Hardware:

Q: I'm having trouble with my Interface cable (IFC200, IFC202, or IFC300). Are there any documents I can use to trouble shoot?

A: MadgeTech has an interface FAQ to help customers trouble shoot.


Q: The LED on my data logger blinks as if it has already started, but I cant communicate with the software?

A: Check cable connections to ensure both ends of the interface cable are fully inserted into the data logger, and the PC. Make sure the correct COM port and baud rate are selected. It is helpful to try another computer or interface cable. If the problem persists, contact MadgeTech for return merchandise authorization (RMA) service at support@madgetech.com.


Q: I have recently purchased a data logger and am having issues communicating with it from my computer via the RS232 PC interface cable (IFC110).

A: Make sure you know what COM port and baud rate you are using. Most built-in PC COM ports are designated as COM1, but this will vary by model. You may also be using a USB to Serial (RS232) adapter, which sets the COM port during installation. Check the COM ports that are available on your PC in the Windows Device Manager (located in the System Control Panel) under Ports: COM and LPT. Once you have determined which COM port you will use, select it in the Communication menu. Make sure the baud rate is set to match your logger (as indicated on the product label). Most 101 series data loggers communicate at 2400 baud, and 110 series data loggers communicate at 57,600 baud. Also, make sure the stereo headphone plug is fully inserted into the logger and the RS232 cable is fully inserted into the COM port.


Q: I am using a laptop and the MadgeTech software cannot open the COM port because of a Port in use error. The Windows device manager reports that the COM port is working, and I cannot detect another process running that is using that COM port.

A: Confirm that the COM port is not mapped to an infrared (IR) port that is being monitored by Windows for file transfers. Check / configure this in the Control Panel or Device Manager in Windows, or you may need to enter the BIOS utility when booting. Another option is to use an IFC200 interface cable, which works with a USB port. A USB to Serial adapter could also be used to provide a standard COM port compatible with the IFC110 cable.


Q: If the battery fails while logging data, will the data be lost if it has not been offloaded to a PC?

A: MadgeTech data loggers store their readings to non-volatile EEPROM or flash memory. If the batteries die in the middle of logging, most of the data will remain intact. Because the electronics of the data logger do not operate properly with a dead battery, there might be some invalid data, usually at the end of the log. Once fresh batteries are inserted, you will usually be able to download your data without any problems. If you are unable to download the data after replacing the battery, support@madgetech.com to determine if another recovery method may work.


Q: Is it possible to sample faster than 30 seconds with the wireless (RF-series) data loggers?

A: No. The RF-series data loggers / transmitters are limited to a 30 second transmission interval by FCC regulations. If a faster rate is required for remote logging, it may be possible to use a standard (non-wireless) logger with an RFExtender wireless transceiver or Net102 Ethernet converter. Contact sales@madgetech.com for assistance.


Q: I recently purchased a data logger with a thermocouple probe. Does the probe detect temperature along the whole length of the probe?

A: No. The thermocouple probe effectively measures the temperature at the tip of the thermocouple. See the thermocouple introduction page at the Omega Engineering website to learn more: http://www.omega.com/thermocouples.html


Q: I just recently purchased a data logger with an RTD probe. Does the probe detect temperature along the whole length of the probe?

A: No. Only the tip of the probe, where the RTD element is located, is temperature sensitive. See the RTD introduction page at the Omega Engineering web site to learn more: http://www.omega.com/rtd.html

Software:

Q: I am receiving the error message An error occurred while loading the Start Device dialog, how do I fix this?

A: This error is usually due to a version conflict with newer data loggers and the controls used in previous versions of MadgeTech software. The problem should be fixed by installing the latest MadgeTech software. For a free software update click Software Download


Q: My data loggers start date, device ID, or other setting contains strange values or characters. How do I fix this?


A: A low battery or environmental hazards such as static discharge or mechanical shock can, in rare instances, corrupt the device configuration. If you need to offload data stored in the device, contact support@madgetech.com to assist in reconstructing the data. Then, reenter the affected settings and restart the device to clear out the invalid values. When you communicate with the logger again, it should report the correct values.


Q: I am receiving the error message: Invalid Start Date (33795). How do I fix this?

A: This is usually due to using old software to communicate with a unit launched by newer software. This can be fixed by downloading the latest version of MadgeTech software from the MadgeTech website. Invalid start date may also indicate a battery or environmental problem; try restarting the device, then stop it to clear out the invalid date. When you start the logger again and identify it, it will have the correct start date.


Q: How do I setup the Port Number at Setup Email Information in real time chart recording?

A: This is usually Port 25. Check your mail clients settings to confirm.


Q: Is there a way to label the names of the thermocouples?

A: Not in the current release of the software. This is an often asked for feature, and we are working to include it as soon as possible. Check our website for software updates.


Q: I am using the MadgeTech software for real-time collection of thermocouple obtained temperature data. I want the x-axis of the graph to display duration rather than time and date. Is there any way to select or add the option of NOT using the default format of date and time only?

A: Click on the Data tab, and you will see that each data point has a timestamp. If you need to see this in graph format, export the data to Excel and use the Graph Wizard.


Q: I have a Temp1000S, but after identifying the device it reads Temp1000P, what is wrong?

A: The Temp1000P, Temp1000S, and Temp1000FP are all based around the same electrical design, but have different probe styles and temperature ratings. The type of battery used in the devices limits their temperature rating. Because the units were originally released as variations of the same product, they all identify in the software as Temp1000P. MadgeTech is in the process of re-releasing these products with individual product IDs.


Q: The MadgeTech software cannot open my COM port because of a Port in use error. What is wrong?

A: The MadgeTech software should not report the Port in use error unless the port is in use by Windows or another process. (It will sometimes also report the Invalid port error if the port is in use, depending on the PC.) Check the computer for other programs that may be using the port, such as other data acquisition and control software, or an interface to a handheld PDA such as a Palm Pilot^® or iPAQ^® (these programs are generally named HotSync or ActiveSync). Also check to make sure you have not accidentally opened up a second instance of the MadgeTech software. Another option is to use an IFC200 interface cable, which works with a USB port. A USB to Serial adapter could also be used to provide a standard COM port compatible with the IFC110 cable.


Q: I have inadvertently reset or restarted my logger and need to recover my old data, how can I do this?

A: In the latest MadgeTech software version, go to the File menu and select Save Memory Dump. Email the memory dump along with a description of the old data to MadgeTech, at support@madgetech.com, our technicians will attempt to recover the data.


Q: I cannot print a standard graph from the MadgeTech software. When I go to print, it goes to a print preview, and there is no icon for print. Please Help!

A: The print preview feature in our software is enabled by a menu checkmark, so it is either always on or always off. Go to the File menu, and look to the bottom of the list for the "Print Preview" option. Click on it, and it should uncheck the option, allowing you to print normally.


Q: I want to use the Alarm feature in the MadgeTech software and enable it to dial into a server and send emails. How can I send email through my own SMTP server (mail server)? Where do I enter my IP address of my mail server? Where do I enter my username and password?

A: The mail server settings are available in the Real-time Chart Recording setup menu. To access this, do the following:

1. Click on the black circle with the white triangle (Real-time Chart Recording), or type Crtl + H

2. Click on the "Recording Setup" button.

3. Click on the Email Information tab.

You will now be able to enter email settings. Port number is typically 25, but you can confirm this by looking at your mail client settings (such as Microsoft Outlook). Email alarmsassume that your computer is already connected to the internet. You can also make the computer dial a phone number (such as a pager) if the computer has a modem. These settings are under the Phone Information tab.

4. Under the Recording Parameters tab, select a reading rate.

5. Click Start Recording.

Troubleshooting:

Q:I have an RHTemp1000, it is reading a constant humidity percentage, why does this happen?

A:For the RHTemp1000 to log accurate humidity readings, you must unscrew the RH vent cap located opposite the communications cap.


Q: I have an IFC200 and a data logger I would like to connect to a PC at 50 meters (160) away.

A: Fifty meters (160) is too far to extend the IFC200. The headphone cable on an IFC200 can be extended up to 25 for loggers communicating at 2400 baud (shorter for higher speed loggers), plus the 6 USB cable for a total length of 31. You can also extend the IFC110 an additional 25 with a 9-pin RS232 extension cable, or use an RFExtender wireless transceiver or Net102 Ethernet converter.


Q: I need a data logger and would like to connect to a PC at 50 meters using an RS485/232 converter/modem, how can I do this?

A: MadgeTech does not sell an RS485/232 converter/modem, but these may be available from third parties, such as Black Box^® (http://www.blackbox.com) or B&B Electronics (http://www.bb-elec.com). MadgeTech can provide the RFExtender wireless transceiver or Net102 Ethernet converter as alternative solutions to this problem.


Q: Can the MadgeTech software run on a Mac OS?

A: The MadgeTech software is designed to run on Microsoft Windows based operating systems. To run it on a Macintosh, you would need to run Windows emulation software. Review some of the packages referenced at this link: http://www.macwindows.com/emulator.html


Q: When I try to install the USB interface drivers I get an error copying driver file mtiunin.exe. What am I doing wrong?

A: In some cases, this is due to the drivers already being installed on the PC, with the files marked as read-only. Check to see if the files have already been installed in the location you have selected, or if you do not have read/write access to the installation directory. If you are having trouble getting the USB drivers to work properly, try deleting the installed files and reinstalling them, or follow the procedure in the next question.


Q: I have inadvertently plugged in my IFC200 before installing the USB interface drivers, and cant get the software to find the cable. What can I do to fix this?

A: It is always best to make sure that the USB interface drivers are installed prior to physically connecting the USB cable to the PC. If the cable was inserted out of sequence, uninstall the IFC200 by completing the following steps: