Well this is just amazing. I downloaded once an image of openhab, changed the config file to have my SSID/PW, and it came right up and onto my wifi network.
I then tried again, and again, and again, probably 30 times so far, with plain raspbian and NONE will talk on my network. New card, openhab talks, nothing else will.
Last night I decided to try a DIFFERENT raspbian so downloaded raspbian -lite.... another hour and NFG also.
I ordered up more mini HDMI cables and such so I can watch what is happening. Whatever it is is unique to me?