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. 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 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
| 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)