Spooky!
 

My Snow ABS has been powered up, but not connected for about a couple weeks. In that time it has remained quiet with no visible network.

I make a post on here and within 30 mins it just sprang into life and has remained stable for a couple of hours.

I knew macosxhints was very helpful. I didn't realise it did magic too!

HELP! AirPort Signal "Suddenly" Sporadic on iMac G4 (UPDATE)
 

Ok ... here is what I have tried over the last 2 days:

• Re-installed AirPort Software, using a direct Ethernet connection between my PowerBook and the AirPort Base Station (I have a dual-ethernet model). I performed this twice, over a period of about 45 minutes, checking everything carefully each time. This did not work (the behavior of the connection to the iMac did not change).

• Physically took my PowerBook into the same room and placed it immediately next to the iMac. The signal strength to the PowerBook was at 100%. The signal strength to the iMac was 0%.

• Connected my PowerBook via FireWire, and used the PowerBook's drive as the startup volume for the iMac (using target disk mode). The iMac still did not receive any signal from the AirPort (using the PowerBook's drive as the startup volume), even after having tried this (I thought for sure this would work).

I now think that it is hardware-related. HOWEVER, I have a specific question regarding how software is installed on each specific Macintosh.

I think there is still a slight chance that there could be a software conflict that is causing the problem. My question is ... When an update (in this case, 10.4.3) is installed on a certain machine, does the update "adapt" itself to the specific machine / hardware that it is being installed on? The fact that I connected my PowerBook and used it as the startup volume and still had the same problem ... makes me wonder if the 10.4.3 update (or any software update) "tweaks" itself to adapt to the specific machine / hardware that it is being installed on. I am wondering if there is a slight chance that the version of 10.4.3 that I booted the iMac from using the PowerBook's drive is different than the version of 10.4.3 that is on the iMac. This is the only software conflict that I can still think of. If this is not the case (if both versions of the 10.4.3 software update are exactly the same, and have no differences because of a different machine / hardware), then I am apt to think that it is a hardware issue with the AirPort Card and/or Antenna.

Still needing help, advice, and suggestions. Any and all assistance is appreciated. As always, thank you to anyone that can help in advance.

-D.G.

a suggestion
 

A machine specific bug is possible, but it is likely to be difficult to diagnose.

You say you can connect with the powerbook. Is this connection fully functional: ie full internet connection and the ability to read the base station config with Airport Admin? If this is true most of your system must be working.

Have you considered swapping the airport cards in the powerbook and the iMac?

HELP! AirPort Signal "Suddenly" Sporadic on iMac G4
 

The PowerBook functions normally. No network connection problems have occurred. I can see and read all settings from the AirPort Base Station.

I have not changed the AirPort cards between machines.

(If the card is what is in question, I can simply purchase a new card, right? But if the item that is causing the problem is the antenna, is that connected to the iMac itself, meaning that repair would be more difficult and/or expensive?)

-D.G.

I have been having further thoughts on this problem. at one stage I
thought that this was a hardware problem, to the extent that I took
my ABS apart, removed all the dead bugs, cleaned it and reassembled.
But this didn't help. I was on the point of buying a new Airport card,
but didn't in the end.

I have remembered another set of things I did during recovery from this
problem - sorry I forgot this step previously.

In the network control panel I found I had to create a new Port,
of type Airport, deselect the old Airport port, then selecting the new
port from the "Show" drop down list, select the Airport tab and set the
"By default, join" drop down to "Preferred networks". At this point,
you have to add the details of your network (SSID and password)
into a list control by clicking on the + symbol.

In the Options box, I selected Keep looking for preferred networks in
the "If no preferred networks are found" drop down box.

Configure up the TCP/IP parameters in the usual way.

If your Airport tab on the network control panel doesn't have a list
box with two columns "Network Name" & "Security", then you have
either got an old version of the s/w or you have not done the new
port creation step above.

Hope this is of some help - sorry it took me so long to remember ;-)

Create a C2C network
 

DG here's some info that might help your diagnosis further.

I sorted out the C2C conundrum! I had assumed that the Airport was somehow involved, it isn't. The C2C connection is directly between clients.

So to check if that your iMac Airport interface is ok;
- pull the power on your ABS
- create a C2C network with your iMac
- join the network from your Powerbook and download any file

Yes, it might have to be an original Airport Card.

Yes it is, but it could also be any interface h/w too.

A real hassle at the very least and probably uneconomical.

yeah my powerbook 12" all of a sudden got flaky ...
sometimes it gets an IP from the ABS Snow and sometimes it doesnt. Packet loss is between 90 and 100 %.
A windows xp pc on the 2nd floor doesn't have any problems. Currently installing 2005-001 upgrade... see if that works.

i did recently install an ms office mac upgrade. not sure if that would have anything to do with it.

HELP! AirPort Signal "Suddenly" Sporadic on iMac G4
 

Thank you, StuartM ... I will try your suggestion from #26 tomorrow (Sunday, 12/18).

I did try something today (Saturday). I wasn't sure if I had only installed the 10.4.3 Update, or the 10.4.3 "Combo" Update, so I did a re-install of 10.4.3, using the "Combo" Update, on the iMac.

This seemed to work. For about 4 and 1/2 or 5 straight hours, the signal was perfect. Signal strength to the iMac was at or near 100%. Then, all of a sudden, it just stopped. Dead. It came and went a few times, but then it just went completely dead. I am curious as to why it goes completely dead, instead of fading and showing a weaker signal reception. In any event, after about 4 and 1/2 or 5 hours, the signal went completely "off-air" (flickering a few times, but then, completely off).

I then took the iMac to the spare / guest bedroom, where the AirPort Base Station is located, and sat it right next to the Base Station (within about 16 inches). The iMac would not pick up any signal at all from the AirPort Base Station. Now, I am really, really beginning to wonder what is going on.

If this is/were a hardware problem, wouldn't that have prevented me from receiving any of the signal at all earlier today, for a ~ 5 hour period of time? I mentioned this very early in my posting ... I remember when the problem first started, I saw something (only a few times though, and I have not seen it since) about the iMac not being able to read the "AirPort Base Station Configuration File". Does anyone know where all of the related AirPort Base Station Preferences files are located? I would like to try to erase all AirPort preference-related files from the iMac, and see if that doesn't help (especially the "AirPort Base Station Configuration File"). I almost now think that this is completely a software-related problem. I am interested in knowing if anyone can answer my question from my post #22 (see here: http://forums.macosxhints.com/showpo...9&postcount=22 ), about Software Updates being specific to each machine / hardware that they are installed on.

This might explain why I have experienced the problem with the iMac only, and had no problems with the PowerBook.

Is anyone experiencing any of the same problems as I am with an AirPort connection, since performing a 10.4.3 Update? Does anyone know of a tentative release date for the 10.4.4 Update? Does anyone know if the 10.4.4 Update will address any specifically related issues regarding clients connecting to an AirPort Base Station? I am really, really hoping that the 10.4.4 Update will solve my problem.

Dear Santa: I only want one thing for Christmas. Please solve my AirPort connection problem with the iMac! Please, if possible, send a Software Update for 10.4.4!

-D.G.

Digital_Guy:
Are you sure that it is the wireless network from router that your iMac is connecting to - and not, for example, one of your neighbours?
One way to be sure is to turn off your router and see what signals are present.

HELP! AirPort Signal "Suddenly" Sporadic on iMac G4
 

When I am able to connect, I connect to my own network (see attached image). I check this each time I am able to make a connection. This is the only network I / the iMac connect to (I am almost certain that none of my neighbors has #1) a computer, or #2) a wireless network of their own; I live in a really rural area).

I am still interested in any answers to the question I posted above, in #29 ( http://forums.macosxhints.com/showpo...2&postcount=29 ).

-D.G.

P.S. And no, when I check the pull-down menu for the AirPort, it does not appear as the attachment shows. I have intentionally altered the image so that the name of the Network is invisible.

Yes, this can be a hardware problem, a problem that is related to the internal operating temperature of the unit. Switching on the unit from cold, it is realistic for the very large internal heatsink to take a couple of hours to heat up and reach a critical temperarture where something fails. And to fail in the way you describe in #29. My unit fails in almost exactly the same way!

Going back to #20, I was completely serious about cooling the down in the fridge for about an hour! My bet is you will find that your unit works again.

I think I have a hardware problem, but I am hanging on for 10.4.4 just in case!

HELP! AirPort Signal "Suddenly" Sporadic on iMac G4
 

Seriously ... you aren't suggesting that I put the iMac in a refrigerator??

Oddly enough though ... for some reason .. this does appear to at least have something to do with the operating temperature of the iMac. I have been turning the computer off after each use, and turning it back on when it is used. When this is done, the AirPort signal seems to work, and last for about 2 or 3 hours. Then, though, as has been the problem ... the signal will disappear. It will occasionally come and go after that, but for the most part, it will just stay off. I'm not sure if this explanation helps anyone understand the problem any better, but it was something I noticed, and wanted to mention. I'm still wondering if an update to 10.4.4 will solve the problem. This whole thing has me angry :mad:, frustrated :( and confused :confused:. I hope that it will be possible to restore the iMac's connection to the AirPort.

-D.G.

Yes - that sounds like a temperature-related hardware problem.

If it is a hardware problem (as it seems) then it is unlikely that 10.4.4 (which should be out this week) will change anything.
You might look into solutions that would keep the machine cooler. Does it have a fan? If so, look for ways to increase the time that the fan is on.
Start by getting one of the 3rd-party utilities that can report on internal temperatures. (e.g. "X Resource Graph")

Hey DG, I was suggesting you put your ABS in the fridge(not freezer though!). I know it sounds strange, but it isn't daft, honest!

Putting your ABS in the fridge is a way of cooling the internal heatsink quickly so you can re-test the device. I wasn't suggesting you locate it there permanently.

Forced cooling is commonly used when testing embedded equipment. It just helps to get a repeatable set of symptoms. But it sounds like your there already.

I agree with Hayne. I doubt if 10.4.4 will fix it, but it's worth the wait to find out. It is only the fact that so many people appear to have the same problem at the same time that gives a glimmer of hope that it's a s/w issue.

Sadly, I doubt if XRG will help as it doesn't appear to monitor the ABS internal temperature.

Finally, let's get this in perspective, a non-Apple base station that will work with Airport cards can be bought for >£40!

I might have missed it in the thread, but there were quite some AirPort Base Stations built with out-of-spec capacitors.

Take a look here http://www.vonwentzel.net/ABS/Repair/ whether your unit might be affected.

HELP! AirPort Signal "Suddenly" Sporadic on iMac G4
 

Hmmm ... well, in response to the last 2 replies, from voldenuit and StuartM. If the problem is with the AirPort itself (either temperature or because of something inside the AirPort Base Station failing), why is only the iMac affected, and not the PowerBook? The PowerBook has never had a problem, and has functioned normally, since the difficulty began with the connection to the iMac.

-D.G.

DG, Hayne. Apologies, ignore my last post. I got it into my head that it was your ABS playing up. I think it was because the failure you describe sounds so similar to mine. I can see why you might be a little amused by the idea of cooling your iMac in the fridge!

Looking back over the posts again, it seems your problem narrows to either a iMac related s/w issue or a h/w temperature problem, but there is not enough info to identify which one.

About the only actions you can take are:
- swap the Airport cards between the Powerbook and the iMac (assuming the Powerbook has an original Airport card)
- wait for 10.4.4 and hope (like me)
- or buy a USB WiFi dongle.

FYI: Airport Management Tools (See MacUpdate) includes a client monitor app that pings the ABS and records the radio strength. This is useful for recording when the connection is up.

HELP! AirPort Signal "Suddenly" Sporadic on iMac G4
 

For those following this question, the problem still exists. I have not changed the cards between machines. I am waiting for the update for Mac OS 10.4.4, to see if that will solve the problem. I am hoping that it will, since the original problem began almost immediately after applying the update for Mac OS 10.4.3. I am wondering how soon 10.4.4 will be available.

-D.G.

I'm new to this thread. I have two iBooks that both developed this issue soon after the 10.4.3 Update and the Airport Update 2005-001. In troubleshooting I tried many things. First, the two iBooks are a clamshell 366 SE and a dual USB 500, both with Airport cards with 9.52 firmware. I'd been using both with a D-Link DI-514 802.11b router for several years without any issues. I also have used them regularly with an Airport Extreme Dual Ethernet version. When these disconnect issues began, I switched to a D-Link DI-524 802.11g and the results were identical with all three, so I don't believe the "base station" has anything to do with this issue, and doubt that reinstalling base station firmware will fix it.

I had used Software Update and got the smaller iBook specific updates, so I downloaded the 10.4.3 Combo update and installed it on both, and there was no change.

This led me to zero in on the Airport Update 2005-001. I decided to attempt to uninstall this update, especially after I realized I had installed it against the instructions in the Read Me, which stated an "Airport Extreme Card" was "required" for this software. I was almost certain this was this issue. I used OSXPM (OS X Package Manager) to "uninstall" the package. It uses the receipt in the HD>Library>Receipts folder to get a manifest to uninstall everything. OSXPM is available as freeware here:
http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/macosx/14368

I actually downloaded the Airport Update 2005-001 again and opened it with Pacifist just to check and see that "everything" was uninstalled by OSXPM, and it appeared that "everything" was uninstalled correctly. Since Pacifist was open I Updated Prebinding (same as optimizing) and then rebooted by using Cmd-Opt-P-R to clear the PRAM and then Cmd-Opt-O-F followed by:
set-defaults<Return>
reset-all<Return>
to reset the NVRAM just in case it was configured wrong by the software I'd just removed. I suppose I might have used Onyx or Cocktail or similar to clear caches and optimize, but I didn't.

On restart it booted into OS 9.2 and I tried out Airport 2.04 in 9.2 and the results were not promising at all. The signal started full strength and then stopped dead every few seconds when I was within 5 feet of the router. Unfortunately I've never used either of these iBooks with Airport in 9.2 so I don't know if this is new, or if perhaps it never worked better in 9.2?
I switched to 10.4.3 and the network is shown at full strength and seems stable for now, although it's only been about an hour. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that by uninstalling Airport Update 2005-001 that I mistakenly installed that I've solved this issue. Time will tell. I'll try to report back.