This section provides guidance on resolving common issues you may encounter while using your miniSMU MS01. If the suggested solutions don't resolve your problem, please contact our customer support for further assistance.
Power Issues
Device Doesn't Power On
If your miniSMU MS01 doesn't power on (no LEDs illuminate):
Check the Power Switch
- Ensure the power switch on the rear panel is in the ON position
- Try toggling the switch off and then back on
Verify Power Connections
- Check that the power supply (USB-C or 12V DC adapter) is securely connected
- Inspect the power cable for damage or fraying
- Try reconnecting the power cable at both ends
Try an Alternative Power Source
- If using USB power, try a different USB port on your computer
- Try a different USB cable if available
- If using the DC adapter, try a different wall outlet
- If available, switch between USB and DC adapter power
Check Power Adapter
- Verify the power adapter's LED indicator is lit (if present)
- Check that the adapter's output matches the device requirements (12V DC)
- Try another adapter with the same specifications if available
Check for Physical Damage
- Inspect the device for signs of physical damage
- Check if the device feels unusually hot or has an unusual odor
If still not working:
- Contact customer support for further assistance
- Provide details about which power sources you've tried
- Include the serial number of your device
Intermittent Power Issues
If your device occasionally powers off or resets:
Check Power Connections
- Ensure all connections are secure and not loose
- Try to identify if the issue is related to movement or vibration
Monitor Power Source
- Some USB ports may not provide consistent power
- Try using the DC adapter if you're currently using USB power
- Ensure your computer isn't entering sleep mode during operation
Check Operating Temperature
- Verify the device isn't overheating by checking if it feels unusually hot
- Ensure ventilation openings aren't blocked
- Check that the fan is operating correctly
Connection Issues
Unable to Connect via USB
If your computer doesn't recognise the miniSMU MS01 via USB:
Check Basic Connections
- Verify the device is powered on
- Ensure the USB cable is securely connected at both ends
- Try a different USB cable if available
Check Computer Settings
- Open Device Manager (Windows) or System Information (Mac)
- Look for unknown devices or devices with warning symbols
- Check if any COM ports appear when connecting the device
Try Different USB Port
- Some ports may provide insufficient power or have hardware issues
- USB 3.0 ports (usually blue) generally provide better power
Driver Issues
- Uninstall and reinstall the miniSMU software
- Check for updated drivers on our website
- Try manually installing the drivers from the software package
USB Troubleshooting
- Disconnect all other USB devices to rule out conflicts
- Restart your computer with the device connected
- Try the device on a different computer if possible
Unable to Connect via WiFi
If you cannot establish a WiFi connection:
Verify WiFi Setup
- Check that the WiFi antenna is properly attached
- Verify the WiFi LED status (blue for connected, red for error)
- Ensure the WiFi radio is enabled through USB connection first
Network Issues
- Verify your computer is connected to the same network as the miniSMU
- Check that your WiFi network operates on the 2.4 GHz band (not 5 GHz only)
- Try positioning the device closer to your WiFi router
- Restart your WiFi router if necessary
Firewall and Security
- Check if your firewall is blocking the miniSMU software
- Verify that UDP port 5353 (for mDNS) is not blocked
- Ensure TCP port 3333 is available for device communication
Reset WiFi Settings
- Connect via USB and use the software to reset WiFi settings
- Reconfigure WiFi with simplified settings (e.g., no special characters in passwords)
- Try connecting to a mobile hotspot to rule out network-specific issues
Software Doesn't Recognise the Device
If the miniSMU software doesn't detect your connected device:
Check Device Connection
- Verify the device is powered on and properly connected
- Try disconnecting and reconnecting the device
- Check if the device appears in Device Manager or as a COM port
Software Issues
- Restart the software
- Check for and install any available software updates
- Try reinstalling the software completely
Compatibility Check
- Verify your software version is compatible with your device
- Check that your operating system meets the requirements
- Ensure you have the latest software version for your device model
Measurement Issues
Measurement Results Seem Inaccurate
If you suspect your measurements are not accurate:
Verify Test Setup
- Check that your connections to the device under test are secure and correct
- Ensure you're using the appropriate measurement range
- Verify that your test leads are in good condition and properly connected
Environmental Factors
- Check if electromagnetic interference could be affecting measurements
- Ensure the device is at a stable operating temperature
- Shield sensitive measurements from external noise sources
Calibration Status
- Check when your device was last calibrated
- Perform a simple verification using a known reference
- The device may need calibration if it's been more than a year
Settings Verification
- Check that the correct measurement mode is selected (FVMI or FIMV)
- Verify integration time and filtering settings
- Ensure the correct units are selected for viewing results
Channel LED is Red
A red channel LED indicates the channel is in protection mode:
Check for Short Circuits
- Inspect your device under test for short circuits or other issues
- Disconnect the device under test and see if the protection state clears
- Check test leads for damage that could cause shorts
Review Protection Settings
- Verify your voltage and current protection limits are appropriate
- Increase protection limits if they're set too low for your application
- Check if your device under test requires more current or voltage than allowed
Thermal Issues
- If the device has been operating at high power, it may have entered thermal protection
- Allow the device to cool down with the fan unobstructed
- Reduce power levels in your test setup
Reset the Channel
- Disable the output and then re-enable it
- If protection persists, power cycle the device
- Reset the device to factory defaults if needed
Unstable or Noisy Measurements
If measurements are unstable or show excessive noise:
Improve Connections
- Check all connections for proper contact and shielding
- Use shielded cables when possible
- Keep measurement leads short and away from noise sources
Adjust Integration Settings
- Increase integration time or oversampling ratio (OSR)
- Enable digital filtering if available in the software
- Use averaging for more stable readings
Check Grounding
- Ensure proper grounding of your measurement setup
- Avoid ground loops in your test configuration
- Use the same ground reference for sensitive measurements
Environmental Factors
- Identify and eliminate sources of interference (motors, power supplies, etc.)
- Shield your setup from electromagnetic interference
- Maintain a stable ambient temperature
Software Issues
Software Crashes or Freezes
If the miniSMU software crashes or becomes unresponsive:
Check System Resources
- Verify your computer meets the minimum system requirements
- Close other resource-intensive applications
- Check available disk space and memory
Software Updates
- Ensure you have the latest version of the miniSMU software
- Check for operating system updates that might affect compatibility
- Reinstall the software if necessary
Configuration Issues
- Try resetting the software settings to defaults
- Delete any corrupted configuration files (refer to software documentation)
- Create a new workspace or project file
Data Handling
- Reduce data logging rate if experiencing performance issues
- Close unused graph windows and displays
- Limit the data buffer size for long recording sessions
Data Logging Problems
If you experience issues with data logging:
Storage Access
- Verify you have write permissions to the target folder
- Check available disk space
- Try saving to a different location
File Format Issues
- Try a different file format if one is causing problems
- Check if large file size might be causing issues
- Enable automatic file splitting for long recordings
Synchronisation Problems
- For multi-channel logging, check synchronisation settings
- Verify timestamp accuracy if critical to your application
- Consider reducing sample rate if experiencing data drops
Advanced Troubleshooting
Firmware Recovery
If your device firmware becomes corrupted or unstable:
- Connect to the device via USB
- Download the firmware recovery tool from our website
- Follow the detailed recovery instructions included with the tool
- Do not interrupt the recovery process once started
Hardware Diagnostic Mode
For advanced troubleshooting:
- Power off the device
- Press and hold the user button
- Power on the device while holding the button
- Continue holding for 5 seconds until you see a specific LED pattern
- Release the button - the device is now in diagnostic mode
- Use the diagnostic tool available from our support site
When to Contact Support
Contact our customer support team if:
- The troubleshooting steps in this guide don't resolve your issue
- You observe smoke, unusual odors, or sounds from the device
- The device has suffered physical damage or liquid exposure
- You need assistance with calibration or repairs
- You have questions about warranty service
Preparing for Support
To help us assist you more efficiently, please have the following information ready:
- Device serial number (found on the bottom label)
- Firmware version and software version
- Detailed description of the issue, including:
- Exact symptoms observed
- When the issue began
- Steps you've already taken to troubleshoot
- Error messages, if any
- Your operating system and computer specifications
- Photos or videos of the issue if applicable
Our support team is committed to helping you resolve any issues and get the most from your miniSMU MS01.