USB5M Troubleshooting

Setup Files:  

*Download these files and use them to test your recorder. If these recordings work then your recorder is in working order.  

*Note that these files are not required for you to use your recorder. They are simply for testing the recorder if you are not familiar with it. If you are familiar with the recorder and the PM66 software then you do not need these files

• Click here for USB5M Setup Files

• Click here for USB5M Setup Instructions

(Please note: You must already  previously have installed the PM66/PM66Q software before you can use these Setup files)

Software Issues:

*Always make sure to right-click on the software icon and select the "Run As System Administrator" option. This will generally fix any minor software-related issues you may be having. 

Problem:  When clicking on the "Check Board" button in the PM66 software I get this message: "please check the cable, maybe not properly connected"

Solution:  Hardware purchased through 2017 is not compatible with Windows 10 which may be causing the issue. Switch to a Windows 7 or Windows Vista computer. The PM66 software cannot work successfully on a Windows 10 computer. Hardware purchased in 2018 and onward is compatible with Windows 10, but you must download the new PM66Q software from the product page on our website.

Problem:  PM66 Software stuck on the "Processing" step during programming. 

Solution:  Always make sure to right-click on the software icon and select the "Run As System Administrator" option.

Problem:  Receive 'Run time error 75' every time I try to record to the device. 

Solution:  Try disabling your antivirus software momentarily. 

Problem: File changed, please press [Save File] message

Solution:  After you have added your sound files in the PM66Q program make sure to save your settings first by clicking on the "Save file" button, and THEN click the "PM66" button to program your module. (this is different from the previous version hardware where you could program the module directly without saving the configuration file first. ( see step 9 & 10 here )

Problem:  Buttons are missing in the PM66 software. No "Load File," "Check Board," "PM66" etc.

Solution:  Your downloaded file most likely became corrupted in some way. The best thing to do is to try everything on another computer. If you do not have access to another computer then uninstall the software and delete everything related to it including the download files. Shut down your computer and then turn it back on. Temporarily turn off any antivirus software and then download the software again. Go through the install process and see if the same thing happens.

Problem:  Cannot record 300 seconds to the device at 8K.

Solution:  The device can hold 300 seconds at 4.7K. The length of time will increase as you decrease the quality of your recordings. 

Problem:  Uploaded my sound files to the unit, but one or more button doesn't work.

Solution:  Convert your sound files from WAV to MP3 or vice versa. Then re-upload the sound files to the sound module. If that doesn't solve the issue, change the sample rate of your sound file to a different sample rate and then upload the new sound file back to the sound module. 

If your sound file needs to be edited whether to change to length or convert it from .wav to .mp3 or vice versa .mp3 to .wav. Check out this free software  GoldWave  

Hardware Issues:

Problem:  Recorder worked for a few days, but then suddenly stopped working. The red light will still flash, but no audio is produced.

Solution:  Disconnect the recorder from the computer (if connected), remove batteries, and then press the play buttons several times. Replace batteries and see if it works. If this still does not work try recording to the device again.

Also see this FAQ for more trouble shooting