How does downloader work?

[txtinman]

I got my GS911 WiFi today and spent a little time with it before I had to go to work. I got the network connections working right. My laptop, cell phone, and tablet can all talk to the GS911. I ran the downloader utility and elected to download the latest software for my Vista laptop. I was asked if I wanted to open or save the file. I elected to open thinking it would install itself, but I got an error that said the file extension was unknown. In fact the file did not have an extension. Does the downloader install the file, and if so what has gone wrong with my attempt?

Mike

[WayneC]

There are 2 tasks for you to do

1/ The downloader will download the Windows software, select save file and then run the installer after it downloads

2/ Use either the WiFi web interface or the Win WiFi utility and check for updates for the WiFi firmware, update if it says newer firmware available

[txtinman]

I've tried to download the file, but I get a file without an extension. I get this file:GS-911-1411.2[1]


Mike

[WayneC]

Are you sure file extensions are shown in the set up of your Vista ?, there has been no change to the latest version we are aware of and many people have downloaded it. What is the file size of he downloaded file ?

I would proceed with the WiFi update and get the firmware in it up to date

[txtinman]

I tried something just to see what would happen. I dropped the [1] in the filename and added .exe and it worked. I'll have to look into why the file was saved like that. I don't use Windows very often, I prefer Linux, so I not real sure where to look yet. It will be great when the cloud services become available. Then I should be able to use my Linux browser instead.

Mike

[WayneC]

I rarely use anything other than linux when using the WiFi interface, what makes you think you cant ?.

The service functionality for early models is the only time I pull the diags notebook out and use the Windows App

[txtinman]

I didn't realize it was possible to use anything other than the wifi launcher program. How do you get the options for checking fault codes,  etc while using a Linux browser?

Edit: I just tried the ad hoc method of connecting to the GS911. That let me use my Linux browser on my laptop. We'll still have to wait for the cloud services so we can use the service functionality with our Linux machines. Thanks WayneC for the idea.

Mike

[WayneC]

The WiFi Launcher merely finds the IP No for the GS911 and then launches a web browser, if you look at the settings in it the web browser can either be the tablet/PC inbuilt web browser or one of your choice

Set up the GS911 WiFi so it connects into your home WiFi network, that way you can use any system to access the GS911.  Once it is connected you can use the admin utilities of the home WiFi router to reserve an IP No for it and add a bookmark in what ever browser you use

To give an example I needed some real time figures recently, I plugged the GS911 into the bike, configured real time recording from the Linux PC on my desk, went out for the day on the bike and when I returned home it auto connected into the home network and I sat down at my PC with a cup of coffee and retrieved the real time data from the bike. I could also have used the tablet to do the set up and left it in the tank bag

Re "cloud Services" they can be useful in a city/workshop situation but not very useful when out on the road, onboard routines in the GS911 are still needed

[txtinman]

Looks like I have a few things to learn about routers and networking. I already have the GS911 configured to connect with my home network. What is the purpose of reserving an IP for it in the router? I've been inside my router's admin functions, but don't remember a bookmark function. Why is that needed?

Mike

[WayneC]

Reserving an IP No for devices is so they are always able to be accessed from a bookmark in your web browser or entering the IP No into the address bar

You have not mentioned whether you have used the GS911 WiFi web interface to update the firmware in the GS911

[txtinman]

I have updated the firmware. I'm going to review the docs for my router to learn how to assign an IP to the GS911. If I understand you correctly, the bookmark is just a shortcut in the browser like any other bookmark except it points to the IP assigned to the GS911?

Mike

[WayneC]

Correct, you can use an IP No in a bookmark, just as you would to get to the admin screen on a router

[Xchallenge]

In the router you should look for something similar to "Client ip address reservation" or "Static Leases", possibly located somewhere near the "DHCP server" settings as it is a subsetting to that functionality.

You will need the MAC address of the GS-911wifi. It is usually entered in in this way 12:34:56:78:9A:BC or 12-34-56-78-9A-BC, check what is required by your router.

[txtinman]

Thanks Xchallenge. That will narrow my search.

[WayneC]

When you look around the router and find the IP reservation page most routers I encounter show the MAC address and the current IP No assigned to make it easy for you to then reserve an IP No.

Normally a device like the GS911 will have the MAC address on the label. GS911 does not and this has been brought to Hexcode's attention.