Is a direct connection between DS and PC (XP) possible?

[k_numigl]

Did anybody succeed in setting up a direct ethernet connection
between a Linn DS and a PC under Windows XP?

A few days ago I managed to get my Sneaky DS working. Using a
DSL router, notebook, Netgear switch, and Sneaky. Now I want
to get rid in particular of the router (but also of the switch).
Effectively, I want the most simple and direct setup with notebook
and Sneaky only. But how do I deal with the Sneaky's request for an IP?
My attempts to use a small extra programme to give the notebook
(windows xp) the function of a DHCP server failed. The programme
understood the request of the Sneaky, and sent an IP number, too (at
least that's what it tells me). But the Sneaky continued to flash its
blue front light (= no IP number accepted).

If anybody succeeded in putting up a direct connection I would be
glad to know how.

Regards, Klaus

[JohnS]

Yes, this is how I connect my KDS to a Vista PC running twonky. I've tried several options:

Elsewhere on these forums there is a posting with the name of a software DHCP server that works (i can't find it right now, but I'll keep looking). I tried it, it took a bit of fiddling as it was hard to configure and as I remember I had to set a static IP address for the PC for it to work. My DS found it and got an IP address and then it all worked. To test if it's working you need another PC/Laptop to check if it's getting an IP address correctly. I didn't find this solution too practical.

I use a more practical solution now, which is to have two network cards on the PC. In XP or Vista these can be bridged (select the two in network connections and then right click) then connect one interface directly to the DS and the other to your home router that'll do DHCP. The DS will see the DHCP server via the PC. Direct connection and no fiddly software DHCP. I guess 2 NW cards may not be possible if you use a laptop.

Another option is to put a single switch between the PC and DS. Then add a third cable from this switch to your home router. This localises traffic, but they can both see the DHCP home router for IP addresses and control.

Hope that helps
John

[k_numigl]

Thanks for the hint! It's working by now.

The little programme (static IPs) now used is from
http://ruttkamp.gmxhome.de/dhcpsrv/dhcpsrv.htm
where things are also explained. It works with an .ini-file
where you can make your settings. I had a test with an .ini-file
not containing lines for a router and a DNS, but the Sneaky
was not content. After entering those two lines, everything
works ok now. I start the programme manually and do not use
it as a service, as it is only needed to connect the devices
and can be shut off after this has been done.

Thus, my travel hifi is reasonably slim, with laptop, Sneaky and
a pair of Kans.

Regards, Klaus

[Music Lover]

John and Klaus, can you elaborate regarding the differences in sound/musicality between the setups, if any?

[k_numigl]

'scuse me, you are a funny guy, ML, I guess from your posts you have more
experience with those cables and things than most of us.....

Ok, to remain serious, at this moment I'm happy to have the equipment
working at all, still with flying cables, screwed connections &c. &c.. But I will
solder the speaker cables later today. So there's little to comment on
reliably by now. I also wonder whether the SneakyDS
needs some burn in time - so that it would not be very wise to draw
conclusions from the first hours.( In the moment, I'm not convinced that
I like it any better than my previous equipment (Sony WM6pro and Intek)
which it should replace. The Sony was _very_ musical when recordings
were done from an LP12.)

Sorry for not having more experience momantarily,
Klaus

[Music Lover]

'scuse me, you are a funny guy, ML, I guess from your posts you have more
experience with those cables and things than most of us...

I dont have all answers.
Asking is great to learn more.

Ahhh, how bloody politically correct this became... 8)