Establishing a connection

Before connecting your instrument, download and install the appropriate instrument software from our software page. No license key is required. We recommend always using the latest available software and firmware versions. 

All Nortek instruments support serial communication. Ethernet communication is available for Signature instruments, AWAC 2, Vector 2, and the 400 kHz 2D Horizontal Profiler. The following sections describe the general requirements and connection process for each method.

GREASE THE INSTRUMENT CONNECTORS BEFORE EACH MATING

Follow the appropriate connector care guidelines for your instrument. Grease the female connectors on the instrument before connecting the serial or Ethernet cable.

Serial connection

Your instrument communicates serially using either RS232 or RS422. Make sure that you use the correct USB converter for the communication protocol configured on your instrument. Figure 1 and 2 shows the two different converters that can be provided with Nortek instruments.

To establish a serial connection:

1. Connect the instrument to your computer using the serial cable and the appropriate USB-to-serial converter.
2. Power the instrument using an external power supply or internal batteries. When using an external power supply, make sure that the voltage is within the limits specified for the instrument. Excessive voltage will damage the instrument.
3. When using the converter for the first time, allow sufficient time for the computer to install the required driver. If the driver is not installed correctly, download the latest version from our software page.
4. Open the appropriate instrument software and select the serial port assigned to the converter. If you are unsure which port to select, check the Device Manager on your computer.
5. Select the baud rate configured on the instrument and connect.

The baud rate selected in the software must match the baud rate configured on the instrument. The default and supported baud rates for your instrument are listed in the technical specifications available on our website. Higher baud rates provide faster file transfers but are best suited for short serial cables and environments with relatively little electrical noise.

Changing communication protocol

For first-generation Aquadopp and AWAC instruments, the communication protocol is determined by the installed harness. To change between RS232 and RS422, the harness must be replaced. Contact your local Nortek representative for more information.

For Signature instruments and AWAC 2, the communication protocol can be changed using commands when the instrument is connected through Ethernet. These instruments are delivered with RS232 as the default protocol. For instructions, refer to the relevant article:

• How can I change the communication protocol from RS232 to RS422 on my Signature?
• How can I change the communication protocol from RS232 to RS422 on my AWAC 2 by commands?

Aquadopp 2 instruments are delivered with RS422 as the default communication protocol. The protocol can be changed while the instrument is connected in Nortek Deployment. For instructions, refer to: How can I change the serial protocol on my Aquadopp 2?

Ethernet connection

Use the supplied Ethernet cable and external power supply to establish an Ethernet connection. You can connect the instrument directly to your computer or to the same network as your computer using an Ethernet switch.

Power requirements for Ethernet communication:

• The Ethernet interface is handled by a dedicated network processor and must be powered through the power jack on the Ethernet cable. Internal or external batteries connected directly to the instrument do not power the Ethernet interface.
• Always connect the Ethernet cable to the instrument before applying power. If power is applied first, the connector can be inserted incorrectly, causing power to be supplied to the wrong pins. This can damage the electronics board and require the instrument to be returned to Nortek for repair.
• Do not use Power over Ethernet (PoE). Using PoE will damage the instrument electronics and require repair.

To establish an Ethernet connection:

1. Connect the supplied Ethernet cable to the 6-pin connector on the instrument.
2. Connect the supplied external power supply to the power jack on the Ethernet cable. The blue LED should illuminate within a few seconds.
3. Connect the Ethernet cable directly to your computer or to an Ethernet switch.
4. If the Ethernet port has status lights, check for a solid green light to verify that the Ethernet link is active.
5. Go to the Connection page in the instrument software. If prompted to select a connection type, select Network.
6. Select the instrument with the matching serial number and click Connect.

All available instruments on the network will be listed, allowing you to locate the instrument without knowing its IP address. When connecting the instrument directly to your computer, allow 1–2 minutes for an IP address to be assigned. If the instrument is not listed, click Discover or Rescan to search again.

Only one client can be connected to an instrument at a time. If another user or application is already connected, you will receive a notification when you attempt to connect.