08-03-2026 — Network issues

Howdy all. I am shocked I just typed month 8 already. July flew by. Lovely, I start typing, and we get a power hit. Back on though. The weather is beautiful out there. Low 70s and won’t even get to 80. Sunny with a slight breeze. Yesterday’s storms didn’t hit here, and we barely got a quarter inch of rain. Need more, but none expected for a couple days.

As I last wrote, I pulled the Spectrum Internet plug and am on Kinetic and T-Mobile only. That has caused plenty of issues throughout my 10-15 year old network setup. I have a Google WiFi mesh as a sub-network, to connect to all of those legacy devices that still need 2.4Ghz WiFi. Well, one mesh unit refused to work and all, so I had to replace it. Then a second one decided it would not “mesh” with the other 2. Replaced that.

Then, my Sensibo controller for my portable AC in the Master Bedroom, decided it couldn’t connect to the new version of the SSID (I used same as previous, and even did same security and password — other things didn’t mind). Well, resetting the Sensibo involves sticking a pointed object, through a tiny hole, in the unit, and pushing the hidden button. I tried and tried, and failed and failed, until I ground open the hole to be bigger. Then I was able to reset to factory, and set it up anew. UGH, I hate that reset design. I prefer the, hit these two buttons simultaneously for 15 seconds, type of reset.

Then my Roomba vacuums decided they didn’t like the new Google mesh. I have an older Roomba, and a newer one. Of course they use different apps, and have different reset instructions. Another couple of hours of fighting with technology meant to make life easier.

These devices are suppose to allow “anyone” to use them. Um, not likely. Most people my age haven’t a clue what an SSID is, let alone how to set up WPA2 security on them.

Today I start the biggest conversion. I was going to use my older 2016 Samsung 55 inch TV, and add an Alexa Fire Cube to it, so I could install YouTube TV. But, I would then be fighting to get the remote set up and the RFID emitter in the right place to control the Cube and TV and have more remotes and a bigger mess.

Instead, I purchased a 2026 Hisense 55 inch TV with the latest “Smart TV” technology integrated. And, I am replacing the 10 year old Bose soundbar (that’s the size of a coffee table top) with a soundbar that can utilize the eARC HDMI connection on the new TV.

And, I’ll be trashing the Blu-Ray DVD player, that I never even bothered to fully connect, and yanking out the Spectrum DVR Controller unit too. And lots of power cables and coax cables. In the future, I’ll be using a lot less “phantom” power to keep stuff alive when it is not being used.

The new TV arrives tomorrow, before noon. The biggest problem for me is to get the 35-40 pound TV off the 4 foot stand, and put the new 30-35 pound one up there. Should be an adventure.

It is nice to have the TV that high. It allows it to be seen easier. But, getting it up there ain’t easy.

I am hopeful I will be at the Spectrum store later this week, to cancel their service. That will be an improvement towards being able to Enjoy Life