EEVBlog 121GW Software for Win & Android

[katerle]

Hi,

I've just ordered a 121GW at Welectron here in Germany.
Now I'm confused about the software.
The Windows App is'nt installable, not by the store nor by manual, because the installer linked to the store...
The links on the EEV-Store to Android-SW are dead.
I've manual loaded the meteor and the UEI Apps (Android 14), but I also have older versions of Android down to V9.
Where can I get a Windows App and which Apps are the right one for what Android-Version?
I get the meter on tuesday and can't test anything.

Thanks and Sunny Saturday, Stefan

[katerle]

No one with any tipps? I searched the forum but can't find no realy helpful threads.
Should I better cancel the meter and go for an other?
But the connectivity is a very nice to have for me, also the low burden and the 15V Diode-Test.
Or is there a chance to get the Windows-App installed without going the way over the M$-Store?
Or is there another Win-App compatible with this meter?

May be Dave has a few words to help me...

[coromonadalix]

be patient and don't force people(s) to react or post, they'll do it when they want it

or ask Dave  the master of eevblog

[Kean]

Basically Dave has said he doesn't plan to do any further development on the 121GW related app, but the Meteor app is available, and so is the source code for the original cross platform app.

For reference, see these posts by Dave:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/eevblog-121gw-discussion-thread/msg4724741/?topicseen#msg4724741
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/eevblog-121gw-discussion-thread/msg4729316/?topicseen#msg4729316
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/eevblog-121gw-discussion-thread/msg4737977/?topicseen#msg4737977

And regarding Windows support, you could try it with Sigrok:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/eevblog-121gw-discussion-thread/msg4724909/?topicseen#msg4724909

The 121GW isn't a perfect meter, but it does have some nice features that were fairly unique when it launched back in 2018.  The firmware update feature and built in SD card logging of the 121GW are certainly useful, and I think that the reported bugs related to SD card logging were fixed.

I tend to prefer using a bench DMM or DAQ device connected by a cable rather than Bluetooth, but it depends on your use case.  There are a few DMMs with isolated USB serial connectivity which makes it easy for long term software support.

If Bluetooth/BLE connectivity is really important to you right now, then there are also some other options like the Mooshimeter and some Uni-T/Owon models.  The Mooshimeter is getting quite old now (I think it launched in 2016) and it has also had app availability issues, and a search here will find a bunch of posts about Bluetooth connectivity/app issues with other DMM brands.  So the situation may be no better than for the 121GW.
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/mooshimeter-app/

[katerle]

@coromonadalix: Sorry for my impatience, but if I want to cancel the order I must hurry...

@Kean: Thank you very much, this helps me. I'll try it with sigrok. Can you tell me if the UEI-App "525 DMM" for Android is compatible with the meter? So I understand the writing in the EEV-Store, but the link is also outdated. And which would you recommend, Meteor or UEI (if it works)?

I own a plenty of meters, but the 15V-Diode and Low-burden functions I'm missing till now. That's because it's interesting for me.
BTW: I think the FW 2.05 will be the last, if I understand correctly...

[J-R]

I just tried a fully patched W11 install and had zero issues installing the 121GW app (build 65) through the Microsoft Store.  https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9n2681hjrtm8?hl=en-US&gl=US
Meteor was recently updated and works fine on Android 15.
The Official 121GW Android app is a dead end for Android 15, but older, used phones are trivial to come by.  I personally use LineageOS and there is a build archive available for older devices here: https://lineage-archive.timschumi.net

121GW low burden is perhaps slightly overrated due to accuracy and noise issues.  A decent bench DMM will be a better choice in my opinion.

[Kean]

@Kean: Thank you very much, this helps me. I'll try it with sigrok. Can you tell me if the UEI-App "525 DMM" for Android is compatible with the meter? So I understand the writing in the EEV-Store, but the link is also outdated. And which would you recommend, Meteor or UEI (if it works)?

I own a plenty of meters, but the 15V-Diode and Low-burden functions I'm missing till now. That's because it's interesting for me.
BTW: I think the FW 2.05 will be the last, if I understand correctly...

I do not have a recent Android device, so I could only test on an older Pixel 3XL with Android 12.

The Meteor app connects no problem and works as expected.

The UEi 525 DMM app installed and runs.  I could only connect after restarting BT on the 121GW, and although it would connect and let me record data, it didn't display anything and the logs were full of "null".  So the BLE connectivity may be similar to other UEi models but the packet format doesn't seem to be interpreted correctly.

The Microsoft Store app installed and ran, and I could pair my 121GW in Bluetooth settings, but I had to restart the app to see and connect to it.  It is pretty basic, but seems to work.

I don't have time right now to look at Sigrok.

With regards to newer firmware, I don't know any inside information but I believe UEi are still supplying Dave and may help to release an update if a major bug was found, but I'd say it is probably not likely to get any new features.  Historically, most handheld DMMs could not be updated anyway.

Yes, I also own _many_ meters... 

[katerle]

Here in Germany is a saying: "Besser Haben als Brauchen", means "better have then need".
The only common thing all meters have is that you can't get enough of them... 

Where can I get the old meter-app for older Androids? I can't find a source, because I don't even know the exact name for the .apk.
When I want to install the M$-App, I always end like shown in the picture (Win 11 Pro 24H2).

Then I delete the UEI-App again.
LineageOS does say me nothing.

Thank you and have a nice Sunday, here we have 18°C and pure sunshine in Bavaria...

BTW: It would be good if Dave updates the links in his Shop, so they are outdated.

[PA0PBZ]

Just to make sure it's not a geographical block I tried the Microsoft link given in reply 5 and it downloaded without a problem.
I didn't try to install but I zipped and attached it, give it a try.

Edit: Never mind, when I run the .exe it goed to the store and "currently not available.."
Maybe it's a geo block?

[katerle]

@PA0PBZ: Geoblocking may be, I'll try it with VPN Australia/US/Canada. I will report it...

Maybe POTUS is slowly switching out the lights in Europe... ;-)

[Kean]

I'm still on Win 10 22H2, so it may be a Win11 restriction.

There is an APK that Dave uploaded to the GitLab repo (not GitHub) in March 2023.  Not sure where it came from.
https://gitlab.com/eevblog/app-121gw - file called x121GW.Android.apk
Direct link https://gitlab.com/eevblog/app-121gw/-/raw/master/x121GW.Android.apk?inline=false

To install & run it I needed to accept lots of warnings.
It needs permissions for Location, Nearby Devices, and File and media.  The first two for BLE access, the latter for data export.
It ran and connected to my 121GW but it would not display readings.  The MODE and RANGE buttons did control the device though.

YMMV...

[katerle]

OK, nothing works with VPN, same as before.

I go to my lab, there are also WIN 11 22H2 Installations. I'll try this. Or may be they have banned the app from the store. Can you try if it is possible to install from your location, to know if it is ageneral problem with the store, with Win or with geoblocking?

Thank's for the links, I will try this app also...

A BenchDMM unfortunately is no alternative for me, because I need the things portable...

[Kean]

I installed it from the MS store today - but I am in Australia and on Win 10 22H2.  No Win 11 machine available right now.
https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9N2681HJRTM8?hl=en-us&gl=AU&ocid=pdpshare

I doubt Dave would have intentionally enabled geoblocking as he has customers worldwide, but MS might be limiting access based on newer T&Cs.
The downloadable version from the MS Store isn't the complete app, only a installer that needs to contact the store.

[katerle]

OK, I tried it with W10 22H2 - Nope, the same.
Seems you are right with M$ T&C, maybe Dave has to change something in the store.
It seems to be an european problem.
Is there a chance to get the software by sideload with an unidipendent installer?
I will write a PM to Dave, he's the godfather of the software... 

[Kean]

Is there a chance to get the software by sideload with an unidipendent installer?
I will write a PM to Dave, he's the godfather of the software... 

LOL, I don't think Dave knows any details about the apps.  They were developed by David2 quite some time ago and are UWP apps (so not just a simple exe or installler).

But... yes, you can try sideloading the MS Store app...

See the instructions here to download files using the store URL I shared earlier.
https://superuser.com/a/1801552

You only need to download the four AppxBundle and Appx dependency files for x64, as I assume you are not using x86 or arm...
Then you just double click the Appx dependencies and then the AppxBundle to install each one.

I tried installing this on a different Win 10 x64 machine in my lab and it worked.

As before, I seemed to have to manually pair the 121GW in Bluetooth control panel, but that also required first removing the pairing from the other PC.
If the Bluetooth device doesn't show up in the list, try restarting the app and/or turning BT off/on on the DMM.
I was a bit impatient so maybe the device would appear eventually without doing this.

There is also an EAppxBundle file as well with a newer version number (1.4.65.70) - but that is encrypted, so you won't be able to do anything with it.  The 1.4.65.0 AppxBundle file seems to be sufficient.

If you cannot download the files using the above method, then send me a PM and I will share them.  They are too big to upload here.

[katerle]

Thank you very much. It worked. 
I not yet have the meter to connect, but the app starts and looks like on the picture.
A click on settings does nothing, but I hope this is why no meter is connected/was found...

[Kean]

Thank you very much. It worked. 
I not yet have the meter to connect, but the app starts and looks like on the picture.
A click on settings does nothing, but I hope this is why no meter is connected/was found...

Great.  Yes, that is all you will see until you connect to the DMM.

The Settings icon is just for selecting the first tab where you connect to a device.  Nothing is shown there other than the device list, app build number, and a Refresh button.  No actual app settings.
When you connect a DMM, you will get a second tab - initially it will come up as "Test", but after a moment it should change to "121GW 0".

The app has a very simple UI designed mainly for touch screen use on phones in landscape or portrait mode.  The code is cross platform UWP/Android/iOS.
If the window width to height ratio is "wrong", then all you can do is tap to switch between LCD and graph display and clear/export the graph data, you cannot see the buttons to change modes/ranges etc.
But if you make the window narrow but tall (vertical/portrait display) you will see control buttons appear below the LCD, and a simultaneous graph display below that.

See attached screenshot.

I couldn't work out a way to disconnect from the DMM other than turning off DMM/BT or closing the app.   
Also, I found that after unpairing the DMM it now appears in the device list anyway.  So I guess I was just being impatient before. 

There was another version of the app that had a Math tab, but it doesn't seem to be implemented here.  I think it was mainly for power calculation when you had two DMMs measuring V & I.
The source code is available if you or someone wants to try extend it, but you might just find the Meteor app or Sigrok are better.

I have occasionally used Meteor 0.2 on iOS which was improved with a data export feature, but Meteor 0.1.3 on Android doesn't have that.

[katerle]

On Tuesday I hope the meter will arrive. Then I can test all the apps in all constellations. I will report this here.
The Sideload-Trick with the Store-App would be a good thing to pin up, because it seems that all european Users are affected...

[EEVblog]

Basically Dave has said he doesn't plan to do any further development on the 121GW related app, but the Meteor app is available, and so is the source code for the original cross platform app.

Correct, this is why I released the entire source code as open source.
This is the first time I've heard of the Windows app not working.
I'll try and install it myself and check, but I don't know the details of how all this works at the install and Microsft level etc.

EDIT: I just installed the Windows app no problems on Win 10. Microsoft asked if I was in the Uk or the US, I said the UK.

[J-R]

It's plausible that at some point in the future there will be no way to make the 121GW work with a modern device.  So it would be wise to have a few fall back plans.

LineageOS is the continuation of CyanogenMod and both have pretty much been the top alternative Android OS for decades.  I have a decent selection of old Android phones collected from friends, family and eBay.  I use them for virtual gauges in my cars, security cameras, and of course specific apps to support devices with older manufacturer apps, such as the 121GW.


Sigrok link: https://sigrok.org/wiki/EEVBlog_121GW

Linux support: https://github.com/chlordk/121gwcli

[Kean]

EDIT: I just installed the Windows app no problems on Win 10. Microsoft asked if I was in the Uk or the US, I said the UK.

I am suspecting it is a Win 11 issue where MS are "protecting" users from older apps.  Both Apple and Google like to remove older apps from their stores as well.  I understand they do it primarily as they don't want to deal with backwards compatibility, but it just exacerbates the issues of technical obsolescence when companies drop support of a product or go out of business.  It also seems to encourage companies to release new versions of their apps at a ridiculous rate.  Do we really need our social media and shopping apps updated almost every week...

I provided instructions above on how to "extract" and side-load the Windows Store app.  I can send you the UWP Appx install files I extracted if you'd like to host them on your site.

[J-R]

For sure not a Windows 11 issue since as stated previously I just installed the 121GW app directly from the store on a fresh 24H2 machine.

However, as a side note, UWP apps are probably on life support as MS announced back in 2021 that UWP was deprecated.  They've yanked the Office UWP apps from the store and will fully drop support (for the Office UWP app) in October.

[Kean]

Actually, MS specifically say that UWP is not deprecated[1], even if the Oct 2021 announcement was interpreted that way by the press & developers.  Wikipedia even incorrectly states it is deprecated.

UWP is still supported, even with .NET 9, but it would not be a good idea to develop a new app using it.  It has some annoying limitations, as does .NET MAUI.  Cross platform dev is like that.   

[1] https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/apps/get-started/windows-developer-faq#deprecations-and-migrations

Are UWP / WinUI 2 deprecated?

No. UWP and WinUI 2 are still supported and will receive bug, reliability, and security fixes. However, most new features and capabilities will only be added to WinUI 3.

UWP developers should feel no pressure to migrate their apps to the WinUI 3, if they are happy with UWP and its feature set. The best choice for some apps may be to never migrate.

[katerle]

I am suspecting it is a Win 11 issue where MS are "protecting" users from older apps.

No, I've also tried as written with W10. I think it is something with the data protection rules here in Europe, the EU is regarded to this mostly a little big "Gaga"... 

@Dave: So it makes sense, UK is Europe, but not EU. I think the T&C in the store should be updated to allow installing in EU, because the SW runs even on W11 24H2 after installing with sideload. Maybe it's only a checkmark in the store...

[EEVblog]

@Dave: So it makes sense, UK is Europe, but not EU. I think the T&C in the store should be updated to allow installing in EU, because the SW runs even on W11 24H2 after installing with sideload. Maybe it's only a checkmark in the store...

I have no idea how that even works. From memory we never set anything to do with region.

[katerle]

So yesterday I asked two friends of mine in Belgium and Austria to test the install of the app from the Store. Same thing - nope.
I think it's really an EU-Problem.

@Dave: Why not pick the sideload-files on top or pack them on your Storeside of the 121er. The side needs also a update of the outdated links.
Good idea?

EDIT/OT: My friend in Austria said, as it's in fashion this time, they will make a crowdfunding to buy Australia, because it's nearer to Wien then to the Moon and the names are so similiar... 

[katerle]

The Meter has arrived...

... Meteor and Store-App are working... 
The only thing I don't see are the buttons. Any ideas?

Thanks to all of you!

EDIT: The buttons are there, but they are not visible. I can click and they react. 
Do I have to paint the buttons on the screen?

[Kean]

OK, I checked again on the PC that I side-loaded and the buttons look OK.  I thought maybe the side-load may have missed some images or translation...

Did you install all three Appx dependencies?

The files I installed in order were:

• Microsoft.NET.Native.Framework.2.1_2.1.27427.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe.Appx
• Microsoft.NET.Native.Runtime.2.1_2.1.26424.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe.Appx
• Microsoft.VCLibs.140.00_14.0.33519.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe.Appx
• EEVblog.EEVblog121GW_1.4.65.0_neutral_~_882f7gxbm7ae0.AppxBundle

[katerle]

Yes, exact those four files with exactyl the same names. No error by any installation. On W10 I also have no buttons visible.
I will uninstall and install again. Intel-Graphics, newest driver. I also installed with thw winget-script-cli and the same. Three PCs, no buttons to see. Mysterious... 

[Kean]

The PC I tested on was also Intel graphics (older HP box).

Are all three PCs are running Windows install with German as default language?
I doubt it was tested on anything but Australian English, and comma/period numeric separators.

[katerle]

Yes, all three are german language and metric.
I've just un- and reinstalled in you order, the same.
I don't think the app needs Java or so?

[katerle]

You may be right with the language, see screenshot, yellow circled...

EDIT: So I will take an obsolete machine and install W10 in English (US).
I only have to look for a english keyboard and mouse... 
I can live without the buttons, but I want to see what's the reason, we are nearly 450 Millions of people here in EU (Without UK, Turkey and Suisse).
And they all have a right to see the buttons... 

[Micah Lindstrom]

It's not just an EU issue, I'm in the US with computer set to English (US) and don't see the buttons either. I'm running Win11 24H2 and installed from the Microsoft Store. When I clicked the app link from the 121GW page, I got a popup saying this was the UK store and did I want to switch to the US store. I'm 90% sure I switched to the US store.

That's a good find that the buttons still work, they're just invisible. I didn't even think to try clicking where the buttons ought to be.

I thought it might be related to display scaling. But no, even at 100% scaling I still don't see buttons.

All those four packages to install are only if you're trying to sideload right? If you can install from store, that should get everything already?

[katerle]

Jepp, the four files are only for sideloading the App. Installed from the Store everything will be installed, also the needed dependency Files.

I'm working for over 30 years in the IT now, but I'm no software-engineer.

Fact by now is, it has nothing to do with language, country, Store or not, Win-Version, Graphics, scaling, resolution.
What could be the reason? 

[Micah Lindstrom]

I tried sigrok smuview as well to no avail. Tried both 0.0.5 (current released) and 0.0.6 (beta), but nothing appears when I try to scan for it. I also tried pairing the meter to my computer and that didn't do anything either.

• https://www.sigrok.org/wiki/SmuView#Windows_installers_2
• https://github.com/knarfS/smuview/releases/tag/continuous
• https://www.sigrok.org/wiki/Sigrok-meter
• https://github.com/knarfS/smuview/issues/17

[Kean]

I took a quick look at sigrok, but it doesn't seem to support BLE connections natively which makes it tricky to use with the 121GW.

There is mention of a python script that can be used with an ESP/nRF device for a BLE to UART gateway (or natively on some platforms), but I don't think that will work on Windows.
https://www.sigrok.org/wiki/EEVBlog_121GW
https://sigrok.org/gitweb/?p=sigrok-util.git;a=blob_plain;f=util/eevblog-121gw/eev121gw-ble-uart-relay;hb=HEAD

Too much mucking around for me...

[katerle]

I also tried to pair the GW with a PC. That's no problem, but the GW ist found under BT-Devices.
It got's no com-port assigned.
As @Kean said, there is a possibility in sigrok to link it to a com-port via python script.
But that's IMHO not worth the action.
You need a platform on which sigrok supports BLE directly...
I think the finest solution is to make the buttons in the App visible, only how?
Holy cow... 

[PA0PBZ]

I had a look at the multi-platform source but all I found was a headache 
It looks quite complicated and the fact that it uses Xamarin which is no longer supported in Visual Studio doesn't help either. I think that creating a new version just for Windows would be easier but I don't have a 121GW and not planning to get one.

[katerle]

You're speaking from the Store-App or sigrok?

[PA0PBZ]

You're speaking from the Store-App or sigrok?

The Dave App: https://gitlab.com/eevblog/app-121gw
I guess this is the store App.

[joeqsmith]

I had put together some software for the 121 using LabView.  I thought a few others had made similar applications.

From what I remember, I ran into a few snags along the way but most were self inflicted.  I had tapped into the serial communications to the BLE controller so I could sniff both sides with the scope and PC.   

Seems like once I sorted out my problems, it worked fairly well.   

[katerle]

You converted the units BLE over cable to FTDI in normal BT with the possibility to assin a com-port?
And then write a module embedded in labview?
Good idea, but you have the cabels out of the meter. And labview is AFAIK no freeware...

[joeqsmith]

You converted the units BLE over cable to FTDI in normal BT with the possibility to assin a com-port?
And then write a module embedded in labview?
Good idea, but you have the cabels out of the meter. And labview is AFAIK no freeware...

There was only BLE.   The wired cable was to sniff the data going to the BLE controller.   Basically I wanted to make sure that the BLE chipset was not changing the data. 

After National Instruments (NI as they now identify as) changed to a rental license and attempted to extort their user base,  I now consider LabView a dead end path.   That said, I believe they still offer their free community edition.   I have never installed it and don't know what limitations it has if any.   Also, depending on your location, there may be restrictions.   If you have never used it, I don't recommend you start now.  Better to stay with what you know. 

My LabView example shows that custom applications for the 121GW can be written without too much effort.  It seems others had done something similar using different languages.   There is a lot of information on this site about the 121GW.   You may want to spend a little time researching it. 

I did use their software with my Windows 10 tablet.   I am sure I have this software archived if it would help.  Guessing it would be the same that is available today.   

[katerle]

Thank you Joe,
but I think I let my fingers away from labview. That's not my business and I do not have the time to work me in.
It is like it is, I have to live with what I have regarding the 121GW. So it's a nice meter and most Software works.
Maybe when there is time I will research the problem with the unvisible buttons...

@all: Have a nice week

[joeqsmith]

EDIT: The buttons are there, but they are not visible. I can click and they react. 
Do I have to paint the buttons on the screen?

I can live without the buttons, but I want to see what's the reason, we are nearly 450 Millions of people here in EU (Without UK, Turkey and Suisse).
And they all have a right to see the buttons... 

I think the finest solution is to make the buttons in the App visible, only how?
Holy cow... 

Thank you Joe,
but I think I let my fingers away from labview. That's not my business and I do not have the time to work me in.
It is like it is, I have to live with what I have regarding the 121GW. So it's a nice meter and most Software works.
Maybe when there is time I will research the problem with the unvisible buttons...

@all: Have a nice week

I have no idea what these buttons are that you keep referring to.   I wonder if you are thinking that the application somehow has control over the meter.   

BLUETOOTH
To enable Bluetooth communications, hold the “1ms PEAK” button until BT is displayed on the LCD.
Ensure that Bluetooth is enabled on the host device before running the appli-cation on the remote computing device.
The multimeter will continue to functional as normal in Bluetooth mode, but the display data will be transmitted via the Bluetooth connection.
To disable Bluetooth mode press and hold the 1ms Peak button until BT is not displayed.

You have to manually setup the meter like you normally would.  It just sends the data to the application.  There would be no need for buttons.

[katerle]

In principle you are right. The buttons are (I think four) from the eight on the meter, so i. e. you can switch hold on and off etc. Of course you can't change the range-knob.
You can click the unvisible buttons and they react, if you hit them. That means the BLE communication have to be bidirectional. It's a nice gimmick, but you can as good press them on the meter.
The interesting thing is only, why do some see them and others not, it's not the end of the world... 

[joeqsmith]

In principle you are right. The buttons are (I think four) from the eight on the meter, so i. e. you can switch hold on and off etc. Of course you can't change the range-knob.
You can click the unvisible buttons and they react, if you hit them. That means the BLE communication have to be bidirectional. It's a nice gimmick, but you can as good press them on the meter.
The interesting thing is only, why do some see them and others not, it's not the end of the world... 

Think about it.  The data is going to the PC.  Could the PC perform a Min/Max, Hold, Rel, Record without talking with the meter? 

As far as I know, the meter is a send only device.  What the software does with that data is independent. 

[katerle]

Good objection. I will try it out. I click "Hold" at the ghost-switch. When "Hold" appears on the meter, it has to be bidrectional, right? If not, the SW does it itsself. I haven't observed this until now.
I'll keep you updated...

[joeqsmith]

If there is ANYTHING you can do with the software that changes one of the meter's settings, let us know.   I am not aware of anything. 

[katerle]

So sorry, but I'm right. I can click the hold and the Meter itself goes on hold etc. I can switch from AC to DC etc. and the Meters shows it. The second button from left have to be the "Mode"-Button. Also I can remote control it in a few functions...
Could someone with visible buttons post a screenshot to know whitch button is where and what?
If you still have yours, simply try it out...

[joeqsmith]

That is very interesting.   Are you using that same old PC software from way back when?   

I can click the hold and the Meter itself goes on hold etc. I can switch from AC to DC etc.

Beyond hold and AD/DC, what else do you have control of? 

[katerle]

I'm only speaking from the Windows-Store-App, installed by sildeload on W11 24H2 and W10 22H2. The SW is Build 65 from I think 2018 or so.
More functions I have not tried, only the two buttons, but I can do it if you want. The description and place of the buttons would be helpful, so it's a little bit chaotic.
With the both "Hold" and "Mode" (I think the left two in the App) I can do exactly all the same as physically on the meter. That what I have tried. The other both I don't know by now...

[katerle]

@Kean posted on page 1 a picture of the complete app as it should look.
The four buttons on top under the display are from left to right HOLD - MODE - REL - RANGE.
On the bottom there were two other buttons under the graphics RESET - SAVE.
The Top-Buttons now I have tested, they can control the meter. One click is like one press physically and so on.
The bootom ones will be for the graphics or the logging, don't know...

[PA0PBZ]

That is very interesting.

This may help if you want to experiment, I found it in the source code:

Code: [Select]

private static byte[] KEYCODE_RANGE = { 0xF4, 0x30, 0x31, 0x30, 0x31 };
private static byte[] KEYCODE_HOLD = { 0xF4, 0x30, 0x32, 0x30, 0x32 };
private static byte[] KEYCODE_REL = { 0xF4, 0x30, 0x33, 0x30, 0x33 };
private static byte[] KEYCODE_PEAK = { 0xF4, 0x30, 0x34, 0x30, 0x34 };
private static byte[] KEYCODE_MODE = { 0xF4, 0x30, 0x35, 0x30, 0x35 };
private static byte[] KEYCODE_MINMAX = { 0xF4, 0x30, 0x36, 0x30, 0x36 };
private static byte[] KEYCODE_MEM = { 0xF4, 0x30, 0x37, 0x30, 0x37 };
private static byte[] KEYCODE_SETUP = { 0xF4, 0x30, 0x38, 0x30, 0x38 };
private static byte[] KEYCODE_LONG_RANGE = { 0xF4, 0x38, 0x31, 0x38, 0x31 };
private static byte[] KEYCODE_LONG_HOLD = { 0xF4, 0x38, 0x32, 0x38, 0x32 };
private static byte[] KEYCODE_LONG_REL = { 0xF4, 0x38, 0x33, 0x38, 0x33 };
private static byte[] KEYCODE_LONG_PEAK = { 0xF4, 0x38, 0x34, 0x38, 0x34 };
private static byte[] KEYCODE_LONG_MODE = { 0xF4, 0x38, 0x35, 0x38, 0x35 };
private static byte[] KEYCODE_LONG_MINMAX = { 0xF4, 0x38, 0x36, 0x38, 0x36 };
private static byte[] KEYCODE_LONG_MEM = { 0xF4, 0x38, 0x37, 0x38, 0x37 };
private static byte[] KEYCODE_LONG_SETUP = { 0xF4, 0x38, 0x38, 0x38, 0x38 };


[joeqsmith]

That is very interesting.

This may help if you want to experiment, I found it in the source code:

I had a look at the software I wrote.  I have no provisions for sending data.   I looked in my original Packet121GW.cs from 9/18/2018 that I had used to write my software from.  Indeed they did support it back then.

[katerle]

Good sunny Morning!

When I look at the code I see commands for all eight buttons.
Maybe they are not static in the app and changes with the rotation of the knob on the meter?
Yesterday I tried something with resolutions, colors, settings of the graphics - nope.
The Meteor-App on Android 14 works like a charm, I will try it with static buttons or not.
Now is first coffee - cigarette - dogs - weißwürste - weißbier. Than I will look... 

[joeqsmith]

I'm only speaking from the Windows-Store-App, installed by sildeload on W11 24H2 and W10 22H2. The SW is Build 65 from I think 2018 or so.
More functions I have not tried, only the two buttons, but I can do it if you want. The description and place of the buttons would be helpful, so it's a little bit chaotic.
With the both "Hold" and "Mode" (I think the left two in the App) I can do exactly all the same as physically on the meter. That what I have tried. The other both I don't know by now...

My experience with installing the latest 121GW application as the one I previously tested with was very old and I had deleted it.   Simple enough….

First problem, I block all MS traffic.  I do this because Windows had become too intrusive.   If the PCs are stable, I am not going to upgrade them for the fun of it and with MS pushing updates left and right, it seemed like that was all I was doing.   When I started sniffing traffic and saw they would send every key stoke from their calculator app back to the mother ship, enough was enough.

I had a brand-new tablet that was still in the box.  The same model tablet I used last time I tested the 121GW’s BLE interface.   I let the table have full access to the internet.   The Store application just shows an error when I attempt to run it.  Tablet is too old.  I bypass MS Store and side load.   Get the 4 files.   Windows 10 OS is too outdated to install them.  I run the updates on the OS. After a fair amount of time, it's all updated, except I guess not.  Store is still the same old application.

With the OS updated, I attempt to install the side loaded files.  Nope.  OS still will not handle all files.

Spend time reading how to upgrade Store app.  I need to wipe out the old Store and Xbox.   I uninstall the store app but the OS would not allow me to remove XBox. 

Go to MS and download latest Windows 10 (because “update” doesn’t mean latest version of 10??).  Another fair amount of time later, it is updated (or is it?).  All new look and feel, because they feel I care.   Expecting it to be all set to go, nope, no Store application.  Remember I had deleted it.  It must have felt I didn't want it rather than I was trying to upgrade it so it would work.

Run Xbox (because I am such a game person, not).  It complains about missing Store app, but will not correct problem.   The new OS does allow me to delete XBox now.   I download latest Xbox (back where I left off with the whole how-to-upgrade Store app).  Install and run Xbox.  It complains about missing Store but does not correct it.

Interrupted as more MS updates are being pushed.  Lots of security and quality issues...   Another fair amount of time later, tablet runs out of disk space. 

Attempt to clean up all the files from the original Windows 10 and what not.  More time passes.  With several GB removed, retry the patch updates.  The upgrades continue.

Again, this was a brand-new tablet.   I never installed any applications on it outside of attempting to upgrade store to download the 121GW app.  Remember the 121GW app???  That’s what we are working on….

Finally… run Powershell…AppxPackage….   It installs Store!!!   Run it…  Oh wait, it needs to be upgraded...   One more power cycle …   “Getting Windows Ready  Don’t turn off your computer”  It’s only been 9 hours.  I bet we are getting close… Or are we..

The reboot required another hour, doing something.   But she’s finally booting up… Almost.  A little more updating and some cleaning up…   So close.  It says welcome.    Nope, another update is ready and includes reliability, performance and security improvements..    33% complete……

All in all, about 10.5 hours to install.      EEVBLOG software fired right up and linked.  No issues there at all.   Now, where are these buttons you mentioned?   

[katerle]

The app has a very simple UI designed mainly for touch screen use on phones in landscape or portrait mode.  The code is cross platform UWP/Android/iOS.
If the window width to height ratio is "wrong", then all you can do is tap to switch between LCD and graph display and clear/export the graph data, you cannot see the buttons to change modes/ranges etc.
But if you make the window narrow but tall (vertical/portrait display) you will see control buttons appear below the LCD, and a simultaneous graph display below that.

See attached screenshot.

OMG! My condolences! What Internet-Connection do you have? Here we have 500 MBit Fiber and Updates run as hell. NVMEs & iCores > 8. Gen.

Now bach to the App. As @Kean said, in Landscape you see not the whole App. You have to pull the App narrow and high, then the whole App is visible with the graph and (in rare cases) the buttons.

First screenshot is from @Kean, how it should look. Second is mine without buttons.
It would be great if you have an idea.
Have you installed the App also by sideload, if i understand right?
Have a nice day and thanks very much for your efforts...

EDIT: Installed with the same four files 64 Bit by sideload, I did it meanwhile on four different PCs with W10 22H2, W11 23H2, W11 24H2.

[joeqsmith]

Tablet is a quad-core ATOM with a 1920 X 1200 res.  Sure enough, rotate it on its end and it presents the buttons.   Maybe I knew this at one time, or maybe not.  I turn off that auto rotate aspect ration stuff because it interferes with my use of the tablets.   I keep them locked in landscape. 

The only time I have ever used the wireless interface on any meter (outside of playing with them at home) was during some temperature testing.  I needed to monitor something inside a chamber.  I wouldn't have a need (or want) to change the meter's setup. 

Still, implementing the transmit shouldn't be a problem.  It's possible someone already wrote a 3rd party program for the 121GW that has all of this implemented.

Have you installed the App also by sideload, if i understand right?

Once Windows was updated, I just did it all through the Store application.  This was the easiest part of the whole process.