Tech Notes from the Field

One thing I do like to do is help fellow engineers get to a solution to a problem.  It does not matter how small or large.  Even if I can help in the smallest way it feels good.  I’m also feel honored that engineers, companies, and tech support folks actually recommend me to others for help.  In this case, I was able to at least steer a fellow engineer in the right direction.  What we learned, and it may sound surprising, is the Nautel NVLT is DIFFERENT than the NV so much so that Burk has a different PlusConnect-NV for that box.

The rub is the PlusConnect is so new that one of Burk’s own tech support was not aware of it, or made an assumption that was incorrect.  I was not aware of how different the NVLT was until this contact.  After a few email exchanges that stated the Link was there and the ARCPlus was talking with the PlusConnect, there were no readings and the configuration did not take.  I slept on it after giving some Burk pointers.  I began to feel that something was different and directed the engineer to contact Burk and ask for more details.  A couple days later I received a call from him and did I get an eye opener:  Yes, Burk has a different PlusConnect for the NVLT, yes the MIBs are different, yes the firmware is different, and yes the AutoLoad definitions are different.  Well, that explains it all.  Burk shipped the wrong PlusConnect.  Mistakes do happen, but….

I find it interesting that my engineer friend did not learn this from the first tech support person.  Whether he was too new or did not know, a simple “I do not know, let me get back to you” would have sufficed.  It took multiple calls.  There are most likely many reasons for this, so I give them the benefit of the doubt, but still a courtesy call to make sure the proper information was conveyed goes a long way.  After the calls the Burk website (here) has been updated with NVLT firmware and AutoLoad definitions.

Now back to business.

Cheers!