Hardware Troubleshooting
Solutions for common issues you may encounter with PrecastX hardware.
Sensor Device Issues
Device won't power on
Symptoms: No LED response when pressing power button
Solutions:
- Charge the device - Connect USB-C and charge for at least 30 minutes
- Check the cable - Try a different USB-C cable
- Check the power source - Ensure USB port provides adequate power
- Retry normal startup - Press and hold the power button for about 1 second
- Remove USB power and try again - If USB-C is connected and the sensor seems stuck between on/off states, unplug it before retrying
No temperature readings
Symptoms: App shows "--" or "No Data" for temperature channels
Solutions:
- Check probe connections - Unplug and firmly reconnect each probe
- Inspect probe connector - Look for bent or damaged pins
- Try a different channel - Move probe to another port
- Test with known-good probe - Swap with a working probe to isolate issue
- Power cycle - Turn device off and on again
Erratic or jumping readings
Symptoms: Temperature values fluctuate wildly or show impossible values
Causes & Solutions:
| Cause | Solution |
|---|---|
| Loose probe connection | Reseat probe firmly |
| Damaged probe cable | Inspect for cuts/kinks; replace if damaged |
| EMI interference | Move sensor away from motors/VFDs |
| Probe in liquid | Ensure probe tip is embedded in concrete, not water |
Can't connect via Bluetooth
Symptoms: Device doesn't appear in app, or connection fails
Solutions:
- Check Bluetooth on phone - Ensure Bluetooth is enabled
- Check app permissions - Grant Bluetooth and Location permissions
- Power cycle sensor - Turn off for 10 seconds, then on
- Restart phone Bluetooth - Toggle Bluetooth off and on
- Clear app cache - Settings → Apps → PrecastX → Clear Cache
- Check distance - Move within 10m of device
Battery drains too quickly
Symptoms: Battery lasts less than 2 days
Causes & Solutions:
| Cause | Solution |
|---|---|
| Very cold environment | Keep device above 0°C if possible |
| Frequent reconnections | Move closer to gateway |
| Faulty battery | Contact support for replacement |
| Old firmware | Update to latest firmware via app |
PX-Gateway Issues
Device won't boot
Symptoms: No LED activity when powered
Solutions:
- Check power connection - Ensure cable is firmly connected
- Try different power source - Use USB-C or 12V adapter
- Check power adapter - Test adapter with multimeter (should show 12V DC)
- Hard reset - Unplug for 30 seconds, then reconnect
Can't connect to WiFi
Symptoms: Gateway does not complete WiFi or cloud setup
Solutions:
- Verify credentials - Re-enter WiFi password via app
- Check WiFi network - Ensure network is operational
- Check 2.4GHz - gateway only supports 2.4GHz WiFi
- Check signal strength - Move device closer to router
- Check MAC filtering - Add device MAC to allowed list if enabled
- Try mobile hotspot - Test with phone hotspot to isolate issue
Gateway stays offline despite network access
Symptoms: Network setup completed but the gateway does not reach the cloud. LED 1 may keep breathing cyan while reconnecting, or fast-blink red if the cellular bearer drops.
Solutions:
- Check internet - Verify other devices can access internet
- Check firewall - Ensure ports 443 and 8883 are open
- Check DNS - Try Google DNS (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1)
- Check date/time - Device needs accurate time for TLS; ensure NTP access
- Reboot router - Sometimes helps with stuck connections
Not receiving sensor data
Symptoms: gateway online but no sensor data appears
Solutions:
- Check sensor power - Ensure sensors are powered on (on PX-Sens, the normal idle power color is yellow)
- Check sensor connection - If you connect to the sensor in the app, LED 3 should turn solid blue during the BLE session
- Check distance - Move sensors within 100m of gateway
- Check obstructions - Avoid metal walls/structures between devices
- Power cycle gateway - May need to re-establish connections
Thermocouple Probe Issues
Probe shows constant temperature
Symptoms: Reading doesn't change despite temperature changes
Causes:
- Damaged thermocouple junction
- Broken internal wire
Solution: Replace the probe
Probe shows room temperature when embedded
Symptoms: Reads ~20°C even when in hot concrete
Causes:
- Probe not properly embedded
- Probe measuring air pocket
- Broken probe tip
Solutions:
- Ensure probe tip is fully embedded in concrete
- Check for air gaps around probe
- Test probe in hot water to verify operation
Negative or very high readings
Symptoms: Shows -40°C or +150°C constantly
Cause: Open circuit (broken wire) or reversed polarity
Solutions:
- Check probe connector for damage
- Ensure connector is not reversed
- Replace probe if damaged
When to Contact Support
Contact PrecastX support if:
- A device still shows no normal LED activity after you verify charging and power
- Error persists after trying all troubleshooting steps
- Physical damage to device or enclosure
- Battery swelling or overheating
- Consistent data inaccuracies after probe replacement
Support Contact:
- Email: support@precastx.com
- Include: Device serial number, error codes from app, photos if applicable