GB Reader 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.
- How often should readings be taken ?
- Can I take more than 1 reading per day ?
- How do I know when to irrigate ?
- Why is the reading I see in the field different from what I see on the computer ?
Software
- GBReader software - Using on a computer without a serial port ?
- I have purchased a USB-Serial adaptor for my computer and I cannot get the GBReader/GBug software to work ?
- I have just transferred data to my computer and the date shows as 30 Oct 1899, what has gone wrong ?
- Upgrading to Version 5.xx.xx of the software ?
- I have just upgraded from Version 4 to Version 5 of the software; the upgrade ran properly but I cannot see any data ?
Using the GBReader or 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)
How often should I take a reading ?
A. The more readings you take, the better the picture
of the changes in soil moisture in your plants root zone.
For best results:
- set aside time each week to make your readings,
- for consistency, try to take the readings at the same time of day.
(Back to Top)
Can I take more than 1 reading per day ?
The PC software only allows you to save one reading per
day per gypsum block. You can take more than one reading per day, you
just cannot save the readings into the computer. (Back to Top)
How do I know when to irrigate ?
Scheduling irrigation with gypsum blocks is a straightforward process. There is a large body of information available on the Internet and in the publications put out by the various state agriculture departments. If you are unfamiliar with how it should be done, consult your local irrigation agronomist. (Back to Top)
Why is the reading I see in the field different from what I see on the computer ?
This occurs if the selection of gypsum block type to use
for this block is different between the PC and GBReader.
When the PC software is setup, you indicate for each site what type of
gypsum block is used at each depth. The software then knows which calibration
to use to ensure the data is displayed over the correct range. This setup
is not transferred into the GBReader unit: if you are using a mixture
of GBHeavy and GBLite blocks, you must check the right sensor type is
selected each time you take a reading. You can see which type of gypsum
block is currently selected when you first turn the reader on. Pressing
the Next button will toggle the block type selection. If the reader moves
on to the next menu option before you have a chance to make the block
type selection, turn the reader off and then back on again and try again.
(Back to Top)
I have just transferred data to my computer and the date shows as 30 Oct 1899, what has gone wrong ?
This can happen in two circumstances.
1. If you read blocks 1,2,3 early in the day, then later on reads block 4, the date will be corrupted when the new data is added to the results
record for that day.
2. If you read the same block again later in the day and the reading is
different from the reading stored in the PC, then a panel comes up allowing
the user to select the new or the old value. Once this panel appears,
the date will also be corrupted.
This problem effects versions of the software earlier than V5.12. The
data can be easily corrected by manually editing the reading (from the
Menu select Options / Edit Data File). Follow the instructions in the
manual if you need assistance with editing the data. (Back to Top)
Upgrading to Version 5.xx.xx of the software ?
Version 5 of the GBReader software includes a number of enhancements over earlier versions, the most useful being the ability to easily make a copy of an existing site setup at the start of a new season. Version 5 uses a slightly different data file format to earlier versions. Whilst earlier versions installed into the default directory c:smr, the new version installs into c:Program filessmr. When the new version installs itself it looks in the old directory for any existing data and if it finds any, will convert it into the new format. If your program has originally been installed into a different directory, copy it into c:smr before installing the upgrade. Note that the upgrade can be downloaded from this web site. (Back to Top)
I have just upgraded from Version 4 to Version 5 of the software; the upgrade ran properly but I cannot see any data ?
This problem can effect users who have been running the software since the release of the very early versions. The data conversion can have problems in situations where the configuration is running "Mixed block types". Make a backup of the data. Then, use Notepad to open the file "smrtec.def" which is found in the C:Program filessmr directory. Scroll down the file until you find an entry which says "Allow Mixed Blocks". If the line below this one has an entry of "1", change this to "0" and then save the file. When you reopen the program the data should reappear. If you are actually using mixed sensor types (e.g. both GBHeavy and GBLite) contact MEA for assistance. (Back to Top)
Related Items
| Related Items | Description | |
|---|---|---|
 | GBReader Software |