Android GivEnergy App - Latest Update

77 comments started 2022-04-02 last 2022-08-23
Mobile App
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#1 Turnipfarmer84

Morning All

I have just updated to the latest version of the GivEnergy app on my Android phone and its giving me the more granular data which I really like, great improvement. I originally got searching locally for the the status of the inverter which will take up to 2 mins but unfortunately even after 30 mins or so its still not showing the status and I am unable to click on the local button.

I am not sure if its an issue a my end or possible bug with the app?

Anyone else getting this issue?

Cheers

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#2 TX200

Turnipfarmer84 same here, although haven’t waited as long as you.

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#3 Turnipfarmer84

TX200 I'm suspecting it's a bug, I've reported it as iOS users it appears to work ok but not found anyone on Android where it works yet

#4 Martin

Hello
Mobile developer from GivEnergy here. Sorry Android users! Unfortunately there is a bug on android devices that terminates the local search of inverters, the issue will be investigated over the weekend.
Regards

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#5 Turnipfarmer84

Martin cheers Martin. Thanks for the speedy reply

#6 TheDragon (GivEnergy)

Thanks for clarifying it. I was trying everything even using the WFxxxxx SSID for local connections.

Nothing was working. IOS fine

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#7 feidhlim

Martin Hi Martin, I’m on iOS and the app doesn’t let me click “server” . Is that expected? Local is fine as it’s basically real-time.

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#8 andrew_bond

'Account Info' in the app shows daylight savings is off (and doesn't seem to allow changes) - I don't know where this is actually stored, but in the old portal it was definitely on. Is this a bug in the app?
It also says 'Hybird Count' is 1 - I assume this should be Hybrid! though my inverter is actually not a hybrid.
(I'm on Android - v2.8.0.2094)
Looking forward to the fix for local control - and BTW I like the improvements to the home screen.

#9 Martin

feidhlim
Hello feidhlim
The Local and Server chip is just an indicator of where the data is currently received from

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#10 andrew_bond

Martin Does it just go local automatically if it can find the inverter?
It would be good to be able to select one or the other, and also to put in the local IP address if discovery doesn't work.

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#11 maphi3

I’m on iOS, eero mesh network and it does not work for me😢

#12 Martin

Hi Andrew

  1. Might need to look into the daylight saving issue you have mentioned, should be a bug from what you have described.
  2. It should be "Inverter Count" instead, it should be renamed next version.
  3. It will go to local automatically when an inverter connection. The initial development was actually to allow users to switch local and server by their choice, but after a few discussion, we decide to make the switch automatic, as there is really no reason to switch back to server if there is a local connection.
    Input IP address manually could be added in for the next update, there may be an issue for dynamic IP addresses
    (You might need to change it frequency), but otherwise it should be fine.
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#13 feidhlim

Martin ah ok. It’s the same style as the power/energy button so I assumed it was a button also.

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#14 chrisdev

Martin
Hi Martin, re inputting an IP manually.. I think most people will want to do this because their inverter is on a separate VLAN or because they use mesh which may block broadcasts. I'd suggest those advanced users also have the ability to configure a static DHCP mapping if needed. I'd love to see the ability to manually assign the inverter IP. Great work BTW 🙂

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#16 anglefire

@chrisdev - I think Most people is probably an over-estimate. Some people will, but only the real geeks amongst us. As it happens I have mine on Vlan0 with everything else except the VOIP which is on a separate Vlan so that I can assign it as one.

#17 Woodlands

Martin Updated to the new beta release and it appears to be working OK. Took about a minute to find the "Local" server and is now updating the "Home" display about every 10 seconds.
Thanks

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#18 andrew_bond

Martin I've updated to the beta release, but it's not found the local connection after over 5 minutes. My network is flat, although I have separated 5GHz from 2.4GHz with different SSIDs. I have tried putting the phone onto the same 2.4GHz SSID as the inverter, but it still hasn't found it. What method does it use to find the inverter? I understand networks pretty well, so if you'd like me to do some diagnosis please just ask!

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#19 andrew_bond

andrew_bond Oh, one other point - I have GivTCP running every 10s also - could they interfere with each other?

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#20 anglefire

I'm doing the same but the iOS app - and seems to be ok.

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#21 anglefire

In theory as its an API which acts a master to modbus on the inverter there is only one so shouldn't cause any issues - I run modbus on large networks (Upto 32 devices and 4000m long networks and average poll times are about 2 or 3 seconds at 19200baud and the GivEnergy network is a few feet and not more than 6 devices (4 batteries, 1 inverter and the master) and runs at 57600 baud)

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#22 andrew_bond

I see the IOS users are talking about the app working in landscape mode. I can't seem to get this one to switch from portrait - but perhaps that's due to it being in beta?

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#23 anglefire

andrew_bond or just the way android and iOS work. Might be an expand button in the corner on android?
Or it’s just not implemented.

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#24 andrew_bond

anglefire I'm pretty sure the app used to flip to landscape, though I haven't used it much recently - can't see any expand buttons, and also if I start it in landscape the Givenergy logo comes up that way but immediately flips to portrait, so I'm thinking it's not (yet) implemented.

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#25 pjb904

Martin Hi, thanks for the update (a few known issues - but that's why we're here ;-)
I see that 'Battery Reserve' is configurable in the Settings page on the App. I've never been sure, but can I now ask-
What's the difference between Battery Reserve and Battery Cut Off? I've always set/left my reserve the same as the Cut Off - both at 5% - but not really sure why.
Thanks for any Glasnost here......

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#26 Huntzie

Martin still not working for me. I have a 2.4/5 router and the inverter is connected to an TP-link extender in the garage as there is no direct router signal in there.

I tried with my phone connected to the extender, the 2.4 and 5 (just in case). I always get a message saying search failed, please ensure you are connected to the right Wi-Fi.

Also, not as important but the animations/colour are not showing for me. It's all static and black and white on the main screen.

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#27 Huntzie

andrew_bond I can put it into landscape on my android tablet but not on my phone.

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#28 stevelewis

Huntzie you need to manually update the app in Google Play once you've registered as a beta tester. Now works form me!

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#29 Huntzie

stevelewis I've done that. I signed up to beta, then uninstalled the app and installed again.

Will try again anyway!

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#30 Huntzie

stevelewis tried uninstall and install again, still the same error 😞

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#31 Seye

Not finding the inverter on my network, as per the original trials of GivTCP trying to do the same search. Different extenders and network types can make auto discovery tricky. There are so many types that getting them all to work will be hard. My system is a ASUS mesh system

Please provide the option of just manually typing in the ip address, that eliminates the issue. Acessing the inverter via IP address works fine

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#32 Huntzie

Just tried it on my husband's iPhone. Same error, so it must have something to do with our network setup. I guess the ability to manually add the IP address would be the only solution for us?

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#33 Seye

Does the server not know the IP address of the inverter it is talking to?

I am logging into the app so it knows the account. Can't it just get the IP that way? Just request it fromt he server? No user involvement at all, no local searching. Less to go wrong and quicker as no searching required

Ideally that would also be shown on the inverter tab so its readily accessible should a customer need to know it

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#34 anglefire

GivTCP doesn't find my inverter IP - but the (iOS) app did.

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#35 Seye

anglefire showing that there are so many variables its hard to get 100% so just provide an easy way to either manually add it.

I dont even mind if the server can't read it and I have to manually type it into my account on the website. I shouldnt have to, but willing to. It should be a centrally stored attribute for my system. Thats trivial to implement and would work for everyone

#36 TheDragon (GivEnergy)

Last nights Android Beta. Now working locally on my Samsung.

#37 TheDragon (GivEnergy)

The manual way is great for the tech savvy.
Think they want the Auto working as this cater for those who arent so knowledgeable.

But agree the default is Auto. But at least have an option in an advanced area to set the IP and poll rate.

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#38 Tim

chrisdev Can you also enable the host name to be catered for? I use DHCP for all my devices but have configured my BT Homehub to always use the same IP address for specific devices. I have given the inverter dongles host names of InverterL and InverterR (left and right on the wall) and all my TCP/IP communications just use these host names. I have no idea what IP address they have and don't really care; the BT Homehub dishes out the address on refresh every 24 hours and when my app wants to find them, the DHCP server translates the host name into the current IP address.

I know that getting to grips with the router configuration isn't everybody's cup of tea but it doesn't half make life easier when you get your head around it.

#39 hoggy

Neither IOS or Android apps work for me in local despite the latest updates.
I did by way of comparison run my own version of the ip finder I use for GivTCP which worked fine so still not sure why the apps are struggling given it essentially does the same thing.
I'm also on Asus routers as is someone else struggling so that may help narrow the issue slightly I guess?

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#40 stevelewis

Huntzie The sequence I used was: install regular app, register for beta, upgrade to beta in Google Play. Uninstall ING may de-register you as, a beta user... you should see a beta statement in Google Play when updating to the latest beta.

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#41 Huntzie

stevelewis thanks but yea I can definitely see beta on the play store, so I'm installing the beta app

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#42 chris_p

On the latest beta version, open the app, login, then says searching for inverter, then fails almost instantly. Using 2.4GHz network.

Same with Amazon fire 7 tablet

But I can browse to the IP address of the inverter and login fine.

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#43 Fergusonmk16

Turnipfarmer84 yes exactly what I am getting and power is showing in watts rather than kW. Bit frustrating as it was all fine before the update

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#44 andrew_bond

Seems to be working now - not sure if the version changed (it's v2.8.1.2096 now, but I think it was the same yesterday when it wasn't working). I haven't changed anything, but it's now switched to local and is updating every 10s 😃

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#45 DIG

Just tried to download app and it only loads v2.8.0.2096??
Says searching for server but never connects.
Where am I going wrong?

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#46 stevelewis

DIG I'm running 2.8.1.2096. Downloaded an earlier version then updated to the beta ".1." version in Google Play

#47 TheDragon (GivEnergy)

2.8.1 is what I have. Works fine

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#48 DIG

Just managed to activate beta update to 2.8.1.2096.
Working well with 10 sec refresh. This is ideal for my purposes, hope it remains stable.

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#49 chris_p

I have 2.8.1.2096 but still gives up looking for the local inverter almost instantly.

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#50 mrand31

Try closing the app and reopening it. Seems to go to local mode almost instantly the second time.

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#51 Xx-Mythril-xX

I've updated to the latest beta version of the app and now it's saying I'm not connected to the correct WiFi. I've tried both the house WiFi, the WiFi extender the dongle is conected too both 2.4 and 5Ghz and nothing. Not sure what else I can do to have it connect locally...

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#52 Huntzie

Xx-Mythril-xX same here... I've even tried different settings on the extender network, but nothing works

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#53 chris_p

mrand31 Tried that, uninstalled, logged out, closed the app, switched networks, closed my eyes and counted to 10... Still doesn't connect.

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#54 pinpointzero1973

Good Afternoon everyone,

I hope you're all well.
My phone updated the application sometime on Saturday.
I've highlighted my findings so far, and, I've not read through the entire thread, so some of these have likely already been pointed out.

The Power Reserve has been re-introduced, but alas, still does not work for me. It claims it is saving, and immediately reverts to the base value of 5%.

The Power Graph and Battery screens are a little tidier, but they are smaller on my phone which kind of then does not help.

The Home screen has been completely butchered.
Where I had a delightful, animated, and informative power distribution image, that has been shrunk into a little over a third of the screen, with the rest of the screen smothered by a fat purple octopus which has turned the entire screen from something immediately useful to, well, just hard work. The image text and content are so small I can't even read it with my glasses on. Furthermore, if I then tap on any aspect of the display, I get pseudo-random numbers with no context (see the screenshots). To have so much useful information scrunched into a tiny space, and then further down have ample unused space makes no sense. Rotating the phone does absolutely nothing bar showing the grinning octopus.
This screen is now (for me anyway) entirely useless. 🙁
(I use a Huawei P30 Pro phone - so it's relatively up to date, and pretty large)

No matter how long I wait, the application does not find my inverter. Though, glancing near the top of the thread, this looks like it might be in-hand, and you are at least aware of it.

Other quirks are the spelling of "Hybrid" in the menu, as it reads "Hybird", and the DST setting should read on as of last weekend.

Other than that, the changes are looking good.

Image 1

Image 2

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#55 pinpointzero1973

pinpointzero1973

It seems the application update has addressed most of these things. 🙂

Nice work team and that was a rapid response.

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#56 Xx-Mythril-xX

Had another update for the Android app today but still it cannot connect locally 🤦 I give up lol... If I connect my phone to the actual WiFi GivEnergy dongle, it no longer says I'm not in the correct WiFi network but still after several minutes refuses to connect locally. Same for the router, that's also 2.4 and 5Ghz.

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#57 Tim

Xx-Mythril-xX It's ironic that you can connect to the inverter's IP address/host name directly but you aren't able to enter this little nugget into your Givenergy app setup. For those who don't know their inverter IP address and have no interest in finding it, the current search solution would be useful but for those of us who do know the IP address/host name, it's frustrating that it/they can't be entered into the profile for polling directly.

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#58 Xx-Mythril-xX

Tim Maybe they can add this feature in an update ? It would help out !

#59 TheDragon (GivEnergy)

The adding of the manual IP is in work as it's been asked from plenty already.

A simple LAN scan can reveal the IP. Think Auto discovery was to help those not tech savvy use the app with live data.

Which is the single most asked for feature. Hence the amount of work is going in to this by @Danlambert (GivEnergy) and his team.
Great work so far guys.

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#60 GrahamRead

Really appreciate the fact local access has been added, great work. Unfortunately for me I can't get it to work on either Android or IOS. I've updated the android app just now - but still no joy, even when connected directly to the inverter dongle.

Any suggestions, or perhaps wait for an update that adds ability to enter local inverter IP address directly, which i think is being added?

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#61 Huntzie

GrahamRead I'm just waiting for the manual IP update. I've tried every setting I could in my network, extenders, phone, etc... Nothing seems to work. I used the Net Analyzer app and that can find all my devices including the inverter. I can also login to the inverter using its IP, no problem. Both Android and iOS can't find the inverter via the GivE app in this house! I don't think it's a problem with the app but with certain people's router / extenders / network settings.

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#62 anglefire

GrahamRead When you say connected directly to the the inverter dongle, what do you mean? I doubt it will work in AP mode.

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#64 stv

My GivEnergy WiFi dongle has an STA interface and an AP interface. The STA interface is connected to my home Wifi network, along with my PC, phone, telly, etc. and it has an interface address of 192.168.1.139 (DHCP). The AP interface is setup with a SSID of WO****** (the dongle serial number) and a network of 10.10.100.0/24, providing DHCP addresses. I assume the AP network is required to allow an engineer to connect to the dongle to configure the STA interface to connect to a home wifi network with Internet access.

I can connect to the dongle on either interface to see the dongle admin interface.

If I connect my phone to my home network, as I usually do, when I open the GiveEnergy app it attepmts to find the "local" connection and almost immediately fails so I assume connects to the cloud server.

If I connect my phone to the wifi dongle AP network (10.10.100.0/24), when I open the app I don't see the "Searching Inverter Locally" message and there is no "Local Search Failed" message, so I assume it can "see" the inverter locally via the wifi dongle gateway, but the app still shows it's connected to "server".

The "network settings" on the dongle admin interface seem to indicate that it's listening on port 8899 on the 10.10.100.100 address, on its AP interface, so can't really see how that could be accessed from a home network on the STA interface unless something is routing 10.10.100.0/24 via the STA interface (in my case 192.168.1.139)?


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#65 mrand31

it'll be listening in these ports on the local network:-

23/tcp telnet
80/tcp http
8899/tcp ospf-lite

That's the same as those on the dongle's AP interface

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#66 stv

mrand31 Thanks, so it is. One thing I didn't mention above; I had to scan the network to get the dongle 192 i/f address - it's not in the router DHCP table. Just thinking about that a little more this morning, and prompted by another post, the router must populate a DNS table from DHCP, and an NSLOOKUP confirms there's no mapping for the HF-A21 hostname, so the app won't be able to get the IP address of the dongle.

So i think i need to fix the DNS issue and see if that helps ..

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#67 mrand31

Drat. We seem to have two threads going on the same topic at the moment...

#68 TheDragon (GivEnergy)

stv

If the Inverter isn't in the DHCP list, what gave it an address? If not static, it much have been DHCP issued. If still not in the list, i would be looking as to why.
I sometimes see on my Sky router devices on the network with IP address's but not listed in the router. As they have had the same address for a while; DHCP (Preferred) if you were to look in ipconfig in windows.
Home networks tend not to use DNS, if you are pinging by name, its NETBIOS not DNS, unless your router is also acting as a DNS proxy

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#69 stv

TheDragon (GivEnergy) That's exactly my problem; the router must be issuing the address but not putting in the table.

I'm not pinging by name but specifically asking for a DNS resolution, which I assume is what the phone (app) would do?:

C:\Users\Steve>nslookup HF-A21
Server: BTHomeHub.home
Address: 192.168.1.254

*** BTHomeHub.home can't find HF-A21: Non-existent domain

C:\Users\Steve>nslookup Galaxy-s10
Server: BTHomeHub.home
Address: 192.168.1.254

Non-authoritative answer:
Name: Galaxy-s10.home
Address: 192.168.1.119

(second Galaxy lookup just to demonstrate what's supposed to happen with a dhcp assignment by the router)

addition:

The router event log confirms it's providing the address every 12 hours:

16:48:44,06 Apr. DHCP Lease renewed for IP 192.168.1.139 to host HF-A21 (MAC 28:9C:6E:4A:37:E9), duration: 1 day
16:48:44,06 Apr. Receive a DHCP request: 192.168.1.139, 28:9C:6E:4A:37:E9.

04:48:47,07 Apr. DHCP Lease renewed for IP 192.168.1.139 to host HF-A21 (MAC 28:9C:6E:4A:37:E9), duration: 1 day
04:48:47,07 Apr. Receive a DHCP request: 192.168.1.139, 28:9C:6E:4A:37:E9.

#70 hoggy

The latest Android update this afternoon .2099 has now worked for me.
You should know if it's going to as the "failed message" doesn't come up instantly.

@DeveloperDavid (GivEnergy) perhaps go use the data savings money from this project to go grab a beer...

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#71 chris_p

hoggy Same here, great work GE devs!

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#72 Xx-Mythril-xX

Last update worked for me. Good stuff. Will done on the fix guys 🙂

#73 DeveloperDavid (GivEnergy)

hoggy You're very kind Hoggy, @Martin is the real MVP here though. The app is undergoing a major change so look forward to the future.

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#74 wrefordj

My Android app is no longer displaying Local data. It is now v.2.8.2.2100 which I didn't install, it just turned up. The previous version (which I installed) was happily working and was v.2.8.2.2099

No doubt there will be many more updates before it all settles down...

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#75 wrefordj

No sooner had I posted than the app started working correctly! It didn't show Local data all day yesterday...
Anyway, fingers crossed!

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#76 wrefordj

No posts on here for a while so everyone must be happy!
I have only just noticed that I am now on v 3.1.10.3052 in case anyone needs that.
I have also noticed that the App is very good in that you can click on anything and get some useful displays.
The only bugbear is the possible 2min wait for local Home data. When the phone is in the same house with the same wifi etc, it would be nice if that could be speeded up a bit.

#77 TheDragon (GivEnergy)

wrefordj

I'm Android 3.1.13.3071 (Beta)
3.1.13.3070 Public

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#78 wrefordj

TheDragon (GivEnergy) Thanks, maybe that's what caused my TP-Link to stall last night? I'm now on v 3.1.13.3070