Create a configuration
A configuration can be created under the Plan & Deploy tab in Nortek Deployment. Follow the individual steps and carefully review each deployment parameter before proceeding.
The Summary tab on the right-hand side shows how the selected deployment settings affect the expected precision, power consumption, and distribution of the data. Try adjusting different parameters and observe how the expected data quality and distribution change. This is a good way to understand the trade-offs between different deployment settings.
The Plan & Deploy feature can also be used without a connected instrument, allowing you to prepare a deployment configuration in advance. To do so you use the Load virtual instrument option in the software.
After you are satisfied with your configuration, you can save it to a file, save it to the instrument, or start the deployment directly.
💡 NOTE: For information on how to use and navigate the Nortek Deployement software, including descriptions of the available options and parameters, refer to the Help tab in the bottom right corner in the software.
Prepare the instrument
Before each deployment, the following three preparation steps should be completed:
- Function test: Perform a function test to verify that the instrument sensors are operating correctly. For more information, see Function test
- Pressure offset: Adjust the instrument's pressure offset to match the local atmospheric pressure before each deployment. This ensures accurate pressure measurements. For more information, see Pressure offset
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Compass calibration: Perform a compass calibration before each deployment to ensure accurate heading and directional measurements. Skipping this step can significantly reduce velocity accuracy.
Before starting the calibration, assemble the instrument in its final deployment configuration (including the frame, shackles, chains, and any other accessories) and install the batteries, if used. For more information, see Compass calibration
💡 NOTE: While working in the software, we recommend to study the Help section during each step. There, you can find descriptions for each section and parameter selectable as well as useful tips and tricks.
Start the instrument
After testing and calibrating the instrument, upload the deployment configuration to the instrument and start the deployment. The software will indicate when the instrument has started collecting data.
Once the deployment has started, you can close the software and disconnect the instrument from the computer. Ensure that the instrument is powered, either by internal or external batteries. Even though the instrument is left unpowered for a short period between disconnecting it from the computer and applying batteries, the instrument will wake up and proceed with data acquisition according to the configuration once batteries are connected.
💡 NOTE: Depending on the deployment configuration, it may take several minutes before the instrument begins sampling. The blue LED indicates that sampling has started and flashes at the configured sampling interval.
Batteries
The Gen2 Aquadopp can be powered by either internal batteries or with an external battery canister. Various compatible battery options are available from Nortek. The following article outlines the procedure on how to change batteries: How to exchange the batteries on the Gen2 Aquadopp?
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