AML Oceanographic Micro SVP User manual

User Manual for AML Oceanographic’s Micro SV & P Sensor
Micro SV&P Sensor
______________
User's Manual
Version 1.1
Oct. 2004

User Manual for AML Oceanographic’s Micro SV & P Sensor
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS......................................................................................................................2
1 INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................4
1.1 The Instrument..............................................................................................................4
1.2 The User........................................................................................................................5
2 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS ...........................................................................................6
3 DESCRIPTION.........................................................................................................................8
3.1 Functional Description .................................................................................................8
4 PREPARATION FOR USE .....................................................................................................9
4.1 Inspecting the Instrument .............................................................................................9
4.2 Connection to a Computer ...........................................................................................9
4.3 Powering the Micro SVP Sensor .................................................................................9
4.3.1 External Power.................................................................................................9
4.3.2 Micro SVP Logging Option...........................................................................10
4.3.2.1 Micro Battery Pack.........................................................................10
4.4 Software Setup............................................................................................................11
5 COMMUNICATIONS ...........................................................................................................12
5.1 RS-232 ASCII Communications................................................................................12
5.1.1 Standard Output Data Format........................................................................12
5.1.1.1 Header Output ................................................................................12
5.1.1.2 Real Output Mode..........................................................................12
5.1.1.3 Raw Output Mode..........................................................................13
5.1.2 Command Summary......................................................................................13
5.1.3 Advanced Commands...................................................................................16
5.1.3.1 Display Commands ........................................................................16
5.1.3.2 Set Commands................................................................................16
5.1.3.3 Set Scan Options ............................................................................19
5.1.3.4 Analog Board Commands..............................................................20
5.1.3.5 Set Startup Options.........................................................................20
5.1.3.6 Accessing the Calibration Coefficients..........................................22
5.1.3.7 Editing the Calibration Coefficients ..............................................23
5.1.3 Logging Data..................................................................................................26
5.1.4 Using Integrated System Software (ISS).......................................................26
5.1.5 Using SmartTalk ............................................................................................26
5.1.6 Using a Terminal Emulation Program...........................................................26
6 PRECAUTIONS AND TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE.....................................................28
6.1 Precautions..................................................................................................................28
6.1.1 Sound Velocity Sensor Precautions...............................................................28
6.1.2 Pressure Sensor Precautions ..........................................................................28
6.1.3 Optional Sensor Precautions..........................................................................28
6.2 Sensor Interactions .....................................................................................................29
6.2.1 Electrical Interference ....................................................................................29
6.2.2 Acoustic Interference .....................................................................................29
6.2.3 Magnetic Interference ....................................................................................29
6.2.4 Radio Interference..........................................................................................29

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6.3 Troubleshooting Guide...............................................................................................30
7 MAINTENANCE ...................................................................................................................33
7.1 General Maintenance..................................................................................................33
7.2 Replacing the batteries ...............................................................................................33
7.2.1 Battery Considerations for the Micro SVP....................................................34
7.2.2 Recommended Battery Rating for the Micro SVP........................................34
7.2.3 Battery Dimensions........................................................................................34
7.2.4 Voltage Capacity............................................................................................34
7.2.5 Current Capacity ............................................................................................34
7.2.6 Maximum Current Sourcing Capabilities .....................................................35
8 CALIBRATION......................................................................................................................36
8.1 Sound Velocity ...........................................................................................................36
8.2 Pressure.......................................................................................................................36
9 WARRANTY .........................................................................................................................37
APPENDIX ‘A’: “ Drawings ” ..........................................................................................................38
APPENDIX ‘B’: “ Using Hyperterminal ”........................................................................................40
B.1 Using Hyperterminal ..................................................................................................40
APPENDIX ‘C’: “ Micro SVP Quick Reference Guide ” ................................................................43

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1 INTRODUCTION
This manual describes the AML Oceanographic Micro SVP Sensor. If additional items
such as sensors or software are used in conjunction with the Micro SVP Sensor the
manuals for these items should also be consulted. Examples of additional manuals
commonly supplied are:
SmartTalk software manual
Transmissometer sensor manual
Dissolved oxygen sensor manual
This manual covers the standard specifications, operation, use, communication,
troubleshooting, and maintenance of the Micro SVP Sensor. In addition, appendices at
the back of the manual detail any unique configurations for the instrument. Unique
configurations include such things as calibration coefficients, additional sensors, custom
communication formats and custom wiring configurations. Also included in Appendix G
is a quick reference guide that describes the basic operating procedures on one sheet for
ease of use in the field.
1.1 THE INSTRUMENT
The standard Micro SVP Sensor is a two parameter, self contained, intelligent sensor. The
basic configuration includes the following:
Sound velocity sensor and electronics
Pressure sensor and electronics
Communications electronics
Data logger electronics
Waterproof pressure case
Connector cable
Figure 1.1: The Micro SVP Sensor

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The sound velocity sensor is a short pathlength, Time of Flight, proprietary design which
offers fast response times and extremely low thermal hysteresis. The signal conditioning
electronics feature thermal compensation, ratio metric A/D conversion to provide accurate
and stable operation over the operating range. The sound velocity sensor uses a dedicated
RISC microprocessor to control the sensor excitation and communicate with the data logger
electronics. The sound velocity sensor ground is capacitively coupled to the water to reduce
noise.
The pressure sensor is a semiconductor strain gauge protected by a stainless steel
diaphragm. Various pressure ranges from 2 to 1000 Bar are available. The pressure sensor
is fully temperature compensated over the range of -2 to 32°C. The pressure sensor uses a
dedicated RISC microprocessor to control the sensor excitation and communicate with the
data logger electronics.
The data logger and power control electronics use a RISC microprocessor running at 19.6
MHz to control the sampling and power program as well as to communicate with the
sensors and communications interface board.
The communications interface board is normally an RS-232C board. Optional
communication boards include RS-485 and TTL. Through the communications board, the
instrument will on power up, automatically detect baud rates from 2400 to 38400 baud. The
baud rate is automatically determined when the sensor receives an <ENTER> or <RET>.
The data output may be configured to display either unprocessed integers, or computed
engineering values. The Micro SVP Sensor has the option of sampling on command or
monitoring continuously with programmable sampling rates. The latter is not available with
the binary protocol. The RS-485 binary protocol option allows the instruments to be
individually addressed permitting multiple instruments to be daisy-chained together.
1.2 THE USER
This manual has been written with the following assumptions:
• The user has had some exposure to MS Windows compatible computers, and is
moderately computer literate with a working knowledge of computer operation and
terminology.
• The user is familiar with the operation and function of standard communications packages.
While it is possible to operate the Micro SVP Sensor without these qualifications, some
computer experience will greatly assist the user to pass through the learning curve more
rapidly.