VW MiniLogger Q&A

Question: Can I add a radio lid to my MiniLogger?

Answer: Yes, the the radio lid will work with all but the very earliest MiniLoggers. MiniLoggers with firmware earlier than version 1.8 will require a factory update.

To find what version of firmware is in your MiniLogger, connect the logger to the PC and run the MiniLogger Manager program. Then go to the Edit Settings menu and verify that the firmware version is 1.8 or later.

If your firmware version is earlier (a lower number), please contact the factory.

Question: I can't establish communication with the MiniLogger. What's wrong?

Answer: Have you installed a "hot link" program for synchronizing your palm top computer? Right-click on its icon and choose exit. If you can now communicate, the hot link program is causing interference and you must exit it before you use the MiniLogger Manager program.

Question: Can I use a terminal program to communicate with the VW MiniLogger?

Answer: Yes. There is also a terminal emulator built into the MiniLogger Manager program. Please note that the MiniLogger's terminal mode is simply for checking the functions of the logger and not intended to support access by other automated means. More about Terminal Mode

Question: I thought the VW MiniLogger could record temperature readings, but the Manager program doesn't display a choice of temperature sensor (RTD or thermistor) as indicated in the manual What's wrong?

Answer: You probably have a version of firmware earlier than 1.17. You can see the version number in the "MiniLogger Info" dialog. Also, you may have an early version of the MiniLogger that did not support temperature readings. These MiniLoggers have just three terminals for connecting signal cable. Later versions that support temperature readings have 5 terminals.

Old Question: I'm having trouble installing the VW Minilogger Manager on my new XP computer. I see this message: "You Cannot Install this VB5 application without latest service pack first being installed."

Answer: The solution is easy. Download the latest version of the VW MiniLogger Manager. Click here for the download page.

Old Question: How can I be sure that the MiniLogger will record data as expected ?

Answer: Use the Manager's terminal mode to watch for the next scheduled reading: Set up the MiniLogger as usual. Then, with your cable still attached and the Manager program running, click on the Comm Port menu and choose Terminal Mode. A blank screen opens. When the next reading time occurs, the MiniLogger will print a line on the screen containing all the usual info. It will also tell the scheduled time of the next reading.

MiniLoggers manufactured before July 2000 (firmware version 1.17 or earlier) sometimes had problems with scheduled starts. To avoid the problem, use the "start on powerup" setting and pop the batteries momentarily before you leave the site. We can update the firmware in these loggers if you return them. Call or email for more information.