Troubleshooting Downloading

If you have problems in getting data from your PAT, check the following:

Is the cable that you are using to download the one supplied with the PAT or one purchased from Seaward Instruments or Metrel. Cables purchased from computer vendors described as serial cables are often not correct and wont work.

Is your cable linking the PAT to your computer fully plugged in at both ends?

Have you read notes relating to downloading data in your PAT Manual?

Have you checked the Baud rate that you are sending data? It must be set the same on the PAT Tester as it is in the software.

Is your PAT sending data in Seaward SSS format or Metrel+ format?

Have you tried exiting the SimplyPats program and restarting it?

Have you tried switching off the PAT and restarting it?

Have you tried closing down your computer and restarting it?

Have you checked your download cable for a fault? See Wiring The Download Cable

Have you tried downloading a later version of SimplyPats from the internet? Check in the download section for a newer version.

If you have received an error message that you have no free com ports available on your computer you must sort out this issue before you can download from your PAT tester.

SimplyPats may ask you to perform a Diagnostic Download and send the file to RSR Systems. We have created a PDF (Adobe Acrobat ™) document explaning how to do this. The PDF can be viewed by clicking here

Software That Blocks Serial Ports

The following types of software installed on your computer might be holding on to the com ports and not letting any other software use them.

Mobile Phone software - such as Nokia Data Suite

Digital Camera software where the camera attaches to the PC with a serial cable - USB camera connections are normally fine.

Firewall software such as Zonealarm can stop access to the com ports.

You may have to disable, reconfigure, or remove such software if it won't let you use your ports with other programs.

Laptops

Modern laptops often come without any serial (RS232) ports on them, often they only have USB ports. You can get around the problem of having no serial ports on a laptop by purchasing a USB to Serial Converter. This special cable will allow you to add a serial port on a computer, connected to a USB port. They are relatively inexpensive and can be bought from a local PC store or from RSR Sytems Ltd.

PC Configuration

Sometimes the computers' com ports may not be set up correctly. You may need to get a PC engineer to find out why the com ports are not correctly installed on your PC.

If you still have problems ring RSR Systems Ltd for Technical Support.
10:00am to 04:00pm (UK) Monday to Friday.Phone: 0845 4300 789 (Local Number) (National Rate)