Configuration software
The primary way to communicate with Signature instruments is through the instrument software called Signature Deployment. This software is available free of charge and can be accessed from our software webpage or downloaded directly from the Microsoft Store.
Please note that the graphical user interface (GUI) of the software is only accessible when connecting via Ethernet. If you connect using serial communication, the built-in terminal will open instead.
The Signature Deployment software provides the quickest and easiest way to perform tasks such as:
- Configuring and starting a new deployment
- Stopping a deployment and downloading data from the recorder
- Converting raw data to CSV or MATLAB files
- Performing a function test of the instrument
- Calibrating the compass and setting a pressure offset
- Checking for and updating the instrument firmware
Data processing software
There are two different software applications available for for visualization and processing of data from the Signature instrument.
Ocean Contour
Ocean Contour is the primary software for visualization and processing of data from the Signature instruments. It can open raw data files from your instrument, providing an intuitive way to review your dataset. The software also offers tools to process both currents and wave data.
Ocean Contour is a software developed by Ocean Illumination and can be downloaded from the Ocean Illumination web page. Using the software requires a valid license. If you are interested in purchasing the software, please contact your local Nortek sales representative.
Signature viewer
Signature Viewer is a free software tool available for download from the Nortek software and firmware download page. The software provides a quick and easy way to review your data, but is limited in detail and processing capabilities compared to the Ocean Contour software.
Firmware
The firmware is the internal software that manages the instrument’s functions and communication with external devices. Nortek continuously releases new firmware versions with upgrades and improvements. To ensure optimal operation, you should always make sure that your instrument is running the latest firmware version.
Note that updating the firmware will format the recorder. Please make sure that you have downloaded all recorded data before updating.
Signature instruments are offered in multiple frequency configurations, and each frequency requires its own firmware variant. Always make sure you select the firmware that corresponds to your instrument’s frequency.
Firmware types
There are two firmware types available for the Signature instrument family:
- Regular firmware - the standard and most commonly used firmware for typical deployments.
- Ice firmware - a specialized firmware required when enabling ice measurements.
Regular Signature firmware versions can be downloaded from the Nortek software and firmware download page and updated using the Signature Deployment software. When you connect to an instrument running an older firmware version, the software will automatically prompt you to update it.
The ice-measurement firmware is not available for direct download. If you have a Signature instrument and wish to enable ice measurements, please contact your local Nortek sales representative. If you already have the ice firmware installed and are prompted to update the firmware version, please contact Nortek Support to obtain the correct firmware for your instrument and frequency. Please note that enabling ice measurements requires both a license and the specific ice firmware.
Updated