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.
Power Supply
Ensure that you are supplying the instrument with DC power within the voltage range of 9-24V. The blue LED located on the instrument’s head should light up, once power is applied.
Try power cycling the instrument before attempting a connection again.
Interface Box
The Vector Generation 2 is powered and interfaced with directly through the communication box supplied. The instrument can connected by both serial (instrument configuration, deployment and live data view) and Ethernet (Data download and firmware updating). The mode is triggered by the buttons on the communication box "SER" and "ETH", a green LED will light up and indicate which mode is active.
Image of the Box front and back
Serial connection
USB-converter
This instrument is set up by default for RS422 communication. Make sure to work with the cable and USB-adapter that was delivered with the instrument at all times.
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.
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 Vector 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:
To trigger the Ethernet communication between the Vector Generation 2 and Nortek deployment, ensure that the Ethernet button is lit up with the green LED on the communication box.
When connecting to your instrument by using an Ethernet cable, the following steps can be carried out to identify a connection problem:
Ensure that power is supplied to the communication box and the Ethernet button is pressed and lit up.
Connect the communication cable directly from the computer to the Vector communications box to bypass all of the network wiring and router. Is the PC showing that the link is active?
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.
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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