I report here a problem we had with the configuration of the AudioMoths
Initial Discovery:
The challenges began when a considerable number of AudioMoth devices (12), initially functioning correctly, suddenly became unrecognizable by computers. This issue persisted across variations in devices, computers, cables, batteries, and SD cards. The anomaly first surfaced in our university department two summers ago, and after trying the same procedure outside the university building, they started working again. However, upon my departure for a field camp period in Madagascar, they ceased to be detected by computers once more.
Initial Support Request:
My first communication highlighted the challenge of the devices not being detected by computers, rendering them unconfigurable. Despite attempts to troubleshoot by putting them in flash mode, the green LED would illuminate, but the configuration apps on both PCs and Macs failed to recognize the devices. This issue persisted across different operating systems and various configuration app versions.
Follow-up Actions:
In response to your guidance, we undertook additional measures. These included testing configurations on a MacBook Pro running the latest Monterey version, attempting manual changes to the recording configuration via text file manipulation, and trying the paper clip method for flashing. Regrettably, none of these efforts yielded positive results.
Peculiar Resolution Occurrences:
A notable aspect of this problem is its intermittent nature. Devices that were initially unconfigurable in Madagascar previously functioned normally when back home. This mirrors a phenomenon observed in our university setting, where devices spontaneously became recognizable once removed from their original environment.
Exhaustive Troubleshooting:
In our quest for a solution, we conducted an exhaustive array of troubleshooting steps. This encompassed testing different computers, cables, batteries (both rechargeable and non-rechargeable), SD cards of varying capacities and brands, and employing different application versions. We also experimented with configuring devices with and without Wi-Fi, in various locations. Despite these efforts, the issue persists.
Thank you .
Valeria
Dear Alex, do you have any other ideas what we could test? David
Hi Valeria,
Sorry to hear you are having problems. This seems strange. About 90% of configuration problems turn out to be USB cables that are charging cables rather than data cables. The rest of the problems tend to be Windows driver issues. We haven't had anyone report AudioMoth that can only be configured intermittently. Changing the SD cards and batteries worn't affect this, and the CONFIG.TXT file is an output file, the AudioMoth doesn't read this file. Do you have a combination of AudioMoth and computer at the moment that cannot be configured? Can you confirm what version of firmware the AudioMoth are using, what version of Config App you are using, and where these AudioMoth were originally sourced from.
Alex