Difference between revisions of "Troubleshooting"

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(Error codes: backend/API/logs only, not in frontend)
(Sync with updated manual: added window reflections note for negative data, updated power supply reference link, removed 502 Bad Gateway (V1 only))
 
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! Issue !! Likely Cause & Solution
! 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.
| '''Negative data over a longer period''' || '''Temperature or lighting changes.''' Ensure the bcMeter is not in direct or reflected sunlight (keep reflections from windows on other side of the road in mind). Do not place near radiators or heat sources. If issue persists, contact support.
|-
|-
| '''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.
| '''Device keeps restarting''' || '''Power supply.''' Cable too long or thin — see power requirements in [[Setup#Power Supply is Critical|Setup]].
|-
|-
| '''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.
| '''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. Scanning pauses during active measurement — wait for the next sample cycle.
| '''No WiFi networks listed''' || Reload the interface to re-initialize the network scan.
|-
|-
| '''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.
| '''No data on graph''' || '''Sampling interval.''' The chart needs 3–4 samples before it can render. With the default 300s sample time, the first data point appears after ~15–20 minutes. Check that a session is running and wait for the first samples to arrive.
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| '''Pump noise when stopped''' || Motor controller signal latch. Go to '''Maintenance > Reboot Device''' or start a new log and stop right after initialization.
| '''Pump noise when stopped''' || Motor controller signal latch. Go to '''Maintenance > Reboot Device''' or start a new log and stop right after initialization.
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| '''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.
| '''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.
| '''"Time: not synced" warning''' || Device clock not synchronized. Internet-connected devices sync automatically; for offline devices, use Maintenance > Time Synchronization.
|-
|-
| '''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.
| '''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 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.
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|-
| '''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.
| '''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.

Latest revision as of 20:22, 31 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 (keep reflections from windows on other side of the road in mind). Do not place near radiators or heat sources. If issue persists, contact support.
Device keeps restarting Power supply. Cable too long or thin — see power requirements in Setup.
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.
No data on graph Sampling interval. The chart needs 3–4 samples before it can render. With the default 300s sample time, the first data point appears after ~15–20 minutes. Check that a session is running and wait for the first samples to arrive.
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. Internet-connected devices sync automatically; for offline devices, use Maintenance > Time Synchronization.
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.
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

These numerical error codes are not shown in the frontend interface. They appear in the Status API response (/api/status → error and error_msg fields) and in the System Logs (accessible from Maintenance). The interface displays a human-readable error message instead.

Code Name Description
0 ERR_NONE No error
1 ERR_ADC_LOW Sensor reading too low — filter extremely loaded
2 ERR_ADC_SATURATED Sensor reading saturated — LED too bright; at low duty this indicates no filter is present
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)
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