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PINK - Strange behaviour — Parallax Forums

PINK - Strange behaviour

DosManDanDosManDan Posts: 179
edited 2009-02-02 19:16 in General Discussion
Earlier today, I finished setting up a PINK module to monitor the temperature in a computer server room. I used the configuration page to setup all of the e-mail parameters including the E-mail To setting.

I am using an SX to send the E-mail command to the PINK. After the e-mail is sent, the PINK erases the person the e-mail is sent to, but all of the other fields remain. Is this a flaw in the way the PINK works?

It is forcing me to hard code the e-mail group into the chip, which isn't a great solution. I wanted to allow the network folks to be able to change who the e-mail is going to without having to reprogram the chip.

I've also noticed I can't display who the e-mail is being sent to using the <Nb_varET>

Any ideas?
Dan

Comments

  • lenswerkslenswerks Posts: 40
    edited 2008-12-27 12:56
    When you set up·Nb_varET did you click on the option "Set Default Value", or just change it with "Modify"?

    The "Modify" option will update RAM, the "Set Default Value" option will update flash and maintain the setting.

    If you did not save to flash, then once you power the PINK off it will be lost.
  • lenswerkslenswerks Posts: 40
    edited 2008-12-27 13:15
    The only behavior I've had to work around is timeouts when you have a uController and a second source updating WEB pages. For example, a weather station.
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  • DosManDanDosManDan Posts: 179
    edited 2008-12-29 03:30
    Yes, everything was saved to permanent memory (default value). All other e-mail variables remain set when an e-mail is sent, only the ET variable is cleared. The value is cleared everytime an e-mail is sent. The only command being issued by the Micon was the send mail command.


    By the way, nice interface LensWerks!
    Dan
  • Chris SavageChris Savage Parallax Engineering Posts: 14,406
    edited 2009-01-02 23:14
    Dan,

    I have not observed any issues with the send mail command before. I can look into this further, but can you double check to be sure the PINK is not receiving a command to set the e-mail address somewhere else? Just want to be sure of what is happening.

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    Chris Savage
    Parallax Engineering
  • DosManDanDosManDan Posts: 179
    edited 2009-01-06 02:06
    Chris,

    I guarantee the PINK was not receiving another command, since the only one I programmed in was the send mail command. I also did a telnet and watched the commands go in to make sure I had it correct.

    I used the config web page to set the mail parameters. Then, I had the Micon transmit the send mail command. After the command was sent, the e-mail went out and the TO address was cleared from the PINK. The next time the send mail command is sent, the e-mail fails since the TO address is now blank. All of the other E-mail fields are OK.
    I have included a screen shot that is about 10 seconds old...you can see it cleared the TO address after the last e-mail. The code has been modified to now send the TO address, but after the send, you can see that the address has been cleared as well.

    Thanks!
    Dan

    Post Edited (DosManDan) : 1/6/2009 2:13:30 AM GMT
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  • Chris SavageChris Savage Parallax Engineering Posts: 14,406
    edited 2009-01-07 20:38
    Dan,

    I have tested my PINK module using the Send E-Mail example program and removing all lines after the Main program until the send e-mail command. When doing this and the viewing my Modify Variables page, everything is intact, including the TO field. Which version of the PINK firmware are you using? Mine is V1.32. You can see this at the bottom of the Modify Variables page you took a screenshot of. Take care.

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    Chris Savage
    Parallax Engineering
  • DosManDanDosManDan Posts: 179
    edited 2009-01-07 23:37
    I'm also using V1.32. The only other thing that is happening is I write to NB_var02, then use the send mail command. I'll make up a test program and see if I can figure out what is going on.

    On the telnet session, the write command is issued to update NB_var02, then the CLS, then the send mail command.

    Also, shouldn't I be able to show the e-mail to address on the web page using:· <Nb_varET>

    UPDATE:

    I found a way to re-create the bug!!!

    1) Go into the Modify variables page.
    2) Put an address into E-mail To
    3) In your Index.Htm page, reference the <Nb_VarET> variable with the following code
    ········ E-mail To: <Nb_varET>
    4) Nothing will show on the web page
    5) Go back and check the variables page...the field will be empty.

    Thank you for looking into it!
    Dan

    Post Edited (DosManDan) : 1/7/2009 11:50:49 PM GMT
  • Chris SavageChris Savage Parallax Engineering Posts: 14,406
    edited 2009-01-07 23:52
    Dan,

    So just to confirm…what you’re saying is that the address is not missing from the PINK Module register…it is simply not being displayed on the user web page? If this is the case I can test for this, and it also means your mail system will still work. I will post back tomorrow with my results.

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    Chris Savage
    Parallax Engineering
  • DosManDanDosManDan Posts: 179
    edited 2009-01-07 23:58
    The data is being erased from the module, even when it is set as the default value in flash RAM. Just a reminder, when using the SX-28·the e-mail address works the FIRST time. After you send the first message, the second one will fail because the E-Mail To field is blank.

    I updated the previous message. Simply trying to display the value erases it. I posted the steps to recreate the problem.

    I'll put together a test scenario to also find out why it is cleared when sent from the SX-28.

    Dan

    Post Edited (DosManDan) : 1/8/2009 12:55:36 AM GMT
  • Chris SavageChris Savage Parallax Engineering Posts: 14,406
    edited 2009-01-08 23:12
    Dan,

    I have confirmed that displaying the e-mail address seems to cause the issue you are experiencing. For the time being I would suggest removing that tag from the index page while I see what it takes to get this fixed. Thanks for your patience while we attempt to identify and solve this issue.

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    Chris Savage
    Parallax Engineering
  • DosManDanDosManDan Posts: 179
    edited 2009-01-09 04:58
    Thanks!

    I appreciate you looking into fixing the problem

    Dan
  • Chris SavageChris Savage Parallax Engineering Posts: 14,406
    edited 2009-01-19 20:48
    Dan,

    We have determined that there was a small bug which over-wrote the variable when it was supposed to fetch it for display. This has been corrected and we’re testing the updated firmware completely before calling it final. If it passes testing our Tech Support can arrange to get you a new module and have the other shipped back at our cost. We’d basically send a return shipping label with the new board. I should know today if the firmware passes. Take care.

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    Chris Savage
    Parallax Engineering
  • DosManDanDosManDan Posts: 179
    edited 2009-01-20 18:28
    Much appreciated Chris. I've been eagerly awaiting your post. I do appreciate the hard work Parallax puts into going the extra mile. This is yet another example of how your company earns the loyalty of their customers.

    Also, is it possible to flash the existing module to update it in place?

    Thank you,
    Dan
  • Chris SavageChris Savage Parallax Engineering Posts: 14,406
    edited 2009-01-20 20:58
    Dan,

    The existing module could not be updated without being on the local network. It seems the AutoUpdate.exe application doesn’t see modules not on a local network. I should have some news today. Take care.

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    Chris Savage
    Parallax Engineering
  • DosManDanDosManDan Posts: 179
    edited 2009-01-20 22:52
    OK, no problem, I'll probably just drive it up to you. I'm in downtown Sacramento.

    Thanks!
    Dan
  • Chris SavageChris Savage Parallax Engineering Posts: 14,406
    edited 2009-01-20 23:55
    Dan,

    The new firmware passes preliminary testing. It will now go to our Tech Support Department where they will do some further testing. If all goes smoothly it will be ready tomorrow. If you're coming up you can arrange to have the module updated by Josh Donelson in Tech Support. Take care.

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    Chris Savage
    Parallax Engineering
  • DosManDanDosManDan Posts: 179
    edited 2009-01-21 01:20
    Just let me know and I'll bring it in. I can always use a trip to the toy store wink.gif

    Thanks!
    Dan
  • Chris SavageChris Savage Parallax Engineering Posts: 14,406
    edited 2009-01-22 18:41
    Dan, I sent you a PM regarding stopping up for an update.

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    Chris Savage
    Parallax Engineering
  • DosManDanDosManDan Posts: 179
    edited 2009-01-27 00:50
    Thanks again Chris and Parallax. Problem solved! Installed the sensor and PINK back in the server room and ran a quick test-Looks good.

    I really appreciate your help,
    Dan
  • steve_bsteve_b Posts: 1,563
    edited 2009-01-28 14:54
    Hi Chris,

    is there an RMA procedure for this now?

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    <FONT>Steve



    What's the best thing to do in a lightning storm? "take a one iron out the bag and hold it straight up above your head, even God cant hit a one iron!"
    Lee Travino after the second time being hit by lightning!
  • DosManDanDosManDan Posts: 179
    edited 2009-01-28 20:31
    Ran a more in depth test.·I am able to read and set the values from both the web page and the SX28. E-mail's are sent perfectly when the temp goes over the limit and I am able to display the values on the web page.

    Thanks!
    Dan
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  • Chris SavageChris Savage Parallax Engineering Posts: 14,406
    edited 2009-02-02 19:16
    Steve_B,

    Typically this issue wouldn’t affect the average user however you can contact our Tech Support Dept. to arrange to have the module swapped out.

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    Chris Savage
    Parallax Engineering
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