September 2012 - WLUG - wlug.mailman3.com

Re: [Wlug] Test needed on declared-ill Modem. Who has a lab?

by Richard Klein

Liz, I live in Clinton these days, where Verizon DSL and Comcast are the only options. Comcast is faster, but their monthly data caps made Verizon the better choice for me (not to mention my general distaste for cable companies). I recently had superficially similar problems. I went on freecycle and got someone's old DSL modem to swap for my own, to rule that out, but I got impatient and bought a new modem before I got the reply from freecycle. In any case, you probably can get another cable modem off freecycle for testing purposes. After the new modem didn't fix things, I finally called Verizon. They sent out a tech with a good "bedside" manner (he was friendly, seemed to know what he was talking about, and didn't talk down to me). He didn't find anything wrong with my signal, but he did notice the copper loop to my apartment was longer than necessary and cut down the excess at the pole. I haven't had any problems in the 2 months since. In retrospect, I think my problems were mostly on hot, humid days. -- Rich On Thu, Sep 20, 2012 at 7:11 PM, E Johnson <iris.gates(a)gmail.com> wrote: > Umm. Non-happy camper. ISP things have changed here, without me being > informed. Recently (2 days ago) my modem started rebooting every little > while. Zillions of T3 & T4 timouts in the modem log, Signal lavels were > perfect when it was online. I own this thing, a Motorola SB6120 purchased > late June 2010. It has not been abused. > > I am in Woosta & we all know the ISP available here. 2 techs showed up > mid-morning, to diagnose and fix this issue. One guy stood there watching; > the other guy "did stuff." They checked the signal levels on incoming line > from the box connected to the pole our back, and declared my moden Dying. > They talked to each other (not me) & seemed to think I was Granny-in-a-Box, > until they let me say more than one sentence. > > These guys also confessed that since July 202, Ch4rter does not "allow" > customers to own/run their own modems. Their consolation prize is that they > don't charge modem rental fees any more. (it's not on the bill, anyway, > FWIW). They mumbled some other mumbo jumbo and fled 5 seconds after they > learned I have my own router too, & didn't care if the modem and router were > yet in communication. They just said "better reboot" and they "no longer" > service "wireless" --which I am not running except when certain visitors > appear. I think they meant they don't diagnose routers, which has always > been the policy, and which is fine. Internal LAN issues aren't their > problem. > > So now I have a modem which may or may not be sick, but no way to test it to > make sure. Is there anyone here who can take a look at this thing & test to > see if it's Really Dying, or if Ch4rter deaded it with their latest > firmware revision of their firmware & policy change in July 2012? > > An interesting meeting theme sometime might be how to get the Verizon FIOS > in Worcester. Several years ago I watched Verizon trucks & Verizon moles > installing their fiber optics in manholes all over town. Ch4rter is running > on Verizon's infrastructure. Ch4rter internet has been working better since > then, but we're still locked out of the option to use verizon. Is this a > topic of interest to anyone? If so, I'll lead the discussion and even buy > the Pizz4. To me, this is a Large Pizza problem. > > Another interesting but probably futile discussion might center around why > we have suddenly been deprived of the ability to watch the behavior and > effectiveness of our modems, which serve internet coming from our ISP.. I > was not informed of this -- was anyone who is just a 'regular' customer? > > Meanwhile, if anyone has a test lab or whatever, where they can test my > declared-dead modem, please let me know. Otherwise it's probably a giveaway, > or another piece of Landfill Fodder. I can bring to a meeting & can wait for > results. > > Thanks & happy pizzaz, > Liz J > > > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > Wlug mailing list > Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org > http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug >

Sept. 26, 2012

Re: [Wlug] Need recommendation on UPs for small home network.

by E Johnson

Thank you. That helps. For quite some time I had been trying to find good answers online about whether or not I need a UPS that has "pure sine wave" output, or not. The newer "active PFC" power supplies supposedly require this. That's what I have here in the latest build. I found one on sale & free shipping at newegg for a price that won't hurt too much. CyberPower CP1000PFCLCD UPS This has only 20 reviews now, but most of the owners seem to be happy. I think this should keep the periodic brownouts from unexpectedly corrupting data. Thanks again! Liz J On 23 September 2012 08:32, <kstratton(a)fastmail.us> wrote: > If this is too verbose or vague, I apologize in advance. There is no > easy selection process for a UPS. Everybody seems to have different > opinions on UPSs and depending on who you talk to, all may be right,all may > be wrong. > > I have a strong preference for APC UPSs, although all brands have their > lemons. The unit I have and all the units at my work all beep on and off > when there is a power outage. Most UPSs have a USB cable that > provides status information for a automatic shutdown. I have not used it > and although I have not looked in a long time, I have not seen anything > written about Linux support with APC. > > I have a backup XS 900 for about 5 years with no problems. The only > issue for me is that it has a small fan that runs all the time. I > generally only hear it when things are very quiet . I intentionally went > big to extend the life of the UPS by reducing stress on the battery and > maintaining an acceptable power up time on outages when the battery > degrades. Yes, the battery will degrade. > > One thing to keep in mind when shopping for a UPS is that VA (volt amps) > is not the same as watts. My personal view is that when comparing UPSs of > a good brand, compare them based on watts, not VA. > > Where I work, we use an APC 450 for just about every PC in the place > (mostly office machines). Untill recently, the building would loose power > about 3 times a year. I think the battery typicaly lasts about 3 years > before they need replacement. If you want to check the power usage of your > computer, you may want to use a "kill a watt" or similiar device to measure > the power usage, both steady state and possibly when turning the PC on. I > will assume the actual power usage will be in the ballpark of 200W for the > computer and reasonable monitor (light to moderate loaded cpu). > > For myself and limiting myself to APC and newegg, I would consider the > "APC BE750G 750 VA 450 Watts 10 Outlets Power Saving Back-UPS ES". The > power save feature would get in my way, but I run my computer off from a > power strip so I would not use those power outlets anaway. Anything > smaller, I would not be confortable assuming 5 minutes of run time for one > machine. Of course, it is almost 2X the cost of an APC 450 :( > > Whatever you choose to use, I wish you best of luck. > > > On Sat, Sep 22, 2012, at 12:01 AM, E Johnson wrote: > > Today and the other day we discussed my issues with a modem declared-dead > by twin techs from my ISP. Part of that problem may have been caused by bad > elex service here. > > I need a recommendation for a UPS to use here. We have dirty elex here in > this 112 year-old central Worcester house, & inadequate amperage to my > floor (top floor garret). Refrig runs on same circuit as my computers do. > Lights dim when something downstairs also turns on, probably a microwave > oven and/or a TV. This won't be fixed any time soon unless the landlady > suddenly becomes a benefactress of the Gate$ Foundation, which will never > happen. I could sometime get an electrician in here to add a suitable > circuit for my floor, but it would be faster & better just to get an UPS, > whether or not the elex here is ever upgraded. > > UPS here would only need to run max 2 PCs plus their monitors, one modem > and router & a light bulb or two. Really needs to run only one. The > primary PC here is mine, which has a 450W power supply running a 95W AMD > FX4100 quad (bulldozer) no vid card. Antec Sonata II case has 2 fans. Mobo > is http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157292 > Built June 2012. Works great. The other PC is a few years older; similar, > but usually don't care if it shuts down in power outage or not. > > I need UPS to beep audibly in a power outage, but only need maybe 5 > minutes to light a candle, go to office, save whatever is not saved & Halt. > Otherwise just need UPS to smooth out the fluctuating elex here. > > I'm not clear from newegg or any vendor, which kind of UPS I need to get > for this small home setup. Please would someone recommend what UPS would be > suitable here, but not overkill. > > Thanks extremely, > Liz J > *_______________________________________________* > Wlug mailing list > Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org > http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug > > > -- > kstratton(a)fastmail.us > > _______________________________________________ > Wlug mailing list > Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org > http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug > >

Sept. 23, 2012

Re: [Wlug] Need recommendation on UPs for small home network.

by kstratton＠fastmail.us

If this is too verbose or vague, I apologize in advance. There is no easy selection process for a UPS. Everybody seems to have different opinions on UPSs and depending on who you talk to, all may be right,all may be wrong. I have a strong preference for APC UPSs, although all brands have their lemons. The unit I have and all the units at my work all beep on and off when there is a power outage. Most UPSs have a USB cable that provides status information for a automatic shutdown. I have not used it and although I have not looked in a long time, I have not seen anything written about Linux support with APC. I have a backup XS 900 for about 5 years with no problems. The only issue for me is that it has a small fan that runs all the time. I generally only hear it when things are very quiet . I intentionally went big to extend the life of the UPS by reducing stress on the battery and maintaining an acceptable power up time on outages when the battery degrades. Yes, the battery will degrade. One thing to keep in mind when shopping for a UPS is that VA (volt amps) is not the same as watts. My personal view is that when comparing UPSs of a good brand, compare them based on watts, not VA. Where I work, we use an APC 450 for just about every PC in the place (mostly office machines). Untill recently, the building would loose power about 3 times a year. I think the battery typicaly lasts about 3 years before they need replacement. If you want to check the power usage of your computer, you may want to use a "kill a watt" or similiar device to measure the power usage, both steady state and possibly when turning the PC on. I will assume the actual power usage will be in the ballpark of 200W for the computer and reasonable monitor (light to moderate loaded cpu). For myself and limiting myself to APC and newegg, I would consider the "APC BE750G 750 VA 450 Watts 10 Outlets Power Saving Back-UPS ES". The power save feature would get in my way, but I run my computer off from a power strip so I would not use those power outlets anaway. Anything smaller, I would not be confortable assuming 5 minutes of run time for one machine. Of course, it is almost 2X the cost of an APC 450 :( Whatever you choose to use, I wish you best of luck. On Sat, Sep 22, 2012, at 12:01 AM, E Johnson wrote: Today and the other day we discussed my issues with a modem declared-dead by twin techs from my ISP. Part of that problem may have been caused by bad elex service here. I need a recommendation for a UPS to use here. We have dirty elex here in this 112 year-old central Worcester house, & inadequate amperage to my floor (top floor garret). Refrig runs on same circuit as my computers do. Lights dim when something downstairs also turns on, probably a microwave oven and/or a TV. This won't be fixed any time soon unless the landlady suddenly becomes a benefactress of the Gate$ Foundation, which will never happen. I could sometime get an electrician in here to add a suitable circuit for my floor, but it would be faster & better just to get an UPS, whether or not the elex here is ever upgraded. UPS here would only need to run max 2 PCs plus their monitors, one modem and router & a light bulb or two. Really needs to run only one. The primary PC here is mine, which has a 450W power supply running a 95W AMD FX4100 quad (bulldozer) no vid card. Antec Sonata II case has 2 fans. Mobo is [1]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157292 Built June 2012. Works great. The other PC is a few years older; similar, but usually don't care if it shuts down in power outage or not. I need UPS to beep audibly in a power outage, but only need maybe 5 minutes to light a candle, go to office, save whatever is not saved & Halt. Otherwise just need UPS to smooth out the fluctuating elex here. I'm not clear from newegg or any vendor, which kind of UPS I need to get for this small home setup. Please would someone recommend what UPS would be suitable here, but not overkill. Thanks extremely, Liz J _______________________________________________ Wlug mailing list [2]Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org [3]http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug References 1. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157292 2. mailto:Wlug@mail.wlug.org 3. http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug -- kstratton(a)fastmail.us

Sept. 23, 2012

Re: [Wlug] Need recommendation on UPs for small home network.

by E Johnson

Thanks, Eric. That would work for the modem, but the computer(s) are across the room. I'm worried about the computers. Recenely had some invisible power event that seemed to crunch something in my most-important software. Had to do various softeware reinstalls, or re-specify preferences every time the power went out here, and sometimes have to do that anyway. I think I need a UPC that will deliver even voltage to the PCs here. I think I need to get one with active pfc (power factor corrected), but wanted to know if that was appropriate for my power supply, plus would run the AMD FX4100 processor & motherboard. And the router, so that doesn't need to suffer from power dips any more. I think I need something like this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16842102139 But there are no reviews on it here yet. Thanks, Liz J On 22 September 2012 07:36, Eric Martin <eric.joshua.martin(a)gmail.com>wrote: > I have a power strip style ups you can have, it just needs a new battery. > For a similar project, I went with a smart ups 750 or 1000, and you could > even go with a back-ups (both by apc, the smart one can shutdown your pc). > > sent from my mobile > Eric > On Sep 22, 2012 12:03 AM, "E Johnson" <iris.gates(a)gmail.com> wrote: > >> Today and the other day we discussed my issues with a modem declared-dead >> by twin techs from my ISP. Part of that problem may have been caused by bad >> elex service here. >> >> I need a recommendation for a UPS to use here. We have dirty elex here in >> this 112 year-old central Worcester house, & inadequate amperage to my >> floor (top floor garret). Refrig runs on same circuit as my computers do. >> Lights dim when something downstairs also turns on, probably a microwave >> oven and/or a TV. This won't be fixed any time soon unless the landlady >> suddenly becomes a benefactress of the Gate$ Foundation, which will never >> happen. I could sometime get an electrician in here to add a suitable >> circuit for my floor, but it would be faster & better just to get an UPS, >> whether or not the elex here is ever upgraded. >> >> UPS here would only need to run max 2 PCs plus their monitors, one modem >> and router & a light bulb or two. Really needs to run only one. The >> primary PC here is mine, which has a 450W power supply running a 95W AMD >> FX4100 quad (bulldozer) no vid card. Antec Sonata II case has 2 fans. Mobo >> is http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157292 >> Built June 2012. Works great. The other PC is a few years older; similar, >> but usually don't care if it shuts down in power outage or not. >> >> I need UPS to beep audibly in a power outage, but only need maybe 5 >> minutes to light a candle, go to office, save whatever is not saved & Halt. >> Otherwise just need UPS to smooth out the fluctuating elex here. >> >> I'm not clear from newegg or any vendor, which kind of UPS I need to get >> for this small home setup. Please would someone recommend what UPS would be >> suitable here, but not overkill. >> >> Thanks extremely, >> Liz J >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Wlug mailing list >> Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org >> http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug >> >> > _______________________________________________ > Wlug mailing list > Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org > http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug > >

Sept. 23, 2012

Re: [Wlug] Need recommendation on UPs for small home network.

by Eric Martin

I have a power strip style ups you can have, it just needs a new battery. For a similar project, I went with a smart ups 750 or 1000, and you could even go with a back-ups (both by apc, the smart one can shutdown your pc). sent from my mobile Eric On Sep 22, 2012 12:03 AM, "E Johnson" <iris.gates(a)gmail.com> wrote: > Today and the other day we discussed my issues with a modem declared-dead > by twin techs from my ISP. Part of that problem may have been caused by bad > elex service here. > > I need a recommendation for a UPS to use here. We have dirty elex here in > this 112 year-old central Worcester house, & inadequate amperage to my > floor (top floor garret). Refrig runs on same circuit as my computers do. > Lights dim when something downstairs also turns on, probably a microwave > oven and/or a TV. This won't be fixed any time soon unless the landlady > suddenly becomes a benefactress of the Gate$ Foundation, which will never > happen. I could sometime get an electrician in here to add a suitable > circuit for my floor, but it would be faster & better just to get an UPS, > whether or not the elex here is ever upgraded. > > UPS here would only need to run max 2 PCs plus their monitors, one modem > and router & a light bulb or two. Really needs to run only one. The > primary PC here is mine, which has a 450W power supply running a 95W AMD > FX4100 quad (bulldozer) no vid card. Antec Sonata II case has 2 fans. Mobo > is http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157292 > Built June 2012. Works great. The other PC is a few years older; similar, > but usually don't care if it shuts down in power outage or not. > > I need UPS to beep audibly in a power outage, but only need maybe 5 > minutes to light a candle, go to office, save whatever is not saved & Halt. > Otherwise just need UPS to smooth out the fluctuating elex here. > > I'm not clear from newegg or any vendor, which kind of UPS I need to get > for this small home setup. Please would someone recommend what UPS would be > suitable here, but not overkill. > > Thanks extremely, > Liz J > > _______________________________________________ > Wlug mailing list > Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org > http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug > >

Sept. 22, 2012

Need recommendation on UPs for small home network.

by E Johnson

Today and the other day we discussed my issues with a modem declared-dead by twin techs from my ISP. Part of that problem may have been caused by bad elex service here. I need a recommendation for a UPS to use here. We have dirty elex here in this 112 year-old central Worcester house, & inadequate amperage to my floor (top floor garret). Refrig runs on same circuit as my computers do. Lights dim when something downstairs also turns on, probably a microwave oven and/or a TV. This won't be fixed any time soon unless the landlady suddenly becomes a benefactress of the Gate$ Foundation, which will never happen. I could sometime get an electrician in here to add a suitable circuit for my floor, but it would be faster & better just to get an UPS, whether or not the elex here is ever upgraded. UPS here would only need to run max 2 PCs plus their monitors, one modem and router & a light bulb or two. Really needs to run only one. The primary PC here is mine, which has a 450W power supply running a 95W AMD FX4100 quad (bulldozer) no vid card. Antec Sonata II case has 2 fans. Mobo is http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157292 Built June 2012. Works great. The other PC is a few years older; similar, but usually don't care if it shuts down in power outage or not. I need UPS to beep audibly in a power outage, but only need maybe 5 minutes to light a candle, go to office, save whatever is not saved & Halt. Otherwise just need UPS to smooth out the fluctuating elex here. I'm not clear from newegg or any vendor, which kind of UPS I need to get for this small home setup. Please would someone recommend what UPS would be suitable here, but not overkill. Thanks extremely, Liz J

Sept. 22, 2012

Re: [Wlug] Test needed on declared-ill Modem. Who has a lab? -- + update from ISP

by E Johnson

Thanks, Karl. This makes sense. Why didn't I think of that! We have inadequate elex here which dips & dims lights frequently. Had sudden power outages a few times, including one very recently. I am not piping the modem logs anywhere; only check this if I notice an obvious problem. Results: Non available. Case (Motorola SB 6120) has only 2 screws, hex, 2 different sizes. No problem. Backplate then comes off & that's it. Nothing else to undo except whet seem to be clips, but we have no prybar tiny & thin enough to pry up these clip things. Case appears uncrackable, execpt maybe by dropping it from an airplane onto solid concrete. However. If it's only the power supply, I could test this by simply replacing the wall wart with an equivalent one from anywhere. Then I'd have to get the ISP to reprovision it, then watch to see if it worked any better after that. I do have an update from Ch4rter business office, which is relevant to my original beef with this ISP. Yesterday afternoon, I followed up by calling the business office, to ask why they changed their policy on what networking components their customers can or cannot own and administer themselves. The last person I spoke with said I am "grandfathered-in" to be allowed to own & run my own modem, since my account was opened before July, 2012 when the new poilcy was instituted (I'm a customer since there was something other than dial-up). Biz office says these techs who came to see me Thursday simply had "inadequate training" or "incorrect information" from their own supervisors. Both techs did look not older than about 3 days over 19. For the trouble call, I was promised a sup-tech & maybe one of these was, but only sup-ing the second guy how to open cardboard boxes of modems, smile at geekly grannies, & maybe how to drive the van. This modem is not in warranty & no longer manufactured (mine 2+ years old). But Motorola tech support confirmed that any old power supply 12V, 0.76A would run it. I'll borrow a power supply from somewhere, then try this thing one more time here before Responsibly Disposing of it by donating to a worthy friend's parts bin. Thanks very much, Liz J On 21 September 2012 21:52, Karl Lind <electrolind(a)gmail.com> wrote: > Sounds more like the power supply is taking it's time to die. As the power > level dips thats where your errors/reboots are popping up. Easiest thing to > verify is 1.) Turn off the modem and unplug. 2.) Remove case and inspect > the board. 3.) If the board's solder connections look like there are not > good connections ANYWHERE on the board then you probably have a bad solder > issue, if the solder looks good, it's probably a power supply on the board > problem which is a chip. 4.) Post results > > Karl Lind > > On Fri, Sep 21, 2012 at 12:00 PM, <wlug-request(a)mail.wlug.org> wrote: > >> Send Wlug mailing list submissions to >> wlug(a)mail.wlug.org >> >> To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit >> http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug >> or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to >> wlug-request(a)mail.wlug.org >> >> You can reach the person managing the list at >> wlug-owner(a)mail.wlug.org >> >> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific >> than "Re: Contents of Wlug digest..." >> >> >> Today's Topics: >> >> 1. Test needed on declared-ill Modem. Who has a lab? (E Johnson) >> 2. Re: Test needed on declared-ill Modem. Who has a lab? (E Johnson) >> >> >> ---------------------------------------------------------------------- >> >> Message: 1 >> Date: Thu, 20 Sep 2012 19:11:17 -0400 >> From: E Johnson <iris.gates(a)gmail.com> >> Subject: [Wlug] Test needed on declared-ill Modem. Who has a lab? >> To: Worcester Linux Users Group <wlug(a)mail.wlug.org> >> Message-ID: >> < >> CABmZTj0aYBHVUR83fPcMBxxpu6-YhfoPDo5G9wB1pdBAAQWwHA(a)mail.gmail.com> >> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" >> >> Umm. Non-happy camper. ISP things have changed here, without me being >> informed. Recently (2 days ago) my modem started rebooting every little >> while. Zillions of T3 & T4 timouts in the modem log, Signal lavels were >> perfect when it was online. I own this thing, a Motorola SB6120 purchased >> late June 2010. It has not been abused. >> >> I am in Woosta & we all know the ISP available here. 2 techs showed up >> mid-morning, to diagnose and fix this issue. One guy stood there watching; >> the other guy "did stuff." They checked the signal levels on incoming line >> from the box connected to the pole our back, and declared my moden Dying. >> They talked to each other (not me) & seemed to think I was >> Granny-in-a-Box, >> until they let me say more than one sentence. >> >> These guys also confessed that since July 202, Ch4rter does not "allow" >> customers to own/run their own modems. Their consolation prize is that >> they >> don't charge modem rental fees any more. (it's not on the bill, anyway, >> FWIW). They mumbled some other mumbo jumbo and fled 5 seconds after they >> learned I have my own router too, & didn't care if the modem and router >> were yet in communication. They just said "better reboot" and they "no >> longer" service "wireless" --which I am not running except when certain >> visitors appear. I think they meant they don't diagnose routers, which has >> always been the policy, and which is fine. Internal LAN issues aren't >> their >> problem. >> >> So now I have a modem which may or may not be sick, but no way to test it >> to make sure. Is there anyone here who can take a look at this thing & >> test >> to see if it's Really Dying, or if Ch4rter deaded it with their latest >> firmware revision of their firmware & policy change in July 2012? >> >> An interesting meeting theme sometime might be how to get the Verizon FIOS >> in Worcester. Several years ago I watched Verizon trucks & Verizon moles >> installing their fiber optics in manholes all over town. Ch4rter is >> running >> on Verizon's infrastructure. Ch4rter internet has been working better >> since >> then, but we're still locked out of the option to use verizon. Is this a >> topic of interest to anyone? If so, I'll lead the discussion and even buy >> the Pizz4. To me, this is a Large Pizza problem. >> >> Another interesting but probably futile discussion might center around why >> we have suddenly been deprived of the ability to watch the behavior and >> effectiveness of our modems, which serve internet coming from our ISP.. I >> was not informed of this -- was anyone who is just a 'regular' customer? >> >> Meanwhile, if anyone has a test lab or whatever, where they can test my >> declared-dead modem, please let me know. Otherwise it's probably a >> giveaway, or another piece of Landfill Fodder. I can bring to a meeting & >> can wait for results. >> >> Thanks & happy pizzaz, >> Liz J >> -------------- next part -------------- >> An HTML attachment was scrubbed... >> URL: >> http://mail.wlug.org/pipermail/wlug/attachments/20120920/8789bb41/attachmen… >> >> ------------------------------ >> >> Message: 2 >> Date: Thu, 20 Sep 2012 19:31:59 -0400 >> From: E Johnson <iris.gates(a)gmail.com> >> Subject: Re: [Wlug] Test needed on declared-ill Modem. Who has a lab? >> To: Worcester Linux Users Group <wlug(a)mail.wlug.org> >> Message-ID: >> < >> CABmZTj3Ghp2GHUiWHtGtbBN5NVo0HQKzkrWcvxNngP5_q2hcGQ(a)mail.gmail.com> >> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" >> >> PS: This evening, Ch4rter Billing has deleted the upcoming service charge >> for this morning's tech call. Amazing how it took 2 guys to check line >> levels, then hang one moden where my other modem was, + plug in one coax & >> one wall wart , then make 30-sec call to the office to get their >> repacement >> modem provisioned & watch for blinking green lights. 2 guys. >> If this happens to you (they discontinued your router & required you to >> use >> theirs), don't eat the bill. >> it does work fine, FWIW, but not impressed. >> --EJ >> >> On 20 September 2012 19:11, E Johnson <iris.gates(a)gmail.com> wrote: >> >> > Umm. Non-happy camper. ISP things have changed here, without me being >> > informed. Recently (2 days ago) my modem started rebooting every little >> > while. Zillions of T3 & T4 timouts in the modem log, Signal lavels were >> > perfect when it was online. I own this thing, a Motorola SB6120 >> purchased >> > late June 2010. It has not been abused. >> > >> > I am in Woosta & we all know the ISP available here. 2 techs showed up >> > mid-morning, to diagnose and fix this issue. One guy stood there >> watching; >> > the other guy "did stuff." They checked the signal levels on incoming >> line >> > from the box connected to the pole our back, and declared my moden >> Dying. >> > They talked to each other (not me) & seemed to think I was >> Granny-in-a-Box, >> > until they let me say more than one sentence. >> > >> > These guys also confessed that since July 202, Ch4rter does not "allow" >> > customers to own/run their own modems. Their consolation prize is that >> they >> > don't charge modem rental fees any more. (it's not on the bill, anyway, >> > FWIW). They mumbled some other mumbo jumbo and fled 5 seconds after they >> > learned I have my own router too, & didn't care if the modem and router >> > were yet in communication. They just said "better reboot" and they "no >> > longer" service "wireless" --which I am not running except when certain >> > visitors appear. I think they meant they don't diagnose routers, which >> has >> > always been the policy, and which is fine. Internal LAN issues aren't >> their >> > problem. >> > >> > So now I have a modem which may or may not be sick, but no way to test >> it >> > to make sure. Is there anyone here who can take a look at this thing & >> test >> > to see if it's Really Dying, or if Ch4rter deaded it with their latest >> > firmware revision of their firmware & policy change in July 2012? >> > >> > An interesting meeting theme sometime might be how to get the Verizon >> FIOS >> > in Worcester. Several years ago I watched Verizon trucks & Verizon moles >> > installing their fiber optics in manholes all over town. Ch4rter is >> running >> > on Verizon's infrastructure. Ch4rter internet has been working better >> since >> > then, but we're still locked out of the option to use verizon. Is this a >> > topic of interest to anyone? If so, I'll lead the discussion and even >> buy >> > the Pizz4. To me, this is a Large Pizza problem. >> > >> > Another interesting but probably futile discussion might center around >> why >> > we have suddenly been deprived of the ability to watch the behavior and >> > effectiveness of our modems, which serve internet coming from our ISP.. >> I >> > was not informed of this -- was anyone who is just a 'regular' customer? >> > >> > Meanwhile, if anyone has a test lab or whatever, where they can test my >> > declared-dead modem, please let me know. Otherwise it's probably a >> > giveaway, or another piece of Landfill Fodder. I can bring to a meeting >> & >> > can wait for results. >> > >> > Thanks & happy pizzaz, >> > Liz J >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> -------------- next part -------------- >> An HTML attachment was scrubbed... >> URL: >> http://mail.wlug.org/pipermail/wlug/attachments/20120920/8a927db4/attachmen… >> >> ------------------------------ >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Wlug mailing list >> Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org >> http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug >> >> >> End of Wlug Digest, Vol 107, Issue 5 >> ************************************ >> > > > _______________________________________________ > Wlug mailing list > Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org > http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug > >

Sept. 22, 2012

Re: [Wlug] Wlug Digest, Vol 107, Issue 5

by Karl Lind

Sounds more like the power supply is taking it's time to die. As the power level dips thats where your errors/reboots are popping up. Easiest thing to verify is 1.) Turn off the modem and unplug. 2.) Remove case and inspect the board. 3.) If the board's solder connections look like there are not good connections ANYWHERE on the board then you probably have a bad solder issue, if the solder looks good, it's probably a power supply on the board problem which is a chip. 4.) Post results Karl Lind On Fri, Sep 21, 2012 at 12:00 PM, <wlug-request(a)mail.wlug.org> wrote: > Send Wlug mailing list submissions to > wlug(a)mail.wlug.org > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > wlug-request(a)mail.wlug.org > > You can reach the person managing the list at > wlug-owner(a)mail.wlug.org > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of Wlug digest..." > > > Today's Topics: > > 1. Test needed on declared-ill Modem. Who has a lab? (E Johnson) > 2. Re: Test needed on declared-ill Modem. Who has a lab? (E Johnson) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Thu, 20 Sep 2012 19:11:17 -0400 > From: E Johnson <iris.gates(a)gmail.com> > Subject: [Wlug] Test needed on declared-ill Modem. Who has a lab? > To: Worcester Linux Users Group <wlug(a)mail.wlug.org> > Message-ID: > < > CABmZTj0aYBHVUR83fPcMBxxpu6-YhfoPDo5G9wB1pdBAAQWwHA(a)mail.gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" > > Umm. Non-happy camper. ISP things have changed here, without me being > informed. Recently (2 days ago) my modem started rebooting every little > while. Zillions of T3 & T4 timouts in the modem log, Signal lavels were > perfect when it was online. I own this thing, a Motorola SB6120 purchased > late June 2010. It has not been abused. > > I am in Woosta & we all know the ISP available here. 2 techs showed up > mid-morning, to diagnose and fix this issue. One guy stood there watching; > the other guy "did stuff." They checked the signal levels on incoming line > from the box connected to the pole our back, and declared my moden Dying. > They talked to each other (not me) & seemed to think I was Granny-in-a-Box, > until they let me say more than one sentence. > > These guys also confessed that since July 202, Ch4rter does not "allow" > customers to own/run their own modems. Their consolation prize is that they > don't charge modem rental fees any more. (it's not on the bill, anyway, > FWIW). They mumbled some other mumbo jumbo and fled 5 seconds after they > learned I have my own router too, & didn't care if the modem and router > were yet in communication. They just said "better reboot" and they "no > longer" service "wireless" --which I am not running except when certain > visitors appear. I think they meant they don't diagnose routers, which has > always been the policy, and which is fine. Internal LAN issues aren't their > problem. > > So now I have a modem which may or may not be sick, but no way to test it > to make sure. Is there anyone here who can take a look at this thing & test > to see if it's Really Dying, or if Ch4rter deaded it with their latest > firmware revision of their firmware & policy change in July 2012? > > An interesting meeting theme sometime might be how to get the Verizon FIOS > in Worcester. Several years ago I watched Verizon trucks & Verizon moles > installing their fiber optics in manholes all over town. Ch4rter is running > on Verizon's infrastructure. Ch4rter internet has been working better since > then, but we're still locked out of the option to use verizon. Is this a > topic of interest to anyone? If so, I'll lead the discussion and even buy > the Pizz4. To me, this is a Large Pizza problem. > > Another interesting but probably futile discussion might center around why > we have suddenly been deprived of the ability to watch the behavior and > effectiveness of our modems, which serve internet coming from our ISP.. I > was not informed of this -- was anyone who is just a 'regular' customer? > > Meanwhile, if anyone has a test lab or whatever, where they can test my > declared-dead modem, please let me know. Otherwise it's probably a > giveaway, or another piece of Landfill Fodder. I can bring to a meeting & > can wait for results. > > Thanks & happy pizzaz, > Liz J > -------------- next part -------------- > An HTML attachment was scrubbed... > URL: > http://mail.wlug.org/pipermail/wlug/attachments/20120920/8789bb41/attachmen… > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 2 > Date: Thu, 20 Sep 2012 19:31:59 -0400 > From: E Johnson <iris.gates(a)gmail.com> > Subject: Re: [Wlug] Test needed on declared-ill Modem. Who has a lab? > To: Worcester Linux Users Group <wlug(a)mail.wlug.org> > Message-ID: > < > CABmZTj3Ghp2GHUiWHtGtbBN5NVo0HQKzkrWcvxNngP5_q2hcGQ(a)mail.gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" > > PS: This evening, Ch4rter Billing has deleted the upcoming service charge > for this morning's tech call. Amazing how it took 2 guys to check line > levels, then hang one moden where my other modem was, + plug in one coax & > one wall wart , then make 30-sec call to the office to get their repacement > modem provisioned & watch for blinking green lights. 2 guys. > If this happens to you (they discontinued your router & required you to use > theirs), don't eat the bill. > it does work fine, FWIW, but not impressed. > --EJ > > On 20 September 2012 19:11, E Johnson <iris.gates(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > > Umm. Non-happy camper. ISP things have changed here, without me being > > informed. Recently (2 days ago) my modem started rebooting every little > > while. Zillions of T3 & T4 timouts in the modem log, Signal lavels were > > perfect when it was online. I own this thing, a Motorola SB6120 > purchased > > late June 2010. It has not been abused. > > > > I am in Woosta & we all know the ISP available here. 2 techs showed up > > mid-morning, to diagnose and fix this issue. One guy stood there > watching; > > the other guy "did stuff." They checked the signal levels on incoming > line > > from the box connected to the pole our back, and declared my moden Dying. > > They talked to each other (not me) & seemed to think I was > Granny-in-a-Box, > > until they let me say more than one sentence. > > > > These guys also confessed that since July 202, Ch4rter does not "allow" > > customers to own/run their own modems. Their consolation prize is that > they > > don't charge modem rental fees any more. (it's not on the bill, anyway, > > FWIW). They mumbled some other mumbo jumbo and fled 5 seconds after they > > learned I have my own router too, & didn't care if the modem and router > > were yet in communication. They just said "better reboot" and they "no > > longer" service "wireless" --which I am not running except when certain > > visitors appear. I think they meant they don't diagnose routers, which > has > > always been the policy, and which is fine. Internal LAN issues aren't > their > > problem. > > > > So now I have a modem which may or may not be sick, but no way to test it > > to make sure. Is there anyone here who can take a look at this thing & > test > > to see if it's Really Dying, or if Ch4rter deaded it with their latest > > firmware revision of their firmware & policy change in July 2012? > > > > An interesting meeting theme sometime might be how to get the Verizon > FIOS > > in Worcester. Several years ago I watched Verizon trucks & Verizon moles > > installing their fiber optics in manholes all over town. Ch4rter is > running > > on Verizon's infrastructure. Ch4rter internet has been working better > since > > then, but we're still locked out of the option to use verizon. Is this a > > topic of interest to anyone? If so, I'll lead the discussion and even buy > > the Pizz4. To me, this is a Large Pizza problem. > > > > Another interesting but probably futile discussion might center around > why > > we have suddenly been deprived of the ability to watch the behavior and > > effectiveness of our modems, which serve internet coming from our ISP.. I > > was not informed of this -- was anyone who is just a 'regular' customer? > > > > Meanwhile, if anyone has a test lab or whatever, where they can test my > > declared-dead modem, please let me know. Otherwise it's probably a > > giveaway, or another piece of Landfill Fodder. I can bring to a meeting & > > can wait for results. > > > > Thanks & happy pizzaz, > > Liz J > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > -------------- next part -------------- > An HTML attachment was scrubbed... > URL: > http://mail.wlug.org/pipermail/wlug/attachments/20120920/8a927db4/attachmen… > > ------------------------------ > > _______________________________________________ > Wlug mailing list > Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org > http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug > > > End of Wlug Digest, Vol 107, Issue 5 > ************************************ >

Sept. 22, 2012

Re: [Wlug] Test needed on declared-ill Modem. Who has a lab?

by E Johnson

PS: This evening, Ch4rter Billing has deleted the upcoming service charge for this morning's tech call. Amazing how it took 2 guys to check line levels, then hang one moden where my other modem was, + plug in one coax & one wall wart , then make 30-sec call to the office to get their repacement modem provisioned & watch for blinking green lights. 2 guys. If this happens to you (they discontinued your router & required you to use theirs), don't eat the bill. it does work fine, FWIW, but not impressed. --EJ On 20 September 2012 19:11, E Johnson <iris.gates(a)gmail.com> wrote: > Umm. Non-happy camper. ISP things have changed here, without me being > informed. Recently (2 days ago) my modem started rebooting every little > while. Zillions of T3 & T4 timouts in the modem log, Signal lavels were > perfect when it was online. I own this thing, a Motorola SB6120 purchased > late June 2010. It has not been abused. > > I am in Woosta & we all know the ISP available here. 2 techs showed up > mid-morning, to diagnose and fix this issue. One guy stood there watching; > the other guy "did stuff." They checked the signal levels on incoming line > from the box connected to the pole our back, and declared my moden Dying. > They talked to each other (not me) & seemed to think I was Granny-in-a-Box, > until they let me say more than one sentence. > > These guys also confessed that since July 202, Ch4rter does not "allow" > customers to own/run their own modems. Their consolation prize is that they > don't charge modem rental fees any more. (it's not on the bill, anyway, > FWIW). They mumbled some other mumbo jumbo and fled 5 seconds after they > learned I have my own router too, & didn't care if the modem and router > were yet in communication. They just said "better reboot" and they "no > longer" service "wireless" --which I am not running except when certain > visitors appear. I think they meant they don't diagnose routers, which has > always been the policy, and which is fine. Internal LAN issues aren't their > problem. > > So now I have a modem which may or may not be sick, but no way to test it > to make sure. Is there anyone here who can take a look at this thing & test > to see if it's Really Dying, or if Ch4rter deaded it with their latest > firmware revision of their firmware & policy change in July 2012? > > An interesting meeting theme sometime might be how to get the Verizon FIOS > in Worcester. Several years ago I watched Verizon trucks & Verizon moles > installing their fiber optics in manholes all over town. Ch4rter is running > on Verizon's infrastructure. Ch4rter internet has been working better since > then, but we're still locked out of the option to use verizon. Is this a > topic of interest to anyone? If so, I'll lead the discussion and even buy > the Pizz4. To me, this is a Large Pizza problem. > > Another interesting but probably futile discussion might center around why > we have suddenly been deprived of the ability to watch the behavior and > effectiveness of our modems, which serve internet coming from our ISP.. I > was not informed of this -- was anyone who is just a 'regular' customer? > > Meanwhile, if anyone has a test lab or whatever, where they can test my > declared-dead modem, please let me know. Otherwise it's probably a > giveaway, or another piece of Landfill Fodder. I can bring to a meeting & > can wait for results. > > Thanks & happy pizzaz, > Liz J > > > > > > >

Sept. 20, 2012

Test needed on declared-ill Modem. Who has a lab?

by E Johnson

Umm. Non-happy camper. ISP things have changed here, without me being informed. Recently (2 days ago) my modem started rebooting every little while. Zillions of T3 & T4 timouts in the modem log, Signal lavels were perfect when it was online. I own this thing, a Motorola SB6120 purchased late June 2010. It has not been abused. I am in Woosta & we all know the ISP available here. 2 techs showed up mid-morning, to diagnose and fix this issue. One guy stood there watching; the other guy "did stuff." They checked the signal levels on incoming line from the box connected to the pole our back, and declared my moden Dying. They talked to each other (not me) & seemed to think I was Granny-in-a-Box, until they let me say more than one sentence. These guys also confessed that since July 202, Ch4rter does not "allow" customers to own/run their own modems. Their consolation prize is that they don't charge modem rental fees any more. (it's not on the bill, anyway, FWIW). They mumbled some other mumbo jumbo and fled 5 seconds after they learned I have my own router too, & didn't care if the modem and router were yet in communication. They just said "better reboot" and they "no longer" service "wireless" --which I am not running except when certain visitors appear. I think they meant they don't diagnose routers, which has always been the policy, and which is fine. Internal LAN issues aren't their problem. So now I have a modem which may or may not be sick, but no way to test it to make sure. Is there anyone here who can take a look at this thing & test to see if it's Really Dying, or if Ch4rter deaded it with their latest firmware revision of their firmware & policy change in July 2012? An interesting meeting theme sometime might be how to get the Verizon FIOS in Worcester. Several years ago I watched Verizon trucks & Verizon moles installing their fiber optics in manholes all over town. Ch4rter is running on Verizon's infrastructure. Ch4rter internet has been working better since then, but we're still locked out of the option to use verizon. Is this a topic of interest to anyone? If so, I'll lead the discussion and even buy the Pizz4. To me, this is a Large Pizza problem. Another interesting but probably futile discussion might center around why we have suddenly been deprived of the ability to watch the behavior and effectiveness of our modems, which serve internet coming from our ISP.. I was not informed of this -- was anyone who is just a 'regular' customer? Meanwhile, if anyone has a test lab or whatever, where they can test my declared-dead modem, please let me know. Otherwise it's probably a giveaway, or another piece of Landfill Fodder. I can bring to a meeting & can wait for results. Thanks & happy pizzaz, Liz J

Sept. 20, 2012