PEM2 Leap Year Transition FAQ

When I upload data from my PEM2, I receive a #4 Error and see the Wrench icon on the display. What is wrong?

We have discovered an unexpected but solvable issue with how the PEM2 handles the transition of the leap year. The issue is easily rectified, however, and any data prior to 12/31/08 will not be lost or compromised in any way.

Is my data OK? What will happen to my data?

Any data prior to 12/31/08 will not be lost or compromised in any way. However, there will be a gap in data collection from 12/31/08 until the monitor is reset. Prompt resetting will minimize any impact in long-term data analysis.

What do I need to do to resolve this issue?

Resolving the PEM2 leap year transition includes the following steps:

1. Restoring the PEM2's data files
2. Fixing the PEM2's data files
3. Resetting the PEM2 device

The detailed, step-by-step instructions can be found on the following link:

http://imagepermanenceinstitute.com/pem2_restore.shtml

You may also contact IPI at (585) 475-5199 for assistance at any time.

Why do I have to correct the current data file?

When you receive a #4/Wrench error on the PEM2, an incomplete data file has been written to the USB flash drive. The file first appears to be empty - containing no data – but the data will be restored by running the “Check Disk” utility. After repairing the file, you can delete the erroneous data occurring after 12/31/08. The file is then ready for normal use.

Why do I have to “reset” my PEM2 monitor?

Resetting the PEM2 clears ALL previous data from the PEM2. Once the old data is cleared, the problematic dates will no longer be stored within the PEM2. The PEM2 will resume normal data collection, without any interruption to the date calculation.

I have corrected my data file and reset my PEM2, now what?

Once the data is retrieved and the PEM2 is reset, the PEM2 is ready for normal use. Each PEM2 unit will be reprogrammed when it is sent back to IPI for its routine calibration. (IPI recommends that each PEM2 be recalibrated every 3 years.)

This problem is happening in the leap year 2008; will it reoccur in the leap year 2012?

Reprogramming the PEM2 is required to permanently resolve the issue, and will be handled when your PEM2 is returned to IPI for standard recalibration (recommended every 3 years). If your unit is not recalibrated before 12/31/2012, IPI will send a reminder to clear and reset the monitor to prevent any interruption in data collection.

I have a PEM2, but I have not used it yet to capture data. Do I have to reset the PEM2?

If you have not used your PEM2 to capture data (it is still in the box), you do not have to reset it at this time. However, this problem will reoccur in the next leap year, 2012. Reprogramming the PEM2 is required to permanently resolve the issue, and will be handled when your PEM2 is returned for standard recalibration (recommended every 3 years). If your unit is not recalibrated before 12/31/2012, IPI will send a reminder to clear and reset the monitor to prevent any interruption in data collection.

If this problem is associated with the leap year, why didn’t we see errors on or around February 29th?

The error is in the conversion routine that translates the raw seconds count to a date. The problem occurs in converting the time stamp on the last day (24 hours) of a leap year. After 12/30/08, the PEM2 will not be able to calculate the correct date and errors will appear in the data.