The all-inclusive IRIS software/interface trouble shooting note

[MisterGil]

I also get the run-time error 380 error. I suspect that is happens when the software is installed after XP SP2 has been applied. I originally had the software running under XP Pro, but recently it’s not been communicating with the IRIS interface so I bought a USB to serial connection to see if that would cure the problem - it hasn’t. So I re-installed the software and get the run-time error 380 when I do the second run of the program i.e. after I have selected the right dive computer.
When I used to use the software under Win 98 the only problem I ever had was getting the interface lined up correctly with the computer. XP pro has always been a problem but after installing the SP2 “upgrade” I am convinced that’s when my problems really started to happen. I have also tried the software with XP Home SP2 and get the same error message.
Does anybody have an email contact at Mares or the developers so that they can contacted about this?

 

[pt40fathoms]

SP2 for XP Home or XP Pro has made me a lot of money!

Every customer site that has applied the patch has crashed the software we have installed that controls the sites security system.

Thanks Bill Gates, you helped make Christmas really good this year! (cha-ching!)

Your iris software will also experience trouble with XP upgraded with SP2. Only solution for the layperson is to back out of SP2.

SP2 however was Microsofts answer to the gaping holes in its softwares security. If you do back out of SP2, make sure you install a firewall and virus scanning software. Zone Alarm is a free firewall that works exceptionally well, and AVG Virus scanning software from Grisoft is a full featured *free* package that is giving the big boys a real run for their money.

As for your problems with the iris software, I would be rehashing all that has been said. Although mine works, it does at times take a little "tinkering". But for me a little tinkering may be akin to brain surgery for someone else. So write a letter to Mares, don't Email, use paper. Paper will get their attention. Tell them to fix it and that you are not happy.

 

[MisterGil]

I am not now sure that it is an XP SP2 problem as I have now tried the software on a Win 98 machine and still get the 'run-time error 380'.
pt40fathoms, can you explain your “little tinkering" please.

 

[pt40fathoms]

I am not now sure that it is an XP SP2 problem as I have now tried the software on a Win 98 machine and still get the 'run-time error 380'.
pt40fathoms, can you explain your “little tinkering" please.

Well, as for your run time error 380, I would have to duplicate it to see what is wrong. The only error I originally got after installation is related to the "time format" you have set on you PC. If you search back in this thread, you will see what I listed as a cure.

As for the tinkering, it's really a simple solution to fix the error during downloads.

If you do not have the IR ports lined up properly, the data transfer will drop the profile of the dive. My guess is that the lack of a check sum in the data packet is not viewed as a critical error, and the software merrily keeps on downloading all the data, less the actual dive profile. This has the net result of the log being transferred and viewable on your PC, but you are lacking the graph that shows your dive. The only fix I have done is to simply go into the database and delete the latest profile, realign the units and download the data again. It seems to work best if you cover the unit with your computer under it with a cloth to keep stray light out. My guess is that the diodes used are a little too low powered in the M1 in an attempt to conserve battery power. This of course has the net effect of being susceptible to interference from external sources. The fact that it is next to your monitor, which is producing lots of stray light at varying frequencies. Seems the most likely cause of the interference..

 

[MisterGil]

I've just changed my system time from 2005 to 2004 and the software loads OK. Not ideal, but it is a work-around. I've checked this on XP Pro SP2, XP Home SP2 & Win 98 SP2 each of which gave the same result. Mind you I’ve yet to download any recent dives getting the usual timeout error, but that's probably due to knackered batteries. I’ll buy some new ones tomorrow.

 

[cahol]

thanks for the suggestions, everyone. I tried loading the software on a win 98 machine, and it worked the first time, but after I closed the application and tried to relaunch it, I received the same run time error as before. i'm hoping I can receive a full refund!

 

[Wayupnorthguy]

Message from MARES,

I had this same problem...spen many nights debugging the proggram just to find out the problem is related to the datecode on your PC.
MARES reports that there is a new version of the software comming out in a couple of weeks but until then....if you simply set your date on your PC forward to March...the program will work.
I have tried this and it works....and with the NEMO

 

[Wayupnorthguy]

Just noticed that Mares posted IRIS 2.2.2
I tested it and no more 380 error. Things are looking up.

 

[pt40fathoms]

Just noticed that Mares posted IRIS 2.2.2
I tested it and no more 380 error. Things are looking up.

I'll have to download it and try it out. Problem is I have modified my IRIS software to give me the info I want. For example, I deleted the catagory "drysuit dive" and replaced it with "Teaching Students". Plus a number of other mods that serve my purposes better.

BTW please fill out your profile a bit, and let us know where you are from and so on. You never know, we may be neighbors?

 

[kidspot]

Anyone know how to modify the IRIS software to display the average depth of the current dive?
Tim

P.S. It sure would beat having to export the data to excel and figuring it out manually.