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Why does the display show "HCR/Open cct." even with the probes correctly inserted ?
First check that you do have the correct connections by referring to the RM15 instruction manual. For example if you are using a single 0.5m Twin and a PA5/PA20 probe array then note that the short black jump lead goes to the red socket and the green jump lead goes to the black socket. If "HCR/Open cct." is still shown then it is very likely that there is a break in the cabling of the probe array (in the "current" cable). You will require a multi-meter that measures continuity or resistance to trace where the break is in the probe array, flexing the cables in turn until an open circuit is found. Where possible replace the cable; cable type is not critical and any mains type cable can be used.
There are several places where the cable can break. Firstly, the cable that runs up the side of the probe array frame may be broken at the top of the frame where it exits and is held in place with a pair of cable ties. Secondly, the AD1 adapter may have a break in its short cable. Thirdly, the 50m cable can have a break anywhere along it's length : (a) the break may be near the resistance meter end especially if it is tied in a knot round the frame for strain relief (in this case cutting off a short length and rewiring the black Bulgin connector may isolate the problem - see appendix G in the RM15 manual for details on how to rewire a connector), (b) the point where the 50m cable exits the centre of the cable drum, (c) the internal connection of the cable to the external connectors mounted on the drum side. Fourthly, the cables to the remote probes.
Why am I having difficulty obtaining stable readings?
First check that you do have the correct connections by referring to the RM15 instruction manual. For example if you are using a single 0.5m Twin and a PA5/PA20 probe array then note that the short black jump lead goes to the red socket and the green jump lead goes to the black socket. Next, check the Auto-Log Speed setting. The Fast setting can only be used in rural areas where there are no interfering underground currents or radio signals. In most cases, and certainly in an urban context, the Medium speed setting should be used to obtain a stable reading. If you still experience large fluctuations in the readings, often much higher than expected, yet the resulting plots still seem to produce some meaningful results then it is very likely that there is a break in the cabling of the probe array (in the "potential" cable). You may also find in dry weather that the meter gives very high readings when the probes gently touch the ground but if they are firmly pushed into the ground the meter then produces normal readings. Readings may also have a slow drift on them. You will require a multi-meter that measures continuity or resistance to trace where the break is in the probe array, flexing the cables in turn until an open circuit is found. Where possible replace the cable; cable type is not critical and any mains type cable can be used. See above for indications of where the break may be.
Why does one of the keys not respond?
Check for any sign of damage to the key - if the pad appears to be damaged a replacement front panel keypad is required. This can be fitted by the user of the instrument returned to Geoscan Research for fitting. If a column or row of keys does not respond then the keypad tail inside the instrument may be damaged or one of the seven grey wires that connect the key pad tail to one of the pcbs may be damaged or loose. If the keypad tail is damaged a new front panle keypad is required. If one of the grey wires is damaged or loose then a new keypad tail assembly is required.
What do I do if I am having difficulty downloading the data?
Initial Checks
If you experience problems downloading data then initial checks should include the following initial checks:
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Ensure you are using the correct download cable - see Appendix B in the manual for details.
Ensure the download cable is plugged into both the RM15 and the computer.
Inspect the cable for damage - if possible test continuity of the cable.
Check that the serial port on the computer is enabled - you may need to inspect the BIOS settings to confirm this. Please note that making incorrect changes to the system bios may prevent your PC from booting so consult your system documentation very carefully before doing so.
Try downloading to another to eliminate the computer serial port as a problem.
The RM15 may have lost a menu setting for the comms port if it has been subjected to a hard knock. Press the Menu key and select the Comms menu (5). Check each comms parameter, stepping away from the displayed value, then back to it again. Press End Menu and try downloading again.
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Computer Setup
Before you download you ensure that screen savers, battery standby, battery monitor, hard disk standby are disabled - a reminder is given on the dialog boxes. If you do not disable them, then when these become active they can interrupt the real-time handling of the data flow into the PC, leading to loss of data. As well as disabling screen savers, battery standby and battery monitor, make sure there are no other background tasks operating that may interrogate the serial ports or acquire CPU time, for example:
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Some personal organiser synchronising software, by default, continually scans the serial ports for activity--this must be disabled before downloading data.
Some virus checkers may need disabling if they monitor the serial port and hence interupt the flow of data.
Software for modems may take control of the serial port and must be disabled. In some circumstance the serial port may not be active, most common on computers with internal modems and must be activated before you can download data. This may be done either using special utilities provided with your computer or by changing the system bios settings when you first start your computer. Please note that making incorrect changes to the system bios may prevent your PC from booting so consult your system documentation very carefully before doing so.
It is possible that if Windows, or one of its components, is not correctly installed, or conflicts occur within the hardware installation then you may have difficulty downloading data correctly. For example, you may have a mechanical switch that connects a single serial port to either a modem or an instrument for download - however, the modem driver / installation may be permanently trying to access the serial port at the same time.
You should disable Infrared ports since they also use the serial port and may interrogate it every 3 seconds by default.
Do not use a serial mouse since this will generate interupts that may affect data handling.
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In all the above cases you should always restart your download software after making setup changes, and in many cases you will also have to reboot the operating system.
Geoplot Setup
If you are using Geoplot 3 to download data then check the following points:
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Make sure the "Download RS232 COMM port" setting in the Environment Options, Input tab is set to the correct port number--by default this "1". Ensure that there is not a break in the cable.
Data download requires the version of MSCOMM.VBX dated 5/12/93. This is automatically installed with the other DLL and VBX files. If you experience problems with data download check to see if there are any other versions present on your machine and ensure it is not dated earlier than 5/12/93.
A progress report consisting of a bar and reading count is shown as the data is downloaded. If there is a large quantity of data and the computer is slow then you may get a "Buffer Overflow" or "Port Overrun" error message. If so, then go to Environment options and change the progress report to either Bar only or none at all. Also, do not move the mouse or progress form during download since this will generate a Windows call that will be serviced in preference to handling the RS232 data. The internal buffer may not have sufficient capacity to temporarily store the incoming data in the interim.
If you are using Windows 3.1 on an older, slower, computer (e.g. 486DX2) then it is advisable to make some changes to your System.ini file to improve throughput of data into the RS232 port and avoid buffer overflow. In the [386Enh] section add :
COMxBuffer=8192 (where x = the Comm port number)
COMxFIFO=On
If you are using Windows 3.11 you may also need to add :
COMxFIFO=0
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The Computer does not have a Serial Port
If your PC does not possess a serial RS232 port but does have a USB port then you should use a USB to serial adapter to download data. This could also be a solution if you continue to experience difficulties using a conventional serial port - see above. You will need Windows 95 with USB support, Windows 98 or higher. The driver software that accompanies the converter will probably assign its virtual COMM port to be other than "1". Typically this is "4" and, if using Geoplot 3, you should set the Input tab in Environment Options accordingly. If you use a USB converter you will find that you have to exit Geoplot after a download in order to clear data left in the PC's buffer. For example, if you come to dump data and see the message "Receiving data
" instead of the normal "Waiting for data
", even though you have not yet pressed DUMP on the instrument, this is a sure sign that data is still left in the PC's buffer. If you do not exit Geoplot at this stage and continue downloading, the data will be scrambled.
Why is the data is scrambled?
Firstly, you should always clear the memory before logging new data after a download. Do not attempt to add further data into the memory just after downloading since this new data, and existing data may well be scrambled. It is acceptable to make several attempts to download data, providing you do not add new data. Secondly, you should not access the Mapping menu whilst logging data since this may well scramble the data. Only access the Mapping menu at the start of a survey or after downloading data. To be safe, always clear the memory after accessing the Mapping menu.
Secondly, you must exit the download software after dumping via a USB to Serial converter in order to clear the computers buffer prior to the next download - see above. Try downloading again if the above point was the cause of the problem
If the data is still scrambled after addressing the above points then it is possible the non-volatile memory module(s) is failing. The memory modules are rated to last a nominal 10 years at 25 degrees C but this will be reduced if the instrument is operated or stored at higher temperatures. A new memory module can be obtained from Geoscan Research and fitted by the user or, if you prefer, the instrument can be returned to us for fitting.
Why does the display show random characters?
If the display shows random characters then it is likely that the non-volatile memory module is failing. The memory modules are rated to last a nominal 10 years at 25 degrees C but this will be reduced if the instrument is operated or stored at higher temperatures. A new memory module can be obtained from Geoscan Research and fitted by the user or, if you prefer, the instrument can be returned to us for fitting. You may be able to make the display operate correctly for a very short period if you press the Menu key, followed by a left or right arrow key, then End Menu. Switch off the instrument and then on again. If the display is now normal you can step through the remainder of the menu settings, using the left or right arrow keys to ensure sensible values are displayed. Perform your survey but DO NOT switch off the instrument. Download the data straight away--it is advisable to download as frequently as possible. However, this procedure is not guaranteed to work. You should obtain a new memory module as soon as possible.
What do I do if there is water in the RM15?
If you have been working in extremely heavy or driving rain and water has entered the electronics housing of the instrument then you should not use the instrument until it has dried out thoroughly. Remove the lid and leave the instrument in a warm dry environment for at least 24 hours, preferably longer. Take great care not to damage internal wiring if you remove the lid. DO NOT OPERATE WITH MOISTURE INSIDE. If you attempt to operate the instrument with moisture inside electrolytic action could severely damage the electronics. If water is present in sufficient quantities that you need to tip it out, an environmental seal may have been damaged and the instrument ideally requires servicing. Once dried out you could continue to use the instrument temporarily, providing weather conditions have improved, and then have a servicing performed after the survey.
Why does the NiCad or NiMH battery pack not hold its charge?
The battery pack can be recharged up to approximately 600 times. After this number of recharges it will start to lose its ability to retain charge and will need replacing.
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