Related
Not sure if this is happening with different brands, but it's happening on my Moto 360.
Voice commands for "Show me my steps" or heart rate bring up a search result page on the watch instead of opening the relevant app and showing steps & heartrate.
The Android Wear app has Google Fit for steps, and Moto Heart Rate for heart rate.
It used to work fine until a few days ago (and for the life of me can't figure out why or how to fix it).
Anyone else in the same situation or have a solution?
Uninstalling Android Wear / Google Fit and resetting the watch have no effect
Hello
I've received this watch two weeks ago from Hong Kong
I open this thread to share my impressions with other users of this smartwatch.
1st impressions:
- contruction: material are very good. it's not easy to insert sim card
- update: i've installed one OTA update on 24/07, no changelog provided
- wifi: ok
- battery: not good, 1/2 day with normal use (bluetooth, gps on, sync off, automatic screen on shake off)
- apps: the apps like play store are not fitted to the round screen so it's really hard to use it
- runtastic: not compatible
- apps from play store : can't use some installed apps (after install are not listed in launcher)
- health functions: heart rate seems to be inaccurate. it's impossible to have a continuos monitoring with preinstalled app.
- calls: no problem, voice is clear with speakerphone. mic is ok.
- OK Google functions: really hard to set-up because of round screen. OK Google detection works (only with open app? maybe for some lost set-up)
- root: from settings menu you can unlock bootloader
phone app: sometimes my phone (oneplus one) can't connect to the paired watch. the app Sinwear is not the best...
TWRP port: here thanks to @cyrux75
TWRP installation instruction
and FINALLY... ROOT ACCESS thanks to @split52
1st custom ROM with TWRP and flash tooldowload here thanks to @split52
useful PIE app (better than system swype IMO) handy soft keys
stock rom with flash software
OTA from Zeblaze update 08/10/2016 TWRP flashable
new watchfaces for rooted watches
new modded rom 13-10-2016 thanks to @split52
I will constantly update this thread.
update: reply from Zeblaze support center
artyfarty said:
Hello
I've received this watch two weeks ago from Hong Kong
I open this thread to share my impressions with other users of this smartwatch.
1st impressions:
- contruction: material are very good. it's not easy to insert sim card
- update: i've installed one OTA update on 24/07, no changelog provided
- wifi: ok
- battery: not good, 1/2 day with normal use (bluetooth, gps on, sync off, automatic screen on shake off)
- apps: the apps like play store are not fitted to the round screen so it's really hard to use it
- runtastic: not compatible
- apps from play store : can't use some installed apps (after install are not listed in launcher)
- health functions: heart rate seems to be inaccurate. it's impossible to have a continuos monitoring with preinstalled app.
- calls: no problem, voice is clear with speakerphone. mic is ok.
- OK Google functions: really hard to set-up because of round screen. OK Google detection works (only with open app? maybe for some lost set-up)
- root: from settings menu you can unlock bootloader
phone app: sometimes my phone (oneplus one) can't connect to the paired watch. the app Sinwear is not the best...
So, other users are welcome to share his impression, apps, tips, etc. :good:
I will constantly update this thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
i also have the bluetooth problem, it´s instable, and i try to work with smartwach app (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ble.SmartWatch) but it won´t let me do bluetooth tethering, i´m not using SIM.
try to install S Health, but does not allows me, it asks for sim card, wich i not use.
Oscar
I bought the Lemfo Lem3 which seems to be exactly the same as the Blitz.
The biggest issue for me is the battery life.
Even with GPS, Bluetooth and WiFi turned off the battery last only about 7hrs. The specs stated 3hrs talk time, but the battery runs out after about 30min when making a phone call.
The battery life is a show stopper for me as I don't want to have to charge it several times throughout the day.
Yes, I confirm, bluetooth is not working good, can't receive notifications from phone and sinwear can't sinchronize watch data.
artyfarty said:
Yes, I confirm, bluetooth is not working good, can't receive notifications from phone and sinwear can't sinchronize watch data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
I also confirm, bluetooth disconnects every time.
I have an iphone 6, I have tried sinwear app for IOS and the first time when you pair the "blitz" with the app, I receive all notifications from notification center and I can receive call notifications, SMS, mail, ... but after, 1 hour, 2 hours the smartwatch loses the bluetooth connection.
Sometimes it loses also the language configuration and date/time.
I have tried also install other BT apps like LE or BLE and I have the same result.
"Bluetooth disconnects!!!"
In the specifications from smartwatch says that the ios is in development, maybe is the reason for notifications, but I think that the problem for the bluetooth is for all platforms.
I seems that they have a big problem with this.
The battery life if you put hand bright screen to off is better, for me all day.
Hi,
Hi,
I hesitate between several watches, Zeblaze Blitz, No1 D5+ and K9. The only one certified IP67 is the Zeblaze so I think this is my preference.
Can you tell me if it's Micro (as most of phones) or Nano Sim (as iPhone 5, 6,...) ?
Do you think it's possible (using GSM with the watch) to hangup and answer textos with the phone connected by bluetooth ? It's easier to use phone keyboard instead of the watch one.
Is it possible to spell the texto instead of using keyboard ?
Is it possible to download and install new watch faces ?
Many thanks
Sorry for my english...
nano sim
for bluetooth features, read previous posts, all users (me too) have problems with bluetooth.
watch faces: you can use only the installed ones (approx 20 watch faces)
spell the text: you can use "ok google features" to make calls, send sms and whatsapp without keyboard
ciao!
ancor said:
Hi,
Hi,
I hesitate between several watches, Zeblaze Blitz, No1 D5+ and K9. The only one certified IP67 is the Zeblaze so I think this is my preference.
Can you tell me if it's Micro (as most of phones) or Nano Sim (as iPhone 5, 6,...) ?
Do you think it's possible (using GSM with the watch) to hangup and answer textos with the phone connected by bluetooth ? It's easier to use phone keyboard instead of the watch one.
Is it possible to spell the texto instead of using keyboard ?
Is it possible to download and install new watch faces ?
Many thanks
Sorry for my english...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bluetooth is a problem on all these sinsoft launcher based watches I2, S99, Blitz, KW88 etc etc
Battery is also terrible on all except the I2 - if on the newer firmware - but this has phone-call related bugs.
Watch Faces are a no go until we get more info from the Manufacturer - it's coming in August most likely.....
They all use a nano sim.
PS: DO NOT TRY TO CROSS FLASH FIRMWARE ON THESE WATCHES - you will end up with a bricked watch.
They all have security checks built in to prevent this.
update: watch is on, battery at 64% --> watch shut down itself. plug in charger --> battery at 0%.
I am very happy about this watch.......................
i am so far ok with this.
yes battery wont last long. But usually i just use it for strava without 3G. battery seems to last long with that.
I think after root it should get better. Not sure how to do though
Any idea how to do backup?
artyfarty said:
update: watch is on, battery at 64% --> watch shut down itself. plug in charger --> battery at 0%.
I am very happy about this watch.......................
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same problem here. It dies when it's supposed to have around 50-60% left. I'm going to RMA my watch and hopefully get refund. Trying to record when it happens at the moment. We'll see what happens I guess :crying:
After update my gesture clock is bugged (i think). No mater which face i put it will on gesture move show same one... Is this the case on your Blitz ? after ota update ?
donmarkon said:
After update my gesture clock is bugged (i think). No mater which face i put it will on gesture move show same one... Is this the case on your Blitz ? after ota update ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
same here
apn settings is missing
Hi guys,
I am quite surprised with your bad experiences with this smartwatch because I am very pleased with my Zeblaze Blitz for now.
I have it since 2 weeks and am very satisfied with it. So I upvoted it
I use it as a companion with my phone and only use bluetooth with tethering to have internet on the watch. The bad part with tethering is that I have to activate my bluetooth as a modem on my phone each time I activate it and then go to bluetooth settings on the watch, find my phone and check "Internet access" to enable it. Doing this each time is quite frustrating...
Synchronization is done with the sinwear official app and I receive all notifications from my phone (mails, hangouts, sms/mms, phone call) without a problem.
I tested SWApp Link which works pretty well (new possibility to respond sms and hangouts directly from the watch AND to reject phone call with or without a message, respond did not work for me) and add new watchfaces but it drains the battery too fast for a full day use.
The only bluetooth deconnections I noticed are when I go too far from my phone and I need to resync the watch via sinwear on the phone when I am back but it took only a few secs.
My build is Z9-KY-V06, I made an update directly through the watch right after getting it from Z9-KY-V04 (I think it was a 4 at the end but I am not sure at 100%).
The battery lasts a little more than 2 working days, I power it up when I go to work and power it off shortly after coming back home so I will say it lasts around 25-28hours in my usage. I am actually at 15% on my third morning and will need to charge it not long after lunch.
I did'nt try yet its waterproof functionality but I will tell you if it's still working when drenched while running
Podometer is not that accurate (according to it I make some steps while just gesturing or typing on my keyboard while seated) but give a good idea of what you travelled.
I hope it will help you, do not hesitate if you have any question
PS : My phone is a Samsung Galaxy S5 Neo.
PS2 : I tested Pokemon GO for my wife with GPS and wifi activated and it is working ! I cannot say more because I won't give her my new watch nor am I interested in that game, but if some of you guys are...
I'm have this smartwatch but brand Lemfo Lem3. i can't connect with Android Wear, can paired but can't connect stuck in updating screen, Any solve problems ? when i install Sinwear, i understan't but language in chinnese (mandarin), How i install Sinwear in english ? what this smartwatch add watch faces ? how ?
thanks and sorry with my english.
We cannot add new watchfaces for now but you can follow the community "Round Android Smartwatches- ROMs, Faces and FAQs" on Google+ (can't add links), if something new emerges it will be indicated there !
Did you flash the sinwear code directly from the watch ? I downloaded it that way on my phone and it was in english.
Maybe it's different with Lem3 than with Blitz.
------
I tested gesture clock and it always shows for a short second a minimalistic but nice 4 digits bi-colour hour minute. I think it shows my watchface before I updated but I can't say for sure because I didn't use that a lot.
I don't find it problematic not to have the full clock face when just wanting to check the hour, I think it's better for the battery life. But this behavior requires to push a button each time we want to really use the watch and not only check the time.
Talking of battery life I didn't precise that I use a custom level of brightness somewhere between mid and low and that I deactivated all sounds. I am sure those two steps greatly helps my watch longevity
i cant conecct with usb and my pc, this is possible with this watch?
Yes it is, but you need to plug your watch to its charging dock first.
If it is not working try activating usb debugging in the developer menu on the watch.
Some other people have a problem with their battery, unplug and plug it again a minute later seems to solve some problems.
If yours persists you should contact the vendor.
Hi,
How to upgrade build number? My Blitz is having Z9-KY-V03. I am using Wireless Upgrade and see a message saying "This version is not configured in FOTA server"
HI,GUYS.
Nowadays, Smartwatches are getting much popular than smartphones as they are offering much more than people expected. And as usual, Chinese manufacturers are the top players in that matter. One of them is No.1, a popular smartwatch manufacturing company. They have recently announced their No1 G5 smartwatch.
The main features as follow：
-CNC CRAFTS
-316L STAINLESS STEEL
-WIRE DRAWING CASE
-TPU PASTIC MATERIAL
-SAPPHIRE CRYSTAL
-HEART RATE MONITORING
-GYROSCOPE ACCELERATION SENSOR CONFIGURATION
-BLUETOOTH CONNECTIVITY
-AUTOMATIC LIGHT UP
INTELLIGENT POWER-SAVING
-REMOTE CAMERA
-PEDOMETER
-SLEEP MONITORING
-REMINDER SEDENTARY
I have this watch. Heart rate on this watch is fake. Just randomly shown the figure between 84 to 74bpm even though you are on running.... ( I check with my other heart rate). After 10 day of using the battery only last for 4 hours despite of I turn off Bluetooth and not connected to my phone.
Hello, I have also purchased this watch and it was performing very well. However after installing a .vxp file, the watch seems to be bricked. There is only black screen without getting access to Settings or other menu.
Does anyone know how to Factory Reset or Enter Safe Mode for this watch model. I have contacted No.1 phones facebook page, however did not get any response yet.
whenthundercomes said:
Hello, I have also purchased this watch and it was performing very well. However after installing a .vxp file, the watch seems to be bricked. There is only black screen without getting access to Settings or other menu.
Does anyone know how to Factory Reset or Enter Safe Mode for this watch model. I have contacted No.1 phones facebook page, however did not get any response yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you can do nothing on it,try a wired flash.
Click this linkhttp://en.001phone.cn/download-52.html
It is already on this forum,you can search other threads to know more about G5.
hi, i have a problem with my G5
The gyro was not working more, so after several firmware flash, I deleted from flash software calibration files and now does not work anymore even the heart rate sensor
believing that recreated at startup, I wish qualcuni helps me making a backup of the Rom so that I can restore it on my own and get back the calibration file, please help me guys, and very little work, but useful for me, thank you very much
News??
Sorry, I do have a G5, but I don't know how to make a ROM. You may post in the correct thread other users may help you.
I've had it for a couple of weeks now - unfortunetely Xiaomi decided to start over with the software for the Mi Watch line, which doesn't seem to be as open as the Mi Band and Amazfit lines. Still a lot of watch for the money...
Had to find the Mi Wear android app on Xiaomis app store or a mirror, as it wasn't available to me in google play
Most of the app is in english, and it easily found and connected to the watch
New firmware installed in 10 minutes after first connect (needed for english on the watch)
Switching the watch to english was easy
Always on display is nice
Starting tracking from the watch was fast
GPS locking take 2-5 minutes when in the city. 1 minute in the country side
App seems to be okay to navigate
App sync fast and doesn't seem to have problems connecting to the app
App doesn't seem to use to much battery
Translations could be better (distance is called "Mileage (Km)" which is just silly)
The Stress and body resource seems to be working great (same First Beat method as my garmin)
I need to test sleep more, but it seems better then garmin (who is not using first beats sleep feature), and hopefully on par with fitbit
The map display the app seems broken, the route is there, but no map, unless I zoom to display a huge area (like 100x100km)
It's not possible to manually add or edit any training data (in the app or on the watch)
It doesn't register naps
It have an auto max-heart-rate option, but it's doesn't seem to adjust it self. Mine is higher then the 175 suggested, which means it thinks I'm stressed all the time
Doesn't seem to be able to connect to any other fitness apps (like google fit, endomondo or strava)
It calls the watch "Mi Watch Revolve" (maybe it's just the translation)
There's a Chinese forum for it, that can sort of be read using google translate
I've had one instance of the always-on-display not updating (woke up at 7 and it said it was 5:50, until I turned it on)
heart-rate graphs are often empty in the app
There's no auto-detect exercise (like it will detect you are taking a walk), which I miss more then I expected
There was a new version the app release yesterday that didn't have any useful fixes for me, and the new firmware only seems to have swimming added, from what I can see in the forum
Can you turn off the bluetooth? When you do not use it with smartphone? Thanks.
Does the latest phone software version work for you? when i install it it doesnt show me the option to pair the watch color or revolve, had to roll back. New watch firmware is fine though.
My experience is pretty positive, sometimes takes a while to sync data into the app (well, sync seems fast enohgh, but not all data is showing in the app immediately, takes a minute or 2, especially sleep and heart. )
Would have been nice to link up to strava or something, but hard to beat the battery life of the thing. Only take it off for a shower and charge then, and its keeping up just fine.
p.s.: in the stress app it mentions that activities are not counted towards stress, but you have to manually start those.
tcdk said:
I've had it for a couple of weeks now - unfortunetely Xiaomi decided to start over with the software for the Mi Watch line, which doesn't seem to be as open as the Mi Band and Amazfit lines. Still a lot of watch for the money...
Had to find the Mi Wear android app on Xiaomis app store or a mirror, as it wasn't available to me in google play
Most of the app is in english, and it easily found and connected to the watch
New firmware installed in 10 minutes after first connect (needed for english on the watch)
Switching the watch to english was easy
Always on display is nice
Starting tracking from the watch was fast
GPS locking take 2-5 minutes when in the city. 1 minute in the country side
App seems to be okay to navigate
App sync fast and doesn't seem to have problems connecting to the app
App doesn't seem to use to much battery
Translations could be better (distance is called "Mileage (Km)" which is just silly)
The Stress and body resource seems to be working great (same First Beat method as my garmin)
I need to test sleep more, but it seems better then garmin (who is not using first beats sleep feature), and hopefully on par with fitbit
The map display the app seems broken, the route is there, but no map, unless I zoom to display a huge area (like 100x100km)
It's not possible to manually add or edit any training data (in the app or on the watch)
It doesn't register naps
It have an auto max-heart-rate option, but it's doesn't seem to adjust it self. Mine is higher then the 175 suggested, which means it thinks I'm stressed all the time
Doesn't seem to be able to connect to any other fitness apps (like google fit, endomondo or strava)
It calls the watch "Mi Watch Revolve" (maybe it's just the translation)
There's a Chinese forum for it, that can sort of be read using google translate
I've had one instance of the always-on-display not updating (woke up at 7 and it said it was 5:50, until I turned it on)
heart-rate graphs are often empty in the app
There's no auto-detect exercise (like it will detect you are taking a walk), which I miss more then I expected
There was a new version the app release yesterday that didn't have any useful fixes for me, and the new firmware only seems to have swimming added, from what I can see in the forum
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I m confused with Xiaomi Mi watches. Do you mean this model?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/313413751270?ul_noapp=true
The new Xiaomi Mi watch should be a candidate for Linux Asteroid OS:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/asteroidos-1-0-released.3791430/
Is it the one which can be bought on ebay?
Not seeing much on here about this watch so I thought I would start a new thread just for it! Who has one on their wrist? Tell us what you think. It is high on my list for my next Smartwatch.
https://www.mobvoi.com/la/pages/tic...1Jd7zP8Vt0r8cvxPlom-r9_PjAcKmv7xoCiZ8QAvD_BwE
SirDigitalKnight said:
Not seeing much on here about this watch so I thought I would start a new thread just for it! Who has one on their wrist? Tell us what you think. It is high on my list for my next Smartwatch.
https://www.mobvoi.com/la/pages/tic...1Jd7zP8Vt0r8cvxPlom-r9_PjAcKmv7xoCiZ8QAvD_BwE
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had one for several weeks. Absolutely love it. I've had several other Mobvoi watches, but this is the best of them all. I'm getting close to 3 days battery life with all sensors turned on, using the secondary display. I'm able to sleep with it on to use the TicSleep app. Play Store loads quickly on it, and runs smoothly. If I get a call while wearing my ear buds, the call comes in simultaneously on my phone, my buds, and the watch, giving me the option to pick which one to answer the call. No other watch has ever responded that quickly to calls. All in all, a great watch. Well worth the expense.
Sent from my Pixel 3a XL using Tapatalk
hilker09 said:
I've had one for several weeks. Absolutely love it. I've had several other Mobvoi watches, but this is the best of them all. I'm getting close to 3 days battery life with all sensors turned on, using the secondary display. I'm able to sleep with it on to use the TicSleep app. Play Store loads quickly on it, and runs smoothly. If I get a call while wearing my ear buds, the call comes in simultaneously on my phone, my buds, and the watch, giving me the option to pick which one to answer the call. No other watch has ever responded that quickly to calls. All in all, a great watch. Well worth the expense.
Sent from my Pixel 3a XL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine is supposed to show up this Friday. Can't wait! I'm using an Amazfit Pace so I expect a huge improvement. Still, my Pace that I use since 2 years does a fine job.
Ticwatch Pro 3 gps
Just received my Ticwatch Pro 3 gps and loving it so far. Took 20 days for delivery, what they didn't mentioned when ordering, they stated 4 to 6 days from ordering, but ok. On the Mobvoi forum, i have read some disturbing post on the watch and poor customer service from Mobvoi. But isn't that with all forums, you just only complain if something is wrong, not if everything works ok. Well have fun with the watch!
Hello.
I hope for a few opinions from the owners of the watch, which are a consequence of yesterday's software update?
Been using mine for a month. This is what a wearos watch should have always been. Great batt life, fabulous display. Got a deal for $200 direct from mobvoi, pre ordered.
Sounds like a good wear os watch...
I pre-ordered this watch and have had it around 5 weeks now.
This is my first wearOS watch by choice. I waited for a processor that was half decent and that came with the Snapdragon Wear4100.
This watch lasts be between 2.5 to 3 days with me doing a GPS tracked walk every evening for around 1 hour, 24 hour heart rate monitoring, constantly connected via Bluetooth to my phone.
This watch also doesn't have the latest WearOS update that is supposed to improve app opening times etc but even without that, this watch is smooth and it doesn't feel like there are lags anywhere.
There isn't a custom ROM yet but if they come in time this watch would only get better.
In short, if you want a WearOS watch, this is a clear winner and overall great watch.
Sent from my Pixel 5 using XDA Labs
My watch arrived a few hours ago, delighted so far - but I'm unable to register on the Mobvoi site, no matter what I enter the page always gives the error "Please enter correct phone".
https://passport.mobvoi.com/pages/register
EDIT: and the answer is - you enter your email address in the field marked "Phone number" (!)
Just got mine today and it's a nice watch. My first one too. The announced endurance, récents update of the os, the price, the snapdragon and the two screens convince me to finally buy one. Waiting for a really good one since the firsts Lg watch. Hope it will work for a long.
Calls are clear, large choices of apps and themes.
I think I'll buy another bracelet and an protection glass. If anyone had one to recommend.
Fr customer.
It's been more than a week with the watch and I'm impressed with everything around it. Many applications and sensors for everything that interests us in everyday life. Responds quickly to everything, when receiving notifications and when making calls, the screen responds immediately without delay.
I got mine yetserday.. gods I missed the wearOS line.. so glad I'm past my Tizen device now.
Some questions though:
whats happened to the gestures?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WhKuklpQ9A
I dont seem to be able to do the "perform an action" "dip" Gesture anymore
Also where is the setting that "lights up" the grey screen? I don't seem to have that option
*Edit* Fixed this, had to turn OFF the "Tilt to Wake" to get the light up...
If i understand your question, this gestures are in Settings/ Gestures/ For navigation.
On another question for lighting in FTN screen, there is no option to change time to light.
We have option to disable the light on ftn screen, just set theater mode from quick buttons.
For light, set tilt to wake OFF.
What is for you dip gesture?
Monipeev said:
If i understand your question, this gestures are in Settings/ Gestures/ For navigation.
What is for you dip gesture?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The "Dip" gesture let you dip your hand down to "open the notification"
and the reverse "lift" gesture to close the opened app (go back essentially)
These two dont seem to be on WearOS anymore
Hi, anyone got this issue?
I try to test the watch to less than 5%, but it doesn't automatically switch to essential mode. Anyone know what might be wrong? I have tried to set it in the essential mode apps but seems doesn't change a thing. Thanks
This must be the kernel source of this watch according to the official forum:
https://github.com/mobvoi/mobvoi-ticwatch-kernel/tree/mobvoi-android-msm-rover-4.9
Sent from my Moto Z (2) using Tapatalk
hart reset
does someone know, how to really hart reset the ticwatch pro 3 gps? I played around with these adb commands and the normal hart reset via system does not bring the whole system back. I would like to wipe out of a recovery modus ? I played around, because my battery time was incredible: just one day juice ... tried to deinstall the whole tic - system, but something went wrong, from now, I´ve got no sensor activities!
Thanks in advance
floyd007 said:
does someone know, how to really hart reset the ticwatch pro 3 gps? I played around with these adb commands and the normal hart reset via system does not bring the whole system back. I would like to wipe out of a recovery modus ? I played around, because my battery time was incredible: just one day juice ... tried to deinstall the whole tic - system, but something went wrong, from now, I´ve got no sensor activities!
Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are a lot of issues with the sensors at the moment, including myself after the latest firmware;
Since i am a new user I cannot link to an external site. But:
h ttps://forum.mobvoi.com/viewtopic.php?p=74876#p74876
Pretty happy with mine but my only gripe is I'm not getting notifications for the Messenger app. And searching for the app in play store on the watch comes up with nothing.
Anyone else having the same problem?
Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk
I have TWP model 2019 and TWP 3. Activating a watch with Redmi Note 8T is a horror. When successful, the watch does not work as a handsfree. After attempting to make a telephone connection from the watch, the BT pairing is canceled and he must reset both the watch and the phone to reconnect it. Various discussions suggest that this is a common problem. Does anyone know the solution?