I’m deeply sorry to hear about the challenging start you’ve had. I want to address the issues you’ve mentioned here one by one, so that we can get you on the way to a wonderful experience with your Glowforge!
Wi-Fi Connection Trouble
After reading through the details about what you’ve tried and what others have suggested here, I pulled the recent logs from your Glowforge to give us a better idea about the connection history. I do notice a tendency for there to be multiple connections to our servers from your unit within a short period of time, along with multiple expired or timed out communication attempts during prints, calibrations, etc. This all points toward either a signal strength or a band crowding issue. @cynd11 mentioned the possibility of changing the channel on the 2.4GHz network to see if that improves the reliability of the connection - I agree that this is a great step to try next. You can make this change in your router settings.
I also see some talk about band steering being a factor. I’ve seen that happen a few times, yes, but usually with a specific type of router. If the trouble persists after other factors have been eliminated, we can check that out, but it’s doubtful.
You may also want to check for and eliminate any sources of interference near the Glowforge. Large amounts of metal, thick glass, devices that are receiving or broadcasting radio signals - any of these things might be contributing to the connection instability.
If you’re still having trouble, there’s a test you can try that will help us narrow down the problem. If possible, could you please create a Wi-Fi hotspot with a cell phone and use that network to connect your Glowforge to Wi-Fi? This is a good way to rule out signal interference, since you can set your phone right on top of your Glowforge!
You can find instructions online to help you create a Wi-Fi hotspot using a cell phone. Make sure that you set it up to be a 2.4 GHz hotspot, since that is the frequency your Glowforge uses.
Once the Wi-Fi hotspot is broadcasting, you can connect to it by following these steps:
- Turn on your Glowforge.
- Wait 30 seconds. Then hold down the button for ten seconds until it glows teal.
- Navigate to setup.glowforge.com and follow the instructions on-screen. When prompted to connect your Glowforge to Wi-Fi, choose the hotspot you created.
- Once Wi-Fi setup is complete, go to app.glowforge.com and try a few prints.
Let me know if the performance improves significantly when using the hotspot. It will definitely help us focus our troubleshooting efforts.
Your Compact Filter
When your Glowforge and Compact Filter are properly set up, you may have some harmless odor during printing which will rapidly dissipate. You may also smell something when you open the Glowforge lid after a print is complete. This is not harmful.
However, if you notice a strong, unpleasant or irritating odor when printing, or see smoke, shut off your Glowforge unit immediately. Smoke and fumes could be entering the room in excessive concentrations.
We’ve created a troubleshooting guide with illustrations. You can see it here: https://glowforge.com/support/topic/troubleshooting/print#excessive-smoke-or-fumes-during-print
If you’re still seeing or smelling excessive smoke or fumes when using Proofgrade materials, we’re here for you. Email us (or post here) and send us:
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The name of the material you’re using
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A description of where the smoke/fumes are coming from: the door, lid, or hose
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When you smell the fumes: during the print or after it has completed
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Photos of your Glowforge and your exhaust system
Proofgrade Material Recognition
I’ve investigated the logs and sensor readings from your Glowforge, and it appears that there has been some buildup of dust and residue on the camera. This has led to a cloudiness in the lid images that is affecting the ability for Proofgrade to be automatically recognized.
Could you please follow the steps located on our support page here for “Things That Need Wiping”? After thoroughly cleaning, please try again and let me know how it goes.
Your Glowforge Shipping Box
Flooding is never expected and always terrible to experience, and I’m sorry to hear that damaged your Glowforge shipping materials. We’re more than happy to work with you to obtain new box. I’ve made a note of this on your account so that if you ever need to return your Glowforge, we can work out the details to get you replacement shipping materials. If you’d like to work that out now, just let me know and we’ll follow up on it via email.
I hope that covers everything for now. Please let me know how the next steps go!