thanks guys
I have 3 devices that I use to browse the wonders of the world wide web. My samsung tablet was having issues until I was able to connect it to the wi-fi yesterday and it updated a load of stuff, so I expect that will be OK now. My lappy running some old windows was doing it as well, but seems OK at the moment and that could well be because the thing has a hissy fit and I have to restart firefox every few days anyway.
The main device that I use is an old Hudl tablet that lives by my bed for nocturnal browsing. That is the one that has the most trouble (in fact I haven't been able to look at this thread since I posted it!). I have now re-initialised the primary power coupling so we shall see if that improves it
Bloody technology. great when it works and I'm hopeless when it doesn't!