Support | Northsline Known setup, troubleshooting, firmware updates, DNS monitor support, no cloud dependency

SUPPORT

Support

Setup, troubleshooting, and firmware updates for Known. If something here doesn't fix it, email [email protected] and you'll get a real reply.

Setup

1. Plug it in

Connect Known to power using the USB cable that came in the box. Use a standard USB power adapter (5V, 1A minimum). The device boots automatically.

2. Join your Wi-Fi

On first boot, Known creates a temporary Wi-Fi network called "known-setup". Connect to it from your phone or laptop. A setup page opens automatically. If it doesn't, open a browser and go to 192.168.4.1. Select your home Wi-Fi network and enter the password. Known saves the configuration and reboots.

3. Open the dashboard

Once Known is on your network, it displays its local IP address on the setup page. Open a browser on any device on the same network and go to that address. The dashboard shows live DNS traffic. No app, no account, no login.

4. Point your router's DNS to Known (optional)

Known watches DNS traffic passively. To see traffic from all devices on your network, configure your router to use Known's IP address as its DNS server. This is optional. Known works without it, but the view is limited to traffic that naturally routes through it.

Troubleshooting

Can't find the "known-setup" Wi-Fi network

Make sure Known is plugged in and the power LED is on. The setup network appears for 5 minutes after boot. If it timed out, unplug and replug the device. On some phones, you need to disable mobile data before the captive portal opens.

Dashboard isn't loading

Check that your phone or laptop is on the same Wi-Fi network as Known. The device's IP address can change if your router reboots. If you saved the address and it stopped working, re-run setup by unplugging and replugging the device.

No DNS traffic showing on the dashboard

Known watches DNS traffic passively. If your router uses a different DNS path (like DoH or DoT), Known may not see the queries. Configure your router to use Known's IP as its DNS server, or disable encrypted DNS on the router to let queries pass in plain text.

Device gets hot

Some warmth is normal during operation. If the device is too hot to touch, unplug it immediately and email [email protected]. Do not continue using it.

Forgot the device's IP address

Unplug and replug Known. The setup network reappears for 5 minutes. Connect to it and go to 192.168.4.1. The current IP address is shown on the setup page.

Firmware updates

Firmware updates are released on github.com/northsline. The firmware is open source. To update:

  1. Download the latest firmware file (.uf2) from the GitHub releases page.
  2. Unplug Known from power.
  3. Hold the BOOTSEL button on the device (the only button) and plug it into your computer's USB port.
  4. The device appears as a USB drive called RPI-RP2.
  5. Drag and drop the .uf2 file onto the drive. The device reboots automatically with the new firmware.
  6. Re-run Wi-Fi setup if the device doesn't reconnect automatically.

Firmware updates do not preserve data. Since Known uses volatile memory only, all current traffic data is lost when you update. This is by design.

Warranty and returns

Known is covered by a 1-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. You can return it within 30 days for a full refund. See the refund policy for details.

Still stuck?

Email [email protected]. Describe what's happening, what you expected, and what you tried. You'll get a real reply.

Get in touch