What is the latest firmware version for my Gen 1 Aquadopp?

Due to changes in memory-card suppliers during 2023, two firmware options are now available for first-generation Aquadopps. The appropriate firmware version for your instrument depends on the type of memory card installed. These changes were necessary because the original memory cards became obsolete, and new cards from a different supplier are now used in production. The instrument 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 memory card versions.

How to identify your memory card

You can verify the memory card type by checking the recorder size. This can be done two places:

• Under the System tab in the configuration software while connected to your instrument, or
• In the .hdr (header) file from one of your deployments.

Recorder Sizes and Corresponding Cards

• 14796 MByte → New memory card (Swissbit)
• 15185 MByte → Original memory card (SanDisk)

If you have an older instrument, it most likely uses the original SanDisk 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.

Firmware for SanDisk memory card (15185 MByte)

For instruments with the SanDisk memory card, we recommend using a firmware version released prior to 2023, before the transition to the new memory card supplier. These earlier versions are fully compatible with your hardware and ensure consistent performance without any of the data buffering changes introduced in the newer firmware.

The firmware can be downloaded from the Nortek software and firmware download page.

Firmware 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 also be found in the bottom of this article.

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.

Need help?

If you're not sure which firmware is right for your unit, or your recorder size is none of those mentioned above, please contact Nortek support with your instrument’s serial number, and we’ll be happy to guide you.