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FAQs

"Communication Failed" message in lower window bar of the SDR "Modify iPack Settings" window"

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If you are connecting to through the logger programming port, the iPack could be busy making a call. The suggestion is to wait a few minutes and try again.

The iPack utilizes a sense line on the COM port in order to initiate communications and expects standardized states for the COM port on and off conditions. On certain models of computer and operating system combinations, the COM port default off state does not return to the expected off state, and the iPack gets "hung" in a state where handshaking cannot take place.

To resolve this problem, make sure the iPack is disconnected from your computer. If Symphonie Data Retriever software is running, close it and re-open. When SDR is re-started, choose ‘Modify iPack Settings’, and wait until you receive a message at the bottom of the window that says “communication failed”. Once this message has been received, connect the iPack and choose “Modify iPack Settings” again. Communication will be established, and the message at the bottom of the window will indicate “iPack detected”.

Another cause for the "communication failed" message is a low or dead iPack battery. The iPack battery can drain if left connected to a logger without a PV panel or charger connected to the iPack PV inputs for a few weeks. Even a few days could weaken the battery to the point where it has a difficult time "catching up". For this reason, it is very important to charge the iPack battery prior to installation.

There are detailed instructions for checking an iPack battery here:

http://www.nrgsystems.com/support/faq.php?id=181#tabs

If the logger can still access the iPack utilities screen, there might be a problem with the serial cable. Try a direct computer to iPack connection with the AT Modem cable [Cable-ATModem, DB9(F)-DB25(M),6'Long]. This would help in the case where the serial cable [Serial Extension, DB9, FemaleTo Male, Molded] and / or interface card has a problem. This is very rare, but sometimes cables get swapped and the pinouts are different than expected.

If using a USB to serial converter, be sure you have installed the driver. The driver can be found on a CD packaged with the USB to serial converter or downloaded from the manufacturer’s website; it is not included on the NRG software CD.

As a last resort, you can restart your computer.

 

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