SonTek Firmware Release Notes

9940 Summers Ridge Road San Diego, CA 92121-3091 Telephone +1-858-546-8327 Fax +1-858-546-8150 www.sontek.com

RiverSurveyor S5/M9 Firmware Version 3.00

RiverSurveyor Live Software Version 3.50
RiverSurveyor Stationary Live Software Version 2.50
SonTek, a Xylem brand has released RiverSurveyor S5/M9 firmware version 3.00 along with two
software programs RiverSurveyor Live and RiverSurveyor Stationary Live. To take advantage of the
new features, you should install both of these programs to the latest version. If you have any
questions about these new features, please contact SonTek.
Section 1 describes changes and new features available in firmware version 3.00.
Section 2 gives information for updating your system to firmware version 3.00.
Section 3 gives contact information for SonTek.
NOTE
We expect all production systems shipped on or after August 1, 2012 to have firmware v3.00
installed. However, if you received a system that shipped after August 1, 2012, you can check
your system(s) to determine if you need to upgrade. To do so: (a) Install/run RiverSurveyor Live
v3.50 or later, (b) on the System tab, verify Firmware Version = 3.00.

1 Changes and New Features in firmware version 3.00

1.1 Improved Compass Calibration feedback
The compass calibration feedback for the newest SonTek compass (v2.00 or later) is improved.
The compass calibration dialog includes a time series chart and graphical interface to guide the
user to perform the best possible compass calibration.

1.2 Modified Algorithm for USGS loop method

The USGS Loop Method was updated to support the latest algorithms (MATLAB v4.03) from
the USGS Office of Surface Water (OSW). New error messages and warnings were implemented
to collect and analyze loop method data correctly.

1.3 Hydro Surveyor Software support

This feature lets you collect and analyze data using HydroSurveyor software. For more detail
about this functionality, please refer to the HydroSurveyor software manual or contact your
SonTek representative.

1.4 Modified Algorithm for No-Slip extrapolation

The No-Slip extrapolation algorithm is modified to identify valid cells that fall in the lower
20% (or user input percentage) of the depth.

1.5 Additional Improvements

1. Resolved the Compass not responding issue
2. Resolved the issue with Start profiling taking too long when there are many files on the
recorder

2 Installing the Firmware Update

To install RiverSurveyor S5/M9 firmware version 3.00:
a. Login to the SonTek website and download the following two items from the
RiverSurveyor tab at www.sontek.com/software.php
o RiverSurveyor S5/M9 Firmware v3.00 (saved file name will be RSL_FW.zip)
o RiverSurveyor LIVE v3.50 and RiverSurveyor Stationary LIVE v2.50 (saved file name
will be RiverSurveyorLive.zip; both programs are contained in this file)
Note: Save these files to an easy to find location on your computer.
b. Unzip both files.
c. Run the RiverSurveyorLive_Setup.exe program to install v3.50 of the RiverSurveyor Live
software on your computer.
d. Run the RiverSurveyorStationaryLive_Setup.exe program to install v2.50 of the
RiverSurveyor Stationary Live software on your computer. As mentioned earlier, anyone
can use this program to view stationary data; however, to collect data with this program,
you must purchase a system firmware license from SonTek.
e. Run the RiverSurveyorUtilities_Setup.exe program to install v3.50 of the utility software
to your computer.
f. Run the Utilities program (Start | All Programs | SonTek Software | Utilities).
g. Connect to your RiverSurveyor system using the direct communications cable. A direct
connection is much faster than upgrading via Bluetooth or Spread Spectrum radio modems.
h. In the Utilities menu, click Firmware Upgrade.
i. Locate and select the RiverSurveyor v3.00 firmware file you unzipped earlier (the file name
is Nefi_300.a79).
j. Wait until the firmware upgrade is successfully completed.
k. You can now use the RiverSurveyor Live and RiverSurveyor Stationary Live programs.
The firmware version number under the System Configuration should read 3.00.
Note: It is strongly recommended that previous (earlier) firmware versions not be uploaded to an
S5/M9 once the firmware has been updated. Going backwards may cause unforeseen issues with
the system configuration.

3 Contact Information
We welcome any comments, questions, or suggestions you have regarding RiverSurveyor S5/M9
firmware version 3.00.
SonTek
9940 Summers Ridge Rd
San Diego CA 92121-3091
Tel: +1 (858) 546-8327
Fax: +1 (858) 546-8150
E-mail: support@sontek.com
Web: www.sontek.com