SatNOGS link – Fault isolation: data is not being collected
Fault description
One of these alarms is open:
No SatNOGS API key on this server yet.
SatNOGS rejected the API key.
The server hasn't reached SatNOGS since a given time, or has not completed a fetch yet.
You may also have received a phone alert that the last three fetches failed.
Steps marked "on the server" need a terminal on the Downlink Desk server, for example over SSH. If you do not have access, report the alarm to whoever maintains the server.
Preliminary requirements
Required conditions
- An alert or symptom described above is present.
Required persons
1 × Operator. Estimated time: 10 to 30 minutes.
Support equipment
- A computer or phone with a web browser, on the same network as the server
- Terminal access to the server, for example over SSH, for steps marked "on the server"
Supplies
None
Spares
None
Safety conditions
None
Isolation procedure
Read the alarm message.
Does it say there is no SatNOGS API key on the server?
Yes go to Result ANo go to Step 2
Read the alarm message.
Does it say SatNOGS rejected the API key?
Yes go to Result BNo go to Step 3
On the server, read the fetch log: journalctl -u downlink-desk-fetch -n 50.
Does the log say the system clock is behind the newest stored data?
Yes go to Result CNo go to Step 4
On the server, check the internet connection: curl -sI https://db.satnogs.org.
Does the command return a response from SatNOGS?
Yes go to Step 5No go to Result D
On the server, run a fetch now: cd ~/downlink-desk && .venv/bin/python -m downlink_desk.fetch --force.
Does it finish with a line saying how many new frames were stored?
Yes go to Result ENo go to Result F
Results
Add the key. Get a SatNOGS DB API key from db.satnogs.org (your avatar, then Settings / API Token). On the server, save it with echo YOURKEY > ~/downlink-desk/secrets/satnogs_token. The next fetch uses it.
The key is wrong. The most common cause is a SatNOGS Network key instead of a SatNOGS DB key; they are different. The other cause is extra characters pasted with the key. Get the DB key again and save it as in Result A.
The server's clock has not synced since boot. A Raspberry Pi has no clock battery, so this can happen after a power cut. Check the network connection. The fetch resumes by itself once the clock is set.
The server has no working internet connection. Check its network cable or Wi-Fi, and the router. Once the connection is back, the next fetch resumes collection.
Collection is working again. The alarm clears once the console sees a successful fetch. Write a log note with the cause, if known.
SatNOGS may be unavailable, or may be limiting requests. Downlink Desk waits and retries by itself. Do not shorten the fetch interval: SatNOGS is run by volunteers. Write a log note, check again after the next fetch, and report it if the alarm is still open at handover.
Requirements after job completion
- The cause is found and recorded in the log, or the alert is handed over with notes.