User's Guide

Chapter 3. Using Your APS3
3.26
Monitoring the Wireless Connection to the APS3
Device
The ParticleSpectrum application communicates with the APS device by using a Bluetooth
wireless link. The wireless link has a range of up to 30 ft (10 m).
The Connection indicator in the APS device status bar area of the ParticleSpectrum window
shows the wireless connection between the APS device and the link module. The connection
quality is indicated by the color of the bar and the wording below the bar (see Figure 3.26):
• Blue - Connected. The connection between the link and APS device is good.
With a good connection, the APS device is sending the maximum number of readings
per second to the link module (at least 200 readings per second).
• Grey - N o connection. Indicates that there is no connection between the APS device
and link module. The entire device status bar will be greyed out.
Figure 3.26: Wireless Connection Monitor
The Bluetooth wireless link technology used in the APS device is a low-power technology
that operates in the 2.4 GHz radio frequency band. This unlicensed band is also used by many
other types of devices, such as cordless phones and microwave ovens. Another 2.4 GHz
device operating in close proximity could interfere with the APS system. When this happens,
separating the devices by at least 6 ft (2 m) usually solves the problem.
Other factors can also affect the wireless link, such as the distance between the APS device and link,
and obstacles between the device and link that block the signal. If ParticleSpectrum indicates that the
connection isn’t good, try moving the wireless link module a few feet closer to the APS device.
After turning off the APS device, the Connection indicator might not change to grey for a few seconds.
Connected No Connection