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.
There are three firmware options available for the AWAC instrument family. Each of the firmware versions can be used with all of the different AWAC instruments, but they provide different levels of functionality.
| Firmware type | Functionality |
| AWAC firmware (Gen1) | Regular AWAC firmware for current measurements. |
| AWAC AST firmware (Gen1) | Enables the use of the fourth (center) beam as an altimeter for wave measurement. This firmware requires a license (see details below). |
| AWAC WPC firmware (Gen1) | Enables onboard wave processing to deliver real-time processed wave parameters. This firmware requires a license (see details below). |
All firmware versions can be downloaded from our Nortek software and firmware download page and updated using the correct configuration software for the instrument type (see Configuration software - AWAC).
Licensing
Both the AWAC AST and AWAC WPC requires a license. You will be prompted to enter this license key during the firmware update process.
If you own an AWAC and want to enable wave measurements and/or onboard wave processing, please contact your local Nortek sales representative. Please note that there might be some hardware limitations
If you already own an instrument with the wave measurement and/or processing capabilities but have lost your license key, please contact Nortek Support. The license key is linked to the instrument’s individual serial number, so you will need to provide either the serial number or the original order number for assistance.
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