If your Go Direct SpectroVis Plus (GDX-SVISPL) isn’t powering on or is not recognized by your software or device, it is most likely due to a power or USB compatibility issue. Follow the steps below to troubleshoot.

✅ Step 1: Confirm Your Connection Setup

Make sure you’re following the correct setup for your spectrometer and platform.
👉 View setup guides

✅ Step 2: Troubleshooting by Connection Type

Click the option below that matches how you’re trying to connect your spectrometer.
Each section will walk you through specific troubleshooting steps for your setup.

🔌 USB to a computer (Mac, Windows) or Chromebook using Spectral Analysis
  1. Remove the battery from the spectrometer.
    Note: If you are collecting data via USB, you do not need the battery installed or the AC power cable connected. Removing both often solves most issues.
  2. Reboot your computer or Chromebook.
  3. Unplug and replug the USB cable.
  4. Try a different USB cable — use one you know works.
  5. Use a shorter USB cable if one is available.
    Shorter cables are more reliable for data communication.
  6. Avoid using any USB adapters.
    Do not use USB standard-to-USB-C adapters or any converters; use a direct USB cable connection.
  7. Use a powered USB hub between the spectrometer and your device, if possible.
    This can help ensure consistent power and data transfer.
  8. If you are using the Spectral Analysis Progressive Web App (spectralanalysis.app) in Chrome, make sure you have connected properly. See How do I connect USB sensors to the Progressive Web App version of Graphical Analysis (and other Vernier apps)?
  9. If you prefer to keep the battery installed, follow the Full Power Reset Instructions below.
🔌 USB to a LabQuest 2 or LabQuest 3
  1. Remove the battery from the spectrometer.
    Note: If you are collecting data via USB, you do not need the battery installed or the AC power cable connected. Removing both often solves most issues.
  2. Reboot your LabQuest completely.
    • LabQuest 2⚊Home > System > Reboot
    • LabQuest 3⚊Choose Reboot from the Settings screen
  3. Connect the LabQuest to AC power.
  4. Unplug and replug the USB cable.
  5. Try a different USB cable — use one you know works.
  6. Use a shorter USB cable if one is available.
    Shorter cables are more reliable for data communication.
  7. Use a powered USB hub between the spectrometer and your device, if possible.
    This can help ensure consistent power and data transfer.
  8. If you prefer to keep the battery installed, follow the Full Power Reset Instructions below.
📶 Bluetooth (BLE) to Computer, Chromebook, iOS, or Android
  • Spectral Analysis version 4.4 or newer is required for GDX-SVISPL.
  • If using the Progressive Web App (PWA) in Chrome, make sure you’ve followed proper connection steps.
    👉 See PWA connection tips
  • LabQuest 2 and 3 are not compatible with Bluetooth for Go Direct spectrometers. Use USB instead.
  • Before You Try to Connect:
    • If the spectrometer is brand new, make sure to remove the battery tab before attempting to charge or power it on.
    • Charge the battery overnight using the included AC power adapter.
    • Disconnect both the AC adapter and USB cable.
    • Press the power button.
      • The green power LED should turn on.
      • After a few seconds, the blue Bluetooth LED should begin blinking.
    • If the green LED does not turn on, remove the battery, wait one minute, reinsert it, and try again.
  • If you’re still unable to connect, follow the Full Power Reset Instructions below.
  • Why can't my device find Go Direct Spectrometer when I try to connect via Bluetooth?
🛠 Other Connection Types
  1. Logger Pro is no longer receiving updates. We recommend switching to Spectral Analysis or LabQuest for continued support and compatibility.
    👉 Learn more
  2. LabQuest with Bluetooth (BLE) is not supported. Please use a USB connection or an alternative platform.
🔁 Full Power Reset Instructions

Use this procedure if your spectrometer won’t power on, is unresponsive, or not identified via any method:

  1. Disconnect all cables (USB, AC power, etc.).
  2. Remove the battery.
  3. Wait 1 full minute to allow the device to fully discharge.
  4. Reconnect the AC power adapter (leave the battery out).
    → At this point, the Battery LED should be red, and all other LEDs off.
  5. Press the power button.
    → The Battery LED should stay red, Power LED should turn green, Bluetooth LED should blink, and USB LED should stay off.

If the LEDs behave as described:

  1. Reinsert the battery.
  2. Connect to desired software.
    • ⚠️ Important:
      • Charge the battery overnight for best performance.
      • Remove the AC power cable before data collection, as it can heat the sample.

If the LEDs do NOT turn on:

  • With AC still connected and the battery still removed, plug in the USB cable to your computer.
    → The Battery LED should be red, Power LED green, USB LED green, and Bluetooth LED off.
  • Remove the AC power cable — the spectrometer should stay on and remain recognized in Spectral Analysis.
  • Disconnect the USB cable.
  • Reinsert the battery.
  • Press the power button.
    → The Power LED should turn green, and the Bluetooth LED should begin blinking. The Battery and USB LEDs should be off.
  • Connect to desired software.

🆘Step 3: Still Not Working?

If these steps don’t solve the issue—or if the problem happens repeatedly with the same spectrometer—please contact Vernier Technical Support. When you reach out, be sure to include:
– The serial number of your spectrometer
– A summary of the troubleshooting steps you’ve already tried

Related TILs
LabQuest Not Recognizing SpectroVis Plus or Showing Bad Data
Why can't my device find Go Direct Spectrometer when I try to connect via Bluetooth?
My Spectrometer is not working properly. It won't calibrate or is giving very noisy data.
Spectrometer Error: 'Could Not Collect Values' or 'Calibration Failed'

Published: May 24, 2019. Updated: May 6, 2025.