SqueezePlay OS for Joggler

[sijones]

Hi All,
Sorry to be jumping between threads, but I'm trying to post in the appropriate place for what I'm doing at the time. Have previously posted on the 'Squeezeplay for Joggler' thread, as I was using the Squezeplay app within PnPIII at that point ( http://www.jogglerwiki.com/forum/viewto ... 580#p15712 ).

Joggler was connected to lounge stereo via Behringer 202 external sound card. Problem was, the sound coming through the amp was quieter than the other separates of the stereo, which meant cranking the amp up dangerously loud to get decent volume. (switch over to the tuner or CD player & the noise was deafening). So I wanted to increase the volume from the Joggler. Have cranked all the Joggler volume options to the top.

Yesterday I swapped around my Jogglers and finally managed to install SqueezeplayOS on one of them (the other Joggler simply wouldn't take the flash). The SqueezeplayOS Joggler is now hooked up to the lounge stereo instead, through the Behringer sound card. Great news - this is the configuration I've been aiming for all along, as I wanted the Joggler in the lounge to be a Squeezebox, pure & simple.

Unfortunately, this SqueezeplayOS Joggler is also quiet - if anything, somewhat quieter than the PnPIII one. Volume is set to max on the Joggler, and I've disabled the 'master output limiter' in the settings - no change.

I was hoping crank up the alsamixer settings as per this post, to see if that gets the volume to where I need it to be to match the rest of the stereo: http://www.jogglerwiki.com/forum/viewto ... 600#p14864

Please can anyone explain how to do that, in terms a relative dimwit can understand? How do I get at the alsamixer interface / control panel (assuming it has one)? I have WinSCP, PuTTy, and can run Telnet from my Windows PC, but don't really understand which I should be using, or how. I know the Joggler's IP address, but my attempts to connect using all three of these tools have been met with 'connection refused' messages so far.

I feel I'm sooo close to getting this excellent setup working. Thanks in advance anyone who can give me a few pointers in layman's terms!

[toadmazter]

First, I have to say, this OS is AWESOME! Exactly what I was looking to do with the Cisco OpenPeak units I have. I think these Cisco devices are OpenFrame 2's, but not 100% sure. I am running SP OS on the internal memory, and everything seems to work great, but I am not getting any audio from the internal speakers or the audio jack. I assume it must be a different audio driver that is needed. Anyone else had success, or have any pointers?

[ilovemyjoggler]

I was hoping crank up the alsamixer settings as per this post, to see if that gets the volume to where I need it to be to match the rest of the stereo: http://www.jogglerwiki.com/forum/viewto ... 600#p14864

Please can anyone explain how to do that, in terms a relative dimwit can understand? How do I get at the alsamixer interface / control panel (assuming it has one)? I have WinSCP, PuTTy, and can run Telnet from my Windows PC, but don't really understand which I should be using, or how. I know the Joggler's IP address, but my attempts to connect using all three of these tools have been met with 'connection refused' messages so far.

Ok. I know next to nothing and I hope you don't feel insulted by my basic question. Have you enabled ssh on your squeezeplay os joggler? Without enabling that it won't let you in. It's in advanced settings - i think, i'm not near my joggler so can't check. As for alsamixer, i found this post - does it help you at all?

http://www.jogglerwiki.com/forum/viewto ... xer#p11157

I suspect roobarb!'s talking about putty. Username and password are both joggler.

[sijones]

Ok. I know next to nothing and I hope you don't feel insulted by my basic questions...

Not insulted at all! Thanks for your reply. I've been experimenting tonight, along with a bit of phone support from a more computer-literate friend and lots and lots of Googling. (I'm not bad on computers, but this stuff is at my outer limits...). I thought if I really mucked it up I could always reflash from scratch. Here's where I'm at:

- I'd already enabled SSH in the Squeezeplay interface before my last rambling post.
- Tonight I managed to log in to the Joggler with both PuTTy and WinSCP. I'd been using the wrong login details, they're both 'joggler' as you point out...
- After a fair bit more blundering about, I got to the Alsamixer controls via PuTTy, which were pleasantly user-friendly! I promptly cranked the master volume to 100%.
- Flushed with success at having got PuTTy working I also (with some trepidation) installed Wilberforce's 'Amixer' gadget, which seems to put alsamixer controls onto the Joggler's touchscreen. This worked, and is really convenient to use (thanks Wilberforce!).

So not a bad night's work, by my standards, and I learned a lot! Unfortunately, the Joggler still isn't any louder - the master volume setting doesn't seem to have any effect on the volume coming through the stereo. So I can only think that either:
- I'm missing something basic, or have set it up wrong...
- or that the USB soundcard's output to the stereo isn't affected by the Alsamixer / Amixer master volume setting. I wonder if the Behringer soundcard puts out a flat volume regardless of the Joggler's settings? In which case maybe the current sound level is as good as it gets? (It's a lot quieter than the rest of the stereo components).

Hmmm... any thoughts would be welcome!

[roobarb!]

First, I have to say, this OS is AWESOME! Exactly what I was looking to do with the Cisco OpenPeak units I have. I think these Cisco devices are OpenFrame 2's, but not 100% sure. I am running SP OS on the internal memory, and everything seems to work great, but I am not getting any audio from the internal speakers or the audio jack. I assume it must be a different audio driver that is needed. Anyone else had success, or have any pointers?

I've got an OpenFrame 2.0, but not an OpenFrame 7 (which look identical from the outside), so I'm unable to test on these. We know little about the hardware variations in them, so I'm afraid blanket support for those models just isn't something I can do.

What model number (ie. 2.0 or 7 or 7E) is on the sticker on the underside of the units you have? I can always try firing up sqpOS on my 2.0 model again to see what happens..

If you're lucky, it might just be that the output needs unmuting. Do a search on this thread for 'alsamixer' and you'll soon see what needs to be done!

[toadmazter]

Thanks for the prompt reply. I'll be travelling until later this week, but I look forward to the alsamixer test when I return!

[Wilberforce]

Ok. I know next to nothing and I hope you don't feel insulted by my basic questions...

Not insulted at all! Thanks for your reply. I've been experimenting tonight, along with a bit of phone support from a more computer-literate friend and lots and lots of Googling. (I'm not bad on computers, but this stuff is at my outer limits...). I thought if I really mucked it up I could always reflash from scratch. Here's where I'm at:

- I'd already enabled SSH in the Squeezeplay interface before my last rambling post.
- Tonight I managed to log in to the Joggler with both PuTTy and WinSCP. I'd been using the wrong login details, they're both 'joggler' as you point out...
- After a fair bit more blundering about, I got to the Alsamixer controls via PuTTy, which were pleasantly user-friendly! I promptly cranked the master volume to 100%.
- Flushed with success at having got PuTTy working I also (with some trepidation) installed Wilberforce's 'Amixer' gadget, which seems to put alsamixer controls onto the Joggler's touchscreen. This worked, and is really convenient to use (thanks Wilberforce!).

So not a bad night's work, by my standards, and I learned a lot! Unfortunately, the Joggler still isn't any louder - the master volume setting doesn't seem to have any effect on the volume coming through the stereo. So I can only think that either:
- I'm missing something basic, or have set it up wrong...
- or that the USB soundcard's output to the stereo isn't affected by the Alsamixer / Amixer master volume setting. I wonder if the Behringer soundcard puts out a flat volume regardless of the Joggler's settings? In which case maybe the current sound level is as good as it gets? (It's a lot quieter than the rest of the stereo components).

Hmmm... any thoughts would be welcome!

Are you changing card in alsamixer (f6 in the command line tool, tap first entry in my Amixer applet)? Make sure all outputs are cranked to the max

[ilovemyjoggler]

I'd been using the wrong login details, they're both 'joggler' as you point out...

I made that exact mistake a couple of weeks ago. Someone had to point me in the right direction!

I have also answered my own question. Yes, if you remove the volume limiter in audio settings, it takes it to 100 without having to go into alsamixer.

Roobarb!
Would it be possible to include the amixer applet into your OS? I think someone may have asked this before. I know alsamixer is really easy to get into, but it does involve having to actually log into the joggler. Being able to fiddle with these settings straight from the touchscreen just seems to go hand in hand with your squeezeplay OS.

[sijones]

Are you changing card in alsamixer (f6 in the command line tool, tap first entry in my Amixer applet)? Make sure all outputs are cranked to the max

Hi Wilberforce, thanks for replying - yes I think I've done the right thing there. In the applet I've chosen 'USB-AUDIO-USB Audio CODEC' which I think equates to the external USB soundcard? Under that menu I've selected 'PDC' and cranked the volume to the top. (From what I've read, it seems the alternative choice 'HDA-Intel-HDA Intel MID' is the internal speaker?).

Also, under Squeezeplay's own interface configuration, I've selected 'External Interface', and have turned off the 'Master Output Limiter'.

HOWEVER a sudden thought struck me this morning... I'm bugging everyone on the forum about how to fix this on the Joggler, but what if the Joggler's working fine? What if the AUX inputs on my ancient stereo's amp are quieter than the others for some reason? Stupidly, I've never checked that, and I should have eliminated it already if I'd been thinking straight.

I think I need to pull out the amp again and reshuffle the phono leads - maybe swapping over the inputs for the Joggler and the CD player - and find out if the Joggler is still quieter.

More news as it breaks..!

[marctwo]

Is anybody seeing any problems with the AirPlay component on sqpOS these days? I'm checking the bug fixes for Shairport and there's nothing that has been submitted for the C port that I use. In fact, I am streaming music straight from an iPhone 5 running iOS 6.1 to the Joggler right now and it's working perfectly.

I find Airplay very erratic. I have the latest release of SqueezeOS (1.09?) running on the internal memory and stream to it from IOS 6.1. When it works it's fine but very often it does not show up on the list of available Airplay devices. My Raspberry Pi has no such issues. I've tried disabling and re-enabling the service but it doesn't make any difference.

[roobarb!]

Would it be possible to include the amixer applet into your OS? I think someone may have asked this before. I know alsamixer is really easy to get into, but it does involve having to actually log into the joggler. Being able to fiddle with these settings straight from the touchscreen just seems to go hand in hand with your squeezeplay OS.

Could you point me in the direction of the applet? I'll certainly take a look...

[roobarb!]

Is anybody seeing any problems with the AirPlay component on sqpOS these days? I'm checking the bug fixes for Shairport and there's nothing that has been submitted for the C port that I use. In fact, I am streaming music straight from an iPhone 5 running iOS 6.1 to the Joggler right now and it's working perfectly.

I find Airplay very erratic. I have the latest release of SqueezeOS (1.09?) running on the internal memory and stream to it from IOS 6.1. When it works it's fine but very often it does not show up on the list of available Airplay devices. My Raspberry Pi has no such issues. I've tried disabling and re-enabling the service but it doesn't make any difference.

After more use, that's what I sometimes see too. It can take up to a minute to appear on my iPhone, but when it does, it works fine.

Do you know what software the Pi is using as it's AirPlay receiver? Is it through XBMC by any chance?

[marctwo]

After more use, that's what I sometimes see too. It can take up to a minute to appear on my iPhone, but when it does, it works fine.

Do you know what software the Pi is using as it's AirPlay receiver? Is it through XBMC by any chance?

Yes, it's Raspbmc.

Thanks again by the way, all your hard work on this is very much appreciated!

[ilovemyjoggler]

Would it be possible to include the amixer applet into your OS? I think someone may have asked this before. I know alsamixer is really easy to get into, but it does involve having to actually log into the joggler. Being able to fiddle with these settings straight from the touchscreen just seems to go hand in hand with your squeezeplay OS.

Could you point me in the direction of the applet? I'll certainly take a look...

Roobarb! Here you go. (It's the most recent one I could find on the forum - and the one I used - but Wilberforce would know best)

http://www.jogglerwiki.com/forum/viewto ... xer#p13411

Btw, I'm a bit flumoxed (but overjoyed) to say that airplay on my joggler is STILL rock solid. I've had many little glitches with other things but this hasn't failed me once. It's always there and always works (how's that for tempting fate?) . I know this doesn't help anyone else but thought you might find the feedback helpful?

[gegs]

Airplay has also been faultless on my setup since I changed to a nominally slower (though actually much faster and more stable) USB stick.

[mephster]

Hi
Fantastic piece of software - only one minor niggle with airplay.

When it works it's great, but my iDevices don't always find the joggler. My apple-tv always appears but the joggler is only intermittently on the airplay menu.

Maybe there's something else the joggler needs to do in order to speed up discovery?

thanks
Mike G

[roobarb!]

Maybe there's something else the joggler needs to do in order to speed up discovery?

Nope, the posts just above yours are about exactly this issue. I need to do some more testing, but I'm swamped right now, I'm afraid.

[steves999]

Cross posting from the DAC thread (please tell me if it's not the done thing and I'll delete) as there seems to be more activity here!

I wonder if anyone can help on this one.
I'm running SPOS v1.09 internally and all's been working well with various cheap and cheerful DACs - even up to 24/96 with the unbranded Maplin one.
I decided to get a "decent" DAC and went for the Schiit Modi, which seems to be getting rave reviews.
Problem is that it bootloops when SPOS starts - going back to the O2 boot logo. I've tried Wilberforce's EDO applet and deleting asound.conf to no avail.
I may have to send the DAC back and try something else, but before I do I wondered if any of the brains here have a clue what I could try?
Thanks

[sijones]

I'm bugging everyone on the forum about how to fix this on the Joggler, but what if the Joggler's working fine? What if the AUX inputs on my ancient stereo's amp are quieter than the others for some reason? Stupidly, I've never checked that, and I should have eliminated it already if I'd been thinking straight.

You know you're self-absorbed when you start quoting yourself on a forum...

Haven't solved my quiet-volume-through-soundcard problem, but I'm pleased to report that my amp's not to blame. There's nothing unusually quiet about the AUX inputs compared to the others. So at least I'm not embarrassed by my failure to check it sooner.

But in a bid to make all the parts of the stereo play at roughly the same levels, I've decided to think laterally... put a cheap attenuator on the CD & tuner inputs so I can quieten them down a bit to match the Joggler. Doubtless an audiophile would be aghast at this solution, but my grizzled ears aren't up to noticing the difference. Then if someone switches inputs without checking the volume knob, it won't blow the mesh off the speakers and frighten the baby.

Thanks for the advice everyone - even though I still have a bit to do, finding out how to SSH in, and installing Amixer were both jobs that needed doing.

If the original posters don't mind, I might collate some of what I've learned into a PDF of info-for-noobs (crediting the originators of course). I'll PM the various people involved to see if they mind.

[mephster]

Maybe there's something else the joggler needs to do in order to speed up discovery?

Nope, the posts just above yours are about exactly this issue. I need to do some more testing, but I'm swamped right now, I'm afraid.

I'll send you beer tokens - after all the money saved using jogglers instead of AirportExpresses, Squeezebox touches etc.