Balmar SG2000 Failure to connect

[MikeHoncho]

Everything worked well for over a year then I updated the system per the instructions. Now I normally get “Waiting to initialize the gateway” on my phone. The meter screen shows normal functions. For the first 3 times I disconnected power to the shunt, water he meter would either go into a menu mode or something else. I read I need to link up the app to the system within 5 minutes of resetting which I did/do. When the system works I have no problems accessing the network with two phones multiple times. It seems that it all goes to heck 20-30 minutes after. I knew I shouldn’t have updated it.

 

[jssailem]

I have experienced a similar issue. It is a possible issue with the power lead in my case. I’m going to replace the connector fitting.

Have you seen any FAQ’s about the upload? Was there any interruption during the firmware upgrade?

 

[dlochner]

You are not alone. Have the same issue after upgrading the firmware.

Have you contacted Balmar support? I have and they wanted me to call them which I will do this week.

 

[MikeHoncho]

Does your app allow you to update when it says it’s up to date?

 

[dlochner]

Does your app allow you to update when it says it’s up to date?

I can't get to the menu to try to update. I have deleted and reinstalled the app and it still doesn't work.

 

[MikeHoncho]

This is what seems to work for me…… when the app goes into the stuck “initiating ..” I look at the meter screen and it is routinely stuck and dim. I hold in the button for a soft reboot and once the network is reconnected, back out of the app and try it again. Tends to work. If that doesn’t work I pull the fuse for the shunt and the fuse for the orange wire coming from the shunt and do it again. After updating the software when it said it was updated, the system seems to be more stable and it appears the issue may be coming from not disconnecting from the gateway when I stop looking at the app. I think it goes into a sleep/pause struggle between the new feature of being able to use the app and the meter at the same time. When the system is working properly and you have the app linked up, when you use the meter and change screens the display will flash unlike how it does when the app isn’t linked.

 

[dlochner]

I don't have quite the same symptoms. While trying to initiate the meter looks normal. I did hold the button down and got the flashing screen and then validating firmware. Reboots and the app still doesn't work. Haven't tried resetting by removing the fuse yet. The fuse is buried deep in the bowels of the boat near the battery.

 

[MikeHoncho]

When I get to the point that resetting the meter doesn’t work that was my only recourse. Unplugging the meter from the shunt also worked

 

[dlochner]

Unplugging the meter is easier, only 4 screws to remove.

 

[Ward H]

Sounds like several issues posted here. Last year my issue was after an update the SG200 screen would say initializing, then go blank. Tried several things but still had the same result.
Talked to Balmar at the Annapolis show last fall. He stressed the order of updating devices was important and pointed me to this link, SG200 FAQ which says:

My SG200 won't update or when it does it gives me erroneous data. What do I do next?
The SG200 firmware update routine requires a very specific protocol. Please conduct the following steps: 1) Ensure that you have the latest software update from the Google Store or iPhone Store. 2) Shut down the APP on you phone. 3) Pull the fuse on the red power wire to the SmartShunt, wait 5 seconds, then replace the fuse 4) After the Display comes back on, conduct a Network Reset from the Display, then check for devices to be sure that every device is present. 5) Proactively “kill” the APP on your phone, then restart the APP. 6) Try the update process again, using only the phone APP. Use the following device update sequence: a. Update Bluetooth (You must do this FIRST!!) b. Update Display c. Update SmartShunt and Battery Chemistries 7) Once the update is complete, then reset the Battery Type and and Capacity. This will load in the latest Battery Chemistry contained in the update. 8) You may need to pull the fuse between device upgrades, although a network reset is often enough. If you cannot update no matter what you try, consider running a XECHO test between the Display and SmartShunt, and/or move the Buetooth Gateway to plug directly into the SmartShunt.

This solved my issue.

 

[MikeHoncho]

Sounds like several issues posted here. Last year my issue was after an update the SG200 screen would say initializing, then go blank. Tried several things but still had the same result.
Talked to Balmar at the Annapolis show last fall. He stressed the order of updating devices was important and pointed me to this link, SG200 FAQ which says:

My SG200 won't update or when it does it gives me erroneous data. What do I do next?
The SG200 firmware update routine requires a very specific protocol. Please conduct the following steps: 1) Ensure that you have the latest software update from the Google Store or iPhone Store. 2) Shut down the APP on you phone. 3) Pull the fuse on the red power wire to the SmartShunt, wait 5 seconds, then replace the fuse 4) After the Display comes back on, conduct a Network Reset from the Display, then check for devices to be sure that every device is present. 5) Proactively “kill” the APP on your phone, then restart the APP. 6) Try the update process again, using only the phone APP. Use the following device update sequence: a. Update Bluetooth (You must do this FIRST!!) b. Update Display c. Update SmartShunt and Battery Chemistries 7) Once the update is complete, then reset the Battery Type and and Capacity. This will load in the latest Battery Chemistry contained in the update. 8) You may need to pull the fuse between device upgrades, although a network reset is often enough. If you cannot update no matter what you try, consider running a XECHO test between the Display and SmartShunt, and/or move the Buetooth Gateway to plug directly into the SmartShunt.

This solved my issue.

Awesome. Thanks for taking the time to post this. I believe I followed the sequence but not all the details. I’ll try it and follow this . Thanks again

 

[Mark Maulden]

i was thinking of buying one of these since I just replaced batts. Now, I don’t think so…

 

[dlochner]

i was thinking of buying one of these since I just replaced batts. Now, I don’t think so…

This is a relatively minor glitch and only affects the ability of the app to connect to the system. The gauge still works well as does the 618 regulator, if you have one. I have no regrets about installing the SG200 and would do it again, unless something better comes on the market.

The installation and setup are easy, the information invaluable. Don't be deterred by a problem with app it has nothing to do with the operation of the system. The problem is only with upgrading the firmware.

If you have not seen it yet, watch this video with Rod Collins, aka MaineSail.

 

[MikeHoncho]

I’ve been happy with it. I think the state of health option is a little bs. I have 5+ year old agm and it will show 98% one time then 100% the next. It always seems to change after charging.

 

[dlochner]

Two days ago Balmar released a new version of it Smart Gauge app in part to address the intermittent Smartlink communications lock up.

Haven't downloaded it yet.