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GlobiLab versions

GlobiWorld versions

GlobiScope

Frequently Asked Questions

Communication Questions

General Questions

  1. How can I pair my Labdisc and a Windows computer?
    Before connecting the Labdisc to the computer for the first time, you need to pair these two devices.
     
    Or follow the short instructions below for the pairing process:
    1. Turn on the Labdisc. Make sure the Labdisc is not showing the sleep icon . If it does, please press any button to leave the sleep mode.
    2. Start the GlobiLab software
    3. Right click the Bluetooth icon located on the status bar at the bottom right corner of the screen
    4. From the new pop-up menu select "Find more Labdiscs and sensors"
    5. The computer opens the "add a device" dialog box and starts searching for the Bluetooth device
    6. Your Labdisc will be displayed as "Labdisc-xxxx", where "xxxx" are the last four digits of the Labdisc serial number sticker
    7. Select this device and press "Next"
    8. On the Labdisc: Press and hold the Scroll key to put the Labdisc in Pairing mode
    9. The Labdisc will produce a long "beep" while its screen shows "BT pairing"
    10. Select the 2nd option: "Enter the device pairing code" and click Next
    11. In the next dialog box enter "1234' as the pairing code and click Next
    12. Wait for the computer to finish the process and announce "Your device is ready to use"
    13. Right click the Bluetooth icon on the status bar. Choose the Labdisc you've just paired and click on it.
    14. The computer will connect to the Labdisc and turn the Bluetooth icon blue

  2. How can I pair the Labdisc with an Android tablet?

    Or follow the short instructions below for the pairing process:
    1. Turn on the Labdisc
    2. On the tablet go to Settings and select Bluetooth
    3. Make sure the Bluetooth radio is ON, then turn on "Search for Devices"
    4. From the tablet's devices list tap on the "Labdisc-xxxx", where the "xxxx" digits match the last 4 digits of the Labdisc S/N sticker on the Labdisc back cover
    5. On the Labdisc: Press and hold the SCROLL key to put the Labdisc in pairing mode. The Labdisc will produce a long "beep" while its screen shows "BT pairing"
    6. The tablet will open the "Bluetooth pairing request" dialog box and display "Type the device's required PIN"
    7. Enter the pairing code "1234" and tap "OK"
    8. The pairing process is complete and the Labdisc will appear on the tablet's "paired devices" list
    9. Open the GlobiLab application on the tablet
    10. Tap on the options icon in the top Action Bar (rightmost, 3 vertical dots)
    11. Tap on "Connect Labdisc" and select the name of the Labdisc you would like to connect to (e.g. Labdisc_1052)
    12. The App name will change to "GlobiLab (Labdisc_xxxx)" to indicate connection
  3. How can I pair the Labdisc with the iPad?
    Or follow the short instructions below for the pairing process:
    1. Turn on the Labdisc. Make sure the Labdisc is not showing the sleep icon . If it does, please press any button to leave the sleep mode.
    2. Launch the iPad setting
    3. Open Bluetooth and make sure the iPad Bluetooth is on
    4. Wait to see your Labdisc on the iPad's list of Bluetooth devices
    5. If the iPad doesn't show the Labdisc on the list of devices, turn off the iPad via the "Power off" key, then turn the iPad back on, wait for it to boot and try again
    6. On the Labdisc, press and hold the Scroll key to put the Labdisc in Pairing mode. The Labdisc will produce a long "beep" while its screen shows "BT pairing"
    7. Back to the iPad:
      1. From the devices list click the "Labdisc-xxxx", where the "xxxx" are the last four digits on the Labdisc serial number sticker
      2. The iPad will ask for a PIN code. Enter "1234" and click Pair.
      3. The iPad will show Labdisc-xxxx connected
    8. Now you may open the GlobiLab software and start using and communicating with the Labdisc
  4. How can I pair my Labdisc with a MAC computer?
    Please follow the steps below:
    1. Turn on the Labdisc
    2. Open the Bluetooth menu from the Mac menu and select "Set Up Bluetooth Device..."
    3. A dialog box opens. Your Labdisc will be displayed as "Labdisc-xxxx" where "xxxx" are the last four digits of the Labdisc serial number sticker. Select this device and press "Continue" or "Pair".
    4. Mac will try a quick default attempt to pair. This attempt will not succeed as Labdisc requires a pairing code.
    5. Press the "Passcode options..." button  or "Options" and select the option "Use a specific passcode" (on newer Mac devices there is no need to select this). Enter the passcode "1234", however, don't press "OK" or "Pair" yet.
    6. On the Labdisc: Press and hold the SCROLL key to put the Labdisc in pairing mode. The Labdisc will produce a long "beep" while its screen shows "BT pairing"
    7. Press the "OK" or "Pair" button in the Mac dialog box
    8. Open the GlobiLab software
    9. Right click the Bluetooth icon located at the bottom right corner of the software
    10. Choose the Labdisc you have just paired and cick on it. The computer will connect to the Labdisc and turn the Bluetooth icon blue
  5. How can the Labdisc communicate with a Toshiba computer?
    Currently, the Labdisc can communicate wirelessly via Bluetooth on all computers except Toshiba computers. Toshiba computer users can communicate with the Labdisc via USB connection.
  6. Why can't I communicate with the Labdisc via the Bluetooth wireless channel?
    a. The Labdisc is in data logging mode (with the RUN icon displayed). Please stop logging in order to enable Bluetooth communication. 
    b. Bluetooth is disabled but without an icon on Labdisc's display. From the configuration menu select Bluetooth, setting its status to enable.
    c. The USB cable connects between the Labdisc and computer, disabling the Bluetooth module. Disconnect the USB cable to enable Bluetooth operation.
    d. The Labdisc Bluetooth was not paired with the computer. Please refer to section 3.3.3.2 of the user guide for instructions on pairing.
  7. Why can't I communicate with the Labdisc via USB port?
    1. Firstly, make sure that the Labdisc is not in data logging mode
    2. Secondly, make sure that the USB communication cable is connected between the Labdisc and the computer
    3. Make sure that the SiLab 5.2.1 driver was installed as part of the software installation. If not please run the GlobiWorld installation software. Make sure that on the screen below you select the INSTALL option for the USB driver.
  8. A warning "Wrong USB driver" appears when connecting the Labdisc using USB - why?
    GlobiLab detected that Windows automatically updated the driver to version 6 which is not stable. In order to restore the appropriate driver (version 5.2.1) follow these steps:
    1. Open "Device manager from Window's control panel and expand "Ports (COM & LPT)".

       
    2. Right click on the line "Silicon Labs CP210x USB to UART Bridge (COM11)" and click on "Update driver software"

       
    3. Select "Browse my computer for driver software"

       
    4. Click "Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer"

       
    5. Select the line with version 5.2.1.0, and press "Next"
  9. I'm unable to see the Labdisc in the iPad Bluetooth device list
    Please turn off the iPad through the “Power off” key, then turn it back on, wait for it to boot and try again.
  10. I'm using the Labdisc for the first time but can't get the GPS to work?
    The GPS needs to sync to three or more satellites in order to provide accurate global positioning coordinates. When the Labdisc is first used, the GPS is in a "cold start" mode and it might take it 20 to 30 minutes to sync. Once it has synced you'll see three arcs above the small GPS antenna icon on the Labdisc LCD. After the GPS syncs for the first time it will remember the sync data of the specific satellites, even when the Labdisc is turned off. This assures a fast sync of up to one minute in all future recordings when the GPS is used.
  11. Why can't I select a sample rate higher than 10/sec?
    Some of the Labdisc sensors can record data at a maximum sampling rate of 10/sec or 1/sec. Selecting one or more of these sensors for data recording will limit the sampling rate to the lowest rate allowed by the slowest sampled sensor. For a complete table of maximum sampling rates per sensor please refer to section 2.7 Built-in Sensors of the manual.
  12. Why isn't the Labdisc entering sleep mode after 10 minutes?
    Sleep mode is enabled only when both GPS and Bluetooth modes are disabled. Please make sure that the Labdisc display doesn't show either of the following icons: or . If one or both icons appear on the display, use the configuration menu to disable GPS and Bluetooth modes.
  13. Why, when I'm in GlobiWorld and I click on the books, a blank screen opens rather than the activity book?
    Flash Player is missing or corrupted, to fix it do the following:
    1. Uninstall Flash Player. From the Control Panel select "Uninstall a program" and uninstall all versions of "Adobe Flash Player".
    2. Download and install the latest version of Flash Player from http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/
    3. NOTE: if the browser displays a message that the player is not needed, try using Internet Explorer
  14. My logger memory is full, how do I erase saved experiments?
    The Information and Control bar is located in the bottom right corner of the GlobiLab screen.
    It indicates the connection status and memory of the Labdisc.
    Right clicking on the memory indicator will open a pop-up menu where users can choose to delete
    the last experiment from the Labdisc, or clear all the experiments from the Labdisc.
  15. Where is the ambient temperature sensor and how is it best used?
    In the GenSci and Primo the ambient temperature sensor is located inside the Labdisc. This means that it takes about 20 minutes to stabilize. Thus, it is suitable for long recordings like day and night temperature changes. In the Enviro the ambient temperature is located in the humidity chamber protruding from the Labdisc - meaning it is fast responding and more accurate.
  16. What is the difference between the built-in ambient temperature sensor and the external temperature sensor
    The ambient temperature sensor is ideal for measuring temperature over a long period of time, for example in measuring the changes in temperature over a 24 hours period. If you require a more immediate reading of the surrounding temperature, you should use the external temperature, thermocouple or infra red sensors; since the ambient temperature takes a little longer to read the “real” surrounding temperature.
  17. How can I update the Labdisc firmware?
    This procedure allows users to update the code used by the internal micro-computer of the Labdisc. This code is referred to as the Labdisc firmware. New firmware releases include bug fixing and additional features. All Labdisc models: Enviro, Gensci, Biochem, Physio and Primo use the same firmware.
     
    To update the Labdisc, please follow the steps below:
    1. Make sure that the Labdisc battery is charged, or connect the Labdisc to the charger
    2. With the USB cable connect the Labdisc to the computer
    3. Run the GlobiLab software
    4. Make sure the bottom right USB icon has turned blue if it stays gray make a left mouse click on this USB icon
    5. From the GlobiLab toolbar click the Configuration icon
    6. In the opened dialog box, click the second tab “Firmware update”
    7. Enter the password (default password = 1234) and press OK
    8. In the screen below click Open File and select the new firmware file “Firmware version x.xx. HEX”
    9. Press Burn

       
    10. The Burning of the new firmware may take few minutes. During this time the Labdisc will start beeping and flashing its LCD display, while the green progress bar shows the percentage of code being flashed into the Labdisc micro-computer memory.
    11. Make sure not to turn off or disconnect the Labdisc USB cable during this process
    12. After burning and verification is complete, the and dialog box will show “burn successful” 
       
    13. Now the Labdisc is updated with the latest firmware and can be disconnected from the computer
  18. I am unable to measure a heart beat with the ear-clip
    Make sure that you've attached the ear-clip correctly and you are at rest, as motion will effect readings. The ear-clip has an IR light source on one side of the clip and a light detector on the other side. Blood flowing through our body changes the skin IR transparency which is measured by this sensor. The ear-clip should be attached to the soft section of the ear-lobe (an earing hole may interrupt the operation of this sensor). You may also attach the sensor to the index finger or to the soft skin between the Index finger and the thumb.
     
    When starting a measurement with the Labdisc, adjust the sensitivity of the ear-clip sensor to suit. If in the first five seconds of the measurement no clear pulses are observed, the Labdisc will increase the IR emitted intensity and look for pulses for a further five seconds. If not clear pulses are measured the Labdisc will increase again the intensity of the IR to maximum intensity. At this stage no pulse means that the sensor is not well attached to the ear, or the ear-clip detector is exposed to ambient light. After a pulse is detected the Labdisc will count 16 pulses and then will start to display the heart rate in BPM. For each pulse the Labdisc will produce a short beeping sound.
  19. How do I calibrate the Labdisc Dissolved Oxygen sensor?
    Please follow the steps below:
    1. Place 100 ml DI water into a 150 mL beaker. Bubble air through the water while stirring for 20 minutes. This will saturate the water with air/oxygen and create a 100% DO calibration standard. To prevent air entrapment (from the bubbles) on the DO electrode membrane surface use an electrode holder that keeps the electrode at a 20° angle.
    2. To calibrate the reading for 100% saturated oxygen, press and hold the Labdisc DO2 key for 3 seconds until you hear a long beep sound. The data logger should show 8.25 mg/l which represents water saturated oxygen in room temperature of 25°C.
    3. If the water temperature is not 25°C, then use the Labdisc temperature sensor probe placed in the water near the DO electrode. Pressing and holding the data logger DO2 key will show the mg/l value correlated with the water's actual temperature at 100% oxygen saturation.
  20. How do I calibrate the Labdisc pH sensor?
    The pH sensor is factory calibrated and under normal conditions does not require any calibration. Please follow the steps below should you wish to calibrate this sensor:
    1. Insert the Labdisc pH electrode into a 7.0pH buffer
    2. Wait for the Labdisc pH reading to stabilize
    3. Press and hold the pH key for 3 seconds, untill you hear a long beep sound
    4. The Labdisc pH sensor is calibrated and will show a reading between 6.95pH to 7.05pH
    5. pH calibration is not saved after the Labdisc is turned off
  21. How do I calibrate the Labdisc Colorimeter sensor?
    Please follow the steps below:
    1. Fill a clean cuvette with DI water
    2. Insert the cuvette to the Labdisc cuvette chamber
    3. Make sure the Labdisc displays one of the colorimeter reading (blue, red or green)
    4. Press and hold the colorimeter key for three seconds, until you hear a long beep sound
    5. The Labdisc Colorimeter sensor is calibrated but please note the colorimeter calibration is not saved after the Labdisc is turned off
  22. How do I calibrate the Labdisc Turbidity sensor?
    Please follow the below steps:
    1. Fill a clean cuvette with 100 NTU turbidity standard.
    2. Insert the cuvette to the Labdisc cuvette chamber
    3. Make sure the Labdisc displays the turbidity reading
    4. Press and hold the turbidity key for three seconds, until you hear a long beep sound
    5. The Labdisc Turbidity sensor is calibrated but please note turbidity calibration is not saved after the Labdisc is turned off.
  23. How do I calibrate the Labdisc Ambient Temperature sensor?
    The GlobiLab software allows the calibration of ambient temperature. Please follow the steps below for ambient temperature calibration:
    1. Make sure the ambient temperature is stable (the Labdisc should be located in a constant temperature environment for at least 20 minutes)
    2. Connect the Labdisc to the computer and open the GlobiLab software
    3. Click the Configuration icon. GlobiLab will open the Configuration dialog box shown below.
    4. Click on the Calibration tab
    5. Type in the actual ambient temperature and press send

  24. What Linux version does GlobiLab software support?

    GlobiLab operates on Fedora 14 and Ubuntu 10.04 Linux Operating Systems

  25. What should I do when the solution inside the pH storage bottle runs out?

    The soaking solution (storage solution) contains 50% of pH 4 buffer and 50% of 4M KCL. You can prepare this solution yourself or order through your dealer a 250 ml soaking solution P/N CSHOST-250.​

  26. How can I clean the Labdisc memory from the Android app?

    Make sure the Labdisc is connected to the Globilab app on the tablet. Tap the options icon in the top action bar (on some tablets the action bar is part of the fixed tablet keys). From the menu select .

  27. How can I clean the Labdisc memory from the iPad app?

    Make sure the Labdisc is connected to the Globilab app on the iPad. Tap and hold the download icon . The app will open a dialog box allowing you to clean the Labdisc memory.

  28. My Labdisc battery does not hold charge, how can I re-charge it?

    Connect the Labdisc to the AC/DC adapter and charge it for 4 hours. If the Labdisc still stops working while the AC/DC adapter is disconnected, it might indicate that the Labdisc battery needs to be replaced. Please contact your local distributor for more details on how to replace the battery. To extend the life of the Labdisc battery, make sure not to store the Labdisc for long periods of time without re-charging the battery. At a minimum - re-charge the Labdisc once every 4 months.

  29. There is no Date & Time data on my Physio Labdisc. How can I set this data?

    Since the Physio Labdisc has no GPS, the date and time fields are not set automatically . In order to update the date and time on your Physio Labdisc, please connect the Labdisc to a PC with the USB cable and open the GlobiLab software. When the USB icon on GlobiLab turns blue USB icon the date and time fields will be set on your Labdisc. This has to be done each time the Labdisc is turned on.
 
 

Getting Started

Labdisc half day training – English / Spanish English | Spanish
Getting to Know the Labdisc for Android English
Getting to Know the Labdisc for PC English
Getting to Know the Labdisc for MAC English
Getting to Know the Labdisc for iPad English
Getting to Know the Labdisc for GlobiMate (Intel Android tablet) English
Getting to Know the Labdisc Chromebook English
Teaching Environmental science
with the Labdisc		 English 
Mini data logger Quick Start Guide English
Mobile Science Cart Quick Start Guide English | Spanish
GlobiLab for Android Getting Started  English
Labdisc Gensci Quick Start Guide English | Spanish
Labdisc Enviro Quick Start Guide English | Spanish
Labdisc Primo Quick Start Guide English | Spanish
Labdisc Physio Quick Start Guide English | Spanish
Labdisc BioChem Quick Start Guide English | Spanish
Force Sensor Quick Start Guide English
Getting to know GlobiCollab software for PC English