What is the latest firmware for my Aquadopp, AWAC and Vector Gen 1 instrument?
Due to changes in memory card suppliers during 2023, two firmware options are now available for Aquadopp, AWAC, and Vector Gen 1 instruments. These updates are necessary because the original memory cards became obsolete, and new cards from a different supplier are now used in production.
Why Two Firmware Versions?
The Gen 1 hardware, which is over 15 years old, is not fully compatible with the newer memory card technology. As a result, Nortek had to customize the firmware to ensure compatibility across both hardware generations.
How to Identify Your Memory Card
If your instrument was produced in 2023 or later, it most likely contains the new memory card (Swissbit). However, older instruments may also have it if the memory card has been replaced, or the instrument was sent in for repair.
Where to Check
You can verify the memory card type by checking the recorder size:
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In the Nortek software under the System tab, or
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In the
.hdr(header) file from one of your deployments.
Recorder Sizes and Corresponding Cards
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14796 MByte → New memory card (Swissbit)
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15185 MByte → Original memory card (SanDisk)
Firmware for SanDisk Memory Card (15185 MByte)
If your unit has a recorder size of 15185 MByte, it uses the original memory card (SanDisk). In this case, you should use an earlier version of the firmware, developed before the memory card change in 2023. The correct firmware version can be downloaded from the Nortek website. Please refer to the following FAQ.
Firmware Versions for Swissbit Memory Card (14796 MByte)
If your unit has a recorder size of 14796 MByte, it is important to make sure that you have the firmware version found below. The installation files can be found in the bottom of this article.
| Instrument Type | Latest Firmware Version |
|---|---|
| Aquadopp | 3.42 |
| Aquadopp DW | 3.44 |
| AquaPro | 3.47 |
| AquaPro HR | 3.22 |
| Vector | 3.46 |
| AWAC | 3.45 |
| AWAC AST | 3.45 |
| AWAC WPC | 3.45 |
Firmware Compatibility
For instruments equipped with the original SanDisk memory card (recorder size 15185 MByte), we recommend continuing to use the earlier firmware versions developed before 2023. Updating to the latest firmware provides no practical benefits for these units and may introduce unnecessary changes to how data is handled.
For instruments with the newer Swissbit memory card (recorder size 14796 MByte), it is necessary to use the latest firmware to ensure compatibility. However, it is important to be aware that, due to differences in memory technology, a compromise had to be made in how data is managed. Specifically, data is written in 32kB chunks, meaning there may be a slight delay before data becomes visible on the recorder, as the instrument must first accumulate 32kB of data. Additionally, when the instrument is stopped, there is a small possibility that some bytes of data may be lost.
While these characteristics are generally manageable, they may not be ideal for all applications. Users should be aware of these differences when working with instruments that have been updated to the newer memory card technology.
For best performance and data integrity, we recommend using the firmware version specifically designed for the memory card installed in your instrument.
If you're unsure about your memory card type or firmware version, feel free to reach out to Nortek support with your instrument’s serial number.
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