Nucleus 1000: OEM version now available, firmware upgrades

OEM housing now available

An OEM housing version of the Nucleus 1000 is now available for installation into dry vehicle sections.

The OEM housing reduces the overall payload consumed by the Nucleus 1000 with a streamlined instrument design, enabling improved vehicle hydrodynamics with a flush-mounting form factor.

The OEM housing also removes the need for underwater cables. This option facilitates easier installation of the Nucleus 1000 during vehicle production, opening doors for companies who wish to integrate the Nucleus on large numbers of vehicles.

Firmware upgrades

• Simultaneous data output options: Previously, the Nucleus 1000 only allowed a user to send data to one destination at a time (Ethernet/TCP or serial). Now, users can output to TCP port 9002 and a serial port simultaneously. Alternatively, users can connect to two TCP ports (9001 and 9002) to send Ethernet data to multiple places at the same time. This enables users to perform tasks such as:
  • Using the Nucleus software for visualization while sending data to the vehicle control system.
  • Using third party data acquisition software while sending data to the vehicle control system.
  • Accessing the Nucleus for data download and reconfiguration without going through the vehicle’s interface.
• Fast pressure output: Pressure sensor outputs are no longer tied to the acoustic sampling rate of the Nucleus. This update allows users to configure the pressure sensor to sample at 10, 15 or 30 Hz. This provides users with more options to use the Nucleus pressure sensor readings for depth control.
• Default Bottom Track mode: The default bottom track mode is now set to “AUTO” mode, which will automatically switch the Nucleus’ detection method to one optimized for low altitudes and slow speeds when the instrument is at altitudes of <7.5 m and detects horizontal velocities of <43 cm/s. This feature aims to improve nearbed detection for users, without requiring manual switching to this mode.
• ASCII / text-based data format support: The Nucleus now supports an ASCII / text-based data format, allowing for easy integration with existing vehicles that require this. This format supports a more limited range of outputs than the binary Nucleus format. The supported parameters enable vehicle guidance and control by providing DVL and attitude data. Inquire for more details on the capabilities and limitations of this data format if you are interested in this option.

Software and manual updates

An updated Nucleus user manual is now available with improved integration and instrument operation information.

Additionally, the Nucleus software has undergone several improvements, including:

• Support for new firmware features: The software can now support the firmware upgrades above, such as fast pressure output and simultaneous data output options.
• Improved visualization: Revamped Doppler, AHRS, and Magnetometer and IMU dashboards improve user experience.
• Bug fixes and improvements.

These new additions to the Nucleus 1000 product line make it easier than ever before for vehicle manufacturers and operators to benefit from the capabilities of the small but powerful Nucleus navigation package.

If you are interested in knowing more details about the OEM version of the Nucleus or have any questions about the software or firmware upgrades, please don’t hesitate to contact Nortek directly.