Description of issue
RFL100 data logger and viewLinc handle the order of recorded data samples using a timestamp, and a counter called sample ID. When a RFL100 data logger with firmware version older than 1.3.0 is reset for any reason (power switch, battery replacement, or software reset) there is a small chance that it will experience memory corruption that causes the sample ID sequence to jump to an arbitrary number.
If the sample ID changes in a way that breaks the logic of the sequence, measurement data transfer from the device to viewLinc will stop as viewLinc will not accept the out-of-order data. Because of this, the location(s) linked to the channels of the data logger will activate the missing historical data alarm. This alarm will be permanently active for the affected locations, as the data cannot be transferred to viewLinc even if the radio and network connections are operating normally.
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Intermittent missing historical data alarms can be a part of normal operation and do not necessarily indicate an active sample ID corruption issue. A sample ID corruption issue can be detected by a missing historical data alarm that always remains active. |
RFL100 data loggers manufactured in April 2020 or later have at least firmware version 1.3.0 and are not vulnerable to this issue.
Preventive action
To prevent the issue from occurring, update all RFL100 data loggers that have firmware older than version 1.3.0 to the latest available firmware version:
- Check the current firmware version of your RFL100 data loggers. See Checking the RFL100 firmware version.
- Update the firmware as necessary. See Updating RFL100 firmware.
| CAUTION
For GxP regulated systems firmware update can be under local change control procedures, including for example verification and documenting of successful update of the firmware. |
| It is recommended to keep all RFL100 data loggers and AP10 access points in your system updated to the latest available firmware versions. In addition to correcting possible issues, updating the firmware provides improved performance and new features. |
Corrective action
If you have any RFL100 data loggers where the described connection problem is apparent, you must use the RFL100 Maintenance Tool to confirm the problem and resolve it. See Using RFL100 Maintenance Tool to correct sample ID corruption.
To avoid losing the data currently stored in a data logger that has been affected by the sample corruption issue, you can take a local copy of the data. See Downloading data using service port.