APPNOTE: Checklist for Logger communication problems

Article ID: 051025sab
Last Reviewed: July 6, 2023

The information in this article applies to:

  • Pronto for Windows Release 5.00 and later when used with a Power Master or AP300 series Logger.

Target Audience

This article is aimed at:

  • All Users of Pronto for Windows with Power Master Loggers.

Summary

When communicating with a Power Master (or AP300 series) Logger from Pronto for Windows various settings must be correct for the communication to be successful. This application note lists the settings that most commonly cause problems.

See details of Pronto, our Power Quality Monitoring Software.

For the RS232 interface on the PM3000:

These notes apply directly to the PM3000 (other Loggers differ only slightly),
1)    Check the baud rate that the Logger is set to communicate at, by performing the following steps.

  • 1.    Power up the Logger by tapping the touch-screen (if running on battery tap the screen again within a couple of seconds to prevent the Logger shutting down to save battery.
    2.    Once power-up is complete, click on Continue and then Next, the Main Menu screen will be displayed.
    3.    Click on Configure and select Utilities from the list of options (you may need to scroll down the list).
    4.    Check the Baud Rate. A rate of 115200 is recommended. See APPNOTE: Recommended_baud rates for different Loggers for more information.

For the infra-red interface on the PM2000 and PM1000 series:

See: APPNOTE: Troubleshooting PM2000 and PM1000 communications.

For the PM7000:

Depending on which communication interface you are intending to use:

APPNOTE: Connecting to a PM7000 using the USB cable.

APPNOTE: Connecting to a PM7000 using a Bluetooth link.

APPNOTE: Connecting to a PM7000 with a PDA using a Bluetooth link.

APPNOTE: Connecting to a PM7000 over an Ethernet network.

Checklist for Pronto for Windows:

1)    Check the serial port is correctly selected (also referred to as the Comm Port or COM port).

  • In Pronto 5.03 and later when selecting the serial port in the Logger Address Book you may click on Search and Pronto will scan your machine for Ports.
    For guidance, on most computers the directly fitted serial ports are labeled COM1 and if a second port is present this will be COM2.
    If you are using a Serial to USB converter this could be a much higher numbered port such as COM6.

2)    Check the baud rate matches that set in the Logger.

3)    If using a Serial to USB converter see APPNOTE: Using a USB to Serial converter with a Ranger Logger

4)    If using a modem see APPNOTE: Setting up a Power Master Logger to operate over a modem