Connecting to your Vector 2 for the first time

Install Nortek Deployment

Nortek Deployment is the primary software used to communicate with Vector 2 instruments.

This software is available free of charge and can be accessed from our software webpage or downloaded directly from the Microsoft Store.

The Nortek Deployment software provides the quickest and easiest way to perform tasks such as:

1. Configuring and starting a new deployment
2. Stopping a deployment and downloading data from the recorder
3. Converting raw data to CSV or MATLAB files
4. Performing a function test of the instrument
5. Calibrating the compass and setting a pressure offset
6. Checking for and updating the instrument firmware

For information on how to navigate and use the Nortek Deployment software, including descriptions of the available options and parameters, refer to the Help tab within the software.

Connecting to the instrument

The Vector 2 communicates with your computer through both serial and Ethernet connection. The instrument is delivered with a communication box and a communication cable. The cable can be used for both serial and Ethernet communication. The communication interface used can be changed with the buttons on the communication box.

The different communication interfaces have different applications:

• Ethernet should be used for downloading data and firmware upgrades.
• Serial should be used for general communication such as configuration.

Note that when using an external battery canister, no real-time communication with the instrument is possible as the battery cable connects to the same connector as the communication cable.

To connect the instrument to your computer for the first time, use the supplied communication cable to connect the instrument to the communication box and the USB converter to connect the box to your computer. Make sure the instrument is powered using the external power supply. Open the Connection page in Nortek Deployment. In the help panel, expand Connect to Vector 2 and select the Serial article. Follow the step-by-step instructions to connect and power the instrument, select the correct serial port and baud rate, and establish the connection.

In addition, please see the video below for a detailed illustration of the connection procedure:

Check the firmware

After connecting, check that the instrument is running the latest firmware version. You can check for updates directly in Nortek Deployment under the Maintenance tab while connected to the instrument.

All Vector 2 variants use the same firmware. The latest version can also be downloaded free of charge from the Nortek software and firmware page and installed using Nortek Deployment.

Updating the firmware formats the recorder and erases all recorded data. Download any data you want to retain before starting an update.

For general instructions, see Updating the instrument firmware

Testing the instruments functionality

After you have received your instrument and established a connection to Nortek Deployment for the first time, we recommend carrying out a Function Test. This allows you to ensure the correct functionality of your device and will help you to familiarize yourself with the available sensors and provided variables.

Testing the Generation 2 Vector before a deployment can be achieved by connecting the instrument, entering the “Advanced mode” (activated under the "Software" tab) . Then enter the diagnostics section on the lefthand side menu and then selecting “Probe Check” and test the transducers and auxiliary sensors in a bucket of water. 

Note that to perform a functional test, the Vector must be setup for real-time data acquisition; that is, you should connect the green Vector cable directly to the 8-pin connector on the instrument's endbell, and not use an external battery canister.

As mentioned before, please refer to the software's Help section for detailed guidelines.