TROUBLESHOOTING MP150
COMMUNICATIONS
42 Aero Camino, Goleta, CA 93117
Tel (805) 685-0066 | Fax (805) 685-0067
[email protected] | www.biopac.com
10.01.2018
Introduction
MP150 communication can be compromised by a variety of factors. Typically, the symptom will be the presentation of a
dialog box such as these below during software startup:
If communication is lost after it has been established, a message such as this may appear:
This document provides background information and troubleshooting steps that should help to resolve most ethernet
communication problems with the MP150. The associated flow chart is designed to help identify the specific factor
preventing communication.
If there is no communication with an MP150 and no dialog boxes similar in content to those above ever appear, check the
“Start” button in Acq
Knowledge
. If it is inactive and symbolized with a gray circle such as: then it is likely just an
Acq
Knowledge
configuration issue. Note the
“Do not ask again at startup” checkbox in the first image in this document.
When that box has been checked, a preference is set telling the software not to look for hardware.
“Preferences” are
available via the
“Display” menu (in some Macintosh versions, “Preferences” are under the “Acq
Knowledge
” menu). In the
pane or section devoted to
“Hardware”, there is a checkbox such as:
Make certain that this box is NOT checked. If it is, uncheck that box and re-start Acq
Knowledge
.
Hardware
Power Supply
The MP150 must be functional, properly powered, and connected with the correct type of cable. On the front of the device
there are three status lights labeled
“POWER”, “ACTIVITY”, and “BUSY”. When the device is on, the power light should be
a steady green. A flashing POWER light indicates a problem with the
device or its power supply. The power supply should provide 12 volts
and at least 1.25 amps (newer units have a supply rated at 4.17 amps).
As indicated on the back of the MP150, the tip of the supply
’s connector
should be positive. BIOPAC cannot guarantee the operation of the
MP150 if it is driven by a power supply not provided by us specifically for
use with an MP150. If there is any doubt as to whether the correct supply
is being used, the supply should be disconnected until it has been
determined said supply is one with which the MP150 was designed to
operate. If the power supply is appropriate for an MP150, make certain
that the cable connecting the supply to the MP150 is fully inserted. Verify
also that the power cord is fully plugged into a functioning electrical
supply outlet.
MP150
Status Lights
