Both packages are identical but the Full package adds a preconfigured WSL image file that provides a near zero-config installation process. In addition it also provides a "factory reset" type restoration function for a clean WSL environment.
Download the Full package installation if:
Installing Polaris on a computer for the first time
Want to provide an easier zero-config installation method
Would like to utilize the factory reset characteristics of the Full package
The computer has a reasonably good quality Internet connection
Download the standard installation if:
The Internet connection is poor and just want to update the WEB Client
You already have a WSL factory image installed from a previous Full installation and just want to update the WEB Client
(PolarisWSL.tar file in c:\Program Files\Polaris Guidance Systems\Polaris WEB Client)
Open the Polaris WEB Client to allow it to complete the installation of the logging system
Version History and Other Information
Polaris WEB Client
Logging System (WSL)
Virtual COM Port App
More Information
Version 4.4: (March 27, 2026)
Added real-time serial port data rececived indicators on the top bar
Additional serial port diagnostics and automatic recovery from hardware errors
Version 4.3: (February 17, 2026)
Fixed serial port output for the Extreme tool
Version 4.2: (January 9, 2026)
Additional COM port device monitoring - shows device errors on the titlebar and sounds alarm if a COM port device disconnects or fails during operation
Added "Open Putty" buttons next to each COM port in the configuration dialog. The benefits of this are:
Direct connection to the COM port hardware without any filters or interference from Polaris
Putty is the highly regarded equivalent of Microsoft's Hyperterminal used in the tech industry
Is used by our support staff to certify the reception of WITS data
Added the "Full" version which contains a preconfigured WSL image. The advantages are:
All apps and libraries are already installed - no user name password errors
Privides a quick and easy "Reset to factory" function by restoring the WSL image delivered in the instalation
Fixed the "Polaris Files" button so that it opens a useful Windows File Manager for viewing Polaris Files
Version 3.3: (September 4, 2025)
Added: Copy/paste functions for sending Email
Version 3.1: (February 13, 2025)
Fixed: Accommodate the username/password WSL installation changes from Microsoft
Version 3.0: (January 6, 2025)
Added: Complete WSL software management from within the WEB Client application itself. (No App Store requirement)
Version 16.3: (March 18 2026)
Changed: Default database backup file now saved as ".gzip" to avoid confusion with other applications
Changed: Database backup file will now be named Company-Wellname_backup.gzip for easier identification
Version 16.2: (March 11 2026)
Fixed: Green/Red indicator lights on Rig and Decoder tabs are now finally WORKING!
Fixed: Depth jumps and other additional information are now stored in the database
Added: Depth jumps and message reports are available in Utilities / System Info
Version 16.1: (March 2 2026)
Added: Rig ID added to the LAS file header
Fixed: Custom plot header stuck on "MD"
Version 16.0: (February 18 2026)
Added: Support use plot custom headers on TIFF files
Version 15.9: (February 6 2026)
Added: Support for MagVAR survey corrections
Version 15.8: (January 9 2026)
Added: Remember last set of data box groups (1-3) selected on the Dashboard
Added: Backup and restore of the Dashboard data box configurations
Added: Memory data depth correlator - The GUI editor is back and better than before
Added: Size limit to icon file size used in reports and logs to approximately 64K bytes
Version 15.7: (November 11 2025)
Fixed: Storing survey on SuperiorQC server
Version 15.6: (October 23 2025)
Improvements to storage handling algorithm of downhole data
Using virtual COM ports can help eliminate USB adapters and null modem cables and their problems. This product has been testing thorouly tested and is very easy to use. Two common applications are:
Communicate between two COM port apps on a single computer (COM port pairs)
Share a virtual COM port over the network with Polaris (WITS over TCP/IP)
After installation open the app and choose "Create Local Bridge" button to create a COM port pair.
This COM port pair can then be used to communicate between Polaris and your MWD software on the same computer.
More information about WITS over TCP/IP coming soon
More Information
WSL Image
The advantages of using the full download are:
Near zero-conf installation removes user interactions and human error
No dependency on Open Source sites for app and library downloads
Provides a factory reset type of option to clear out and initialize the logging system back to day one status
The total size of downloading each app and library individually is larger than the WSL image
The Putty Application
Putty is an Open Source alternative to Microsoft's Hyperterminal application. These applications are widely used in the technology industry for communications and diagnostics. When using Putty to view COM port data be assured that the absence of WITS data is not caused by any of the Polaris applications.
Thunderbird with Google Gmail (finally!)
In order to succesfully login to a Gmail account it will be necessary to halt the WSL during the process
Click on the STOPWSL.BAT file in the c:\Program Files\Polaris Guidance Systems\Polaris WEB Client directory
Open Thunderbird and login to your account
Click on the STARTWSL.BAT file in the c:\Program Files\Polaris Guidance Systems\Polaris WEB Client directory
(or reboot)
This only needs to be done when changing Gmail accounts
The Keylok driver only needs to be installed once on each computer. You may uncheck the installation of the driver to speed up software updates or reinstallations.
Copyright Notice:
This software update is owned by Polaris Guidance Systems, LLC (“Polaris”) in its entirety, and is protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws. By downloading this software update you acknowledge and agree that it may only be used in conjunction with the Polaris remote direction system being updated and any other use is strictly prohibited by law.
For greater certainty and to eliminate any doubt, you are advised and acknowledge and agree that you shall not adapt, edit, change, transform, publish, republish, copy, distribute or redistribute this software update (in any form or media).The automated and/or systematic collection of data from this website is prohibited.
Polaris takes the protection of its copyright very seriously and in the event that Polaris discovers that you have used its copyright materials in contravention of the terms and conditions set forth above, Polaris may bring legal proceedings against you seeking monetary damages, legal costs and an injunction to prohibit you from engaging in any further breach or non-performance of such terms and conditions.
