GBug System FAQ
On this page, you will find answers to a number of commonly asked questions. If you cannot find the answer to your problem here, then send us an e-mail and we will try to help, (support@mea.com.au). We'll even post the answer here.
GBug System
- What is the maximum distance I can run the cables from the gypsum blocks
- When I try to collect the readings from my GBug I get a message telling me that data is already stored or that the Site is Locked
- I have gone to read a GBug but the last reading is not there even though it is past two hours since the last reading time
GT-Bug System
Software
- GBug software - Using on a computer without a serial port
- I have purchased a USB-Serial adaptor for my computer and I cannot get the GBug software to work
- I have installed a new GBug but cannot get it to work: I can read its Serial Number using the Retriever but cannot get it to download
- What does the "+1h" symbol mean in the table view of data.
- The GBug data for December and January is not displaying properly - it shows a year ahead.
Using the GBug software on a computer without a serial port
The MEA Retriever and GB Reader must connect to a Serial Port on a computer in order to download data into the GB Reader or GBug software. Many new notebook and laptop computers are being supplied without a Serial Port (e.g. COM 1). A special adaptor is used to convert the machine's USB (Universal Serial Bus) connection into a Serial port: these are available from computer hardware suppliers for between $80.00 and $200.00 and are commonly referred to as a "USB to Serial Adaptor".
Unfortunately the makers of these devices have not always followed the standards involved as closely as they should. As a result there are some USB to Serial adaptors which will not work properly with these two programs. If you are going to purchase a USB to Serial adaptor, install the GB Reader or GBug software first, then in the computer shop ask them to allow you to try to connect the reader to the computer. If you cannot communicate with the GB Reader or MEA Retriever, try another brand of adaptor. (Back to Top)
Problems downloading from a GBug where the Retriever can read the GBug Serial Number
Early versions of the GBug software had a problem with GBugs with an ID number larger than 255. The GBug Serial Number could be obtained using the Retriever but when an attempt was made to download data from the GBug, the Retriever would display a message saying "GBug Serial Number not found". This problem was corrected with version 5.00.25 of the GBug software. To find out which version you are using, load the software and from the menu select Help/About. When the splash screen displays, note the version number at the bottom of the screen. If yours is less than 5.00.25, download the current version from this web site or contact MEA to have a new disk sent to you. (Back to Top)
What is the maximum distance I can run the cables from the gypsum blocks
A. The gypsum block cables can be extended to a maximum distance of 10 metres. This is useful when installing the GBugs under centre pivots: the sensors can be installed a distance away from the GBug to ensure that you do not disturb the area around the sensors when going in to collect your readings. MEA can supply extended leads on request. If extending your own leads, use Scotchlocks or glue filled heat shrink joiners. (Back to Top)
When I try to collect the readings from my GBug I get a message telling me that data is already stored or that the Site is Locked
This will occur if you have not erased the old readings from the Retriever's
memory and you have not told the software to disable data locking.
Data locking prevents the accidental erasure of information stored in
the Retriever. If the Retriever already holds readings for a site, new
data will not be stored. You can override data locking in the field by
doing the following:
- Select Collect mode as you normally do,
- Before tapping the GBug, press and hold the Select key on the Retriever. When the message displays telling you that data is being received from the site, release the Select key.
To turn data locking off permanently, open the GBug software and from the menu select:
- Options ==> Use Site Locking
- A tick next to this option in the menu indicates that data locking is enabled.
If this option does not appear, check that you are running version 5.01.01 or later of the GBug software. If the version you have is earlier than that, download then newest version form the MEA web site or contact MEA for a copy of the upgrade. (Back to Top)
I have gone to read a GBug but the last reading is not there even though it is past two hours since the last reading time
This is connected with how the time of readings is obtained.
The GBug does not contain a time of day clock. Instead it counts how may
minutes have elapsed since the last reading. When two hours have passed,
it takes a new reading. When the GBug battery is installed, this counter
starts at zero, so the first reading will be taken two hours later. The
MEA Retriever does contain a clock, (you can check and set this clock
from within the software). When the MEA Retriever collects the readings
from the GBugs, it calculates the actual reading time by looking at its
own clock and subtracting from that time the GBug's count of how many
minutes since the last reading was taken. The readings are always lined
up at the "odd" hours, (e.g. 1:00, 3:00 etc.).
How close the GBug reading time is to the actual time depends on when
you inserted the GBug battery. To lock the two together, download the
data from the GBug and MEA Retriever into your PC, then remove the battery
from the GBug. Put the battery back in at 5 minutes before the odd hour
- then the GBug reading time will be within 5 minutes of the real time
and will always be available when you expect it to be. (Back
to Top)
What does the "+1h" symbol mean in the table view of data.
The GBug reading time is stored as a count of the time elapsed since the reading was taken. When the readings are transferred into the Retriever they are aligned to the closest hour. Depending on the time that the battery was installed in the GBug that may be an odd or an even hour. In the table view of the data, a "+1h" symbol next to the reading shows for those blocks whose readings are ahead of the displayed time. To line the GBugs up, put all the batteries in at the same time and preferably just before the hour. (Back to Top)
I downloaded data from December in January and it has not displayed properly.
A problem with versions of the software prior to V5.00.30 means that data from the previous year which is collected in the new year does not display properly. The software wrongly puts the early data in at the end of the current year (e.g. 2003) and then the later data goes in to the next year (e.g. 2004). This bug has been corrected. Download the latest version from the web site or contact MEA for the upgrade. When the updated version of the program runs, it checks for any data which has been incorrectly saved and fixes the date entries so the readings will display correctly. (Back to Top)
At what depth should the soil temperature sensor on a GT-Bug be installed.
The soil temperature sensor should be installed at a depth of 10cm. (Back to Top)