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Network and Software

Data Connection

The NAIS uses Ethernet for data communication. The following connection options are available:

  • LAN with Dynamic IP: This is the most common setup. The instrument connects to the same local area network (LAN) as the measurement computer and automatically receives a dynamic IP address from a DHCP server.
  • Direct to Computer: The instrument connects directly to the measurement computer's Ethernet port. In this configuration, both devices are expected to automatically use link-local addresses. A USB-Ethernet adapter can be used for the computer if needed.
  • Static IP: A static IP address can be set on the instrument via its touchscreen. This may be useful when the other connection methods do not work, but it is generally less robust: it requires manual configuration, can cause address conflicts that disrupt other devices on the network, and may break when the network configuration changes. Before assigning a static IP on a shared network, coordinate with the network administrator to obtain a reserved address that does not conflict with the DHCP range or other devices. A static IP can also be used for a direct connection to a computer when automatic link-local addressing fails. In this case, assign static addresses in the same subnet to both the instrument and the computer (e.g., 192.168.1.10 and 192.168.1.11).

The measurement software's auto-discovery feature works for all connection types.

Network Troubleshooting

  • Finding the IP Address: The instrument's current IP address and network status can be found on its touchscreen display.
  • Auto-discovery Failure: If auto-discovery does not work, the first step is to manually enter the instrument's IP address into the Spectops software. If this is not a stable solution, using a static IP is recommended.
  • Link-Local Address as a Symptom: If the instrument is connected to a LAN but receives a link-local address (typically in the 169.254.0.0/16 range), it indicates a problem with the DHCP server or network configuration.
  • Firewall Interference: Operating system firewalls on the measurement computer can block network connections. If you experience connectivity issues, ensure that your firewall is configured to allow Spectops to communicate over the network, or create an exception for the application.

Software Installation

The NAIS measurement software package includes two primary applications:

  • Spectops: Used for running measurements and viewing live data.
  • Retrospect: Used for viewing and reprocessing measurement results.

Additionally, each NAIS instrument requires specific configuration files containing calibration and other instrument-specific data, which are essential for running measurements.

The software is available for both Windows and Linux operating systems.

  • Windows Version: Can be downloaded directly from the Airel website.
  • Linux Version: Should be requested from Airel Support ( support@airel.ee). When requesting, please specify your Linux distribution, version, and target architecture (e.g., regular amd64, ARM for Raspberry Pi, etc.). A command-line version of the software is also available for Linux.

To install the software on your computer, follow these steps:

  1. Create a Software Directory: Create a dedicated folder on your computer for the NAIS software. Ensure this location has sufficient free disk space, as measurement results are typically stored in a sub-folder within it.
  2. Download Software Packages: Download both the instrument configuration package and the compatible measurement software package for your specific NAIS instrument. Contact Airel Support at support@airel.ee if you require access to the software download pages or the Linux version.
  3. Extract Files: Extract the contents of both downloaded packages into the newly created software directory.
  4. Launch Spectops: Run the Spectops program.
  5. Open Measurement Setup File: In Spectops, navigate to File → Open... and open the appropriate measurement setup file. This file contains instrument settings and measurement cycle definitions.
  6. Connect to Instrument:
    • Auto-discover: Select "Auto-discover" to automatically find the instrument on the local network.
    • Manual IP: If auto-discovery fails, manually specify the instrument's IP address (this can often be found on the instrument's embedded touchscreen).
  7. Define Measurement Cycle: Specify the desired measurement cycle (e.g., "particles 60, ions 60, offset 30", where numbers represent seconds) or use the default settings.
  8. Start Measurements: Initiate the measurements.
  9. Optional: Create Startup Shortcut: To automatically start measurements with the current setup file when the computer boots, use File → Create shortcut... from the Spectops File menu and place the generated shortcut in your operating system's startup folder.

Note: Instrument configuration files are not required when using Retrospect to browse measurement results.