Why Update Your LabQuest 2

Updating to the most recent version of LabQuest app will give you all the latest features and functionality available to your LabQuest 2 interface.

We recommend that everyone update their LabQuest 2 units to the latest version.

Tap System on the Home screen, then tap System Information.

View the LabQuest 2 release notes to see what is new in the latest version of the LabQuest app.
LabQuest 2 Release Notes

Applying the Update to Your LabQuest 2

A minimum of 180 MB available memory is required.

As long as there is enough available space, you can have other files. We strongly recommend that you only have one update file on your USB drive.

An LQA file is an automatic update file used for updates of LabQuest 2.

The internal communication speed is significantly faster for the Micro SD port on a LabQuest 2.

You are not required to close any LabQuest program prior to applying the update. For the best experience, we recommend that you stop active data collection and save any unsaved data before starting the update.

The update will not affect any files you have stored on your LabQuest.

During the early part of the update, while the screen is displaying the “Checking Files…” message, press the Collect key until you see an asterisk added after the ”This may take a few minutes.” message. Once the file check is complete, you will need to confirm that you want to reset defaults.

For more information see, How do I reset the LabQuest 2 defaults when installing an update?

In order for the update to start automatically, the file must be in the root directory of the USB drive or Micro SD card. If the file is in a folder, the software will not find the update file, as only the root directory is scanned.

The functionality to manually launch an LQA file was introduced in version 2.1 of LabQuest app. If your LabQuest is running version 2.1 or newer, you can manually launch an update. To do this:

  1. Tap System on the Home screen, then tap System Information.
  2. Tap Update LabQuest.
  3. Tap the USB drive or SD card icon and then browse to the update file.
  4. Tap Update to manually launch the update.

Losing power during a critical step in the update could leave your LabQuest in a non-working condition. While the chance of this is small, using a power adapter will eliminate this possibility.

Note: The Battery Calibration update cannot happen if the unit is not powered by AC.

Yes, however when using a Micro SD card, you must first insert the Micro SD card before you put the LabQuest into the Charging Station.

No. The update will fail if the USB drive or Micro SD card are removed while the update is in progress and can leave your LabQuest 2 in an unrecoverable state.

Troubleshooting

If, after applying the update, your battery still does not hold a charge or recharge as expected, try the following:

  1. Shut down the LabQuest. Tap System from the Home screen, then tap Shut Down.
  2. Disconnect your LabQuest from AC power and remove the battery.
  3. After waiting at least 1 minute, replace the battery and reconnect the AC adapter.
  4. With LabQuest powered on, charge for 12 hours.
  5. If you are still having trouble, contact Vernier for additional technical support.

It is likely that the update failed. Try applying the update again. If this does not work, try using a different USB drive or Micro SD card. If you still are having trouble, contact Vernier for additional technical support.

It is likely that the update failed. Try applying the update again. If this does not work, try using a different USB drive or Micro SD card. If you still are having trouble, contact Vernier for additional technical support.

The update should automatically start within 30 seconds of inserting the USB drive or Micro SD card. If the update does not start automatically, check the following:

  • Be sure your LabQuest is on when you connect the USB drive or Micro SD card.
  • Verify the update file is located in the root directory of the USB drive or Micro SD card.
  • Ensure there is only one LQA file in the root directory of the USB drive or Micro SD card.
  • Try applying the update using a different USB drive or Micro SD card.
  • Delete the file from the USB drive or Micro SD card and download the file again.
  • Attempt to launch the update manually (you must already be running LabQuest software v2.1 or newer):
    • Tap System on the Home screen, then tap System Information.
    • Tap Update LabQuest.
    • Tap the USB drive or SD card icon and then browse to the update file.
    • Tap Update to manually launch the update.

If none of the above resolves the issue, contact Vernier for additional technical support.

Checking Files takes approximately two minutes when using a USB drive. This is because there are several large files that must be checked to ensure they were copied properly. Checking Files is only 15 seconds when using a Micro SD card as the internal communication speed is significantly faster.

In most cases, if the update has failed, attempting to update again will succeed. If not, try downloading the files from the Vernier website again and start the process over. If this does not work, try using a different USB drive or Micro SD card. If you still are having trouble, contact Vernier for additional technical support.

If the update is applied when you have unsaved LabQuest app data, the data is stored in an Auto Recovery file as part of the update process. Access the Auto Recovery file to recover the unsaved data.

Error Messages

The file fails a check sum test. This can happen if the file is not fully downloaded to the USB drive or Micro SD card. Download the update file again and retry the update.

This can happen if there is not enough internal memory (over 90% full). Delete some user data such as LabQuest App or Sound Recorder data files, then retry the update.

Verify that the media (USB drive or SD card) is not write protected. Download the file again and retry the update.

In order for the update process to proceed, the LabQuest App must shut down. Manually shutdown the LabQuest app (File – Quit), then apply the update again.

Failure in either of these steps can prevent your LabQuest from operating after a update. To resolve this issue, retry the update. If you continue to have problems, contact Vernier for additional technical support.

During the reprogramming process, the software detected an error in writing the changes, which could prevent the LabQuest unit from operating as expected. To resolve the issue, manually quit the LabQuest App (File > Quit) then retry the update. If you continue to have problems, contact Vernier for additional technical support.

During the reprogramming process, the software detected an error in writing the changes, which could prevent the LabQuest unit from operating as expected. To resolve the issue, retry the update. If you continue to have problems, contact Vernier for additional technical support.

An error occurred during the update that is likely the result of an issue with the update file. Download the update file again and retry the update. If you continue to have problems applying the update, contact Vernier for additional technical support.

During the reprogramming process, the software detected an error in writing or verifying the changes, which could prevent the LabQuest unit from operating as expected. This error is likely caused by the state of the fuel gauge when the update is applied. Apply the update again. If the second update fails, reboot the LabQuest (Home > System > Reboot), then apply the update one last time. If you continue to have problems reprogramming the fuel gauge, contact Vernier for additional technical support.

This error is unique to the LabQuest 2.6.2 updater.  Some LabQuest 2 units will fail to update because the update file cannot find the MAC address of the unit.  To resolve the issue, run a newer version of the LabQuest 2 update (v2.6.3 or newer).  If you continue to have problems running an update, contact Vernier for additional technical support.

Published: August 8, 2022. Updated: August 8, 2022.