Internet WiFi Radio

lushkat

Hi there,

I received a fantastic wifi radio from my OH for my birthday and it is great (it's from Acoustics Energy I think that is their name).

It works via the wireless network that we have at home, and enables me to listen to loads and loads of different radio stations from all around the world. This is great for me, although I know I could use the PC, it is great to have in our room where there is no PC and to be able to listen to a massive range of different programmes, both live and on demand, such as the BBC offer on Radio 2.

However, and here is the problem. You can also play media files on it from your PC. So in theory I should be able to play any tune that we have on the pcs on our wireless network. But I cant get it it to pick up any PCs on the network even though I am able to get onto the internet with all the pcs in the house (there are 4 - I know - dont ask why we need four but still!!) so I cant play any of the media files.

I think that it is that each PC is going through the router to get internet access but the four pcs arent configured as a network if that makes sense. I have looked through the Sticky on wireless networks but I cant seem to work out how to do what I want to do.

I think it must be through XP but I just need a little help in understanding what I am doing and how to do it. Is there anyone that could give me a hand please,

Many thanks
lushkat ...

xplo5iv

I've never used a wifi radio, but...
You'll need a workgroup name (Default is either MSHOME or WORKGROUP).Right-click on My Computer, then properties... computer name

You'll need to share the music folder of your PC on the network (right-click - sharing)

I've no idea how to tell your radio the workgroup, but the manual should!

Jonathan

thecornflake

How do your PCs connect? Do they use USB wireless adaptors or are they wired into the router? Did you need to do any setup to get them connected?

You may need to add the IP addresses into the router, enter an encryption key on the radio somehow or chage the router settings to allow it to connect.

Just sharing internet is different to accessing files so even if the PCs can use the internet there may somehting stopping the radio getting to your media files.

I may not be back online to respond until Friday by the way but I'll check this thread next time I'm on.

patwa_2

To configure PCs on a network to use the same workgroup:

For Windows XP
Go to Start > Programs > Accessories > Communication > Network Setup Wizard
Click Next, then Next again. Soemtimes you'll get a window complaining about disconnected hardware. Just select the checkbox to ignore this (you can already connect anyway so what's the problem? The message is basically telling you you have more than one method of connecting, and it's confused about which one to use)
Enter a description for the computer and a name for it. Keep it simple like 'Lucy' or 'Desktop02'
Enter a name for your workgroup. Make it something that will not get confused with computers on that network. Say 'SimpsonNet'.
Set the option to turn on file and printer sharing. If you want to share files across the network, or if your radio has an option to download files from a pc wirelessly, you'll need this.
Select 'Just finish the wizard'.
Restart the computer and you're done.

For the router:
Ensure your wireless radio is using your network. Go into your router, and look for an option for DHCP or similar. You should see a list of connected devices. Check to see if your radio is listed. It may be under a unique name such as 'AccEn070' or similar.
If you have been given any instructions on specific ports that need unblocking for that device, set this up under 'Virtual Servers' or similar. It's best in this case to set the ports individually for the device, rather than a global setting, as this may leave computers unprotected, depending on what the port is.

NOTE: If you have computers that are not always on or that frequently connect after periods of inactivity, different IP addresses may be assigned to them. if your radio has an option, try to 'fix' its IP address in the radio's configuration. NOTE: doing this may disable the ability of the radio to connect to other networks that have different IP ranges. You may need to disable the fixed IP when using the radio in locations outside the coverage of your home network.

Finally, could you poss give an indication of the price range of this device? Also, how easy it it to see the screen, is it an LCD text or LED screen (bright blue/green/red characters). Also, does it come with software to configure it from a computer via WiFi, bluetooth, cable etc?

Hope this helps.

Cheers and take care.

Hussein.

lushkat

Hi there

Success!! Workgroups are the new Black!!

Thank you everyone for your help, I have managed to follow your instructions and am now listening to my own music on the radio. It's great.

As regards to the radio itself, http://http://www.play.com/Electronics/Electronics/4-/819525/Acoustic_Energy_Wi_Fi_Internet_Radio/Product.html

Thank you so much

Lushkat