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ZL6 Troubleshooting Guide

If your ZL6 data logger is not working as expected, use this guide to diagnose and resolve common issues.

Travis Bates
Updated by Travis Bates

If your ZL6 data logger is not working as expected, use this guide to diagnose and resolve common issues. If the steps provided here do not resolve your issue, contact support with your device serial number and a description of the problem.

Connecting to the ZL6
ZENTRA Utility Mobile does not list the ZL6 logger
  • Ensure the logger has good batteries.
  • Ensure all 6 batteries are correctly oriented.
  • Check the board for corrosion.
  • Press the TEST button on the logger to reset it.
  • Drag down on the screen to refresh the list.
  • See Connect to the Data Logger for more information.
ZENTRA Utility cannot connect to the device
  • If using a Windows computer, reinstall the USB driver from https://meter.ly/ZL6-support.
  • Mac computers running ZENTRA Utility do not require a custom USB driver.
  • Check that the USB cable is securely plugged into the logger and the computer.
  • Ensure the logger has good batteries.
  • Ensure all 6 batteries are correctly oriented.
  • Check the board for corrosion.
  • Press the TEST button on the logger to reset it.
  • Connect to a second logger. If the connection works, the problem is likely with the first logger.
  • Try a different micro-USB cable. Ensure the cable is not intended for charging only.
  • See Connect to the Data Logger for more information.
ZENTRA Utility is not showing the ZL6 in the COM port picker
  • If using a Windows computer, reinstall the USB driver from https://meter.ly/ZL6-support.
  • Mac computers running ZENTRA Utility do not require a custom USB driver.
  • Check that the USB cable is securely plugged into the logger and the computer.
  • Ensure the logger has good batteries.
  • Press the TEST button on the logger to reset it.
  • Connect to a second logger. If the connection works, the problem is likely with the first logger.
  • Try a different micro-USB cable. Ensure the cable is not intended for charging only.
  • See Connect to the Data Logger for more information.
ZENTRA Utility reports it lost the connection
  • Check or replace the USB cable.
  • Increase the number of times ZENTRA Utility tries sending commands to the logger:
    • Go to the Manage Preferences menu. Edit>Preferences.
    • Select the Communication tab.
    • Increase the Direct Connect Retries.
Red ERROR light and/ or green OK light are always on
  • Check logger batteries.
  • Press the TEST button to reset the ZL6.
  • If the problem persists, contact Customer Support.
  • For more information about status lights see Test Button & Status Lights.
Red ERROR light is on after pressing the TEST button
  • Pressing the TEST button initiates the self-test sequence. The self-test can take 60 s or more if testing communications over the cellular network.
  • A solid red light indicates an error in the logger, which may indicate:
    • corrupt ZL6 logger firmware
    • low batteries
    • unsuccessful cellular communications
  • For more information about status lights see Test Button & Status Lights.
The logger does not seem to be working correctly or reliably
  • Press the TEST button on the logger to reset the ZL6.
  • Check logger batteries. Replace alkaline batteries if close to 0%. Recharge NiMH batteries if close to 0%.
  • Check for corrosion or water damage. Check that the seals and gaskets are intact.
  • If the problem persists, contact Customer Support.
Connectivity to the Cloud
Cellular uploads stopped working
  • Press the TEST button to reset the ZL6.
  • Run the Cellular Communication Test in ZENTRA Utility to determine if there is a communication error.
  • Check the List Cellular Carriers function in ZENTRA Utility to confirm there are cellular carriers operating in the area. To access navigate to "..." for More. Next select Device Tools and from that menu select List Cellular Carriers.
  • If the problem persists, contact Customer Support.
No Data in ZENTRA Cloud
  • Press the TEST button to reset the ZL6.
  • Run the Cellular Communication Test in ZENTRA Utility to determine if there is a communication error.
  • Check the List Cellular Carriers function in ZENTRA Utility to confirm there are cellular carriers operating in the area. To access navigate to "..." for More. Next select Device Tools and from that menu select List Cellular Carriers.
  • Make sure the device configuration has a Measurement Interval set. i.e. is not set to "off (not logging).
  • Make sure the device configuration has a Upload Frequency set.
Connecting to Wi-Fi
ZENTRA Utility Mobile is not listing the desired Wi-Fi network
  • The Wi-Fi hardware in the ZL6 is compatible with Wi-Fi networks using the 2.4 GHz bands. ZL6 doesn’t work with networks using 5 GHz bands.
  • The Wi-Fi radio connection between the ZL6 and the access point may be too weak.
  • The ZL6 is only able to report information for up to 12 Wi-Fi networks during a scan. Try refreshing the scan. Alternatively use the process for connecting to a hidden network (Section 4.5) to configure the ZL6 to your network.
  • The access point is using Wi-Fi channel 12 or 13 in a location where the Wi-Fi hardware determines these channels are navailable. Change the access point to use a channel number in the range 1 to 11.
The Wi-Fi network at a university/government agency does not seem to be working with the ZL6
  • Wi-Fi networks using enterprise security can offer additional challenges for devices like the ZL6. Consider asking your IT professional to deploy a Wi-Fi access point for the ZL6 that uses a compatible form of network security. Contact customer support or METER sales partner to discuss alternative ways for your ZL6 to upload data to ZENTRA Cloud.
ZL6 uploads to ZENTRA Cloud appears to have stopped working
  • Try rebooting the Wi-Fi access point/router. ZL6 caches all unsent data to send when the connection is restored.
  • Use the upload test to evaluate the connection to the Wi-Fi Access Point and ZENTRA Cloud.
  • Use ZENTRA Utility Mobile to re-configure the ZL6 for your network. This step is necessary if the name of your Wi-Fi network changed or if the network passphrase changed.
ZL6 won't communicate directly with user over Wi-Fi
  • The ZL6 is not available on the Wi-Fi network for interactive communications. The ZL6 only powers the Wi-Fi module long enough to send sensor measurement data and status updates to ZENTRA Cloud after each measurement interval.
Data Storage
ZENTRA Utility states there is no new data for download
  • Wait for at least the length of the measurement interval to ensure the logger had enough time to record data.
  • Ensure the logger is configured to measure data, i.e., make sure the measurement interval is not set to Off (not logging).
  • Check the battery. The ZL6 will stop making sensor measurements when the batteries are extremely low.
  • Press the TEST button to reset the logger.
The ZL6 logger stopped making measurements
  • Wait for at least the length of the measurement interval to ensure the logger had enough time to record data.
  • Ensure the logger is configured to measure data, i.e., make sure the measurement interval is not set to Off (not logging).
  • Check the battery. The ZL6 will stop making sensor measurements when the batteries are extremely low.
  • Press the TEST button to reset the logger.
Sensor Data
Sensor measurement data does not seem to be correct
  • Switch the sensor to a known working port and scan again. If the problem follows the sensor, then the sensor may be damaged.
  • Many issues affect the quality of the sensor measurement. Please see the sensor user manual for troubleshooting.
Downloaded data shows #N/A
  • The raw data measured by the logger is out of expected range for the sensor. This could be caused by an unplugged or broken sensor.
  • Ensure the sensor stereo plug is fully inserted into the logger sensor port.
  • Ensure the sensor type shown in the Scan window matches the sensor connected to the logger.
  • Switch the sensor to a known working port and scan again. If the sensor shows data, the port may be damaged. If the No response from sensor message is still presenting, the sensor could be unplugged or broken.
  • If the problem persists, contact Customer Support.
There is no new data for download
  • Ensure the logger is configured to measure data, i.e., make sure the measurement interval is not set to Off (not logging).
  • Check the battery. The ZL6 will stop making sensor measurements when the batteries are extremely low.
My sensor type is not listed
  • Update the firmeware on your device. See Update Firmware under ZENTRA Utility.

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