Troubleshooting Software Problems

Our software has been tested with Win98, 2000 and XP Home Edition. It is not designed for use with Apple, Mac, Unix machines, etc. Since all computers have different configurations and installed programs, it is difficult to resolve a user’s problem over the phone. If available, contact your company’s support department or someone with computer knowledge willing to assist you in person.

Please use the following troubleshooting checklist:

Is the operating system on your PC compatible with the software? DataLab may not work properly with Windows XP or Windows 2000. If DataLab fails to operate on your system, contact us for substitute software. This is a known problem. Be sure to indicate the meter’s name and product number along with your name, mailing address, phone and email.

Have you read the instructions for both the meter and the software?

Did you install the software?

Are all your connections tight and plugged into the appropriate inputs? For example, is the RS232 cable plugged into the AC adaptor port in error?

If you are using an AC adaptor, is it plugged into a “live” electrical supply?

Are you using authentic Sper Scientific RS232 cables, USB adaptor and/or AC adaptor for your meter? Some customers create their own cables or believe that the cables are interchangeable with other equipment. This is not always true, in fact these cables may not be interchangeable with other Sper Scientific meters you may own.

Is the meter turned on?

Have you tried installing a fresh battery?

Have you tried disabling your virus software?

Is the BAUD Rate set properly in the software? See the instruction manual for more information.

Is your COM port set properly? Try all available settings – this varies from PC to PC. See the instruction manual for more information.

Are you using our USB adaptor? The USB adaptor may assign a COM port that is not recognized by the software. For example, the software options include COM 1, 2, 3 and 4, but your PC assigned the USB adaptor to COM 5. Review your operating system’s information regarding COM port settings.

Is your computer’s clock set to the correct time and date?

Are you cables damaged or tangled?

Have you closed all other programs?

Have you disconnected or disabled other peripherals such as video cameras, PDA connections, etc?

Have you tried to uninstall and reinstall the program?

Do you require additional drivers? An error message would alert you to this type of problem. Often drivers can be downloaded from the Internet, free of charge.

Are your data files located in a folder or disk drive that is recognized by the software?

Are your data files corrupted?

Does your data file type match the program’s format? For example did you save your data as a .doc (MSWord) file, but the software requires a .txt (Text) format.


After reviewing the entire checklist, if the problem is not resolved, return all items and packaging for evaluation to:

Technika Returns Dept.
C/O Sper Scientific
7720 E Redfield Rd, Suite 7
Scottsdale, Arizona 85260

Customer must pay the shipping costs for returned items. If we replace a defective item, we will pay for the shipping back to you.

Your Name, Address and Invoice Number must appear on the outside of your package and a detailed explanation of why you are returning the item should be enclosed with your product.