MAMPEC - FAQ and Known Issues

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How can I find the detailed version number of MAMPEC?

The main version number of a major upgrade of MAMPEC (e.g. v3.0 or v3.1) is indicated in the top window bar. The detailed version number (of intermediate updates and minor bug fix releases; e.g. v3.1.0.2) can be found as follows: locate the executable file (Mampec.exe) in the program directory and use the right click menu of the mouse to check the “Properties” menu entry of this file. Under the tab “Properties / Details” the detailed file version number is indicated. In future versions (v.3.1.0.3 and later) this can also be found under the “Help / About” screen and in the “Report” form (5th line from top, under “Version”). The detailed version number is important when reporting errors or problems to the Helpdesk.

MAMPEC immediately crashes after showing the start up (splash) screen

If MAMPEC immediately crashes when trying to start it up, right after the initial splash screen is shown, the problem is most likely that some libraries are missing. These libraries must be installed using the 32 bits version of the Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Service Pack 1 Redistributable Package. The installer can be downloaded from the corresponding Microsoft website.

The required download is vcredist_x86.exe corresponding to the 32 bits with which this version of MAMPEC has been built. Select only this item (vcredist_x86.exe) when prompted, and then install it on your computer. Once the installation is complete, MAMPEC should start up after the splash screen closes.

Error message: Attempt to write a read-only database (SQL) when using MAMPEC, for example when loading a scenario

This error message is caused by a permission issue. Workarounds are:

• Installing a portable version of MAMPEC. Please run the portable from a directory in which you have sufficient permissions (write access) such as your desktop; or
• Right-click the MAMPEC shortcut on your desktop, select ‘Properties’, select the tab ‘Compatibility’, and enable ‘Run this program as an administrator’.
  Running as administrator may not be possible on your system, depending on restrictions set by your administrator.

Background information: MAMPEC requires write access to files in the MAMPEC installation directory. In Windows, certain programs are executed with limited permissions unless forced to run as administrator.

Can I use a comma as decimal separator? What regional setting should I use?

This error message is caused by a permission issue. Workarounds are:

• Installing a portable version of MAMPEC. Please run the portable from a directory in which you have sufficient permissions (write access) such as your desktop; or
• Right-click the MAMPEC shortcut on your desktop, and select ‘ Run as Administrator’. This may not be possible on your system, depending on restrictions set by your administrator.

Background information: MAMPEC requires write access to files in the MAMPEC installation directory. Even when logged in as administrator, certain programs are executed with limited permissions unless forced to run as administrator.

Full error message: NHibernate.TransactionException: Begin failed with SQL exception —> System.Data.SQLite.SQLiteException: Attempt to write a read-only database.

How do I recognize problems with regional settings on my computer?

Problems with regional settings can be detected by inspecting the proper representation of figures with commas and dots (e.g. in compound properties screen) or by examining the effect of variations before and after the decimal separator and resulting changes in related input boxes. Example: in the Compound input panel any change in one of the six (bio)degradation rate constant boxes (in day-1) should immediately result in the related calculated half-life (in day) boxes.

See also: Can I use a comma as decimal separator? What regional setting should I use?

I cannot enter properly numeric data in the compound-properties input screen of MAMPEC. What is wrong?

Most likely there is a problem with the Regional Settings on your computer and the setting for the decimal separator. This can easily be recognized (see: How do I recognize problems with regional settings on my computer?) and fixed (see: Can I use a comma as decimal separator? What regional setting should I use?

How can I download the MAMPEC software?

The MAMPEC model software is freely available from the download portal at the support website: Deltares Downloads.

The program can be installed in two different ways:

1. by using the installer version (MAMPEC AF installer.msi), which is the recommended option for users with full administrative rights, or
2. by using the portable version (MAMPEC AF portable.zip), which can be unzipped and used in any directory or drive, including USB-drive. The last option is recommended for users and situations with limited administrative rights, and is therefore used as the default version.

The user needs to provide name and email address, to which a message will be send with the download link for the version selected. The default download package for the current version includes the portable versions of MAMPEC AF and MAMPEC BW and related documentation such as the user manual, installation instructions, technical documentation and release notes.

For the other installation packages indicated on the download portal, the user needs to first select the required package and then fill in the subscription panel.

Why is my results table empty for a new run with the Open Sea or other scenarios?Is there a predefined open harbour scenario and how can I create one?

The new model run seems to be executed regularly, but the results table is empty and no specific error messages popping up. This is probably related to the maximum dimensions of the Open Sea environment, which are limited and should not exceed 10 times the dimensions of the regular scenarios included (e.g. OECD-EU Shipping Lane). This may lead to problems with the DELWAQ software module in MAMPEC and result in blank lines in the results table in the Run model & View results screen. Proper warnings and error messages will be included in the next version.

If this occurs in model runs with the harbour or marina scenarios, a similar problem with deviating dimensions and the specification of the grid in the DELWAQ module may be the reason for this. Guidance for the dimensions of the commercial, estuarine or open harbour and marina is provided in the manual and handbook.

Is there a predefined open harbour scenario and how can I create one?

Currently no specific open harbour scenarios have been agreed upon in regulatory frameworks. New open harbour scenarios can be created from scratch in the Environment panel with the buttons New, followed by selecting the Open Harbour under Environment type and filling in all required input fields. A quick way to avoid providing multiple new input settings for water and sediment characteristics is to start (use Load button) with an existing marina or harbour scenario with similar characteristics, than change the Environment type to open harbour, change the Description field and store the new scenario with the Save as new button.

What are ug/L and ug/g dw in the results and reports panels

In the “Report” and “Export results” screens the µ (micro) sign is not properly represented. For the time being the u sign is used instead (ug/L for microgram per liter and ug/g dw for microgram per gram dry weight respectively).