[Barrow4491]

Hi,
I have been chasing down a problem where my system suddenly stops updating the RX data even though the Rx led is flashing regularly. It also takes an age sometimes to initialize sitting with just 2 "ones" for extended periods of time (up to 20 minutes)before eventually coming on line.
I assumed it was the Tx unit so I swapped out the Tx module, next the nano and finally the antenna, all with no effect.
I have no idea if the Led's on the nano have any meaning but in the TX unit only the power led is lit
Is there any definitive way of ensuring the unit is actually transmitting.
JIm

[uncle_bob]

Is there any definitive way of ensuring the unit is actually transmitting.

Hi Jim,
http://www.rtl-sdr.com/about-rtl-sdr/
One of those cheap TV dongles will do it. They are also what I use as my Aircraft "radar"

[Barrow4491]

Is there any definitive way of ensuring the unit is actually transmitting.

Hi Jim,
http://www.rtl-sdr.com/about-rtl-sdr/
One of those cheap TV dongles will do it. They are also what I use as my Aircraft "radar"

Thanks for that info, I have a couple of pi's with dongles for Flifgt Radar and Flight Aware. If I can get a OTG powered cable I will give it a go. I don't think my htc one would power the dongle
Regards
Jim

[werk_ag]

Hi,
I have been chasing down a problem where my system suddenly stops updating the RX data even though the Rx led is flashing regularly.
...

...
I have no idea if the Led's on the nano have any meaning but in the TX unit only the power led is lit
Is there any definitive way of ensuring the unit is actually transmitting.

Something here is wrong.
If the TX LED on the TX unit isn't blinking at regular intervals (supposing it is not faulty) there is no way of the RX led on the RX unit is flashing.

Testing the TX led circuitry it's easy, use a multimeter or write a small arduino sketch that just turn ON the TX power pin.

[Barrow4491]

Werk
The system has been good, but recently developed an issue in that intermittently it suddenly stops updating data even though the weather conditions have obviously changed. I turned the units off, replaced the nano, Tx module and antenna, re loaded the files to all in an attempt to fix the issue which has now led to the current problem that the reciever will not go past the initialisation phase with all zeros and the Rx led on, so I have no idea if the Tx is actually transmitting.
I decided to prove the Tx unit was OK first, hence my enquiry how to prove it actually was. Once I can prove the Tx is OK I will then attack the reciever.
Do you know of any condition that would cause the data not to update even though the RX led is flashing?
I will set up the dongle arrangement as uncle_bob suggested and go from there. I have actually ordered some Gravitech nano's in case the Chinese ones are the issue
Thanks
Jim

[werk_ag]

Hi Jim,

The system has been good, but recently developed an issue in that intermittently it suddenly stops updating data even though the weather conditions have obviously changed.

In my humble opinion, this has happened because your RX unit, probably is placed at the limits of the RF coverage range (some days or hours it may work others not, this is the sympton). Before starting to change parts on both units (TX and RX) try to move the RX unit closer to the TX unit, or try to find a better position for the antennas. Most of the times, the TX antenna works better if placed horizontally (there are several posts about this matter), also try to attach the TX antenna directly to the SMA connector avoiding extension cables.

According to your description, it seems that currently your TX unit is not working, try to fix it, and before doing anything with the RX unit, try the procedure described above.

Do you know of any condition that would cause the data not to update even though the RX led is flashing?

No, I don't know.

[Barrow4491]

Hi Jim,

The system has been good, but recently developed an issue in that intermittently it suddenly stops updating data even though the weather conditions have obviously changed.

In my humble opinion, this has happened because your RX unit, probably is placed at the limits of the RF coverage range (some days or hours it may work others not, this is the sympton). Before starting to change parts on both units (TX and RX) try to move the RX unit closer to the TX unit, or try to find a better position for the antennas. Most of the times, the TX antenna works better if placed horizontally (there are several posts about this matter), also try to attach the TX antenna directly to the SMA connector avoiding extension cables.

According to your description, it seems that currently your TX unit is not working, try to fix it, and before doing anything with the RX unit, try the procedure described above.

Do you know of any condition that would cause the data not to update even though the RX led is flashing?

No, I don't know.

Werk,
Thanks for your input but I have done all those things to no avail. I am waiting on a powered USB OTG cable and determine if the unit is actually producing RF
Regards
Jim
PS Do you recommend RF amplifiers for marginal signal situations?

[Barrow4491]

Hi Jim,

The system has been good, but recently developed an issue in that intermittently it suddenly stops updating data even though the weather conditions have obviously changed.

In my humble opinion, this has happened because your RX unit, probably is placed at the limits of the RF coverage range (some days or hours it may work others not, this is the sympton). Before starting to change parts on both units (TX and RX) try to move the RX unit closer to the TX unit, or try to find a better position for the antennas. Most of the times, the TX antenna works better if placed horizontally (there are several posts about this matter), also try to attach the TX antenna directly to the SMA connector avoiding extension cables.

According to your description, it seems that currently your TX unit is not working, try to fix it, and before doing anything with the RX unit, try the procedure described above.

Do you know of any condition that would cause the data not to update even though the RX led is flashing?

No, I don't know.

Werk,
Thanks for your input but I have done all those things to no avail. I am waiting on a powered USB OTG cable and determine if the unit is actually producing RF
Regards
Jim
PS Do you recommend RF amplifiers for marginal signal situations?

Werk,
"Initializing Auto-Reboot Soon" Does the receiver need the Tx unit operating with sensors connected to get past this stage?
Regards
Jim

---

Werk,
My apologies,forget the last question i have now read the post of yours in the forum; but what happens when there is no rain but temp, humidity and wind are OK. We have had no rain for weeks here.

[werk_ag]

Werk,
My apologies,forget the last question i have now read the post of yours in the forum; but what happens when there is no rain but temp, humidity and wind are OK. We have had no rain for weeks here.

Jim, of course that people don't have to wait until it is raining to initialize the station, it is just required that sending data from those sensors be enabled on the TX software.

The better you understand how the system works, the more easier it will be making it work.

PS Do you recommend RF amplifiers for marginal signal situations?

No. The use of them may even be illegal in some countries.


How far away is your TX unit from the RX unit?
How many concrete / metal walls between?

[Barrow4491]

Werk
The reciever is in my study on the top floor and the distanceto the Tx is approx 10 meters with a metal roof and plasterboard walls and ceiling between
I have checked the voltage at the Tx 9.0 volts; could well be a faulty Tx module. I have ordered replacements but they are some weeks away. Hard to source in Australia
Jim