Software
Ensure that you are working with the correct software called Nortek Deployment (NOT Signature Deployment!) and that you have the latest version installed. Sometimes a simple restart of the software or the entire computer can already lead to a solution.
The software is web-based, and certain issues may stem from the web browser, operating system, hardware, or internal IT configurations. Therefore we recommend to try using the standalone version of the software, or test it on a different PC to rule out system-specific issues.
The instrument can only be connected to one application at the time. Ensure that you are not connected to the instrument in a parallel window or the web interface!
Power supply
Ensure that you are supplying the instrument with DC power within the voltage range of 12-48V. Keep in mind that the instrument arrives with its batteries disconnected. The blue LED located on the instrument’s head should light up, once power is applied. Try using both internal and external battery/power source.
Try power cycling the instrument before attempting a connection again.
Serial connection
Disconnect any Ethernet cable if used before, as the instrument will prioritize an Ethernet connection over a Serial connection, so if both cables are plugged in and powered only Ethernet will be available!
USB-converter
This instrument is set up by default for RS422 communication, but can be ordered with RS232 if desired. Whereas the green serial cable can be used with both communication protocols, it is necessary to work with the correct USB-converter. Make sure to work with the cable and USB-adapter that was delivered with the instrument at all times. You can confirm the factory protocol by checking the 'final test'-checklist that was delivered with your instrument.
It might be necessary to update your computer's driver for the converter which can be done in
Device Manager -> Ports (Com & LPT) -> Update driver.
The communication protocol can be changed between RS232 and RS422 when connected over an Ethernet cable.
COM port
Check that the correct COM port is selected. Open the Device Manager and look for Ports (COM & LPT). Make sure that the port isn't already open, and only one software window is used. If you cannot find the “Ports (Com and LPT)” in the list, it is hidden: Click “View” and “Show hidden devices” if this is the case.
Once you connect the USB converter, the correct port should show up in the “Ports” dropdown as a USB serial port. The exact COM-port number may vary here, but the COM port that is highlighted when you connect the USB-converter is the correct port to use when you want to communicate with your Nortek instrument.
Baud rate
Ensure that you have set the correct baud rate. The Gen2 AWAC is set to communicate using 115200 Bd by default.
Ethernet connection
When connecting to your instrument by using an Ethernet cable, the following steps can be carried out to identify a connection problem:
Establishing communication
- Ensure that power is supplied to the Ethernet cable itself.
- Connect the communication cable directly from the computer to the instrument to bypass all of the network wiring and router. Is the PC showing that the link is active?
- Check network cabling connection: If your computer has light emitting diodes (LEDs) next to the connection where the Ethernet cable plugs into the computer, check if the LEDs are lit to indicate the current status of the network device. If the LEDs are not glowing/blinking, check that the connector is OK and try to re-plug. Refer to your computer's manual for information about the Ethernet port LED.
Find the IP address of your instrument:
Type the IP address in the corresponding line in the Connection > Network window. If you are able to connect, but it does not appear in the menu there may be an issue with the firewall. Try disabling your firewall and refresh the Connection screen.
Network
Firewall
Firewalls are usually active by default and could be a possible cause for blocking communication. For organizations with strong security / firewall restrictions, FTP access to the instrument may not be permitted. HTTP (Hypertext transfer protocol) can then be used for data transmission. A web page allowing individual data files to be downloaded has been implemented in the Ethernet processor. The web page can be accessed by clicking on the “Data Download (HTTP)” link from the main web page.
Routers
There are some limitations to the discovery protocol. Multicast Ethernet packets are used to implement the protocol and those packets may not be forwarded through routers (depending on the router type and configuration). For that reason, the instrument should be either directly connected or connected through a single Ethernet switch for troubleshooting. Once the IP address is properly configured, it can be used to access the instrument using normal IP communications. Only the discovery protocol uses multicast packets.
Universal plug and play
In addition to the proprietary discovery protocol, the UPnP (universal plug and play) protocol is supported by the AD2CP platform. This allows the operating system which are UPnP capable to discover the instrument with no need for proprietary software. This tool can be used to identify the IP-address of your instrument or access the Webpage.
To view the instrument icon in Microsoft Windows, open the Network view of the computer. Right clicking and selecting Properties gives the IP address and other instrument configuration information. In order for UPnP to operate on a Microsoft Windows platform, Network Discovery needs to be enabled!
Working with the web page
The instruments web page can be accessed by using IP address of your instrument and type this directly in the address line in your web browser.
Upgrade firmware
If you are struggling to connect to your instrument, we recommend upgrading to the latest firmware, as outdated firmware might be incompatible with a latest software release. This can be done under the maintenance tab of the web page, additionally to useful tools like resetting the recorder or synchronizing the clock.
After performing a firmware upgrade it is necessary to format the SD card and reboot the system, which can equally be done under the maintenance tab!
Contact support
Should neither of these steps have been successful in resolving the problem you are facing, please reach out to our Support team who assist you in troubleshooting your instrument.
To help us give good support, please:
- Be specific about the error - when is the error occurring and is there any error messages? A screenshot is often helpful.
- Include a raw sample file or a collected data set showing the error
- Include information about firmware and software version used
- Include serial number (Head ID, Hardware ID or order number)
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