Novus TL400-I User manual

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Laser Level Transmitter
TL400-I
USER GUIDE – V1.0x

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1SAFETY ALERTS...............................................................................................................................................................................................3
2PRESENTATION................................................................................................................................................................................................4
3IDENTIFICATION ...............................................................................................................................................................................................5
3.1 OVERVIEW .................................................................................................................................................................................................5
3.2 IDENTIFICATION ........................................................................................................................................................................................5
3.3 TL400-I ........................................................................................................................................................................................................5
4INSTALLATION ..................................................................................................................................................................................................6
4.1 ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION....................................................................................................................................................................6
4.1.1 INSTALLATION RECOMMENDATIONS...........................................................................................................................................6
4.1.2 ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS.........................................................................................................................................................6
4.1.3 DIMENSIONS ....................................................................................................................................................................................6
4.1.3.1 TL400-I ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
4.1.3.2 5-HOLE TO 4-HOLE ADAPTER ................................................................................................................................................ 7
4.2 MECHANICAL INSTALLATION ..................................................................................................................................................................7
4.2.1 TL400-I WITH AND WITHOUT ADAPTER........................................................................................................................................8
4.2.2 INSTALLATION EXAMPLES.............................................................................................................................................................8
5DEFINITIONS ...................................................................................................................................................................................................10
5.1 TECHNICAL TERMINOLOGY...................................................................................................................................................................10
5.2 SOME TYPES OF TANKS ........................................................................................................................................................................10
6SIGNOW APP...................................................................................................................................................................................................12
6.1 BLUETOOTH INTERFACE .......................................................................................................................................................................12
6.2 PAIRING TL400-I WITH YOUR SMARTPHONE ......................................................................................................................................12
6.3 CONFIGURING YOUR TL400-I ................................................................................................................................................................13
6.3.1 INFORMATION................................................................................................................................................................................13
6.3.2 BASIC CONFIGURATION...............................................................................................................................................................14
6.3.3 ADVANCED CONFIGURATION .....................................................................................................................................................14
6.3.3.1 INPUT....................................................................................................................................................................................... 15
6.3.3.2 OUTPUT................................................................................................................................................................................... 16
6.3.3.3 ADVANCED FILTER................................................................................................................................................................ 17
6.3.3.4 SECURITY ...............................................................................................................................................................................18
6.4 DIAGNOSTIC ............................................................................................................................................................................................18
6.5 FIRMWARE UPDATE................................................................................................................................................................................20
7ADVANCED FILTER ........................................................................................................................................................................................21
7.1 WHEN USE THE ADVANCED FILTER.....................................................................................................................................................21
7.2 A MORE DETAILED EXPLANATION OF THE ADVANCED FILTER PARAMETERS.............................................................................21
7.2.1 "SIZE OF THE MAIN VECTOR" PARAMETER ..............................................................................................................................21
7.2.2 "SIZE OF THE DISTANCE VECTOR" PARAMETER .....................................................................................................................21
7.2.3 "MEDIAN INDEX" PARAMETER.....................................................................................................................................................21
7.2.4 "ENABLE BLOCKING FILTER" PARAMETER ...............................................................................................................................22
7.2.5 "ACCEPTANCE PERCENTAGE" PARAMETER ............................................................................................................................22
7.2.6 "PERCENTAGE INCREASE" PARAMETER ..................................................................................................................................22
7.2.7 "ACCEPTANCE COUNTS" PARAMETER......................................................................................................................................22
7.2.8 "ACCEPTANCE RATIO" PARAMETER..........................................................................................................................................22
8USAGE EXAMPLES.........................................................................................................................................................................................23
8.1 EXAMPLE 1: 3-METER HIGH AND 2-METER WIDE WATER TANK ......................................................................................................23
8.2 EXAMPLE 2: 80 CM OIL TANK.................................................................................................................................................................23
9TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ......................................................................................................................................................................25
9.1 CERTIFICATIONS.....................................................................................................................................................................................25
10 WARRANTY .....................................................................................................................................................................................................26

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1SAFETY ALERTS
The symbols below are used in the device and throughout this manual to draw the user’s attention to valuable information related to device safety
and use.
CAUTION
Read the manual fully before installing and
operating the device.
CAUTION OR HAZARD
Risk of electric shock.
ATTENTION
Material sensitive to static charge. Check
precautions before handling.
All safety recommendations appearing in this manual must be followed to ensure personal safety and prevent damage to the instrument or system.
If the instrument is used in a manner other than that specified in this manual, the device safety protections may not be effective.
This product emits radiation in the infrared range and uses LASER technology. It has been developed to meet the class 1 requirements of IEC 60825-
1:2014 (Third Edition). Provided that the user follows NOVUS recommendations described in this manual, the radiation emission will remain within
the limits of class 1. Lenses or any form of optical device should not be used to alter the product performance.

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2PRESENTATION
TL400-I is a non-intrusive level transmitter with no moving parts, using an infrared laser technology (~920 nm) that is completely safe to the human
eye (LASER CLASS-1). Its measurement principle is based on ToF (Time of Flight), providing an accurate and reliable distance measurement,
regardless of the color or transparency of the surface1. It can be used to measure from grains and solids to transparent liquids such as water and
diesel.
It has a robust housing, withstanding pressures up to 8 bar, and excellent resistance to flammable materials such as diesel, gasoline, or alcohol.
With a measurement capacity up to 4 meters and 1 Hz sampling, TL400-I is an excellent alternative to level sensors based on ultrasonic, capacitive,
or floating technology since it does not need to be in contact with the surface to be measured.
The transmitter has a dedicated filter for non-static tank applications based on machine learning algorithms that have been validated in real-life
situations and have configurable parameters for specific applications.
The sensor allows you to configurate the opening angle, ranging from 12° degrees for irregular tank or reservoir applications to 27° degrees for tanks
where the base diameter is half the height to be measured.
TL400-I has a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) interface. With it you can:
•Configure the analog output (4-20 mA), according to the specific application
•Configure the opening angle of the sensor (from 12° to 27° opening degrees)
•Customize the tank with up to 20 points in level percentage
•Perform sensor diagnostics in real time
•Configure the dynamic filter based on the application
•Update the firmware to the most current version, which will always be available on NOVUS website
These functions can be adjusted through the SigNow app, available for Android and iOS.
The sensor can retransmit the analog output in Level, Volume, or Distance. Level and distance are set in your preferred unit (mm, cm, m, inches,
or feet) and volume is always displayed in percent.
1In sunlit environments or in small to medium sized tanks that have reflective walls, the sensor may have difficulty to make an accurate measurement. See
recommendations for use and application.

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3IDENTIFICATION
3.1 OVERVIEW
The housing of the equipment is made of polycarbonate, an extremely resistant material, and was built to meet the IP68 protection index. It has a
gasket in NBR material.
Figure 1 –Overview
3.2 IDENTIFICATION
The identification label, located on the top of the housing, shows the model, serial number, and product code. To make it easier to see the serial
number, you can also scan the QR Code.
Figure 2 –Equipment identification
3.3 TL400-I
TL400-I is suitable for industrial installation. It can be installed on a tank lid and has a cable with an M12 connector.
Figure 3 –TL400-I

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4INSTALLATION
4.1 ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION
4.1.1 INSTALLATION RECOMMENDATIONS
•Electronic and analog signal drivers must run the plant separately from the output and power leads. If possible, in grounded conduits.
•The power supply for the electronic instruments must come from a proper power grid for instrumentation.
•It is recommended to use RC FILTERS (noise suppressors) in contactor coils, solenoids, etc.
•In control applications, it is essential to consider what can happen when any part of the system fails. The device internal security features do not
guarantee full protection.
4.1.2 ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS
The output connector is a M12 type with the following wiring connections:
Figure 4 –Electrical connections
4.1.3 DIMENSIONS
4.1.3.1 TL400-I
The figures below show the dimensions of the TL400-I and an overview of the equipment:
Figure 5 –Dimensions

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4.1.3.2 5-HOLE TO 4-HOLE ADAPTER
The 5-hole to 4-hole adapter is an accessory for tanks that already have standard 4-hole drilling. The figure below shows the dimensions and drilling
of the adapter for attaching the equipment:
Figure 6 –Adapter
4.2 MECHANICAL INSTALLATION
To install the level sensor, the following tools are required:
•4.0 to 4.2 mm drill for the screws
•20 to 40 mm hole saw for the sensor
•Pencil for marking the hole points
After that, you must follow the steps below:
1. Perform the marking: While the tank is empty, use the gasket to mark the hole points of the 5 screws and the sensor in the center of the ring.
When using an adapter, mark the hole points of the 4 screws and the sensor in the center of the ring.
Figure 7 –Marking the gasket Figure 8 –Marking the adapter (accessory)
2. Install: Use a drill with the hole saw to drill the tank in the center, where the sensor will be installed. Then drill 4 mm holes at the marked positions.
The gasket has a small cutout between the longer distance holes where the sensor output cable will be positioned.
3. Make the connections: After placing the equipment in the desired location, tighten the screws and then make the electrical connections (see
ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS section).
4. Configure: Use the SigNow app to configure the equipment (see SIGNOW APP chapter).

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4.2.1 TL400-I WITH AND WITHOUT ADAPTER
The figures below show versions of the equipment with and without the adapter (optional accessory):
Figure 9 –TL400-I Figure 10 –TL400-I with adapter
To install the adapter and the gasket, the correct position must be observed:
Figure 11 –Installation position
4.2.2 INSTALLATION EXAMPLES
The figures below show examples of how to position the equipment, according to the environment where it will be installed and considering the
application:
•Install the equipment so that the laser is perpendicular to the
surface of the substance to be monitored.
•Ensure that the equipment is positioned away from the area where
the liquid or solid will be poured into the tank or reservoir.
Figure 12 –Installation examples

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The figures below show examples of situations to be avoided during the installation process:
•Do not install the equipment sideways or with the
laser pointing into the area where the liquid or
solid will be poured into the reservoir.
•Do not install the equipment over a faucet, which
will completely block the laser.
Improper application will block the equipment from
measuring the area to be monitored as intended. For
this reason, you must always ensure that it is
positioned perfectly perpendicular to the surface.
Figure 13 –Examples of improper installations
TL400-I is not recommended for applications in environments with direct sunlight. In such cases, measurement may be affected.

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5DEFINITIONS
This chapter presents definitions of terms to be considered throughout the manual.
5.1 TECHNICAL TERMINOLOGY
TL400-I uses a few specific terms, such as ullage, level, distance, and height, which can be analyzed below:
•Ullage: Term used to describe the difference between the height of the tank and the surface of the liquid or solid.
•Level: Term used to describe the height of the liquid or solid when compared to the bottom of the tank.
•Distance: Term used to describe to the height between the surface of the liquid or solid and TL400-I (Offset = 0).
•Tank Heigh: Term used to describe the total tank height.
•Filter Type: The equipment allows using a static filter or a dynamic filter. The static filter is a moving average with a configurable response time
of at least 1 second. The dynamic filter, on the other hand, constitutes a stable measurement algorithm for applications where the tank may be
in motion with a fixed response time of 1 minute and 40 seconds. If you need to use the dynamic filter with another response time, please contact
Technical Support.
•Angle of View: Also known as Field of View (FoV), this parameter allows you to define the field of view for the sensor. To achieve the best
sensor performance, it is recommended that it always be as large as possible. When using a sensor based on optical principles, it is important
that the installation ensures that the bottom of the sensor is directed at the liquid surface in a fixed and perpendicular way, as shown in the figure
below.
•Installation Offset: Term used to describe the difference between the height where TL400-I was installed and the maximum tank height. The
value must be inserted in the configured unit of measure. You must define an installation Offset when the maximum tank height and the height
at which TL400-I is installed are not the same.
•Full Tank (URV): Term that corresponds to the height of the tank at which the analog output will show a maximum value.
•Empty Tank (LRV): Term that corresponds to the height of the tank at which the analog output will show a minimum value.
Figure 14 –Example
5.2 SOME TYPES OF TANKS
TL400-I can be used with several types of tanks, as shown in the examples below:
Vertical Cylinder Horizontal Cylinder Rectangular
Figure 15 –Types of tanks
If the options do not fit the type of tank being used, TL400-I also allows you to create custom tanks. This feature is useful for tanks that are shaped
with curves, rises, and other irregularities.

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When you select this option, you will need to perform a linearization at specific points on the tank. Up to 20 linearization points are allowed. The data
configured in these parameters will always be in centimeters.
Figure 16 –Example of a customized tank
The custom curve can also be used to correct a possible non-linearity of the level sensor's measurement. To use the function for this purpose, you
must go to the Diagnosis tab.
In the example below, the measurement inferred in the Diagnosis tab with an empty tank was 80 cm; with the tank at 50 %, it was 40 cm.
Regardless of the actual distance measured by other means, simply insert the points as follows to obtain a custom curve:
When using the Diagnostics tab, you must take the measurements of the desired curve and write down
the distance values versus the desired percentage. Once you have all the values from 0 to 100 % with
the desired number of points (with a maximum of 20 points), follow the path Configuration > Advanced
> Input > Tank Calibration and insert the points as shown in the figure to the side. To delete a
calibration point, simply drag it to the right.
After inserting all the points, follow the path Menu > Send.
Before sending the configuration, it is suggested that you check the
configured parameters. The parameters will be overwritten in the
equipment.
To check if the curve is in accordance with the set value, you can follow the path Diagnostics >
Advanced > Forcing and force a distance, which will allow you to analyze if the analog output response
is adequate.
Figure 17 –Filter

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6SIGNOW APP
SigNow app is the ideal tool to use your TL400-I on a daily basis. Available for Android and iOS smartphones, it allows you to configure or perform
diagnostics on the equipment. Connection to the equipment can be made via the Bluetooth interface.
SigNow can be downloaded for free from Google Play Store or App Store.
If your smartphone does not support BLE technology, has an Android version lower than 9 or an iOS version lower than 12, the application will not
be available for download.
This manual provides basic information about configuring your TL400-I. For more information about SigNow features, see the specific manual.
6.1 BLUETOOTH INTERFACE
TL400-I has a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) interface, compatible with smartphones that have Bluetooth modules with version 4.0 or higher.
The Bluetooth interface allows you to configure the equipment through the SigNow.
6.2 PAIRING TL400-I WITH YOUR SMARTPHONE
Once the SigNow app has been installed, you must enable the Bluetooth interface of your smartphone to connect to the TL400-I. After that, simply
open the app and follow the steps below:
1. Click on the Configuration
button.
2. Click on the TL400-I icon. 3. Wait for the connection
process to finish.
4. Okay, that is it. SigNow will
display the equipment
configuration screens.

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6.3 CONFIGURING YOUR TL400-I
6.3.1 INFORMATION
Upon successfully completing the pairing process between smartphone and device, SigNow will display the configuration screens. The Information
screen is the first one:
The Info section of the Configuration screen presents information such as serial number, firmware
version, BLE address and device tag, which can be set in the Device Tag parameter of the Basic
section.
None of this information is editable.
By clicking the Home button, you will be redirected to the SigNow home page.
By clicking the button, SigNow will display a set of buttons, as shown in the figure below.
Figure 18 –Configuration: Info
By clicking the Manual button, you will be redirected to the online manual for the equipment.
By clicking the Support button, you will be redirected to NOVUS Technical Support page.
The Send button allows you to send the settings to the equipment.
The Save button allows you to save these configurations in a file with a .sigc extension, which can be
used later by clicking the Open Configuration button on SigNow.
Figure 19 –Button functions

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6.3.2 BASIC CONFIGURATION
By clicking the Basic button, SigNow will display parameters regarding the basic configuration of the equipment:
By default, the equipment is already configured with the magnitude Level (the magnitude can be
changed in the Input subsection of the Advanced section, as will be shown later), which allows you
to configure the following parameters:
•Device Tag:Allows you to define a tag with up to 20 characters for the equipment.
•Level and distance: Unit:Allows you to define the unit of measurement to be used (meters,
centimeters, millimeters, inches, feet).
•Installation Offset: Allows you to define the installation Offset.
•Tank heigh: Allows you to define the height of the tank to be used.
•Reverse output polarity: Allows you to invert the output polarity.
•Output minimum value:Allows you to define a minimum level value.
•Output maximum value:Allows you to define a maximum level value.
Figure 20 –Basic configuration
6.3.3 ADVANCED CONFIGURATION
By clicking the Advanced button, SigNow will display sections regarding the advanced configuration of the equipment:
Here you can select the parameter group to be configured: Input, Output, Advanced Filter, or
Security. You can also change the equipment tag.
Figure 21 –Advanced configuration

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6.3.3.1 INPUT
By clicking the Input button, SigNow will display sections regarding the input settings of the equipment:
Figure 22 –Input advanced configurations
By default, the parameter Magnitude related to the analog output is set as Level, which allows you
to configure the following parameters:
•Level and distance: Unit: Allows you to define the unit of measurement to be used (meters,
centimeters, millimeters, inches, feet).
•Installation Offset: Allows you to define the installation Offset.
•Tank heigh: Allows you to define the height of the tank to be used.
•Filter type:Allows you to define the type of filter to be used. If you select the Static option, you
will need to set a filter time constant in seconds.
•Filter time constant in seconds: Allows you to configure a moving average filter with a response
time configurable in seconds. From 1 to 65000 seconds (or 1000 hours).
•Viewing angle: Allows you to define the viewing angle of the equipment: 15°, 17°, 19°, 21°, 24°,
or 27°.
•Reading mode:Allows you to set the measurement mode: 1 − Short (for distances shorter than
1 meter), 2 − Medium (for distances up to 3 meters), or 3 − Long (for distances up to 4 meters).
Long mode is the most recommended mode for most applications.
If the parameter Magnitude related to the analog output is set to Distance, these same parameters
will be displayed.
When configuring the parameter Magnitude related to the analog output with the Volume option,
in addition to the parameters shown in the previous figure, you can also change the parameter Tank
Type (Vertical cylinder, Horizontal cylinder, Rectangular, or Custom).
According to the tank type selected, SigNow will present configurable parameters to determine the
size and measurement of the tank to be used.
If none of the standard tank types suits your needs, you can select the Custom option.
Here, you can add calibration points for the tank. You can set up to 20 linearization points by adding
the desired values.
The custom tank type can be useful for tanks that are shaped with curves, rises, or other irregularities.
When configured to Custom, the calibrated points should go from the greatest distance to the smallest
distance (smallest volume to greatest volume), as shown in the example below:
POINT DISTANCE VOLUME (%)
1 200 0
2 75 50
3 20 100
Calibration points
Figure 23 –Volume advanced
configurations

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The figure at the side exemplifies the calibration points in a tank with an irregular
form.
Figure 24 –Example of calibration points in an irregular tank
6.3.3.2 OUTPUT
By clicking the Output button, SigNow will display sections regarding the output settings of the equipment:
The parameter Error action on analog output allows you to configure the error action of an
equipment with 4-20 mA output. This parameter has the following options:
•Low (4 mA)
•High (20 mA)
•None
•Low/High (4 mA / 20 mA)
In addition, you can set a minimum value and a maximum value for the output.
Figure 25 –Output advanced
configurations

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6.3.3.3 ADVANCED FILTER
By clicking the Advanced Filter button, SigNow will display parameters for configuring the advanced filter:
•Size of the main vector: Allows you to define the number of samples to be collected by the filter.
If the user sets this parameter to 100, for example, TL400 will only consider the first 100 values
collected.
•Size of the distance vector: Allows you to select the best quality samples from among those
collected by the filter (i.e., those with the least variation in values).
•Median index: Allows you to reorder the ideal samples, i.e., those already filtered by the Size of
the distance vector parameter, now according to distance.
•Enable Blocking Filter: Allows you to enable the Blocking Filter. It prevents values that are too
far off from the previous value from being displayed in the output.
•Acceptance percentage: Allows you to define the maximum percentage of variation between
the previous value and the value to be accepted by the Enable Blocking Filter parameter.
•Percentage increase: Allows you to set the percentage of values to be incremented, according
to the criterion and each time a new value outside this percentage occurs.
•Acceptance counts: Allows you to set the maximum number of times that the Blocking Filter,
enabled in the Enable Blocking Filter parameter, can reject data outside the standard defined
in the Acceptance ratio parameter.
•Acceptance ratio:Allows you to reduce the oscillation or data peaks of the analog output.
The ADVANCED FILTER chapter provides more complex information on how the parameters of this
filter work, as well as examples and graphs.
Figure 26 –Advanced filter
configuration
By clicking on a specific parameter to configure it, as
shown in the examples opposite, you can see
explanations of how to use it.
These explanations are also shown in detail in the
ADVANCED FILTER chapter.
Figure 27 –Definitions

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6.3.3.4 SECURITY
TL400 allows you to protect the device’s connection with a password. By default, the password is disabled. However, it is possible to create a numeric
password of between 4 and 10 digits. Once the device has received a password, the connection can only be made by entering it. This feature prevents
access by unauthorized users.
If the configured password is lost, the master password can be used, consisting of the number 9 + the last 3 digits of the serial number.
Master password = 9 + last three digits of the device's serial number.
By clicking the Advanced Filter button, SigNow will display parameters referring to the security settings of the equipment:
By clicking on the Password parameter, you can
enter a password that will prevent changes to the
device's settings.
You must define a numeric password with at least 4
characters.
To remove the added password, simply keep the
Password parameter field empty and click Send
password.
Figure 28 –Creating a password
6.4 DIAGNOSTIC
By clicking the Diagnostics button on the SigNow home screen, the app displays information about the connected equipment:
The Info section of the Diagnostics screen presents information such as serial number, firmware
version, BLE address and device tag, which can be set in the Configuration section.
None of this information is editable.
By clicking the Manual button, you will be redirected to the online manual for the equipment.
By clicking the Support button, you will be redirected to NOVUS Technical Support page.
Figure 29 –Diagnostic – Info
The Advanced button is in the lower right corner of the Info screen. By clicking on this button, you can access the advanced diagnostic settings,
which allow you to force values to check the correct operation of the equipment and evaluate the settings applied to it.

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The Advanced section of the Diagnostics screen allows you to:
1) In the first part of the screen, you can see the current values of the equipment, according to
the configuration.
2) In the second part of the screen, in the Forcing subsection, you can force specific values by
selecting any of the four available options:
•Distance:This parameter allows you to force a distance value for the equipment.
•Level:This parameter allows you to force a level value for the equipment.
•Volume:This parameter allows you to force a volume value for the equipment.
•Analog Output:This parameter allows you to force the analog voltage output.
In either case, the output must be enabled to force test values.
Figure 30 –Diagnostic – Advanced
By selecting one of the forcing options in the section above, you will be redirected to the appropriate screen, where you can set specific values for
each parameter:
Figure 31 –Forcing: Distance Figure 32 –Forcing: Level Figure 33 –Forcing: Volumen Figure 34 –Forcing: Analog Output

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6.5 FIRMWARE UPDATE
To update the firmware, you must click on the
Firmware button, located at the bottom of
SigNow home screen.
After that, you must select the equipment to be
used and perform the pairing process.
Figure 35 –Firmware update Figure 36 –Pairing the equipment
By clicking on the Search Files button, located in the left corner of the screen, you can search for
previously downloaded files on your smartphone.
By clicking on the Check Files Online button, located in the right corner of the screen, you can
check online for firmware files.
After that, simply select the file to be used by SigNow and perform the update process.
Figure 37 –Selecting a file