OpenPli version 20190318 Multiboot review

[MikeB]

I loaded this today in slot 4, and set it all up manually, IE: I didn't restore settings/channels/ et al from my other images. I just messed with it about 3 hours or so for now.

It does NOT have Blindscan loaded default, you have to add it first. I also had to download the plugin for "System Time" and setup time from the internet NTP server. It sets up quite a bit the same way as the NA SatDreamGr image, but isn't quite as polished 'out of the box' IMO. It scans radio and tv all into the same bouquets, which makes it challenging, especially when scanning 105w with it's 2100+ channels. I much prefer them being properly separated, as they are in the NA SDGr image.

It also doesn't properly 'sort' channels alphabetically in the default bouquet, and I was unable to find a way to make it do so. Though I very much suspect it's there somewhere as a menu option. If not, you MUST setup 'Favorite' user bouquets, and sort them the way you'd like.

It also can't see my WD 2TB external hard drive that I've been using for recording with NA SDGr, that's active on that image, and has many recordings on it. There might be a way to "make it see it", but I don't know how, and I didn't want to play around and take a chance on accidentally wiping it. If anybody knows how to make the external drives automatically be "seen" or activated from the various images, PLEASE let me know how to do that (without wiping the drive!)

Anyway, I now have NA SDGr Final in slot 1, NA SDGr RC in slot 2, OpenVIX in slot 3, and OpenPli in slot 4.

I'd have to say that as of right now, the NA SDGr image is by FAR my favorite, and already has me spoiled rotten. Followed ATM by OpenVIX, and then this new OpenPli

Any suggestions on what I should install in slot 2 to play with, replacing my RC version of NA SDGr that's in that slot right now?

[Megatron817]

Should be able to see the hdd no matter what image. Something is not right. Also the scanning and sorting should not be different than Satdreamgr. Not sure what's going on.

[MikeB]

Should be able to see the hdd no matter what image. Something is not right. Also the scanning and sorting should not be different than Satdreamgr. Not sure what's going on.

Well, if that's true, and I have no reason to disbelieve you, I'm not sure what's going on then. I never did anything special to get my external drive seen by SatDreamGr, except plug it into the back middle usb port.

It works perfect for that image. This newest OpenPli can't see it.

[Megatron817]

I'll downlod the lastest on Saturday and load it and see if somethings broke. I am using Build date 2019-02-11 Last update 2019-03-04.

[MikeB]

Well, I booted back into the new OpenPli 7.0 image, and was able to change the folder setting to properly find my drive and recordings. I didn't realize that it defaulted to a different folder structure, because I spent more time on the full setup and scanning instead of thinking "why".

So, I'm all set now Megatron! My drive is properly seen by all the images on my receiver. Thanks!

[el bandido]

I would suggest as the next thing to learn or try is the full image backup. Once you are able to backup the full image, you have a complete restore point, and can then try almost anything with a confidence that you can immediately return to your restore point. I cannot stress enough the importance of making a complete image backup and restoring it. Once you have learned how to do this, make an image backup at set intervals, and you will always have a place to return.

Another thing to learn is moving files from one image to another, and knowing what works and what does not. You can always transfer the nims in the settings file, but you cannot always transfer the whole settings file due to compatibility issues. More or less, files will transfer from the Same image types. There are two basic image types which are PLi and OE alliance. Almost every enigma2 image is made mostly from one of these two types. For an example, the blindscan plugin for PLi will not transfer to OpenVix, but the blindscan plugin for PLi will transfer to SatDreamGr. And the blindscan plugin for OpenVix will transfer to OpenATv, OpenDroid, and many other OE Alliance images, but it will not transfer to OpenPLi or SatDreamGr.

As for just trying another image, I would suggest OpenDroid because it is a bit different.

Congratulations on your enigma2 achievements. You have came a long way in a short period of time!

[MikeB]

I also learned how to install .ipk files last night. I really wanted the GlamourAura FHD skin, as the few skins built-in to OpenPli 7.0 aren't to my liking, and GlamourAura isn't available in the Plugins download for that image (at least not yet). So, I went to the OpenPli forum, and downloaded the latest GlamourAura .ipk file directly from MCelliotG's thread on it.

I copied it to /enigma2/tmp, then installed it using the File Manager plugin. Worked perfectly! Now I have to do the same with the MSN Weather plugin, & the Bitrate plugin as it really expects it.

It doesn't seem like it, but it's already been 6 weeks tomorrow since I first setup this receiver, and El Bandido helped me through the first BIG learning curve with that 'stuck' settings file.

You are right in that I really have come a long way, much faster than I thought I would, and I did so without really pushing it. Though I've still only really "nibbled around the edges" and have much further to go to dig into some deeper learning on E2 things.

[MikeB]

Interesting addition to what I've noticed with these image installs. This has now happened both when I installed OpenVIX, and now with OpenPli in other slots.

IF you have valid repeating (or even ones that just haven't fired as of yet) recording timers set through the WebIF Timers screen, (maybe even if set directly on the receiver with the remote, as I haven't checked that possibility) and you install a new image, AFTER you multiboot back to the image the timers were set it (NA SatDreamGr in my case), the dates on the timers change to the year 2068!

Not only that, but you can't fix them. You have to create new ones, and delete the now bad older ones.

[el bandido]

Is the System Time plugin set to sync at cold start and at reboot? Check and see...

[MikeB]

It is on the SatDreamGR image. I'll have to check the other images and make sure those are set correctly on those also.

Ok, OpenPli 7.0 is also set (now) to sync at cold start and at reboot, OpenVix doesn't offer those two settings in order to change them.

[Megatron817]

I couldn't make that issue happen. Set a timer with remote and with wibif, changed multiboot image and then back to TNAP and timers were good 2019.
I don't use system time here not connected to internet all the time (hotspot). I have transponder time with startup service on a ATSC channel.

[MikeB]

Interesting addition to what I've noticed with these image installs. This has now happened both when I installed OpenVIX, and now with OpenPli in other slots.

IF you have valid repeating (or even ones that just haven't fired as of yet) recording timers set through the WebIF Timers screen, (maybe even if set directly on the receiver with the remote, as I haven't checked that possibility) and you install a new image, AFTER you multiboot back to the image the timers were set it (NA SatDreamGr in my case), the dates on the timers change to the year 2068!

Not only that, but you can't fix them. You have to create new ones, and delete the now bad older ones.


It is on the SatDreamGR image. I'll have to check the other images and make sure those are set correctly on those also.

Ok, OpenPli 7.0 is also set (now) to sync at cold start and at reboot, OpenVix doesn't offer those two settings in order to change them.


All right, changing OPenPli to sync at cold start and at reboot seems to have fixed the Timers changing themselves to the year 2068. OpenVix didn't have those settings, but I did a manual "resync" to the NTP server, and after coming out of both images, my Timers are still at the year 2019 as they should be.

So, looks like that odd issue is now taken care of.