BACnet Explorer - Where are the debug files located
The CAS BACnet Explorer is a powerful tool for discovering and managing BACnet devices. However, when complex network issues or unexpected behaviors occur, our support team requires specific diagnostic data to perform a root-cause analysis.
To provide the fastest possible resolution for your bug report, please include the three primary debug files generated by the software. These files contain technical logs and packet captures essential for troubleshooting protocol-level communication.
Required Debug Files for Technical Support
All diagnostic logs are stored locally in your Windows User Documents folder. Navigate to:
C:\Users\ to locate the following:
- Debuglog.txt: This is a plain text log of the application's internal operations. It tracks errors, timeouts, and state changes within the software itself.
- mstp_log.pkt: (Required for BACnet MS/TP only) This file captures the raw serial traffic on the MS/TP bus, including token passes and data frames.
- packets.pkt: (Required for BACnet/IP or Ethernet) This is a capture of all network packets sent and received by the Explorer. It is compatible with Wireshark for deep packet inspection.
Step-by-Step: Preparing Your Bug Report
- Reproduce the Issue: Open the Explorer and perform the actions that cause the bug. This ensures the most recent events are recorded in the logs.
- Locate the Files: Close the Explorer and navigate to the Documents directory mentioned above.
- Compress the Data: These files are plain text and can grow quite large. Use a file compression utility (like WinZip, 7-Zip, or the built-in Windows "Send to Compressed Folder") to reduce the size. Note: A 50MB log file will often compress down to just 3-4MB.
- Submit: Email the compressed ZIP folder to our support team along with a detailed description of the problem and your system environment.
FAQ – CAS BACnet Explorer Debugging
1) Can I open these files myself?
Yes. Debuglog.txt can be opened in any text editor like Notepad. The .pkt files are best viewed using Wireshark.
2) Are these files private?
The logs contain network addresses and device object names from your site, but they do not contain passwords or sensitive user credentials.
3) What if the files are too large to email?
If the compressed file exceeds your email provider's limit, contact our support team, and we can provide a secure upload link for your diagnostic data.
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