professorhat
Well-known member
No worries, I'm off out for the evening at some point but will get back to you tomorrow more than likely if you're still having woes!
I've drawn a blank once more, I'm afraid.
Tried to follow your instructions to the letter but slightly hampered by the fact I'm on a brand new Mac and the System Preferences aren't assigned the same designations as in your work-through.
For example, there's no "Show" box. There is one with Ethernet/Airport/Bluetooth as clickable options. Tried disabling BT Homehub and then turning off Airport, and then trying to create a new network, but Airport Utility says there isn't a device available or detectable. Meanwhile, the AE, despite "restarts" (hair-clip wedged into the tiny hole!), repeatedly flashes amber.
Plus, I seem to be unable to access Airport Set Up Assistant. Each time I launch it all I get is the Rescan button as a clickable option, nothing else.
I know it's virtually impossible to ascertain what my problem is here but thanks everyone for their attempts to get me started.
Tried to follow your instructions to the letter but slightly hampered by the fact I'm on a brand new Mac and the System Preferences aren't assigned the same designations as in your work-through.
For example, there's no "Show" box. There is one with Ethernet/Airport/Bluetooth as clickable options. Tried disabling BT Homehub and then turning off Airport, and then trying to create a new network, but Airport Utility says there isn't a device available or detectable. Meanwhile, the AE, despite "restarts" (hair-clip wedged into the tiny hole!), repeatedly flashes amber.
Plus, I seem to be unable to access Airport Set Up Assistant. Each time I launch it all I get is the Rescan button as a clickable option, nothing else.
I know it's virtually impossible to ascertain what my problem is here but thanks everyone for their attempts to get me started.
Hi Charlie
new mac, bt home hub and an airport express, right ?
Can I check some details
What version of MacOS X are you using 10.5.5?
A Macbook or a desktop?
Is the Airport Express up to date?
is it one of the new ones?
Run software update and check there are no new updates for you.
Then get yourself properly connected to your BT homehub over wifi.
Once you have internet access over wifi then you need to decide the following.
Do you want to Airport express to only do music?
Do you want it to share a printer?
Getting it to join the BT homehub is the easiest thing to do.
Are the BT homehub and the Airport express close to one another?
The Airport express can take a minute or so to reboot after you change settings, which can seem like forever when waiting to get things to work.
ÿ
The simplest thing to setup should be the Airport Express as a client (joining an existing network) and then seeing it from iTunes.
Can you answer the above questions and then I'll drop by the forums later tomorrow.
cheers Gavin
PS I'll actually have my own Airport express again early next week, had one stolen and had borrowed one recently. So I can then give you 10.5.5 and recent AE blow by blow walkthrough =)
new mac, bt home hub and an airport express, right ?
Can I check some details
What version of MacOS X are you using 10.5.5?
A Macbook or a desktop?
Is the Airport Express up to date?
is it one of the new ones?
Run software update and check there are no new updates for you.
Then get yourself properly connected to your BT homehub over wifi.
Once you have internet access over wifi then you need to decide the following.
Do you want to Airport express to only do music?
Do you want it to share a printer?
Getting it to join the BT homehub is the easiest thing to do.
Are the BT homehub and the Airport express close to one another?
The Airport express can take a minute or so to reboot after you change settings, which can seem like forever when waiting to get things to work.
ÿ
The simplest thing to setup should be the Airport Express as a client (joining an existing network) and then seeing it from iTunes.
Can you answer the above questions and then I'll drop by the forums later tomorrow.
cheers Gavin
PS I'll actually have my own Airport express again early next week, had one stolen and had borrowed one recently. So I can then give you 10.5.5 and recent AE blow by blow walkthrough =)
Hi Gavin,
Yes, it's a new, desktop iMac, two years old BT Homehub and a brand new AE (802.11n).
I'm running the 10.5.5 version of OS X, and all the software is up to date.
At the moment the AE's only function will be to feed music from the upstairs Mac to the downstairs Hi-fi. Possibly add the printer sharing function at a later stage.
Regarding the BT hub and the AE: they are in the same room at the moment, whilst I'm trying to get the thing up & running.
The "simplest thing" seems to be the most difficult for me at the moment,that is, getting the AE to join the existing network. When you say "reboot" the AE, do you mean with the hairclip/safety pin in the tiny hole method?
I'm becoming more and more bewildered by my total lack of success here. The amber light of constant cronk is starting to filter into my dreams. I need a Mac doctor!!!
Thanks for the input and advice.
Look forward to any further light you may be able to shed upon my dark mire.
Cheers, Charlie.
Yes, it's a new, desktop iMac, two years old BT Homehub and a brand new AE (802.11n).
I'm running the 10.5.5 version of OS X, and all the software is up to date.
At the moment the AE's only function will be to feed music from the upstairs Mac to the downstairs Hi-fi. Possibly add the printer sharing function at a later stage.
Regarding the BT hub and the AE: they are in the same room at the moment, whilst I'm trying to get the thing up & running.
The "simplest thing" seems to be the most difficult for me at the moment,that is, getting the AE to join the existing network. When you say "reboot" the AE, do you mean with the hairclip/safety pin in the tiny hole method?
I'm becoming more and more bewildered by my total lack of success here. The amber light of constant cronk is starting to filter into my dreams. I need a Mac doctor!!!
Thanks for the input and advice.
Look forward to any further light you may be able to shed upon my dark mire.
Cheers, Charlie.
professorhat
Well-known member
Ahh - sorry, I'm still running version 10.4.11 - never bothered upgrading to 10.5 so that's why my instructions are different.
Was thinking about this today, and thought the simplest thing to do would be to check the very basics. So I'd switch off your BT Home hub wireless kit for the moment to ensure the only wireless network going on is your Airport Express and nothing else is interfering. Hit the reset switch again and let it do its thing for at least 2 minutes (no matter what the light is doing - some distant memory of mine thinks it may continue to flash amber until it's been connected to and set up maybe). Once this is done, follow the out of the box instructions for setting it up. If you can't connect to it then, then something must be faulty with it and we're never going to get anywhere!
If that works though, we can hopefully build from there.
Was thinking about this today, and thought the simplest thing to do would be to check the very basics. So I'd switch off your BT Home hub wireless kit for the moment to ensure the only wireless network going on is your Airport Express and nothing else is interfering. Hit the reset switch again and let it do its thing for at least 2 minutes (no matter what the light is doing - some distant memory of mine thinks it may continue to flash amber until it's been connected to and set up maybe). Once this is done, follow the out of the box instructions for setting it up. If you can't connect to it then, then something must be faulty with it and we're never going to get anywhere!
If that works though, we can hopefully build from there.
Hello Gavin, ProfH, John et al,
Now I'm ranting and cursing as I try for the umpteenth time to get this damned AE up and running.
My latest attempt involved switching off my BT hub and re-installing AE software but it's all to no avail.
In my System Preferences it says Airport is running but isn't connected to a network. Or is connected to the BT Hub, if that's switched on.
Any further thoughts, guys?
Wits' end/end of tether/end of the line. . .
Now I'm ranting and cursing as I try for the umpteenth time to get this damned AE up and running.
My latest attempt involved switching off my BT hub and re-installing AE software but it's all to no avail.
In my System Preferences it says Airport is running but isn't connected to a network. Or is connected to the BT Hub, if that's switched on.
Any further thoughts, guys?
Wits' end/end of tether/end of the line. . .
Not an Apple man myself, so unable to provide any constructive help.
Where do you live? If it happens to be round the corner from someone, perhaps they could pop round for dinner, drinks and a bit of networking!
Only an idea.....but these things can be hellishly difficult to sort out remotely. You may be missing out some very small but vital piece of information.
Where do you live? If it happens to be round the corner from someone, perhaps they could pop round for dinner, drinks and a bit of networking!
Only an idea.....but these things can be hellishly difficult to sort out remotely. You may be missing out some very small but vital piece of information.
professorhat
Well-known member
Hmm, I think if you're getting no connection at all at this stage, something could well be faulty. Where you live is a good point - have a look here to see which Apple stores have Genius Bars. If there's one near, you could book an appointment with them and take it with you to test (a) if it's working and; (b) if it is, they can go through setting it up with you. Failing that, you could try phoning them if you haven't already...
Thanks guys.
My main Mac friend is away in America for another month, so will try contacting Apple directly.
I live in Wakefield, so my nearest Apple store is Meadowhall, Sheffield. May pop down there before I return the AE to the next-to-useless PC World, Wakefield.
Thanks once more. . .my exasperation is measured in cups of tea. Current count for the evening: 7.
Peace etc. . .
My main Mac friend is away in America for another month, so will try contacting Apple directly.
I live in Wakefield, so my nearest Apple store is Meadowhall, Sheffield. May pop down there before I return the AE to the next-to-useless PC World, Wakefield.
Thanks once more. . .my exasperation is measured in cups of tea. Current count for the evening: 7.
Peace etc. . .
I'd suggest you might have a lemon, Wakefield to Sheffield is a bit of a hike.ÿ
Do book a genius appointment, they can check the airport express is working properly.
One last thing to check, try a factory default reset see http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1450
and see if you can find the Airport Express as a wifi network, it'll be called something like Apple Airport Express and some numbers.
You should then be able to see if from the Admin tool.
if you can't then take it to a genius bar.
ÿ
If you can see if you can set it up to stream music to it.
Then we can look at getting it to talk to the BT homehubÿ
Do book a genius appointment, they can check the airport express is working properly.
One last thing to check, try a factory default reset see http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1450
and see if you can find the Airport Express as a wifi network, it'll be called something like Apple Airport Express and some numbers.
You should then be able to see if from the Admin tool.
if you can't then take it to a genius bar.
ÿ
If you can see if you can set it up to stream music to it.
Then we can look at getting it to talk to the BT homehubÿ
John Duncan
Well-known member
In researching PJ1200's similar thread, I found this: http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2098 which describes difficulties using WEP instead of WPA. Which encryption are you using Charlie? Mine is WPA and I had no problems, so this might be it.......
Thanks Gavin, John, Profh, DJ PRo,
John, I'm using a WEP encryption, so thanks for the link. I think I follow the walk through there.
However, I'm encountering a real problem with the Airport Utility. When I run it, all I can seem to access is the "Rescan" page/icon, which tells me that no wireless device is available. The "Manual Set Up" , "Go Back" and "Continue" are all in faded grey and inaccessible. Likewise the Edit/Base Station/Settings in the Toolbar tab are similarly impossible to access.
Any thoughts?
Cheers chaps.
Tea count for the evening: 4 and rising.
John, I'm using a WEP encryption, so thanks for the link. I think I follow the walk through there.
However, I'm encountering a real problem with the Airport Utility. When I run it, all I can seem to access is the "Rescan" page/icon, which tells me that no wireless device is available. The "Manual Set Up" , "Go Back" and "Continue" are all in faded grey and inaccessible. Likewise the Edit/Base Station/Settings in the Toolbar tab are similarly impossible to access.
Any thoughts?
Cheers chaps.
Tea count for the evening: 4 and rising.
PJ1200
Well-known member
Charlie, from my experience (see my thread) you're station has been set to 'client' status (which is correct as you want it to join your existing network) but like me you haven't set it up correctly.
Reset the AX (soft is fine) and rescan when it comes back up (should still flash amber).
Then use the utility to configure the AX, using the Airport tab to select 'join existing network'.
Enter the name of your network, and click the secuirty button next to it. Select the WEP bit rate you're using and input the code. You may have to use the $ sign in front of the code as is suggested on many sites, however I think updating the AX to the latest firmware (6.3 I think) should mean you don't have to.
Hope that helps!
Reset the AX (soft is fine) and rescan when it comes back up (should still flash amber).
Then use the utility to configure the AX, using the Airport tab to select 'join existing network'.
Enter the name of your network, and click the secuirty button next to it. Select the WEP bit rate you're using and input the code. You may have to use the $ sign in front of the code as is suggested on many sites, however I think updating the AX to the latest firmware (6.3 I think) should mean you don't have to.
Hope that helps!
Thanks PJ,
I've been following your thread and wondered whether I was dealing with the same difficulties as yourself. It does seem to be a similar 'client' problem.
I'll have another go tonight. Cheers.
Here's hoping. . .
I've been following your thread and wondered whether I was dealing with the same difficulties as yourself. It does seem to be a similar 'client' problem.
I'll have another go tonight. Cheers.
Here's hoping. . .
John Duncan
Well-known member
PJ1200
Well-known member
No worries Charlie - just don't give up just yet! It is worth it when it all works!
As I say in my thread it appears the problem surrounds the fact that when the AX is in 'client' mode it is no longer broadcasting and as such is not visable on a wireless network. You need to reset it and set it up correctly. When this happend the light will turn green.
Just to note that when mine worked it reset itself. The orange light comes on (startup) and then it did/does flash amber for a few blinks - then goes green. Takes about a minute or so.
You just need to get your WEP code ready and to hand and know what type of encryption it is.
Best of luck
As I say in my thread it appears the problem surrounds the fact that when the AX is in 'client' mode it is no longer broadcasting and as such is not visable on a wireless network. You need to reset it and set it up correctly. When this happend the light will turn green.
Just to note that when mine worked it reset itself. The orange light comes on (startup) and then it did/does flash amber for a few blinks - then goes green. Takes about a minute or so.
You just need to get your WEP code ready and to hand and know what type of encryption it is.
Best of luck
JohnDuncan:I take it you're logged on as an Administrator?
Unless I otherwise logged off, I presume I am but will double check when I'm at home.
Unless I otherwise logged off, I presume I am but will double check when I'm at home.
professorhat
Well-known member
Hi Charlie,
At the risk of confusing this further, but it looks to me like your main issue is you can't actually connect to the Airport Express unit to configure it to join the wireless network - is that right? If so, read on (otherwise ignore me). This is because, I just took delivery of my new AE unit to go into the kitchen, and have just set it up. This is how it should work:
1. Unplug your BT Home Hub for the moment and plug the AE into the power supply. Hold the reset button in for at least 5 seconds - you should see the amber light flash very fast to indicate it's been reset - the light will now just flash amber continuously.
2. You should then be able to see a new wireless network appear - in my case it was called Apple Network f8a22d - the last part will be randomly generated. To connect to it, do the following (I know we're using different version of OS X, but hopefully these screenshots will show enough to follow).
3. Open System Preferences.
4. Click on Network.
5. Highlight Airport and click Connect. The Internet Connect tool should open and, clicking the arrow next to the Network box should bring the list of available networks - your Apple one should be there.
6. Once you click on this, it should show you are connected. Closing the Internet Connect tool should show the Network status as the Airport connected to this network.
7. Finally, now open up the Airport Utility. The new base station should now show up in the list. You can then highlight and configure it.
Now I get the feeling, on step 5, you're not seeing any networks - is that the case? If so, then I think the AE unit must be faulty as it should definitely be as simple as above to get to the initial configuration of the unit. If you can get to the above stage, you can then follow the other guys' instructions to get the AE hooked into your existing wireless network (though remember to plug the BT Home Hub back in before you do this of course!!).
EDIT - updated instructions above as had to reset myself and noticed initial instructions were wrong!
At the risk of confusing this further, but it looks to me like your main issue is you can't actually connect to the Airport Express unit to configure it to join the wireless network - is that right? If so, read on (otherwise ignore me). This is because, I just took delivery of my new AE unit to go into the kitchen, and have just set it up. This is how it should work:
1. Unplug your BT Home Hub for the moment and plug the AE into the power supply. Hold the reset button in for at least 5 seconds - you should see the amber light flash very fast to indicate it's been reset - the light will now just flash amber continuously.
2. You should then be able to see a new wireless network appear - in my case it was called Apple Network f8a22d - the last part will be randomly generated. To connect to it, do the following (I know we're using different version of OS X, but hopefully these screenshots will show enough to follow).
3. Open System Preferences.
4. Click on Network.
5. Highlight Airport and click Connect. The Internet Connect tool should open and, clicking the arrow next to the Network box should bring the list of available networks - your Apple one should be there.
6. Once you click on this, it should show you are connected. Closing the Internet Connect tool should show the Network status as the Airport connected to this network.
7. Finally, now open up the Airport Utility. The new base station should now show up in the list. You can then highlight and configure it.
Now I get the feeling, on step 5, you're not seeing any networks - is that the case? If so, then I think the AE unit must be faulty as it should definitely be as simple as above to get to the initial configuration of the unit. If you can get to the above stage, you can then follow the other guys' instructions to get the AE hooked into your existing wireless network (though remember to plug the BT Home Hub back in before you do this of course!!).
EDIT - updated instructions above as had to reset myself and noticed initial instructions were wrong!
That's what I'm looking forward to.
This all started when my nearest & dearest decided she wanted me to shift a few unhoused CDs from the lounge. Although I'm mostly playing vinyl at the moment, I would occasionally like to access my iTunes library.
We'll see . . .
Oh, and is there any possible way in which my Chord DAC could be utilised in this Mac-to-AE-to-amp set up?
Yes, I know this is like trying to run 100m, whilst still crawling but why not plan ahead?
This all started when my nearest & dearest decided she wanted me to shift a few unhoused CDs from the lounge. Although I'm mostly playing vinyl at the moment, I would occasionally like to access my iTunes library.
We'll see . . .
Oh, and is there any possible way in which my Chord DAC could be utilised in this Mac-to-AE-to-amp set up?
Yes, I know this is like trying to run 100m, whilst still crawling but why not plan ahead?
John Duncan
Well-known member
If it has an optical in, then absolutely - the headphone socket is a mini-toslink optical SPDIF as well as audio. Now with apple lossless as a source, that's gonna be one helluva setup, and well worth the hassle........
Thanks Prof H,
I'm afraid I'm now actually struggling to reset the damned AE!! It is the hairclip in the tiny hole method, isn't it??
Step 4. is where I lost it I'm afraid. When I click on the Airport tab in Network all I get is "Location" and "Status : On" but no network name to highlight.
As you and others may have gleaned my computer "skills" are less than proficient, so I'm really making a complete glonk of myself here. Losing patience and the general wherewithal to carry on.
What a palaver. . .
I'm afraid I'm now actually struggling to reset the damned AE!! It is the hairclip in the tiny hole method, isn't it??
Step 4. is where I lost it I'm afraid. When I click on the Airport tab in Network all I get is "Location" and "Status : On" but no network name to highlight.
As you and others may have gleaned my computer "skills" are less than proficient, so I'm really making a complete glonk of myself here. Losing patience and the general wherewithal to carry on.
What a palaver. . .
professorhat
Well-known member
Okay, found a screenshot for 10.5:
So if you're not seeing any network there where Network Name is, the Apple isn't creating a wireless network. Now, this could be happening if you configured it badly on the first try and it's not resetting. The reset is the little tiny button on the bottom - as you say, you need a paperclip to push it in. Holding this in for about 5 seconds should cause the amber light to flash much faster for a few seconds and then it should go back to flashing slowly as usual. Once this is done, it should be reset.
If you're not getting any network in that list after this, my money is on the unit being faulty.
So if you're not seeing any network there where Network Name is, the Apple isn't creating a wireless network. Now, this could be happening if you configured it badly on the first try and it's not resetting. The reset is the little tiny button on the bottom - as you say, you need a paperclip to push it in. Holding this in for about 5 seconds should cause the amber light to flash much faster for a few seconds and then it should go back to flashing slowly as usual. Once this is done, it should be reset.
If you're not getting any network in that list after this, my money is on the unit being faulty.
Many thanks for your perseverance!
Still nothing afraid, even after the reset. Looks like it's going back to the shop. Very disappointed. I suppose I'll try again with a replacement model.
Half-term beckons, so may be able to devote a bit/a lot of time to this.
Dejection alleviated by the sounds of Tim Buckley's unintended, yet appropriately titled, It Happens Every Time.
Still nothing afraid, even after the reset. Looks like it's going back to the shop. Very disappointed. I suppose I'll try again with a replacement model.
Half-term beckons, so may be able to devote a bit/a lot of time to this.
Dejection alleviated by the sounds of Tim Buckley's unintended, yet appropriately titled, It Happens Every Time.
professorhat
Well-known member
No worries, I know how frustrating it can be to get these things set up - I had a few issues myself this afternoon with my new unit until I realised I had set MAC address security on my other Airports to prevent unauthorised devices connecting. I don't know why I bother with this since it would be useless against someone who knows what they're doing, it's fairly unlikely said person would want to listen to my music collection and it's only purpose seems to be to frustrate me for 20-30 minutes every time I get a new wireless device until I remember to add it to the list...!
Hopefully, the replacement will be as easy as pie with all the above to reference! Let us know how it goes.
Hopefully, the replacement will be as easy as pie with all the above to reference! Let us know how it goes.
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