{ "title": "TQSoft / TQAero Questions & Answers", "lastUpdated": "2025-09-16", "items": [ { "id": 1, "question": "Where is the list of users in TQSoft?", "answer": [ "The user list is in the Edit Security option.", "The user list starts with a 'default' user called demo.", "As long as demo is active the Login window will not appear at TQSoft startup.", "Once demo user is de-activated in Edit Security, the Login window will appear at startup and valid credentials must be entered.", "Be sure that an Administrator is correctly set up before de-activating demo!", "If access to TQSoft is lost through ID/Password errors then download the emergency security patch from www.tqsoftware.com. Instructions are there." ] }, { "id": 2, "question": "How do I start configuring TQSoft for my thermal validation requirements?", "answer": [ "This consists of several easy steps:", "1. You can (optional) set up a Chamber Record.", " a. Go to Setup Database Entries and select Chamber Records.", " b. Right click on Chambers to create a new record.", " c. In ID tab just enter Serial number and Name. (They can be the same.)", " d. In Details tab enter Manufacturer and Model. Everything else can be left for now until your report content requirements are fully known.", " e. Press Save Changes then exit.", "2. Logger Connection and Channel Configuration.", " a. Decide if you need to set up a user list in Edit Security.", " b. Consider each of your thermal validation projects and select one to start with.", " c. Navigate to Equipment Connections/Select Type of Logger and select your logger type and connection parameters. See the relevant TQSoft manual Appendix for full connection information.", " d. With successful connection TQSoft will know how many channels the logger is configured for.", " e. Navigate to Equipment Connections/Edit Channel Configuration, create a new one with right click on Channel Configurations.", " f. Click on the new file (e.g. Channel configuration 9) and change the name on the right.", " g. Set up each channel with the required sensor type, decimal places and chart colour. Use the Duplicate option for speed.", " g1. For pressure, humidity, or some other measurement you will likely want to set a voltage input.", " g2. Scaling uses the same correction registers as the thermocouple calibration procedure outlined below.", " g3. See 3c below for the scaling procedure.", " h. Press Quit when finished. If you answer 'Yes' to the question 'Use channel configuration now?', the settings are uploaded to the logger. If you answer 'No' the settings are just saved.", "3. Calibrating your thermocouples with a thermal bath.", " This step may not apply to all projects; it depends on your sensors and customer requirements.", " a. Setting up Automatic Calibration", " a1. This is optional. With no thermal bath connected the operator is prompted to set the temperature on the bath. With no reference probe connected the operator will need to enter the stable reference displayed on the bath or reference unit.", " a2. With no connection to thermal bath or reference channel proceed directly to Calibration Corrections then Calibration.", " a3. If you wish to connect to a thermal bath then go to Equipment Connections then Select Type of Thermal Bath. See the relevant TQSoft manual Appendix for full connection information.", " a4. Some baths have a built-in reference probe and may allow TQSoft to use it.", " a5. Use the drop down option Thermal Bath Control to check the unit is communicating.", " a6. If measurements are not displayed use Windows Device Manager to check COM ports, and check COM settings on the bath.", " a7. If you wish to connect to a separate reference unit then go to Equipment Connections then Select Type of Reference. See the relevant TQSoft manual Appendix for full connection information.", " a8. Use the drop down option Reference Control to check the unit is communicating.", " a9. If measurements are not displayed use Windows Device Manager to check COM ports, and check COM settings on the unit.", " b. Calibration Procedure.", " b1. Proceed to Calibration Corrections then Calibration (Logger must be connected).", " b2. Select which calibration file will be used to store the offset results of the calibration, and press OK.", " b3. Select the channels that you want to calibrate.", " b4. At the Test Equipment window select the equipment you are using.", " b5. At the Calibration Setup window enter the high, low, and check point of the procedure.", " b6. The stability panel settings will be familiar to experienced technicians; see section 2.5 of the general manual for full details.", " b7. Press OK to proceed.", " b8. If the calibration is automatic TQSoft will wait for sensor stability criteria to be achieved, and proceed to completion.", " b9. For non-automatic calibration the user is prompted to set thermal bath temperatures and change reference setpoints.", " c. Scaling voltage channel inputs for pressure and humidity etc.", " c1. Go to Calibration Adjustments then Calibration Files Manual Adjust. This option may need to be added to your user profile in Edit Security.", " c2. Click on the same calibration file that you used for the calibration process above, and open the treeview to see all channels.", " c3. Click on the voltage channel, then enter a scaling on the right. For example, Measured 0 volts, Actual 1 Bar.", " c4. Press Add SetPoint, then click on the channel again and repeat, for example, Measured 4 volts, Actual 4 Bar.", " c5. Press Add SetPoint again and open the treeview for that channel. There should be 2 setpoints. Close the window and click Save.", "4. Checking that all setpoints are being used.", " a. Go to Equipment Connections then Select Type of Logger, dropdown option Test Connection.", " b. If the logger is successfully started the Inputs Display window should show scanned measurements.", " c. Values shown green have corrections or scaling applied; the operational calibration file is shown in the window caption.", " d. Values shown red do not have corrections or scaling applied.", " e. Hover over a measurement value to see the actual correction applied.", "5. Preparing for a test by setting up a Test Specification.", " a. Test Specifications have many parameters but this guide will instruct on creating a new simple one.", " b. Go to Testing then Test Specifications. Click New then No for 'Use as basis for new one'.", " c. Click Next. Then change the Name to something like Test 1.", " d. If using Fluke click Measurement Rate Fast.", " e. Select the calibration file used in previous steps.", " f. Select the channel configuration file used in previous steps.", " g. Click on Probes tab and Select Probes button. Select desired probes.", " h. Press OK to save the Test Specification and exit.", "6. Running a Test.", " a. Go to Testing then Start Logging.", " b. Select a chamber name and enter a number for this test. Press Next.", " c. Select the required Test Specification and press Next.", " d. Enter a Job Reference or press the Auto button.", " e. Press Start Logging. The chart will appear showing real time data being updated.", " f. To stop, exit the chart and press Stop Logging.", " g. The data will be available in 'Reports and Data File Management'." ] }, { "id": 3, "question": "Why is the page numbering of my PDF generated by TQSoft incorrect?", "answer": [ "You do have to make the PDF twice before the correct 'page x of y' will appear. Is this the problem you have, or some other paging error? You can find your report files in TQSoft/Reports, so you could locate a particular set of report files and send them and I can have a look." ] }, { "id": 4, "question": "When logging, the Fluke logger nearly always loses communication with TQSoft. How can we fix this?", "answer": [ "1. When we have Fluke connected to TQSoft in our office with LAN or USB we are able to log data for weeks without issue.", "2. When the system is used on site the real time data can stop in TQSoft. Sometimes it can stop after minutes and sometimes after many hours.", "3. Sometimes the Fluke unit also freezes and needs to be rebooted, but usually the Fluke unit continues storing data, and it can be imported to TQSoft at completion.", "4. With USB connection the Fluke drivers create a COM port in the PC. We found that when a communications issue occurs the COM port is affected and will usually need re-installing by disconnecting USB and re-connecting.", "5. With LAN connection we found that the port is also affected by a communications issue, but less so than the COM port. In fact after a period of minutes, real time data in TQSoft re-appears! However, complete data must be recovered from Fluke memory afterwards.", "6. We concluded that the communications issue is caused by electrical noise impacting Fluke firmware and this cannot be addressed by a PC application, in this case TQSoft.", "7. We advise customers to try a different electrical circuit and use Fluke memory.", "8. We don't believe that the Windows version has any effect on this issue. There is extra code in the latest TQSoft versions to try to recover real time communications. This works a bit with LAN but Fluke download is still required because real time data is not complete; some is lost." ] }, { "id": 5, "question": "Our TQSoft user assigned as Administrator has forgotten his password. How can we get access to the software again?", "answer": [ "It's simple to resolve. Go to www.tqsoftware.com then Downloads and download the 'Emergency Security Patch', then copy it (Operat3.ini) to the TQSoft folder replacing the existing file. You will have to re-enter user accounts." ] }, { "id": 6, "question": "Can I get a trial of TQSoft or TQAero?", "answer": [ "Go to www.tqsoftware.com and login with Username: TQTrial, Password: TQTrial00001. Then in Downloads you should find full installs for TQSoft and TQAero 9.x.x.", "To install, right click on setupTQSoft90x.exe and choose 'Run as Administrator'. When running the software for the first time the registration window should appear; please make the 'Trial' selection.", "Please be aware that you will need to verify your email address by checking your email." ] }, { "id": 7, "question": "Is there a way to read the Fluke 1586A channel configured with the mx+b function? We need it for relative humidity and other non-temperature measurements.", "answer": [ "Yes, the Fluke channels can be directly programmed with the mx+b function. But TQSoft can have multiple setpoints added for each channel, and 2 setpoints is an mx+b. The way TQSoft works is to do all adjustments in TQSoft, so the Fluke is not programmed with the mx+b through TQSoft. If you use Fluke memory, the adjustments are done when the data is imported to TQSoft." ] }, { "id": 8, "question": "Is TQSoft limited to a maximum of 2 set points? By points I mean the points in the oven space. Say we want to calibrate the oven at 9 temperature locations and 1-2 RH sensor locations, at multiple temperature and RH set points (e.g. -70°C, -20°C, 0°C, 50°C, 150°C, 5% RH / -10°C, 20% RH / 20°C, 95% RH / 80°C). Can it be done with TQSoft?", "answer": [ "We are talking at cross purposes. By setpoint I mean a temperature value (or humidity) at which a calibration adjustment is calculated. I will use your meaning and call them calibration points. I think you are confusing calibration in TQSoft with your calibration of a chamber. They are separate.", "1. In TQSoft you can add calibration points for your sensors connected to the Fluke. These calibration points can be used to adjust temperatures or scale voltage to pressure or humidity.", "2. From the data you collect I think you want to calculate calibration data/adjustments for the chambers you are working on.", "Here is the process:", "1. In TQSoft set up a channel configuration and calibration file so that 9 temperatures and 2 humidity sensors are functional. (Test it with Inputs Display.)", "2. Set up a simple test specification that uses the correct channel configuration and calibration files and will log 9 temperatures and 2 humidities.", "3. Try the test spec in a simple scenario and check the data.", "4. Put the sensors into a chamber and try to log a complete data set at all setpoints and temperature/stability points. Be sure to use the Fluke memory option in case the TQSoft communications are disrupted. If disruption occurs data can easily be imported into TQSoft at completion.", "5. Send data to us and we can then discuss what calculations you wish TQSoft to make and report." ] }, { "id": 9, "question": "How can I make it provide data every 1 minute in the Data List?", "answer": [ "The Data List print interval is controlled by stage settings, for example:", "08:12:35 Cycle Started [INT:02.00 CODE:1]", "INT:02.00 means a 2 minute print interval. Each stage has its own setting.", "This is separate from the scan interval in the Test Specification. The scan interval is the rate the logger scans and sends data to TQSoft, and is the rate at which TQSoft stores data." ] }, { "id": 10, "question": "When I clicked on Calibration, it prompted 'Calibration currently NOT active in PC'. What is the cause and what should I do?", "answer": [ "This message indicates that a user has switched off calibration in TQSoft. To switch it back on use Calibration Files Manual Adjust. This may need enabling in your user profile; use Edit Security to do that.", "Then click on Calibration Files in the treeview and you should see the option box on the right." ] }, { "id": 11, "question": "How can I get support for TQSoft or TQAero?", "answer": [ "1. If your issue involves data collected it is best to email the complete data record to support@tqsolutions.net.", " a. A complete data test consists of 8-12 files located in the TQSoft/chamber/data folder.", " b. The folder is shown in the chart or data list window caption.", " c. You can copy the files to your desktop by right clicking the chart, then Copy Files to Desktop, then zip that folder on your desktop and attach it to the email.", " d. Send a zip of the complete set of data that requires support.", "2. If your issue involves configuration or setup there should be some coverage in the list of support videos after Login on the web site; failing that email support@tqsolutions.net." ] }, { "id": 12, "question": "How can I use data stored in Fluke memory or on a flash drive?", "answer": [ "To get data directly from Fluke memory, in TQSoft/TQAero:", "1. Connect to the unit and in Equipment Connection select Logger Control.", "2. The control window should list all data files in the unit, identified by date and time.", "3. Double click on the required data and proceed through the test initiation.", "4. There may be questions about decimal place settings and calibration adjustments. At this point cal corrections can be applied to the data.", "5. If successful the data should be accessible in Reports and Data File Management.", "To get data from a flash drive or folder:", "1. Go to Reports and Data Management then Select Historic Tests.", "2. If the CSV file is on a flash drive or outside the TQSoft folder you will need to use the Configure button.", "3. If the Configure button is not available you will need to change the Edit Security user profile Tests tab to allow Historic Tests Configure.", "4. Select the required drive or folder and press OK.", "5. If data is not shown try the Remake button.", "6. Fluke data files will usually have 2 CSVs, one with the word 'setup' in it. Double click the one that is NOT the setup.", "7. Proceed through the test initiation.", "8. There may be questions about decimal place settings and calibration adjustments. At this point cal corrections can be applied to the data.", "9. If successful the data should be accessible in Reports and Data File Management." ] }, { "id": 13, "question": "How can I get a lethality trace for each temperature channel?", "answer": [ "An I-Calc must be created for each temperature channel that requires a lethality trace. This can be done with a historic test or in a Test Spec in Setup.", "1. In the Test Specification go to I-Calc list.", "2. Click New to start a new one.", "3. Answer NO to the question about using an existing one as the basis for the new one.", "4. Double click on the NEW I-Calc shown in the list.", "5. Give it a name, e.g. LT1, click Next.", "6. Select Continuously Monitored Interval, click Next.", "7. Select Max Interval Lethality; if required add temperature ref and base temperature, click Next.", "8. Select Cycle Start, click Next.", "9. In Interval Probes, choose the temperature channel, click Next.", "10. Leave blank, click Next.", "11. Leave blank, click Next.", "12. Leave blank, click Next.", "13. Leave blank, click Next.", "14. Click Include Calculation on Chart/Data, plot thickness 1, click Next.", "15. Click OK to save it and view the chart, or start a test to try it (in Setup)." ] }, { "id": 14, "question": "I have configured a Test Specification and now I want to copy it to other computers. How can I do it?", "answer": [ "Each Test Specification consists of 3 files residing in the TQSoft\\Logger01 folder. Files have suffixes pa2, tql, stg. (General manual section 4.12.3 Data Management Specification Table.)", "1. Find the Test Spec by looking at the pa2 file in a text editor, or by the date it was changed.", "2. Optional: rename the files so you know them; TQSoft will still find them.", "3. Copy the 3 files to a flash drive and paste them to the same folder on the other PCs." ] } ] }