Install Signature Deployment
Signature Deployment is the primary software used to communicate with Signature instruments. It is available free of charge and can be downloaded from the Nortek software page or the Microsoft Store.
The graphical user interface is only available when communicating with the instrument over Ethernet. When using a serial connection, Signature Deployment opens the built-in terminal instead.
For a full overview of the software applications and firmware available for Signature instruments, see Software and Firmware for the Signature.
Connect to the instrument
Ethernet is the primary communication interface for Signature instruments. Follow the procedure below to connect the instrument for the first time.
Use the supplied Ethernet cable and external power supply to establish an Ethernet connection. You can connect the instrument directly to your computer or to the same network as your computer using an Ethernet switch.
Power requirements for Ethernet communication:
- The Ethernet interface is handled by a dedicated network processor and must be powered through the power jack on the Ethernet cable. Internal or external batteries connected directly to the instrument do not power the Ethernet interface.
- Always connect the Ethernet cable to the instrument before applying power. If power is applied first, the connector can be inserted incorrectly, causing power to be supplied to the wrong pins. This can damage the electronics board and require the instrument to be returned to Nortek for repair.
- Do not use Power over Ethernet (PoE). Using PoE will damage the instrument electronics and require repair.
To establish an Ethernet connection:
- Connect the supplied Ethernet cable to the 6-pin connector on the instrument.
- Connect the supplied external power supply to the power jack on the Ethernet cable. The blue LED should illuminate within a few seconds.
- Connect the Ethernet cable directly to your computer or to an Ethernet switch.
- If the Ethernet port has status lights, check for a solid green light to verify that the Ethernet link is active.
- Go to the Connection page in the instrument software. If prompted to select a connection type, select Network.
- Select the instrument with the matching serial number and click Connect.
All available instruments on the network will be listed, allowing you to locate the instrument without knowing its IP address. When connecting the instrument directly to your computer, allow 1–2 minutes for an IP address to be assigned. If the instrument is not listed, click Discover or Rescan to search again.
Only one client can be connected to an instrument at a time. If another user or application is already connected, you will receive a notification when you attempt to connect.
Check the firmware
After connecting, check that the instrument is running the latest firmware version. If your computer is connected to the internet, Signature Deployment automatically notifies you when a newer version is available.
Signature instruments are available in several frequency configurations, each requiring a specific firmware variant. If you install firmware manually, make sure that the selected firmware corresponds to the frequency of your instrument.
Updating the firmware formats the recorder and erases all recorded data. Download any data you want to retain before starting an update.
For more details on how to check and update the firmware, see Updating the instrument firmware.
Test the instrument functionality
After connecting to the instrument and completing any required firmware update, we recommend performing a Function test. This allows you to verify the functionality of the instrument and familiarize yourself with its sensors and the data it provides. We also recommend performing a function test before every deployment.
You can perform the test by starting an online deployment using an appropriate configuration.
For the complete procedure, see Function test.
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