Difference between revisions of "Troubleshooting"

From bcmeter.org
Jump to navigation Jump to search
(Wiki update: sync with manual and dev docs (2026-03))
Line 1: Line 1:
== Error "502 bad gateway" when accessing the bcMeter Interface ==
== Troubleshooting ==
if you get a 502 bad gateway error, check PHP-FPM version in /etc/nginx/sites-enabled/default :


Correct line "fastcgi_pass unix:/run/php/php7.4-fpm.sock;" <- 7.4 to the version you see when entering
{| class="wikitable"
"ps aux | grep php-fpm"
! Issue !! Likely Cause & Solution
in terminal.
|-
| '''Negative data over a longer period''' || '''Temperature or lighting changes.''' Ensure the bcMeter is not in direct or reflected sunlight. Do not place near radiators. If issue persists, contact support for advanced configuration.
|-
| '''Device keeps restarting''' || '''Power supply.''' USB cable impedance too high (cable too long or thin). Use a high-quality cable (<40 cm) and a 2.5A supply.
|-
| '''WiFi unstable or disconnects''' || Voltage instability (see power supply) or weak signal. The hotspot may temporarily disappear for 2–3 minutes during self-recovery — it returns automatically.
|-
| '''No WiFi networks listed''' || Reload the interface to re-initialize the network scan. On ESP32, scanning pauses during active measurement — wait for the next sample cycle.
|-
| '''No data on graph''' || '''Sampling interval.''' With the default 300s sample time, the first data point appears after ~15–20 minutes (3–4 samples needed, plus initialization). Be patient.
|-
| '''Pump noise when stopped''' || Motor controller signal latch. Go to '''Maintenance > Reboot Device''' or start a new log and stop right after initialization.
|-
| '''Pump stall / no airflow''' || The device has automatic stall protection. If flow drops below threshold for 3 seconds, recovery is attempted (up to 4 times). After 4 failures, measurement stops with pump error. Check for blocked tubing, saturated filter, or hardware issues.
|-
| '''"Time: not synced" warning''' || Device clock not synchronized. Go to '''Maintenance''' and sync with your browser. Internet-connected devices sync automatically via NTP.
|-
| '''Email notifications not working''' || Verify the email service password (API key) is entered and validated in Email settings. Check that at least one valid recipient address is configured.
|-
| '''502 Bad Gateway error''' || ''(V1/Raspberry Pi only)'' Check PHP-FPM version in <code>/etc/nginx/sites-enabled/default</code>. Correct the <code>fastcgi_pass</code> line to match your PHP version.
|-
| '''Sensor values very low, don't change''' || Check voltages on LED and sensor connections. Verify 12V power is connected (the optical ADC requires it). Run calibration with a clean filter.
|-
| '''ADC saturation error''' || LED too bright or sensor oversaturated. The device attempts auto-recovery by reducing LED duty. If persistent, recalibrate with a fresh filter. Check in [[Developer mode]] if advanced LED settings need adjustment.
|-
| '''Overtemperature warning''' || Internal temperature exceeded 65°C. Move the device to a cooler location. Measurement pauses automatically and resumes when temperature drops.
|}


=== Error Codes (ESP32) ===


== The bcMeter does not connect to my WiFi ==
{| class="wikitable"
! Code !! Name !! Description
|-
| 0 || ERR_NONE || No error
|-
| 1 || ERR_ADC_LOW || Sensor reading <0.5V — likely no filter installed
|-
| 2 || ERR_ADC_SATURATED || Reading >3.8V — LED too bright
|-
| 3 || ERR_FLOW_ZERO || Pump stall, airflow below minimum
|-
| 4 || ERR_OVERTEMP || Temperature >65°C
|-
| 5 || ERR_LED_FAILURE || LED not functioning
|-
| 6 || ERR_ATN_LIMIT || Attenuation >120 — filter extremely clogged
|-
| 7 || ERR_OUTLIER_EXCESS || >80% of readings out-of-bounds
|}


# Double check [[Software#Configure_the_microSD_Card_for_WiFi_access|this procedure]] was done correctly and/or repeat it.
=== Getting Help ===
# Look at your router interface if there is a new device "raspberrypi" or similar. If you ever had another raspberrypi connected to your wifi, the dns of your router might have assigned another hostname to the raspberry.


== The sensor values are very low and do not change ==
If your issue isn't listed here, contact jd@bcmeter.org with:
# Check voltages on LED and Sensor
* Description of the problem
 
* Screenshot of the interface
== Any other issue ==
* System logs (download from '''Maintenance > Download Logs''')
# Let me know, I'm glad to add it here. Mail description and screenshot to jd@bcmeter.org.

Revision as of 15:10, 8 March 2026

Troubleshooting

Issue Likely Cause & Solution
Negative data over a longer period Temperature or lighting changes. Ensure the bcMeter is not in direct or reflected sunlight. Do not place near radiators. If issue persists, contact support for advanced configuration.
Device keeps restarting Power supply. USB cable impedance too high (cable too long or thin). Use a high-quality cable (<40 cm) and a 2.5A supply.
WiFi unstable or disconnects Voltage instability (see power supply) or weak signal. The hotspot may temporarily disappear for 2–3 minutes during self-recovery — it returns automatically.
No WiFi networks listed Reload the interface to re-initialize the network scan. On ESP32, scanning pauses during active measurement — wait for the next sample cycle.
No data on graph Sampling interval. With the default 300s sample time, the first data point appears after ~15–20 minutes (3–4 samples needed, plus initialization). Be patient.
Pump noise when stopped Motor controller signal latch. Go to Maintenance > Reboot Device or start a new log and stop right after initialization.
Pump stall / no airflow The device has automatic stall protection. If flow drops below threshold for 3 seconds, recovery is attempted (up to 4 times). After 4 failures, measurement stops with pump error. Check for blocked tubing, saturated filter, or hardware issues.
"Time: not synced" warning Device clock not synchronized. Go to Maintenance and sync with your browser. Internet-connected devices sync automatically via NTP.
Email notifications not working Verify the email service password (API key) is entered and validated in Email settings. Check that at least one valid recipient address is configured.
502 Bad Gateway error (V1/Raspberry Pi only) Check PHP-FPM version in /etc/nginx/sites-enabled/default. Correct the fastcgi_pass line to match your PHP version.
Sensor values very low, don't change Check voltages on LED and sensor connections. Verify 12V power is connected (the optical ADC requires it). Run calibration with a clean filter.
ADC saturation error LED too bright or sensor oversaturated. The device attempts auto-recovery by reducing LED duty. If persistent, recalibrate with a fresh filter. Check in Developer mode if advanced LED settings need adjustment.
Overtemperature warning Internal temperature exceeded 65°C. Move the device to a cooler location. Measurement pauses automatically and resumes when temperature drops.

Error Codes (ESP32)

Code Name Description
0 ERR_NONE No error
1 ERR_ADC_LOW Sensor reading <0.5V — likely no filter installed
2 ERR_ADC_SATURATED Reading >3.8V — LED too bright
3 ERR_FLOW_ZERO Pump stall, airflow below minimum
4 ERR_OVERTEMP Temperature >65°C
5 ERR_LED_FAILURE LED not functioning
6 ERR_ATN_LIMIT Attenuation >120 — filter extremely clogged
7 ERR_OUTLIER_EXCESS >80% of readings out-of-bounds

Getting Help

If your issue isn't listed here, contact jd@bcmeter.org with:

  • Description of the problem
  • Screenshot of the interface
  • System logs (download from Maintenance > Download Logs)
Retrieved from "https://bcmeter.org/wiki/index.php?title=Troubleshooting&oldid=316"