Messages

1

Cosmo Communicator - Hardware / Re: Keyboard not working and no boot menu

« on: October 28, 2022, 09:02:46 pm »

If you've been through a system reset and the guidance on the support site https://support.planetcom.co.uk/index.php/Main_Page the only thing left I can suggest is an email to hello@planetcom.co.uk.  I think I've suggested this to you previously on a different issue and you didn't get any support from them that time, but maybe they'll be more responsive this time.  Sorry that's the only idea I've got. 

2

Astro Slide - Android / Re: update to Android 12 - Does Planet Updater Work For Anyone?

« on: September 15, 2022, 02:49:16 pm »

I tried using the Planet Updater app yesterday, but I get message:

Error Checking for update.
java.net.ConnectException: Failed to connect to pulsar.planetcom.co.uk/93.189.6.10:443

The website pulsar.planetcom.co.uk appears down, (according to https://www.isitdownrightnow.com and a couple of others), so I don't think the problem is at your end, but I wouldn't have a clue when it will be back up again. 
Not sure if this thread is relevant or helpful or completely unrelated:  https://www.oesf.org/forum/index.php?topic=36786.msg298591#msg298591

Someone on the IGG Astro comments page said they updated Astro to Android 12.

I wouldn't know about IGG comments, I tend to avoid it, it's a bit toxic for my tastes  , but maybe they found another source or method for the download and install. 

3

Astro Slide - General Discussion / Re: Astro reviews thread

« on: March 08, 2022, 03:49:08 pm »

When I read that the community around the Astro is made of "retro technology geeks", I felt like they have missed the point about why such devices exist.

Don't let it get to you Varti, you can't help some people, they just don't get it. 

4

Cosmo Communicator - Linux / Re: UBports and convergence

« on: February 20, 2022, 01:24:23 am »

I've never used the hdmi on mine, but have a look on the UBPorts forum:  https://forums.ubports.com/
You may get an answer there. 

You could also try asking the article author (J C Torres) but I couldn't see a contact link or comments section in the article, so you may have to do some digging. 

5

Astro Slide - General Discussion / Re: Astro reviews thread

« on: February 18, 2022, 02:27:22 pm »

A (mostly positive) review on UK's Metro:

https://metro.co.uk/2022/02/14/astro-slide-5g-review-qwerty-little-secret-16082871/

Varti

'a keyboard beats a screen every time'
Agreed

'you can put Linux OS on it if you want to and treat it like a little computer'
Fingers crossed

'...then picking this over Samsung’s £1k+ flagship won’t be a problem'
That does it, I'm in

Jokes aside, the Astro Slide does seem to be getting generally positive reviews, the camera and the bulk being the only negatives, which I don't think would surprise most of us. 
I hope it does well. 

6

Cosmo Communicator - Hardware / Re: Sloppy customer support?

« on: February 18, 2022, 02:30:51 am »

I've heard on another forum (see link to thread on FxTec forum) that ZenDesk puts you to the back of the queue if you 'bump' it, if it links your latest enquiry to your last enquiry and interprets it as an ongoing correspondence.  Just maybe worth considering if you follow up, reference the same subject (ticket?) and get dropped at the back of the queue. 
https://community.fxtec.com/topic/3432-pro-1-charging-issue/?tab=comments#comment-59393

From your initial post it doesn't sound like this is what has happened, it sounds like you have just been ignored, which seems a bit dense if my assumption that you don't consider cat related damage a warranty claim and you are willing to put your hand in your pocket for parts/repairs/replacement is correct, and also rude. 

7

Cosmo Communicator - Hardware / Re: Sloppy customer support?

« on: February 14, 2022, 12:44:44 am »

If you're using:  hello@planetcom.co.uk then you *should* get a response, that's the only way that I have contacted them in the past.  In my experience they used to be pretty good. 
Maybe they're too busy getting the Astro Glide out the door at the minute.  Two weeks without an answer and a broken screen is a long time. 
I would guess with a broken screen you will be looking at a replacement top half, either return to base or DIY. 
I have a similar problem with two Labrador tails in my house.   

8

Cosmo Communicator - Linux / Re: Lost Ability to Control Brightness

« on: February 14, 2022, 12:23:32 am »

I'm not sure if this is relevant at all, but I occasionally get my Cosmo (running Ubuntu Touch) getting stuck on full brightness.  It happens about maybe every couple of weeks, it is seemingly random, I can't reproduce it and a reboot always resolves it. 
As for the terminal command for brightness control, I found this on GitHub that looks promising to my untrained eyes:  https://github.com/gemian/gemian/wiki/HardwareHacking#screen-backlight
Hope this helps
 
MC

9

Cosmo Communicator - Linux / Re: Boot menu is missing

« on: February 03, 2022, 12:58:52 am »

Are you using the Vol+ from the keyboard or the toggle switch on the CoDi?  I think it has to be the one on the CoDi. 
I also recall it's a bit fiddly with the Esc and Vol+ to get from the dead android screen to the recovery menu proper.  I think the sequence is: 
1.  Press (and hold) Esc
2.  Press (and hold) CoDi Vol+
3.  Release CoDi Vol+
4.  Release Esc
I'm not sure on this sequence, it's been a while, but I remember it being a bit fiddly and particular. 
If you are getting a reboot the device may be only seeing your Esc key press which is also the power button. 
Here's the link to the Planet Linux procedure anyway, this has worked for me in the past, let us know how you get on. 
https://support.planetcom.co.uk/index.php/Linux_for_Cosmo

10

Cosmo Communicator - General Discussion / Re: Some notes and impressions

« on: January 11, 2022, 04:05:01 am »

However, what surprised me was that the Cosmo mat is white (or white-ish), while the Gemini is black. If I am bored some day, I might try to replace the Cosmo mat  with the Gemini's one, to see if the typing improves (it is not bad - but the Gemini was a bit better).

You may lose your keyboard backlight if you change from the Cosmo white or translucent mat to the Gemini black or opaque one, but it would be interesting to hear what your typing impressions are if you are bored and have time. 
I always felt the feel of my older now broken Cosmo keyboard was firmer and somehow better for me than my newer still working Cosmo, so one day I swapped the older mat into the newer unit, and I noticed a definite improvement. 

11

Cosmo Communicator - Linux / Re: Uninstalling Linux

« on: November 24, 2021, 11:15:02 am »

I think if you follow the instructions on this page: 
https://support.planetcom.co.uk/index.php/Cosmo_Android_Firmware_Manual_Installation
you may be able to get back to single boot if you 'Reserve all space for Android' when you change the partition table, but I'm not sure, it may leave the multiboot in place and default to Android while retaining empty boot slots. 
One other option is this: 
https://support.planetcom.co.uk/index.php/TWRP_Manual_Recovery
I got this link from Planet when I was having network issues and wanted to rule out software issues.  Again I can't remember clearly if it left multboot options in place, but I think it removed them and took my Cosmo back to stock. 

12

Cosmo Communicator - Hardware / Re: Decoding LEDs

« on: November 15, 2021, 07:02:36 pm »

There's a pdf of a 'teardown' on this post: 
https://www.oesf.org/forum/index.php?topic=36134.msg294925#msg294925
I had a quick look at the photos and couldn't see anything relevant, but then I wouldn't know what I'm looking for
I have a damaged Cosmo parked for spares, if I get a chance at the weekend I will open it up. 

13

Cosmo Communicator - CoDi / Re: CoDi resource 1.1.1.14 bug shutdown dialog

« on: November 06, 2021, 03:45:58 am »

Sad to hear about your troubles with your shiny new Cosmo.  I haven't seen your particular issue myself with my Cosmo, and sniffing around on this forum it would appear that you may have found a new 'feature' on the CoDi. 
Could it be a sticky key activating the shutdown function when you close the lid?  Maybe I'm just grasping at straws. 
I agree totally with Jakfish summary, the CoDi is an 'entertaining' element.  I still think the Cosmo is a fantastic device.  The keyboard is a joy to use, having a choice of OS, (I use Ubuntu Touch, Debian is another great option), is a breath of fresh air, and it's such a super little phone/pda.  There's really nothing quite like it. 
I hope you enjoy your little Cosmo as much as I enjoy mine. 
Maybe a little email at Planet support may help bring a solution to you.  hello@planetcom.co.uk

14

Cosmo Communicator - Linux / Re: Installing rooted android on TWRP boot 2 in order to put UBPorts in 4. Any cons?

« on: September 16, 2021, 06:52:36 pm »

I have installed ubuntu touch. Downloaded it from https://sempria.de:8203/cosmo/  ( see the post above from sven1999 : Thanks  sven1999)
 Calls , sms, camera are working.
I could not dial and  answer calls using  codi. Only with dialer-app.
Libertine does not work to install libreoffice.
And the sound output to speaker only works after I plug and remove an earphone.
I have changed a file cosmo ( keyboard layout ) to have accents and make sound and brightness work with fn keys.
Also I created an script to enable keyboard backlight on and off.
Ubuntu touch is fine, but Debian to me is a better choice for now.
Thank you to all people in this forum.

@cam1965
Any chance you can do me a big favour and share that script to turn the keyboard backlight on and off and how to implement it. 
I've been trying to get something to work with 'echo 45 > /proc/aw9524_led_proc', looking at other tweaks and scripts here and on the UBPorts forum and trying to understand how to turn the backlight on from either at the keyboard or by opening the Cosmo, but I can't figure it out. 
Thanks
MC

15

Cosmo Communicator - General Discussion / Re: In a pickle

« on: September 12, 2021, 12:26:32 am »

Did PC offer to repair it if you were to send it to them?

I suggested a return to base for an out of warranty repair at one point but didn't get an answer.  To be fair I think the comment got buried in the barrage of clutter I was sending them.  I reckon I generated more case notes than the Roswell autopsies on this one. 
Oh well, moving on.  Must go, I will need to get some serious brownie points before I can order my Pro1 X, this will be my fourth new phone in the last two years.