January 2000: A CPU failure can be induced when proper procedures for establishing and terminating a communications link to the TT8 inside a McLane instrument are not followed.

This information applies to all Tattletale 8 Version 1 based systems. TT8 V2 systems are not affected.

It is possible to crash a running TT8 by making or breaking the communications connection at the PC end rather than at the bulkhead connector on the pressure housing. Modem based communications software, such as ProComm, can also crash a running TT8 if the communications software is initialized while connected to the TT8. (MRL strongly recommends the use of Crosscut communications software. Crosscut is distributed with all McLane instruments.) The boot script of a PC, if run while connected to a running TT8, can cause problems as well. If the TT8 crashes during recovery the primary data file will be lost.

A simple and effective hardware fix for the "communications crash" problem is available. If you wish to install the fix yourself (a single 3K, 1206 surface mount resistor), then download the illustrated instructions.

Contact us if you need assistance or additional information.