ION Setup Waveform Log Timestamp Issue

[Stuart_Cheng]

Hi All,

I’m testing an ION meter and have encountered an issue with the waveform timestamp display under ION Setup → Data View → Waveform.

I triggered several voltage sags. The Event and Sag/Swell logs correctly show the timestamps of these occurrences. However, the Waveform section consistently displays timestamps of 1970 and 1955, which are clearly incorrect.

Wondering has anyone encountered this issue before? Is there a specific setting I should adjust to correct the waveform timestamp? Thank you

[Charles_Murison · Accepted solution]

Hello @Stuart_Cheng 

Looking at the event log, it looks like you are trying to trigger PQ events by changing setup registers. This is not a good way to generate an event. When you change a setup register, you will take the module offline then make the change then put the module back online. Doing this to sag/swell module can make the data associated with PQ events become corrupted. Changing the setup registers is not a good test method. What exactly are you trying to test? Would a manual waveform trigger achieve what you are looking for?

Regards,

Charles

[Robert_Lee · Accepted solution]

One thing to keep in mind is that triggering waveforms when the volts mode is set to DEMO will result in waveforms that are not timestamped properly.  Timestamps for waveforms while the device is in DEMO mode will always be reported as the time it was downloaded (not when it was stored).

You should also make sure that all waveforms are modified equally as they process for ION Setup to group records are not time based but all are expected to have the same number of waveforms (i.e. reprograming only 1 of the waveform recorders will only reset the stored waveforms in that 1 module which causes offset issues in the waveform viewer).

[Stuart_Cheng]

Hi @Charles_Murison and @Robert_Lee,

Thanks for helping me point out the issue.

I was testing some PQ functions in the office, so I used a simplified approach—running in demo mode and manually adjusting the voltage to simulate sags. That method indeed caused the issue. After your reminders, I switched to using a simulator, and everything is working fine now. Appreciate your support and guidance!