Was recording large # of samples - "Cannot write file!&

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NovaThomas
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Was recording large # of samples - "Cannot write file!&

Post by NovaThomas »

Hello folks,

We were using our ADC24 with the 5.15.6 version of the PicoLog software to record two channels of 0-2.5mV data, once every 5 seconds.

Sometime this last weekend, logging appears to have stopped. When I came in on Monday, there was an error dialog on the computer screen, saying something like "Cannot write file." [OK]. (It might have said "Cannot write to file.")

The moment I clicked the OK, the count of samples in the PicoLog window started 'scrolling", increasing in number very rapidly. I had to stop the recording to gain control.

What's up? Why did that happen? What does the sample number "scrolling" indicate? Why did this error message appear when it did?

Is there some limit to the number of samples that can be taken?? I think we must have been at about 197,500 (roughly) when the error dialog appeared with the "Cannot write file." message. There is plenty of disc space.

How can we avoid the data loss next time?

- Thomas
Too much data, not enough duration!

ziko
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Post by ziko »

Hi and thank you for your post.

Could you send me your .plw file and specification of your computer (OS and so forth). I will try and recreate the set-up.

Kind regards
Ziko

Technical Specialist

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Post by Guest »

I keep on having the same problem

PicoLog 5.17.1
Windows 2000 latest SP & patches (yes I know, not supported)
ADC200/100 on LPT1

Running tests sampling both channels once a second, single reading per sample, after around 30-40,000 seconds (60-80,000 samples) it reports it cannot write to file, and stops taking readings until I click OK, whereupon it carries on recording.

This seems to be repeatable

I can send you a file if you tell me where to send it

By the way I also noticed that picolog takes a lot of CPU resource. Even when not recording it uses around 50% CPU (2.8GHz P4, 1GB RAM). If I record as little as 4 samples a second (1 reading/sample) it uses 100%! Is this normal?

Cheers

ziko
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Post by ziko »

Hi if you can specifically identify the line of code causing the problem then we can possibly look at it.

In terms of the CPU usage, on parallel ported products it would have a high CPU usage.

Kind regards
Ziko

Technical Specialist

Guest

Post by Guest »

ziko wrote:Hi if you can specifically identify the line of code causing the problem then we can possibly look at it.
Sorry, how do I identify the line of code? I'm just running the standard install exe, I don't have source code or a debug environment
ziko wrote:In terms of the CPU usage, on parallel ported products it would have a high CPU usage.
Ah OK. Sadly I cannot get my Pico USB-parallel adapter working with version 5.17.1. Any tips on sorting that? Would the USB adapter help reduce CPU load?

Many Thanks
Ben Mack, Watchfront

ziko
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Post by ziko »

Hi, yes ignore the first question I asked I must have got my wires crossed with another forum post!

In terms of saying cannot write to file, what privileges do you have on your account (e.g admin or guest etc.)

The USB to parallel adapter will reduce the CPU usage significantly, bear in mind that the only our USB parallel port adapter will and only will work with our products, as it is specifically designed for our products.

http://www.picotech.com/usb_parallel_port.html

Could you send the plw file as an attachment on the forum post or if you want to send it as a private message or even to support@picotech.com

Kind regards
Ziko

Technical Specialist

Guest

Post by Guest »

ziko wrote:In terms of saying cannot write to file, what privileges do you have on your account (e.g admin or guest etc.)
Administrator
ziko wrote:Could you send the plw file as an attachment on the forum post or if you want to send it as a private message or even to support at picotech dot com
Not sure how to attach files on the forum (do I have to be a member?) I have emailed a sample file to support
ziko wrote:The USB to parallel adapter will reduce the CPU usage significantly
Where can I download the latest driver? I cannot see it on your website

Many thanks for your prompt support
Ben Mack, Watchfront

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