StrataBox
Flash Failure
Question: I get a “Flash Failure” message when I start up my Hydrobox/StrataBox software. What do I do?
Answer: The “Flash Failure” message basically means that either there is an actual failure with the onboard Flash memory device (located on the Hydrobox circuit board), or there is a problem with communication between the Hydrobox and the computer. True failures of the Flash memory devices are rare. In most cases, the problem is due to a communication error between the computer and the Hydrobox. If this is the first time you are using the Hydrobox with this computer, or if anything on the computer has changed (such as new software/hardware), please review the FAQ regarding what type of COM ports should be used.
The first thing you should do is to try the power-up sequence a few times to see if it was simply caused by some type of computer “glitch”. The power-up sequence should start with power not applied to the Hydrobox and the software not running. Apply power to the Hydrobox and verify that the green status LED flashes about once per second. If so, the Hydrobox is operating normally and the problem is a communication related problem. Note: If the LED flashes at a rate much faster than once per second than the Flash memory device is defective and the Hydrobox would need to be sent to Syqwest for factory repair. Start up the Hydrobox software and see if it you can now get to the “Sensor:Idle” message. A re-boot of the computer should also be tried if you keep getting failures.
The second thing you should try is another computer. The Hydrobox requires consistent bi-directional communication between the computer and the Hydrobox otherwise your Hydrobox will not operate. Your computer may appear to be working normally however there may be some problem with the COM ports. GPS or other devices (uni-directional) may work normally on the same COM port where Hydrobox would not work. Therefore we suggest you simply try another computer that has Hydrobox software loaded and a suitable COM port. The transducer is not required for this test for you simply want to verify that you can communicate to the Hydrobox via the computer.
If you are still having a problem than a true failure is suspected. The problem could either be with the Hydrobox (less likely), or with the RS-232/422 convertor (more likely), which is attached to the data cable and heat shrunk over. A replacement RS232/422 converter can be purchased from Syqwest (P/N P03360) or B&B Electronics (Model 422PP9R). If you replace the convertor insure that the RS-422 side attaches to the data cable such that the RS-232 side will plug into the computer.
If you follow these steps without resolving your problem than please contact us for additional support.
Last update: 2008-09-10 16:21
Author: admin
Revision: 1.5
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