SuperSting Troubleshooting FAQ

What are some first steps to take before calling AGI for tech support?

My SuperSting LCD  screen shows scrambled characters

My SuperSting gives me weird values

SuperSting Error Codes

Why am I'm getting the HVOVL message?

Why am I getting the "Transmitter Offline" message"?

Windows 10: Error message "ElniFileException in module ...unable to write to C:\Program Files"

Header labels of the stg data file

Why am I getting a "Low Battery" message when my battery voltage is above 12.2 Volts?

 

What are some first steps to take before calling AGI for tech support?

  1. Are you using 12 Volt deep cycle batteries or normal car batteries (not recommended)?
  2. Is the battery voltage above 12.1 Volt? If not your battery is probably depleted. A newly charged 12 Volt battery will usually be over 12.6 Volt when fully charged.
  3. Check all 3 fuses. Todays generation of SuperSting Electrical Resistivity Instruments have the 3 fuse holders on the front faceplate. Some older generations have 3 internal fuse holders.
  4. Perform the Receiver Test in Menu 3 with the AGI TestBox attached to the SuperSting R8. The resulting values on each channel should be between 475 and 525 milli ohm.
  5. Format the data memory in Menu 5 and then afterward reset the defaults in Menu 6.4.4. Retry the Receiver Test.

My SuperSting LCD  screen shows scrambled characters

  1. Back up any important data before attempting this fix.
  2. Format the data memory in Menu 5. CMD files do not need to be deleted.
  3. Reset the instrument defaults in Menu 6.4.4.
  4. Cycle the SuperSting power OFF/ON

My SuperSting gives me weird values

  1. Is the battery voltage above 12.1 Volt? If not your battery is probably depleted. A newly charged 12 Volt battery will usually be over 12.6 Volt when fully charged.
  2. Ground loops can occur. Isolate the SuperSting by putting it on something electrically insulated. Do the same for your battery/power source.

SuperSting Error Codes

HVOVL: The Transmitter A & B leads have an open circuit (not connected) somewhere.

INOVL: The input voltage of the receiver is beyond the acceptable range of the A/D. Lower the transmitter Current output or Voltage.

TXOVL: The contact resistance at the stake is varying during the transmision cycle.

For full description and troubleshooting tips click HERE

Why am I'm getting the HVOVL message?

This message generally means that the SuperSting transmitter is unable to output current and that is usually due to an open circuit between the A & B transmitting conductors.​ Here are the components that could be at fault and need to be eliminated one by one:

  1. If using 12V batteries make sure that the voltage is above 12.1V. Your battery is depleted at this voltage or lower and the SuperSting is unable to draw enough current to operate correctly.
  2. The two black connectors on the SuperSting's face plate
    1. look for pushed in pins in each connector
  3. The 2m extension cable (used to connect the SuperSting and SwitchBox) and its two connectors
    1. look for pushed in pins in each connector
    2. inspect the cable for physical damage
    3. use an ohm meter (multi meter) and check for continuity of each connector pin
  4. The SwitchBox
    1. *** Attention ***: If you are opening the SwitchBox
      1. make sure your environment is clean and dust free
      2. make sure that you are grounded to disipate an ESD (electro-static discharge)
      3. smell instrument for burnt odor 
    2. look for pushed in pins in each connector
    3. fuse: The 2Amp fuse on the SuperSting provides power to the SwitchBox.
    4. address: Is the SwitchBox programmed to the sequence of electrodes you are specifying in your Cable Address Table M.6.2. You may need to reprogram the SwitchBox in M.3.
    5. internal: Check for any disconnected internal connectors
  5. The electrode cable
    1. Is the electrode takeout disconnected from the stainless steel stake?
    2. Is the stainless steel stake disconnected from the earth or poorly planted in the ground?
    3. Are you using male-to-male adaptor cable on the "High Address" connector on 56 electrode systems or higher?
      1. look for pushed in pins in each connector
      2. inspect the cable for physical damage
      3. use an ohm meter (multi meter) and check for continuity of each connector pin
    4. look for pushed in pins in each connector
    5. inspect the cable for physical damage
    6. use an ohm meter (multi meter) and check for continuity of each connector pin
  6. Contact Support

Why am I getting the "Transmitter Offline" message"?

Generally speaking the internal transmitter isn't communicating with the internal receiver. There are several reasons why this can happen:

  1. The SuperSting will display this message when you turn on the SuperSting and using the office power supply. The office power supply is only meant to power up the receiver and microcontroller so that you can upload CMD files and download survey files.
  2. fuse: Check if the 20Amp fuse is blown
  3. The SuperSting is malfunctioning.
  4. Contact Support

Windows 10: Error message "ElniFileException in module ...unable to write to C:\Program Files"

Windows 10 has increased the file access restrictions to the Programs Files folder. To remedy this, create a new folder under your hard drive C:\Programs if you don't already have one. Install SSAdmin to this folder.

Header labels of the stg data file

A complete list can be found here: https://www.agiusa.com/what-are-column-labels-supersting-stg-data-file

Why am I getting a "Low Battery" message when my battery voltage is above 12.2 Volts?

The SuperSting will turn ON when using the office power supply and work fine but when connected to a 12 V deep cycle battery it throws the "Low battery" message and shuts down. This indicates a fault in the battery measuring circuit which is located on the transmitter board. When using the office power supply, the receiver board is powered ON but the transmitter is not.