AML Oceanographic Micro-X Series User manual

MicroX
User Manual
Version 1.97
18 November 2015

Revision History
Revision
Date
Description
Author
Version 1.6
07 November 2012
Updated manual to include Turbidity•Xchange™and updated product
codes.
Erika Ladouceur
Version 1.61
06 December 2012
Updates.
Erika Ladouceur
Version 1.7
14 February 2013
Added NMEA-like output format
Dustin Olender
Version 1.8
10 June 2013
Format revision and updates
Jehan Zouak
Version 1.9
26 August 2013
Minor edits
Jehan Zouak
Version 1.91
07 October 2013
Corr’d NMEA; Added change units commands to appendix
Dustin Olender
Version 1.915
11 February 2014
Edited page 4
Jehan Zouak
Version 1.92
12 February 2014
Added UV•Xchange reference
Chris Bueley
Version 1.93
16 July 2014
Added Ordering Codes
Jehan Zouak
Version 1.94
14 November 2014
Updated current draw table
Quinton Calverley
Version 1.95
28 May 2015
Updated for SeaCast 4
Andrew Beak-Taylor
Version 1.96
22 June 2015
Updated technical specifications
Jehan Zouak
Version 1.97
18 November 2015
Updated overview drawing
Jehan Zouak

User Manual for AML Oceanographic’s MicroX
1
Table of Contents
General Description of the Instrument.............................................................................................. 2
Where Do I Start? ............................................................................................................................ 3
Shipping & Receiving ....................................................................................................................... 4
Receiving an Instrument .............................................................................................................. 4
Returning an Instrument to the Factory........................................................................................ 4
Using the Instrument........................................................................................................................ 5
Pressure Ratings ......................................................................................................................... 5
Pre-Deployment Procedures........................................................................................................ 5
Configuring Sampling Parameters using SeaCast....................................................................... 6
Configuring Sampling Parameters through the Terminal ............................................................. 6
Accounting for Atmospheric Pressure Variations at the Surface.................................................. 6
Monitoring Real Time Data .......................................................................................................... 7
Post-Deployment Procedures...................................................................................................... 7
Configuring the Instrument for Data on Power Up ....................................................................... 8
Disabling Data on Power Up........................................................................................................ 8
Maintaining the Instrument............................................................................................................... 9
Periodic Maintenance .................................................................................................................. 9
Communications .............................................................................................................................10
PC Settings.................................................................................................................................10
Output Formats...........................................................................................................................10
Default Output Format...........................................................................................................10
NMEA-like Output Format.....................................................................................................12
Example Outputs ..................................................................................................................13
Support ...........................................................................................................................................14
Troubleshooting..........................................................................................................................14
Contact AML Oceanographic......................................................................................................15
Appendices .....................................................................................................................................16
Commands .................................................................................................................................16
Communications Commands................................................................................................16
Sampling Rate Commands ...................................................................................................16
Output Format Commands....................................................................................................17
General Commands..............................................................................................................17
Technical Specifications .............................................................................................................18
Ordering Codes...............................................................................................................................21
Warranty .........................................................................................................................................22
Technical Overview Drawings.........................................................................................................23

User Manual for AML Oceanographic’s MicroX
2
General Description of the Instrument
The AML Oceanographic X•Series instruments and Xchange™ sensors are a major advancement
in ocean instrumentation. Swappable and interchangeable sensors dramatically improve the
capabilities of ocean instrumentation in the following ways:
Change the instrument sensor types while at sea within seconds, and without tools. A CTD
can be changed to a sound speed profiler by exchanging sensor heads.
To optimize the resolution and accuracy of sensor data, sensors can be swapped to
change the measurement range. For example, a 6000 dBar P•Xchange pressure sensor
can be swapped with a 500 dBar P•Xchange sensor; the salt water C•Xchange
conductivity sensor can be swapped for a fresh water C•Xchange conductivity sensor.
Sensors from one instrument can be swapped to another instrument to maintain mission-
critical capabilities.
Calibrated sensors can be sent from the factory to the instrument. The instrument is not
pulled from active duty for calibration.
Spare sensors ensure that an instrument can be immediately returned to active duty after
sustaining damage.
All calibration and traceability data resides within each Xchange™ sensor. Calibration data
for all sensors is available from the instrument, and calibration certificates can be printed
from AML Oceanographic SeaCast software when the instrument is connected.
Logged data is stamped with sensor traceability and instrument configuration data.
Only Xchange™ sensors are sent for calibration, leaving the instrument working in the
field.
Micro•X is the miniature, single-sensor, externally powered, data via cable instrument of the
X•Series family. It is designed primarily for sonar transducer array, and hull mounted applications.
Communications with the Micro•X are accomplished with RS-232 or RS-485. Sampling rates are
programmable by time (25 Hz to every 24 hours).
Micro•X is equipped with one Xchange™ sensor port. There are two options available for this port:
A primary Xchange™ sensor port (C•Xchange or SV•Xchange)
A secondary Xchange™ sensor port (T•Xchange, P•Xchange, Tu•Xchange, UV•Xchange)
A Micro•X with a primary Xchange™ sensor port cannot accept Xchange™ sensors designed for a
secondary port, and vice versa.

User Manual for AML Oceanographic’s MicroX
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Where Do I Start?
AML Oceanographic’s X•Series instruments ship with several manuals on the USB stick:
An instrument manual (this Micro•X manual) providing an overview on how to use and
maintain the instrument;
A SeaCast manual providing instructions on how to use the software to configure the
instrument and review instrument data;
Xchange™ sensor manuals (C•Xchange, SV•Xchange, P•Xchange, T•Xchange,
Tu•Xchange, UV•XchangeT) providing overviews on how to install and maintain each of
the Xchange™ sensors;
If you are configuring an instrument for field use or lab testing, begin with the SeaCast manual.
If you are performing instrument maintenance, begin with the instrument manual.
If you are planning to swap an Xchange™ sensor, read the Xchange™ manual corresponding to
your sensors.
If you are planning to use Micro•X with UV•Xchange, refer to the UV•Xchange manual.

User Manual for AML Oceanographic’s MicroX
4
Shipping & Receiving
Receiving an Instrument
When receiving an instrument, perform the following steps to ensure the instrument will be ready
for deployment when required:
Inspect the shipping container, looking for signs of damage. Damage to the shipping
container could indicate damage to the instrument inside.
The shipping package should include all of the following items
oMicro•X board set (2 circuit boards)
oOne sensor port blanking plug
oCD with manuals and documentation
Inspect for damage
oCheck the connector sockets for corrosion, dirt, and salt deposits
oCheck the circuit boards for damage
oCheck the pressure case for dents and scrapes
oCheck the sensors for cracks or bends
Ensure the Xchange™ sensor is installed tightly onto its mount. The blue locking sleeve
should be tight, and sitting less than 1mm from the instrument end cap.
Connect the instrument to a computer with the data cable and perform a scan or monitor if
using SeaCast.
Returning an Instrument to the Factory
If shipping for repair or recalibration, obtain an RMA number from the service centre.
Pack the instrument in its original shipping box to prevent damage during shipping.
An RMA number can be requested using the contact options given in the Support section of this
manual.

User Manual for AML Oceanographic’s MicroX
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Using the Instrument
Pressure Ratings
Pressure ratings are given for Xchange™ sensors and the entire instrument. Deployments should
never exceed the lower of these two pressure ratings. For example, a 500m instrument
equipped with a 6000 dBar (0-6000m) P•Xchange™ sensor is limited to deployments of 500m
depth or less. Similarly, a 6000m instrument equipped with a 500 dBar (0-500m) P•Xchange™
sensor is also limited to deployments of 500m depth or less.
It is desirable to optimize the accuracy of pressure measurements by using a P•Xchange™ sensor
with a pressure the depth of the deployment.
Pre-Deployment Procedures
Upon Receipt
oUse the Shipping and Receiving instructions to verify the condition of the
instrument.
oVerify that all sensor calibrations are valid for the duration of the deployment. If
not, swap the Xchange™ sensors for sensors with valid calibrations or send the
Xchange™ sensors to a service centre for recalibration.
oLightly lubricate the underwater connectors with 3M silicone spray or equivalent.
Before leaving the jetty
oIf applicable, verify the P•Xchange™ pressure range is correct for the deployment.
oConnect the instrument to a computer using the data cable.
Caution: Do not exceed the specified pressure ratings of the P•Xchange™
sensor, Turbidity•Xchange™ sensor, or the instrument housing.
Overpressure can result in damage to the sensors and the instrument.

User Manual for AML Oceanographic’s MicroX
6
Configuring Sampling Parameters using SeaCast
SeaCast is free software provided for use with AML Oceanographic instruments. It can be used to
set up an instrument for profiling or monitoring data, as well as downloading, graphing, and
exporting the collected data.
Full details on the instrument configuration process and the software’s capabilities can be found in
the SeaCast manual.
Configuring Sampling Parameters through the Terminal
Instruments can also be configured for deployment using a terminal emulation program like
HyperTerminal,RealTerm, or Tera Term. Communications with the instrument must be established
using the correct communications port and settings. The communications settings are 8 data bits, 1
stop bit, no parity, no flow control, and the desired baud rate.
The following steps must be completed by issuing text commands:
Step
Possible Commands
Set Sampling Parameters
SET SAMPLE RATE CONTINUOUS
SET SAMPLE RATE 5/s
SET P INC 1
SET SOUND INC 2
The above table provides example commands only; many additional sampling regimes can be established using
available commands. Please consult the Commands section of the Appendix for full syntax details on the commands
you wish to use.
Accounting for Atmospheric Pressure Variations at the Surface
Climate and altitude changes can create fluctuations in atmospheric (barometric) pressure. AML's
pressure sensors are sensitive enough to detect these variations. When this happens, the
instrument's pressure channel may not read exactly zero when data is taken prior to submersion in
the water. Nearly all absolute pressure sensors experience atmospheric pressure offsets if they are
sufficiently sensitive.
To compensate for this atmospheric pressure offset, AML instruments have the ability to reset the
pressure sensor's zero point. This can be initiated using AML Oceanographic SeaCast software or
a Terminal emulator command. The compensation does not affect the calibration of the pressure
sensor, and can be turned off or recalculated at any time. The compensation factor is applied
through the entire calibrated pressure range. Note that this compensation cannot be applied to a
built-in Paroscientific Digiquartz sensor, as found in bathyMetrec•X.
Once the atmospheric pressure compensation is applied, it will be applied to all pressure sensor
data until it is turned off or recalculated. The setting is written to memory, so it remains set when
the instrument is powered down.
Using SeaCast
Refer to the SeaCast User Manual for instructions on enabling "Zero Depth."

User Manual for AML Oceanographic’s MicroX
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Using a Terminal Emulator
Establish serial communications with the instrument on your computer. Refer to the
"Communications" section of this manual for more information.
Once connection is established, ensure the instrument is stationary, and is not submerged
in water.
To turn ON Atmospheric pressure compensation, issue the ZERO ON command. This will
calculate and apply the offset required to compensate for current atmospheric pressure
conditions.
To turn OFF Atmospheric pressure compensation, issue the ZERO OFF command. This
will disable the offset.
Issuing the ZERO command again will calculate a new offset based on current conditions
Monitoring Real Time Data
Ensure the pre-deployment procedures have been completed (see page 4).
Ensure that the desired sampling settings have been selected and applied.
Plug the data/power cable into the instrument. If you power the instrument over a long
cable, please note the following:
oVoltage drop due to cable resistance increases with cable length. The voltage drop
on a standard AML cable, with a standard Micro•X, is about 1 volt per 100m of
cable.
oThe instrument’s lowest voltage is 8 volts.
oThe instrument’s maximum voltage is 26 volts.
oThe voltage at the instrument, while sampling, must be above the shutdown level
for the instrument to operate.
If using a Pressure•Xchange™ sensor, use the ZERO command while the instrument is in
air (NOT submerged) to zero the barometric pressure offset.
Begin monitoring data using SeaCast or HyperTerminal.
Send the instrument down to the desired depth and return it to the surface.
Post-Deployment Procedures
When the instrument is pulled from the water it should be rinsed with fresh water.
Dry the area around the connectors with a clean cloth or compressed air prior to
disconnecting the plugs or cables. Do not blow compressed air into the
Pressure•Xchange™ sensor. Doing so may damage the sensitive pressure transducer
diaphragm.
Remove the cable. Place dummy plug in the connector to protect it.
Dry the instrument and stow it securely.

User Manual for AML Oceanographic’s MicroX
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Configuring the Instrument for Data on Power Up
Perform the following steps:
Open a terminal emulation program such as HyperTerminal. Ensure the serial port has
been selected in the program. If the instrument has been set to a specific baud rate with
the SET DETECT command, the terminal emulation program must be configured for that
baud rate.
Connect the instrument to the computer using the data/power cable.
Using the terminal emulation program, issue the following commands to the instrument:
oSET STARTUP NOHEADER (disables the power up header information)
oSET STARTUP MONITOR (enables data output on power up)
oSET SAMPLE RATE 2/S (sets the desired sampling rate)
oSET DETECT 07 (sets fixed 38400 baud rate)
Note: Details on the SET DETECT command can be found in the appendix.
Unplug the data/power cable from the instrument to turn the instrument off.
Plug the data/power cable into the instrument to turn the instrument on.
Disabling Data on Power Up
Perform the following steps:
Open a terminal emulation program such as HyperTerminal. Ensure the serial port has
been selected in the program. If the instrument has been set to a specific baud rate with
the SET DETECT command, the terminal emulation program must be configured for that
baud rate.
Connect the instrument to the computer using the data/power cable.
Unplug the data/power cable from the instrument to turn the instrument off.
Hold down the <ENTER> key.
Plug the data/power cable into the instrument to turn the instrument on.
Release the <ENTER> key once the prompt ‘>’ is displayed.
Using the terminal emulation program issue the following commands to disable data on
power up:
oSET STARTUP HEADER (enables the power up header information)
oSET STARTUP PROMPT (disables data output on power up)
oSET SAMPLE RATE 2/S (selects the desired sampling rate)
oSET DETECT A7 (sets 10 autobaud attempts then defaults to 38400 baud)
Note: Details on the SET DETECT command can be found in the appendix.
Unplug the data/power cable from the instrument to turn the instrument off.