A.

Most likely, the PC serial port is not able to facilitate the high speed of data transmission. On initiation of data transfer, the serial port is tested for compatibility with the specified transfer parameters. Although the port may pass the initial compatibility test, the port still may not be suitable for long-duration transfer of larger files.

To avoid this problem, slow the speed of data transmission by changing the baud rate in the DAT software (Data Transfer option) from Auto – whereby the program selects, automatically, the highest rate possible (e.g. 115200) – to a more universally compatible rate (e.g. 19200).

A.

First, ensure that the serial port selected in the relevant software corresponds to the port to which the cable is connected. Second, ensure that the port is functioning properly, and is recognized in Windows: use Control Panel | System | Device Manager. Third, ensure that MS ActiveSync is not active on the computer – ActiveSync does not allow the use of serial ports by other programs.

A.

Ensure that the programming for the Polycorder is up-to-date – Windows-based DAT programs require that the Windows-specific “DUMPW” transfer routine is running in the Polycorder. Updated Polycorder routines are available from all Windows-based DAT software (Upload Files option).

A.

Files to be converted have likely been downloaded from the Polycorder with a DOS-based DAT program – any raw data file downloaded with a DOS-based program must also be converted by a DOS-based program; similarly, any raw data downloaded with a Windows-based DAT program, must also be converted with the same.

A.

Yes. Any converted file (with the file extension .GXX, where “XX” is the two-digit instrument model (e.g. .G31)) is compatible with any version of DAT software.

A.

Raw data files are best viewed with binary editors. While raw data files can also be viewed in Wordpad – the same files will not be entirely legible in Notepad – please be aware that the Save As and Save functions of Wordpad (or any other text editor) will immediately corrupt the saved files. As a precaution, always copy original raw data files prior to the use of any text editor.

A.

One of two problems is likely. First, it is possible that the software for data collection and data conversion are incompatible. To ensure compatibility, the version of DAT software used for data conversion must be at least as current as the Allegro acquisition software ([instrument]alg.exe) used for data collection – data conversion is not possible when data has been collected with acquisition software of a more current version than the DAT software. (For reference, however, data conversion is possible when the acquisition software is of an earlier version than the DAT software.)

Otherwise, it is possible that the raw data file has been corrupted by the use of a text editor– the Save As and Save functions of any text editor will immediately corrupt the saved file. In the event that the original raw data (on the Allegro), or a copy of the original raw data, are not available, repair of the corrupted file may still be possible (see below).

A.

Possibly. The Save As and Save functions of any text editor automatically add a “carriage return” to the end of each record, which may be cause a format compatibility issue during data conversion. Repair of such a corrupted file is possible with the Remove13 program available both on recent program CDs from Geonics, and from the Downloads section of this website.

Otherwise, please forward the corrupted file to support@geonics.com for the consideration of our software support department.

A.

Most likely, a byte of information was not included in the original transfer of data from the acquisition system to the PC; as a consequence, all raw data that follows the location of the missing byte in the raw data file is corrupt and incompatible with the conversion process.

The easiest solution is to transfer the raw data from the acquisition system again, this time with a slower speed of data transmission. To slow the speed of transmission, change the baud rate in the DAT software (Data Transfer option) from Auto – whereby the program selects, automatically, the highest rate possible (e.g. 115200) – to a more “reliable” rate (e.g. 19200).

Although difficult, it is also possible to repair the corrupted file with a binary editor.

Otherwise, please forward the corrupted file to support@geonics.com for the consideration of our software support department.

Issues concerning missing bytes of information occur very infrequently, and are associated only with the transfer of data by serial connection; the (optional) use of a Flash memory card ensures that missing bytes are not an issue.

A.

Most likely, the PC “perceives” that the serial port is occupied and, therefore, not available for data transfer. Depending on settings, some computers will require a system re-boot after the use of a serial port with any software application prior to use of the same serial port with any other software application – otherwise, the “perception” is that the port is not available. The solution: re-boot the computer.

In the event that a system re-boot does not address the problem, please contact the manufacturer, Juniper Systems (www.junipersys.com), directly.