WLAN Connection

[MarkUk63]

After the disappointment of not having a sim slot in my Columbus system (MY2018) I set up my android phone for the WLAN connection and to automatically launch WiFi hotspot when Bluetooth is connected,  but I seem to have to go in the WLAN setting and select my phones connection each time I get in the car on the Columbus system to get an internet connection, is this correct or am I not giving it enough time to auto connect.

I Am loving the car and have just updated the maps too 2018 and added the speed alerts.

 

Any advise welcome.

Edited 17 March, 2018 by MarkUk63

[JR RS]

I don't know if it's a difference with ur newer Columbus, but my car will auto connect to my phone's hotspot, with no issues.

 

Like u, I've setup that whenever my phone connects to the car via Bluetooth, it automatically switches on the hotspot.  Not long after, the car shows it connected to a WLAN.

Edited 18 March, 2018 by JR RS

[MarkUk63]

Hi JR RS, I updated the maps and associated software yesterday and now it connects quicker, the WLAN is displayed after about 15 seconds now, have not had much opportunity to test it as we have just had another 6 inches of snow today.

Just in case your phone if android updates to android 8.0 most of the tethering apps won’t work anymore I have had to use an app called Tasker with a plug in that work well.

Edited 18 March, 2018 by MarkUk63

[STREE]

Tasker stopped working for me after android updated to 8.1.0. I tried every app I could find that did a similar job but none would work so I gave up and now wonder why I bothered in the first place as I didn't use the functionality anyway. I thought the traffic info on the sat nav needed data but it doesn't. 

[MarkUk63]

I am still on 8.0 on a HTC 10, hopefully they will update it so you can use it again.

Did you use the tethering plug in seems new ?

[thebigred]

Interesting topic! I've raised a similar issue with my MY18 Sportline which should have come with a SIM slot, but didn't - I am raising this with Skoda as I believe it should have been fitted as standard, I wonder how many people they are short changing by not fitting this?

 

I'll keep the thread I have going with updates - but if you've spoken to SUK at all it would be interesting to know what they've said....

[MarkUk63]

I thought it was standard with the Columbus but when I looked at the July 2017 prices and specs brochure  it shows it as an option where as the January 2018 it shows it as standard, can’t find another brochure in between these dates.

The lease company told my company the car was being built in January so I thought I was ok but in fact it was built on the 27th of September so no sim slot.

I have it auto tethering and connecting at the moment but who knows what will happen when android is updated again.

I have not spoken to Skoda as it’s a company car but have asked my manager to speak to the lease company.

Edited 18 March, 2018 by MarkUk63

[rtj70]

I've got an app similar to TASKER working like this (when I want it enabled - not all the time). The Columbus 9.2" in my SEL Exec connects fairly quickly when the hotspot is there. It also connects to the WiFi in the house when parked up.

 

Whilst traffic does not need data to have the over the radio TMS traffic reports, with a data connection you get much more accurate and up to date data from TomTom for traffic.

[JR RS]

i use an android app called "MyProfiles" - brilliant for switching a myriad of stuff on and off on my phone.

 

however, since recently updating my HTC11 to Android 8.0.0 - the hotspot doesn't turn on automatically, even though its been configured to do so.
i'm waiting for an update to MyProfiles, so i don't have to manually turn on my phone's hotspot each time i jump in the car.

 

Its not critical or a show-stopper, but just peace of mind

[MarkUk63]

Evidently Android 8.0 disabled a lot of these apps,I think Tasker works at an almost Root level to enable it, I had to get the tethering plug in for it but it works ok just takes about 20 seconds after I get in the car to get the WLAN and white globe on the Columbus.

[thebigred]

Android is one thing, if you're an Apple user you are stuffed unless you want to manually toggle the hotspot every time you get in the car.

 

Let's steer clear of the Android vs Apple thing - I've swapped between both over the years, I'm not swapping all my devices over because Skoda can't be clear about what spec you are getting