In rare instances, connecting a LabQuest 2 or 3 to a SpectroVis Plus or Go Direct SpectroVis Plus can lead to issues such as the LabQuest software freezing, the spectrometer not being recognized, or displaying highly erratic data. These problems typically stem from a USB compatibility issue that occurs with certain SpectroVis Plus units and some LabQuest 2 or 3 devices. This issue can be particularly frustrating as it may only occur intermittently.

Try the following:

  • Make sure you are using the latest version of LabQuest software.
    • For LabQuest 2, software version 2.7.2 or newer.
    • For LabQuest 3, software version 3.0.7 or newer.
  • Reboot the LabQuest.
    • Original LabQuest⚊Home > Control Panel > Reboot
    • LabQuest 2⚊Home > System > Reboot
    • LabQuest 3⚊Choose Reboot from the Settings screen
  • Verify that your USB cable works. Switch to a shorter USB cable. Remove any adapters from the USB cable.
  • Insert a USB hub between the LabQuest and the Spectrometer. If available, use a powered USB hub. **A powered USB is typically the most common fix for this issue.**
  • Verify that the spectrometer can be used without incident on a computer running free Spectral Analysis software.
  • Try using a different LabQuest 2 or 3.

If it is a Go Direct SpectroVis Plus:

  • Make sure the AC power to the spectrometer is not connected. Remove the battery from the spectrometer.
  • If all LEDs are illuminated
    • Unplug the spectrometer from all cables. Press and hold the power button until the LEDs go off and try reconnecting.
    • With all cables disconnected and the spectrometer powered down, attach the AC power cable that came with the unit and then plug the USB cable into your platform.

This issue is uncommon. If you need to use the spectrometer right away, using a powered USB hub is the simplest workaround.

Also see My Spectrometer is not working properly. It won’t calibrate or is giving very noisy data.

If the problem persists, please contact Vernier Technical Support (email chemistry@vernier.com) and provide the following details:

  • The model of spectrometer: SpectroVis Plus or Go Direct SpectroVis Plus. Include the serial number of the spectrometer.
  • Software version of the LabQuest. To find this, tap the Home icon, then tap System, then tap System Information.
Published: March 29, 2018. Updated: December 4, 2024.