AML Smart SV&T User manual

Smart SV&T
User Manual
Document Version 2.1 Dated: 03 February 2010

User Manual for AML Oceanographic’s Smart SV&T
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents............................................................................................ 1
General Description of the Instrument ........................................................... 2
Which Manual do I Start With?...................................................................... 2
Shipping & Receiving..................................................................................... 3
Receiving an Instrument.............................................................................. 3
Returning an Instrument to the Factory....................................................... 4
Using the Instrument....................................................................................... 5
Pre-Deployment Procedures........................................................................ 5
Configuring Sampling Parameters using SeaCast....................................... 5
Selecting an Instrument for Configuration ............................................. 5
Configuring the Selected Instrument...................................................... 7
Configuring Sampling Parameters with HyperTerminal ............................ 8
Monitoring Real Time Data ........................................................................ 8
Post-Deployment Procedures ...................................................................... 9
Configuring the Instrument for Data on Power Up................................... 10
Disabling Data on Power Up..................................................................... 10
Maintaining the Instrument........................................................................... 11
Periodic Maintenance................................................................................ 11
Communications ........................................................................................... 11
PC Settings ................................................................................................ 11
Output Formats.......................................................................................... 12
Customer Support ......................................................................................... 16
Troubleshooting......................................................................................... 16
AML Oceanographic Contact Info............................................................ 18
Appendices.................................................................................................... 19
Commands................................................................................................. 19
Technical Specifications............................................................................ 20
Warranty .................................................................................................... 22
Wiring Diagram......................................................................................... 23
RS-232 Communications...................................................................... 23
RS-485 Communications...................................................................... 24
Mechanical Drawings................................................................................ 25

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General Description of the Instrument
The AML Oceanographic Smart SV&T is a high speed, high resolution, high accuracy instrument
for measuring sound velocity and temperature in water. The Smart SV&T provides real-time sound
velocity data in meters per second and temperature data in Celsius when connected to a computer
and DC power supply. Optionally, the Smart SV can be equipped with SV•Xchange™ and
T•Xchange™, field swappable sensors.
Which Manual do I Start With?
AML Oceanographic instruments may be shipped with several manuals:
•An instrument manual (ie. This Smart SV&T manual) which provides an overview on how
to use and maintain the instrument;
•A software manual (ie. The SeaCast manual) which provides instructions on how to use
the software to configure the instrument and review instrument data; and
•An SV•Xchange™ manual (for those instruments that have been SV•Xchange™ enabled)
which provides an overview on how to install and maintain SV•Xchange™ sensors.
•A T•Xchange™ manual (for those instruments that have been T•Xchange™ enabled)
which provides an overview on how to install and maintain T•Xchange™ sensors.
If you are configuring an instrument for field use or lab test, we recommend you begin with the
SeaCast software manual.
If you are focussed on instrument maintenance, we recommend you read this instrument manual.
If you wish to swap an Xchange™ sensor, we recommend you read the appropriate Xchange™
sensor manual.

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Shipping & Receiving
Receiving an Instrument
When an instrument is received at a new location it is prudent to perform the following steps to
ensure the instrument is capable of performing when required.
•Check the shipping container for signs of damage. This could indicate damage to the
instrument inside.
•The shipping package should include all of the following items
oSmart SV&T instrument
oData/Power cable
oCD with Manuals
•Check for damage
oCheck the cable for slices or gouges
oCheck the connector for corrosion in the sockets and salt deposits
oCheck the pressure case for dents and scrapes
oCheck the sensors for cracks, bends or dents
•If fitted with Xchange™ sensors ensure the blue retaining rings are tight. They should be
within 1 mm of the pressure case endcap.
•Connect the instrument to a computer and a DC power supply between 6.5 and 26 volts
using the data cable. Launch SeaCast or SmartTalk and use the Monitor button to start
the flow of data from the instrument.
oPlace the instrument in fresh water ensuring no bubbles are trapped on the SV
transducer or reflector plates. The instrument should return sound speed readings
in agreement with the chart below.
oThe temperature sensor can be checked against a thermometer in the water.
Expected sound velocity output in fresh water

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Returning an Instrument to the Factory
•If shipping for repair or recalibration obtain an RMA number from the service centre.
•Perform all the steps listed above for Receiving
•Pack the instrument in its original shipping box, if possible, to prevent damage during
shipping
An RMA number can be requested using any of the following contact options:
Service Department:
Email: [e-mail]
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Website:
http://www.AMLoceanographic.com
Customer Portal:
RMA requests may also be submitted through the customer portal on the AML Oceanographic
website.
To access the Customer Portal, please navigate to the ‘Support’ button, located on the top right
hand side of AML Oceanographic home page, select the ‘Customer Centre’ from the options on the
drop down menu and follow the instructions provided.
Mailing and Shipping Address:
AML Oceanographic.
2071 Malaview Ave.
Sidney, BC, Canada
V8L 5X6

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Using the Instrument
Pre-Deployment Procedures
•4 to 6 weeks ahead
oUse the receiving checklist to verify the instrument is in good working order
oVerify the calibration is valid for the duration of the deployment. If it is not, ship the
instrument or Xchange sensors back to an authorized service centre for re-
calibration, or request an Xchange sensor replacement.
oLubricate the connector with silicone spray
•Before leaving the jetty
oConnect the instrument to a computer and power supply using the data cable
oPlace the instrument in fresh water ensuring no bubbles are trapped on the SV
transducer or reflector plates. The instrument should return sound speed readings
in agreement with the chart on page 3.
Configuring Sampling Parameters using SeaCast
AML Oceanographic’s SeaCast application software greatly simplifies the process of setting up an
instrument to collect data. SeaCast does not require instrument configuration files and is able to
generate copies of sensor calibration certificates on demand.
Full details on the instrument configuration process can be found in the SeaCast manual. Below
please find a quick summary of that process:
Selecting an Instrument for Configuration
On the Instrument Tab, the first row of fields ‘Port’, ‘Baud Rate’ and ‘Status’ control and display the
communications with the instrument.

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The ‘Port’ field allows the user to select the port to which the instrument is connected.
If uncertain about the port the user can check the ports in the Device Manager or
Hardware Manager found in the control panel in the Windows operating system. The
‘Refresh’ selection at the bottom of the list allows the user to force a new detection of
available ports. This is useful if a USB connection is made after SeaCast is launched.
The ‘Baud Rate’ field is used to select the baud rate the user wishes to use while
communicating to the instrument. Lower baud rates allow longer cables to be used if
using RS-232/485/422. Higher baud rates shorten the data transfer times. Choose
38,400 baud whenever possible.
If an instrument is set to autobaud (default setting) it will detect the baud rate chosen in SeaCast
and communicate at that baud rate. If the baud rate is changed in SeaCast the power to the
instrument must be cycled to re-establish communications at the new baud rate.
Some instruments are set up to communicate at fixed baud
rates. In this case the baud rate in SeaCast must be set to the
same baud rate as the instrument. If the instrument baud rate
is unknown, the ‘Scan’ switch below the ‘Baud Rate’ field can
be used to have SeaCast cycle through all the baud rates to try to detect the instrument baud rate.
The “Status” field shows the status of the communications with the
instrument. The green light indicates that communications have been
established with the instrument. During the identification process,
SeaCast is determining the type and serial number of the instrument
and any connected sensors. During the settings process, SeaCast is
determining the latest sampling and logging settings that were
programmed into the instrument. When all the required handshaking
has been completed, the ‘Status’ field will show “Connected” and the
user may now use the instrument.
The Detect Instrument button forces SeaCast to re-detect and re-identify the
instrument and its sensors.

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Configuring the Selected Instrument
After the instrument has been detected by SeaCast, select the Setup tab at the top of the SeaCast
window.
The box in the upper left of the Setup page controls the sampling of the instrument. The Smart
SV&T can be programmed to sample at various sampling rates (ie. sample 25 times per second,
10 times per hour, every 5 seconds, etc.)

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Configuring Sampling Parameters with HyperTerminal
Instruments can also be configured for deployment using HyperTerminal or other terminal
emulation programs. As with SeaCast, communications with the instrument must be established.
The following steps must be completed by issuing text commands.
Please consult the Commands section of the Appendix for full syntax details on how to issue
commands. The following are typical commands issued using HyperTerminal:
•S (scan, sample 1 sound velocity reading)
•M (monitor, sample at the programmed sampling rate)
•SET S 2/S (set the sample rate to two per second)
•SET S 1M (set the sample rate to 1 minute)
•SET DETECT A7 (set 10 autobaud attempts then default to 38400 baud)
•SET STARTUP MONITOR (set the instrument to monitor on power up)
•SET STARTUP PROMPT (set the instrument to wait for a command on power up)
Monitoring Real Time Data
•Ensure the pre-deployment procedures have been done.
•Ensure that the sampling rate desired has been selected.
•Plug the data/power cable into the instrument. If you power the instrument over a long
cable, please note the following:
oThe longer the cable the higher the voltage drop on the cable. The voltage drop
on a standard AML Oceanographic cable, with a Smart SV&T, is about 1 volt per
100m of cable while sampling, 2 volts per 100m for Xchange enabled instruments.
oThe instrument’s minimum voltage is 6.5 volts
oThe voltage at the instrument, while sampling, must be above this level for the
instrument to operate
oThe instrument’s maximum voltage is 26 volts
•Lower the instrument until it is just submerged. Keep the instrument at this depth for 2
minutes prior to beginning the cast. This allows the sensors time to wet and the pressure
case to shed heat. The wetting time for an SV.Xchange enabled instrument is 5 seconds.
•Begin monitoring data using SeaCast or HyperTerminal.

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Post-Deployment Procedures
•When the instrument is pulled from the water it should be rinsed in fresh water
•Dry the area around the connectors with a clean cloth or compressed air prior to
disconnecting the cable
•Remove the shorting plug or cable.
•Dry the instrument and stow it, preferably in the shipping container for protection.