stevew@reefdreams
01-11-08, 00:10
Software, Firmware, PC Connection, USB connections etc
I thought it would be useful as we get a number of questions on this, to post some hints to successful PC connection.
Where do I download the software from?
The main GHL download site provided by the manufacturer is located here: http://www.aquariumcomputer.com/System__E_/Download/download.html
I’ve just got a Profilux, what do I need to download?
The first thing is to check when you power on your profilux the firmware version that is displayed, it will be a number like this 4.0.1.0 You must download the profilux control software that is suitable for the firmware version of your Profilux.
There are currently two versions of the profilux control software available:
For firmware verion 3.08.01 and older:
http://aquariumcomputer.com/Download/ProfiLuxControlII_V3081.exe
For firmware 4.00.00 to 4.04.00
http://www.aquariumcomputer.com/Download/ProfiLuxControl_II_V4040.exe
How do I install the software?
Click on the link to the file and save the file to a location on your PC e.g Desktop. Then double click on the downloaded file to start the installation. Follow the on screen prompts to complete the installation.
During the installation I get an error “Cannot find file” or “cannot locate installation...”?
This indicates that you have already have another version of the software installed or partially installed. Use “add/remove programs” from the control panel in windows XP or “Programs and features” in Windows XP to remove previous installations. Also check that the installation directories (named something like “ProfiLuxControl II V4030” under C:/Program Files/ have been removed.
I’m using Windows Vista and I still get an error installing the software?
Depending on how Windows Vista has been configured you may not have permission to install the program items for other users, so during the installation select “only install icons for me”.
I have the software installed and running but can’t connect to the Profilux?
If you are using a serial RS232 cable connected to a serial RS232 port on the computer:
On the first front page (General) of the software there is an area titled “Communication” you will see a box with connection type in it and next to it a small button with three dots on it ... click this button.
Select the entry in the table called “RS232” and then click the edit button, click “Scan COM” and it will find the port on which the profilux is connected. Save the settings and return to the General page, and click connect.
If you are using a USB converter to connect the Serial RS232 cable to a USB port on the computer or PLM-USB:
Windows XP:
Before connecting the converter and profilux to the computer install the drivers supplied with the converter or USB interface card. Then connect the cables and power on the Profilux and follow the instructions for all USB users below.
Windows Vista:
Vista will normally have the latest drivers for the converters installed so you can just connect the cables and power on the Profilux.
All USB users:
Windows will install the serial converter and drivers to the next available COM port.
On the first front page (General) of the software there is an area titled “Communication” you will see a box with connection type in it and next to it a small button with three dots on it ... click this button.
On the first front page (General) of the software there is an area titled “Communication” you will see a box with connection type in it and next to it a small button with three dots on it ... click this button.
At the bottom of this screen you will see a button for device manager, click this button and using Vista allow this program to run, this will bring up the windows device manager.
Look for an entry called - Ports (COM and LPT)
Expand this and find the entry called Prolific USB to Serial Converter (COMM X) where X is the COM port that windows has assigned. Make a note of this Com port and close the window. Edit the entry in connections window called RS232 and set the COM port to the number noted above. Save the settings and return to the General page. Click Connect and you should be connected to the Profilux.
(NOTE: try to always use the same USB port on the computer as windows will re-assign a COM port to a different number otherwise.)
How do I update the firmware and software?
Firstly when connected using the profilux software use the options under file to save your settings from the profilux to the PC, all save the sensor data as this will prevent you having to re-calibrate your probes.
Download the relevant firmware from the download site, and extract the zip file to a safe location like the Desktop.
From the File Menu in the software select Firmware-Update
Read the warning and if you want to continue tick the box and click Confirm
Browse to the location you extracted the firmware to and select the file it will be called AllProfiLuxII_VXXX.mhx where XXX is the firmware version.
The file will then be extracted and a message displayed, READ it carefully, you have to authorise the installation on the profilux unit itself before clicking OK
Once the installation is complete allow the unit to reboot and then click ok
Download and install the correct Profilux control software to match your new firmware and then reconnect to the unit. You will need to use the options under File to download your settings and sensor data to the profilux again.
Do I need to upgrade to each firmware/software version in turn?
No you can jump a number of new versions without problem.
When I try and save my settings from the Profilux I get an error similar to “can’t find file/location”?
This indicates that you are using a different software version to the firmware of the unit. Un-install the current version and install the correct version to match the firmware version installed on the profilux.
I am using Windows Vista and keep getting a communications error?
There are a number of things that can cause this:
The computer’s screen saver or the power save function has kicked in and disconnected the com ports, you can disable these functions in windows.
The software is a different version to the firmware.
The Profilic or other USB converter drivers are not the latest, un-install the current drivers and install the latest version.
More to follow...
I thought it would be useful as we get a number of questions on this, to post some hints to successful PC connection.
Where do I download the software from?
The main GHL download site provided by the manufacturer is located here: http://www.aquariumcomputer.com/System__E_/Download/download.html
I’ve just got a Profilux, what do I need to download?
The first thing is to check when you power on your profilux the firmware version that is displayed, it will be a number like this 4.0.1.0 You must download the profilux control software that is suitable for the firmware version of your Profilux.
There are currently two versions of the profilux control software available:
For firmware verion 3.08.01 and older:
http://aquariumcomputer.com/Download/ProfiLuxControlII_V3081.exe
For firmware 4.00.00 to 4.04.00
http://www.aquariumcomputer.com/Download/ProfiLuxControl_II_V4040.exe
How do I install the software?
Click on the link to the file and save the file to a location on your PC e.g Desktop. Then double click on the downloaded file to start the installation. Follow the on screen prompts to complete the installation.
During the installation I get an error “Cannot find file” or “cannot locate installation...”?
This indicates that you have already have another version of the software installed or partially installed. Use “add/remove programs” from the control panel in windows XP or “Programs and features” in Windows XP to remove previous installations. Also check that the installation directories (named something like “ProfiLuxControl II V4030” under C:/Program Files/ have been removed.
I’m using Windows Vista and I still get an error installing the software?
Depending on how Windows Vista has been configured you may not have permission to install the program items for other users, so during the installation select “only install icons for me”.
I have the software installed and running but can’t connect to the Profilux?
If you are using a serial RS232 cable connected to a serial RS232 port on the computer:
On the first front page (General) of the software there is an area titled “Communication” you will see a box with connection type in it and next to it a small button with three dots on it ... click this button.
Select the entry in the table called “RS232” and then click the edit button, click “Scan COM” and it will find the port on which the profilux is connected. Save the settings and return to the General page, and click connect.
If you are using a USB converter to connect the Serial RS232 cable to a USB port on the computer or PLM-USB:
Windows XP:
Before connecting the converter and profilux to the computer install the drivers supplied with the converter or USB interface card. Then connect the cables and power on the Profilux and follow the instructions for all USB users below.
Windows Vista:
Vista will normally have the latest drivers for the converters installed so you can just connect the cables and power on the Profilux.
All USB users:
Windows will install the serial converter and drivers to the next available COM port.
On the first front page (General) of the software there is an area titled “Communication” you will see a box with connection type in it and next to it a small button with three dots on it ... click this button.
On the first front page (General) of the software there is an area titled “Communication” you will see a box with connection type in it and next to it a small button with three dots on it ... click this button.
At the bottom of this screen you will see a button for device manager, click this button and using Vista allow this program to run, this will bring up the windows device manager.
Look for an entry called - Ports (COM and LPT)
Expand this and find the entry called Prolific USB to Serial Converter (COMM X) where X is the COM port that windows has assigned. Make a note of this Com port and close the window. Edit the entry in connections window called RS232 and set the COM port to the number noted above. Save the settings and return to the General page. Click Connect and you should be connected to the Profilux.
(NOTE: try to always use the same USB port on the computer as windows will re-assign a COM port to a different number otherwise.)
How do I update the firmware and software?
Firstly when connected using the profilux software use the options under file to save your settings from the profilux to the PC, all save the sensor data as this will prevent you having to re-calibrate your probes.
Download the relevant firmware from the download site, and extract the zip file to a safe location like the Desktop.
From the File Menu in the software select Firmware-Update
Read the warning and if you want to continue tick the box and click Confirm
Browse to the location you extracted the firmware to and select the file it will be called AllProfiLuxII_VXXX.mhx where XXX is the firmware version.
The file will then be extracted and a message displayed, READ it carefully, you have to authorise the installation on the profilux unit itself before clicking OK
Once the installation is complete allow the unit to reboot and then click ok
Download and install the correct Profilux control software to match your new firmware and then reconnect to the unit. You will need to use the options under File to download your settings and sensor data to the profilux again.
Do I need to upgrade to each firmware/software version in turn?
No you can jump a number of new versions without problem.
When I try and save my settings from the Profilux I get an error similar to “can’t find file/location”?
This indicates that you are using a different software version to the firmware of the unit. Un-install the current version and install the correct version to match the firmware version installed on the profilux.
I am using Windows Vista and keep getting a communications error?
There are a number of things that can cause this:
The computer’s screen saver or the power save function has kicked in and disconnected the com ports, you can disable these functions in windows.
The software is a different version to the firmware.
The Profilic or other USB converter drivers are not the latest, un-install the current drivers and install the latest version.
More to follow...