongle was removed before I swapped the sd card and then replaced.
So same problem as originally had, but now with no wifi.  So worse than I started which doesn't make me a happy camper...

[fred.w....@gmail.com]

Yes I too would not  be a happy camper, however I think we have perhaps Identified that 

1) USB C Is not working

2) Your WiFi dongle is not working

Wonder if WiFi dongle failure killed USB C  or if USB C failure killed the WiFi dongle?

Anyhow I think the unit will need to go back for repair or replacement because of the USB C failure. No doubt Paul will advise you what to do when he looks at the Forum tomorrow.

In the interim it would be a good idea to make a backup (Export to USB A) of the B2 music you have ripped already. Then if the unit is replaced you will be able to restore everething.

Fred

[PMB]

Hi Quid...,

Please email us -  thebrennanb2  @  gmail  .  com  - no spaces, with a brief description of the problem and we will send you the return for repair instructions.

Paul

Brennan Support.