HQd Meter Communications Methods.
If you have problems following this article please contact the following:
If you are receiving the following message while trying to connect to a Hach HQd Meter using BOD Manager, Read Hach menu, please review the following:
"Unable to connect to the Hach HQd Meter/LDO probe! Please verify the USB cable is connected and the unit is on. Then try again."
This article describes how to handle issues surrounding the communication methods used by the HQ40d meter.
The two methods are:
- Mass Storage
- Virtual Serial (new method)
Keep in mind that the device plugs into the computer at the USB port reguardless of the method used. A "virtual serial port" is not a real serial port, but a hardware interface looks like a serial port due to the device driver simulating a serial port in software.
WHY TWO COMMUNICATIONS METHODS
The reason for adding another communications method is because of heightened security on newer versions of windows (Windows 7, for instance, doesn't allow non-Admin logins to access USB devices). The virtual serial port alleviates this problem.
In the software, the method of communication is choosen by placing an entry in the hach WIMS INI file (hach_wims_client.ini). The new tag is: HQ40D_USES_SERIAL_PORT with a value of YES or NO. Here are examples of what to enter into the ini file:
This line tells Hach WIMS or BOD Manager to use the Virtual Serial port (the new method):
HQ40D_USES_SERIAL_PORT=yes
This line tells hach WIMS or BOD Manager to use the Mass storage method:
HQ40D_USES_SERIAL_PORT=no
The line (you only put one in the file) can be placed anywhere in the text file. You may be wondering how the application knows which serial port to use while in the Virtual Serial mode. The software actually scans each port in the system until it finds one with a HQ40d on it, then uses that one.
POSSIBLE ISSUES TO ADDRESS
There are a number of different issues that can contribute to problems with each method.
USB
These are the same issues that you may have had to deal with in the past.
- not having the device turned on
- or not having the device plugged in
- The communications configuration is not set properly on the device
- for versions of the device >= 2.1.0.713
VIRTUAL SERIAL PORT
There are a couple more issues that may affect the communications to the device when using the virtual serial port.
- not having the device turned on
- or not having the device plugged in
- The communications configuration is not set properly on the device
- for versions of the device >= 2.1.0.713
NOTE: This is the minimum version required to use the virtual serial port
- hqd_vcom.inf file not installed in Windows\INF folder
DEVICE UPGRADE to VERSION 2.1.0.713 (or higher)
See this link for upgrading the HQ40d to the latest version:
www.hach.com/softwaredownloads (select "Lab System Software/Software Update Downloads" then "HQd Series Meter Software Update" this will provide a zip file with directions)
Use file ProductionMeter-b13.zip and follow the readme text file for the procedure. You will need the power cable and UDB adapter for the HQd Meter for the upgrade procedure. See Q12577 for required hardware.
CONFIGURING THE DEVICE FOR COMMUNICATIONS
- With the device on, press the button on the lower right (the one with the wrench icon on it)
- Use the up/down arrow keys to select Instrument Information and press Select (the yellow soft key)
- Scroll down to the USB Device Type and press Select
- Figures 1 and 2 below will show the result of the two possible selections
- Use the arrows keys to highlight the method you want to use and press Select
- The title bar of the "BOD Manager Read HQd" window will show what mode the software is configured to use
- The device will power itself off
- Restart it and try to use the WIMS to take a measurement
-
Hach WIMS INI Setup
To change the communications method of WIMS from "mass storage" to "virtual serial" and vis versa change a setting in the INI file tagged: HQ40D_USES_SERIAL_PORT between "yes" and "no".
Examples:
HQ40D_USES_SERIAL_PORT=yes
HQ40D_USES_SERIAL_PORT=no
The first enables the use of the virtual serial port and the second one enables the Mass Storage method.
OPERATION
The operation of the BOD Manager is the same with either communication method with the exception that you don't have to click the green button on the device when taking a reading when using the virtual serial method (the software instigates the reading automatically).
When using the new Virtual Serial method of communicating and after hitting the "Take Reading" button, the app will wait forever for the readings from the meter. If you abort the operation you can just close the BOD Manager Read HQd window by clicking on the X in the upper right of the window and try again.
The following images show the meter without any probes installed. If your meter has probes installed they will show up as selection(s) at the top of the list.
Figure 1 - Showing Mass Storage selection
Figure 2 - showing Virtual Serial selection
