Find the instrument specific software on our software page and install it on your PC. Installing instrument software does not require a license key. Always confirm that your software and firmware version is up to date. The Deployment software has been designed to aid you in the planning, execution, recovery, data retrieval and conversion. A thorough description of the software and its features can be found in the software's help section. Communication to your instrument can be established using either a Ethernet or Serial connection. Serial communication is available for all our sensors whereas Ethernet can be used with instruments from the Signature series as well as Generation 2 AWACs.
Serial connection
Your instrument can communicate serially using either RS232 (Figure 1) or RS422 (Figure 2) communication protocol. Ensure that you are using the correct USB converter for the configured protocol on your specific instrument. Connect the serial cable to the converter, and insert it into the USB drive of the computer. For first time use, give the converter enough time to install its driver correctly. If the driver is not installed correctly, find the updated versions from our software page. In the instrument software, choose the correct serial port to use. If you are unsure about which port number to use, check the Device Manager on your computer.
To establish a connection, it is necessary to set the correct baud rate. The standard and available rates for you instrument can be found in the technical specifications available on our website . A higher baud rate speeds up large file transfers and is appropriate when you have a short serial cable and a relatively noise-free environment.
💡NOTE: Generation 2 Aquadopps and the serial cable following the instrument can be used with both RS232 and RS422.
Changing communication protocol
For Generation 1 Aquadopps and AWACs the communication protocol is decided by the harness, and in order to change protocol the harness itself has to be replaced. For more information about this please contact your local Nortek representative. If your instrument has the option of Ethernet Communication (Signature or Generation 2 AWAC), you can change between the two available communication protocols (RS232 / RS422) using commands. To change the protocol from RS232 to RS422 follow these two steps:
1) Send the command SETINST,RS=422 (similarly, if you want to change back to 232 you write RS=232 instead).
2) Send the command SAVE,INST
💡NOTE: Should you be connected to the instrument through a serial cable (for example when working with a Gen2 Aquadopp), the then communication protocol can not be changed!
Changing baud rate:
The baud rate can either be changed using the New Baud Rate button in Nortek Deployment or by sending the command SETINST,BR=115200 through the terminal window. See the software for more details.
Ethernet connection
The Ethernet communication has been implemented by using a dedicated network processor, and needs to be powered by connecting a power supply to the external power breakout on the cable. Note that powering through the Ethernet cable will also power the rest of the electronics. The instruments should not be powered with power over ethernet (PoE), as this will potentially damage the instruments electronics.
DO NOT APPLY POWER TO THE ETHERNET CABLE BEFORE YOU HAVE CONNECTED THE CABLE TO THE INSTRUMENT
If you power the Ethernet cable before you connect it to the instrument, there is a risk that you will connect the cable incorrectly and apply power to the wrong lines. This will cause components on the board to burn out. If this occurs, you will see a loss of communication and you will need to return the instrument to Nortek for repair.
- Connect the supplied test cable to the communication output on your instrument, then apply power to the breakout cable. The blue LED should be turned on shortly.
- Use a direct connection or an Ethernet switch to connect the Ethernet connector to your computer.
- If you use a computer Ethernet port that has status lights, verify that the link is active by looking for a solid green light on the port. If an Ethernet switch is used, the Ethernet port should also show an active Ethernet link.
The Discover configuration menu selection in our Deployment software provides a means to locate and configure the network information for instruments without having to know the IP address of the instrument. All instruments found on the network are displayed. If you use a static IP address you can input it directly and click Connect.
Only one person can be connected to an instrument at a time. If you try to establish connection with an occupied instrument, you will receive a notification.
Firmware upgrade
Nortek releases firmware updates multiple times per year. We are constantly improving our instruments functionality and components, so it is extremely important that the firmware on your instrument is kept up-to-date. Failing to keep the firmware updated may mean that your instrument will not work as intended. Updating the firmware will not affect your installed licenses. When you connect to an Instrument, the Deployment software will prompt you to update the firmware if a new version is available (when connected to the internet).
By the term firmware we are referring to the internal software of the instrument, as opposed to the instrument software running on a PC. When you purchase a brand new instrument, it has a firmware version matching the PC software, hence no firmware upgrade will be needed before you start using the instrument. However, new functionality (and in rare cases bug fixes) is likely to be offered in the future, requiring that the firmware is upgraded. New firmware is posted at the Nortek web, at https://www.nortekgroup.com/software. You will need to register to get access, but access is otherwise free of charge. Transfer data that you would like to retain to your PC before you upgrade the firmware, as any data recorded on the instrument will be erased to avoid inconsistencies.
To check for available updates when connected to our Deployment Software, click the Check for updates button. To upgrade firmware, upload a firmware file and then start the upgrade. Wait until the firmware upgrade is complete, this will be confirmed by the message "Your instrument was successfully upgraded!"
Deployment configuration
Once the setup of the instrument is complete, the deployment plan needs to be configured and uploaded to the instrument. Details on the configuration and use of our deployment software can be found in its Help section.
For the theoretical background on the measurement principles of our instrument please consult the Principles of Operation - Manuals. Should you be using Custom Commands to configure the ADCP, you will find a list of available options in the System Integration Manuals corresponding to your instrument.
Should you feel unsure about the your configuration, feel free to reach out to our support team for second opinion and advise on how to optimize your setup.
Starting the instrument in air
Activating the instrument and allowing it to ping in air does not pose any risk of damage to the instrument. Indeed, operating the instrument in air is a standard procedure employed to determine its intrinsic noise floor.
It is therefore recommended to acquire a brief set of measurements in air, either at the commencement or conclusion of the deployment. Such in-air measurements provide an essential reference point for evaluating the noise characteristics of the instrument and enable a clearer distinction between genuine environmental signals and instrument-induced noise in the data collected underwater.
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