Maintenance

The IoE Module should provide maintenance-free operation, typically. It has no user-servicable parts inside. If you encounter problems, contact LI-COR or your distributor for assistance. Some simple maintenance procedures may be needed when moving the IoE Module or when placing it into storage.

Disconnecting the solar panel

Read and follow all safety instructions provided with the solar panel. Do not disconnect the panel while it is under load. Cover the solar cells with a blanket or invert it so the cells are away from the sun to reduce the voltage output. Then disconnect the cables from the panel.

Replacing the Micro SD card

The Micro SD card reader supports the FAT32 format. Any properly formatted card will work, so long as it has space for files. Use a formatted card that has no other files on it. Other files can be on the card, but they take away storage space that would otherwise be available for data files. You can swap the card while the device is powered off, or use the mount/unmout button to swap the SD card while the device is powered on.

Removing the main battery

Power off the device. Hot swapping is not supported, so be sure to shut down the device before changing the power configuration.

Warning: The battery can explode, start a fire, or cause severe burns if the terminals are shorted together. Exercise extreme care when handling the battery. Use insulated tools when practical.

Caution: Cover the solar panel before disconnecting cables. Remove the solar panel power cables before disconnecting the battery cables. When disconnecting the battery, start with the black cable to reduce the risk of shorting the circuit.

  1. Power off the device (press the power button, then select YES).

  2. Cover or invert the panel to reduce its output, then disconnect one or both solar panel cables.

  3. Remove the black cable from the battery post.

    Remove the black one first to reduce the risk of shorting the circuit. Dangling cables may contact metal parts, causing problems. Avoid the problems by covering the contacts with the plastic covers to reduce risk of short.

  4. After disconnecting a cable, slide the red and black covers over the metal contacts to reduce risk of a shorted circuit (most of the time it doesn't matter, until it suddenly does).

Replacing the coin-cell battery

A CR2032 battery is installed on the circuit board. This battery maintains the clock when power is off. If the IoE Module is unable to keep time while powered off, this battery may need to be replaced.

Caution: This procedure exposes the circuit boards of the instrument, which puts them at risk of electrostatic discharge (ESD). Work on an anti-static mat and wear an ESD wrist strap while performing this procedure.

To remove it:

  1. Power off the IoE Module and disconnect the power supply and battery.

  2. Remove the circuit board cover.

    The battery is behind the display circuit board on the lower left side of the main board (Figure 6‑1).

  3. Dislodge it with a non-conductive tool, such as a wood toothpick.

  4. Replace the battery, then reinstall the cover.

Replacing the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM)

Note: Do not provide your own SIM. Contact LI-COR or your distributor if you need to replace the SIM.

The SIM is behind the circuit board cover (Figure 6‑1). To replace it, power off the device, remove the cover, slide the card out of the slot, and install the new one. After powering on the IoE Module, it will connect with the network automatically if the card is valid and the device has a cellular signal.

Caution: This procedure exposes the circuit boards of the instrument, which puts them at risk of electrostatic discharge (ESD). Work on an anti-static mat and wear an ESD wrist strap while performing this procedure.

The CR2032 battery is intalled on the main circuit board.
Figure 6‑1. The SIM and clock battery (CR2032) are under the circuit board cover.

Updating the firmware

IoE Module firmware updates are loaded from a computer to the IoE Module using the USB port.

To apply the update:

  1. Download the file to your computer.

    Firmware updates are available at licor.com/IoE-Support.

  2. Power off the IoE Module.

  3. Connect a USB cable between the module and your computer.

    The USB connector is labeled in the IoE Module. It accepts a Micro-B connector.

  4. Power on the IoE Module.

    It will start in update mode and appear as a USB drive on your computer called LI-COR_IOE.

  5. Drag the file or copy and paste the file to the folder.

    The IoE Module will apply the update. Progress is shown on the IoE Module display.

When the display indicates that the update is complete, you can disconnect the cable. To check the version number, press left once () and down once () to view About System, where the firmware version is displayed.