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User profile for user: Blademan007
Blademan007 Author
User level: Level 1
15 points

B&W Zeppelin Air

Wiki/How-To


1a. Upgrade the firmware. I spent hours, and I mean hours, following the B&W install guide, but it never connected to Wi-Fi network. I upgraded the firmware and was able to get unit to connect.

1b. I could not successfully upgrade firmware via Win7 after repeat attempts. Upgraded 1st try from Mac OS.

2. Wi-Fi WPA2/PSK via AES requires manual config in the Zeppelin web page.

3. B&W speaker volume will play at max volume from iTunes AirPlay every time you start playing, and Zeppelin remote will not work. Fix by going to iTunes -> Preferences -> Devices -> Select "Allow iTunes audio control from remote speakers."

Posted on Aug 29, 2011 8:34 PM

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14 replies
User profile for user: CESNET
CESNET
User level: Level 1
58 points

Aug 30, 2011 2:44 AM in response to Blademan007

Hi there,

you forwarded me to this discussion from another one. thank you.

and which Firmware are you running now? I ask this because I bought my Zeppelin quite recently and may have the latest release.


I understand that for you now after FW upgrade, the Zeppelin does not desappear from the speaker menu in itunes, as it is doing for me. I can listen to music everything works fine, streaming audio from my macbook pro and suddenly it stops and when I go to the speaker menu, the Zeppelin seems to have disconected from the network despite being at 2 meters from the wifi antena.

then I have to reset the Zep and itunes, then sometimes it comes back.


regards

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User profile for user: Blademan007
Blademan007 Author
User level: Level 1
15 points

Oct 8, 2011 11:26 AM in response to Blademan007

Firmware v1.1.3

Release Date: 11 Feb 2011

Release notes:

  • Settings applied within the”Speaker” menu of the iPod/iPhone now fixed so selected preferences remain applied to all sources.
  • Enhancement to iPod/iPhone authentication for better user experience
  • Bug fixed on red flashing LED after Zeppelin Air configured to join wireless network, using direct Ethernet connection in some instances.
  • Number of volume steps in iPod/iPhone and Airplay is consistent with iPod.
  • Network settings retained when firmware is re-flashed with same version.
  • Other minor bug fixes which include:
    1. Allow immediate transition to standby when WiFi module not ready
    2. iPod/iPhone docked with power off, acc. power stays low -> transition to standby
    3. Enable network module on sync mode to sleep transition
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User profile for user: Blademan007
Blademan007 Author
User level: Level 1
15 points

Mar 30, 2012 8:29 PM in response to Blademan007

Release V1.3.1

Release Date: 20 Feb 2012

Host firmware: 1.3.1

BCO firmware: 8327


Release Notes:

  • Preventative measures have been implemented in this release to ensure Zeppelin Air does not enter an inoperable state (red flashing LED) after indeterminate periods of audio playback.
  • Factory reset can now be performed in any active state so a Zeppelin Air exhibiting the issue mentioned above can be returned to working order.
  • Fix included to reduce the likelihood of Zeppelin Air being unable to connect to a wireless network (Constant flashing purple LED) due to invalid network settings being selected.
  • Fix included to resolve a bug that caused Zeppelin Air not to enter sleep mode automatically after 30 minutes of inactivity.
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User profile for user: drewes55
drewes55
User level: Level 1
0 points

May 17, 2012 3:44 AM in response to Blademan007

I have simmilar problems, had to use zeppelin recovery.exe, still new problems(hard reset), probably due to b/g/n mixed router.

never the less, with multiple users(ipad,ipod, itunes) the zeppelin doesn't seem to be handling airplay like it should. Unfortunately little support from B&W. To my opinion the Zeppelin should function as good as similar products and it doesn't

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User profile for user: RickH_Oxford
RickH_Oxford
User level: Level 1
8 points

Aug 29, 2012 2:25 PM in response to Blademan007

I am so disappointed and frustrated (yet again) with Apple. The Zepplin Air I just purchased looks great and sounds great with an iPod, but the whole point is that I can listen to music in any room, streamed over my wireless network in my house from one of our iPads, or the family Mac (we're an Apple family, can you tell?)


But this just doesn't work! I've moved my base station and relocated the 2 airport expresses that extend coverage in my house. I've tried to load latest firmware, but the MAC doesn't trust the downloaded app as I didn't get it through AppStore, not that I can find it in AppStore!


The zepplin has a mind of its own. When it streams music and actually plays it sounds ok, not 100% as clear as I'd expected, but good enough. But then it just stops, it sometimes stutters, and it sometimes just stops playing. On the iPad it can not always be seen in the dialogue box and sometime on the Mac it connects and the song plays and there is beautiful silence even though the purple light is on.


I want this to work, I really do, but Im starting to wish I hadn't thrown out my record player and vinyl collection!!


Any suggestions??.

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User profile for user: drewes55
drewes55
User level: Level 1
0 points

Sep 2, 2012 2:46 PM in response to RickH_Oxford

At the moment the Zeppelin stayrather well connected. I ve installed the latest software, with no problema over USB connection. Best setup with the iPad app. I have now airport extreme for althea devices streaming to the Zeppelin. All in all crazy That you have to buy an expentive router to make the Zeppelin function somewhat properly(unfortunately now my Windows homeserver has à problem with ap extreme). My suggestion is to use an AP express and plug it direct to the Zeppelin or utp, wifi of THE Zeppelin is too unstable to be reliable.

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User profile for user: Blademan007
Blademan007 Author
User level: Level 1
15 points

Sep 29, 2012 10:09 PM in response to Blademan007

Had to unplug my dedicated Wireless-G access point, and Zeppelin wasn't working. So I hooked up the Zeppelin Ethernet cable, but no lights and it didn't work.

I looked on B&W website for support info. Basically, all questions were answered with "upgrade to the latest firmware." So I upgraded firmware via USB on Win7 to v2.00.24.

Then I fried to configure settings using the B&W Airplay app on Win7 and Mac OS, both failed when trying to confirm settings. Then I tried Airplay app on IOS, and that failed. I tried via Ethernet, but no link lights.

Then the Ethernet became clear, Ethernet is exclusively for updating the Zeppelin. Ethernet is not to be used for day-to-day network operation. Such a stupid waste.

Sent an email to B&W support, and let's see what happens.

But right now the Zeppelin Air is a $600 overhyped Airplay useless mantle weight. Unless B&W support comes through, I strongly recommend all save their money and do not buy B&W electronics, although I love their passive speakers.

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User profile for user: Blademan007
Blademan007 Author
User level: Level 1
15 points

Sep 29, 2012 10:15 PM in response to Blademan007

Release V2.00.24

Release Date: 19 Sept 2012

Host firmware: 2.00.24

BCO firmware: 9112


  • New “reduced power” Standby mode; when in Standby (operated by using the Zeppelin Air power button) the unit will consume less than 0.5 Watts.
  • Simplified device configuration and LED feedback to make using your Zeppelin Air an even better experience.
  • Zeppelin Air will now power on automatically when power is applied. During boot up the Zeppelin Air will show a pulsing red LED.
  • Zeppelin Air will automatically enter wireless setup mode if AirPlay settings are yet to be applied or if the device has been reset to factory defaults.
  • Factory reset is now indicated by the LED flashing red twice. After the factory reset has been initiated, the device will begin powering on automatically displaying a pulsing red LED.
  • New, faster start-up procedure which allows you to apply your wireless (AirPlay) settings using ‘Bower & Wilkins AirPlay Setup app’ from your iPod Touch, iPhone or iPad. Available from the Apple App Store.
  • You can also configure your device for AirPlay using the Mac and PC applications, which can be downloaded by visiting; www.bowers-wilkins.com/setupapp
  • Improved smoother volume ramping that synchronises with your iPod or AirPlay source.
  • New Auto-detect feature for Aux-in. If you leave your TV connected to the Aux-in, for example, the Zeppelin Air will automatically wake up and play when your TV starts.
  • Revised procedure for iTunes data synchronisation via USB and wired AirPlay connection. Please refer to Zeppelin Air Firmware v2.00.24 manual for further information on product operation.
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User profile for user: Hypnotist_1
Hypnotist_1
User level: Level 1
0 points

Oct 11, 2013 1:03 AM in response to Blademan007

I have tried for months now without success to update the firmware for Zeppelin Air Firmware v2.00.24 and have contacted B&W numerous times and still no update working. Running OSX 10.8.4 have downloaded and renamed files but when the installer runs I get an error just as it nears completion which states to try and install again or contact software developer.


Cannot find anything in forums anywhere with people having issues installing the latest firmware, so I want to put the following screen shots out there and see if anyone can help.

User uploaded file


User uploaded file


Any ideas on what could be causing a problem???

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B&W Zeppelin Air

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