AML Base-X User manual

BaseX
User Manual
Version 1.14
13 April 2017

User Manual for AML Oceanographic BaseX
Revision History
Revision
Revision Date
Changes
Name
Version 1.00
2013-04-06
First Version of Manual
Chris Bueley
Version 1.01
2013-04-26
Updates
Chris Bueley
Version 1.02
2013-05-13
Updated SeaCast version
Chris Bueley
Version 1.03
2013-06-13
Format revision and updates
Jehan Zouak
Version 1.04
2013-08-26
Minor Edits
Jehan Zouak
Version 1.05
2014-07-16
Added Ordering Codes
Jehan Zouak
Version 1.06
2014-10-06
Edited Charging section
Jehan Zouak
Version 1.07
2015-02-25
Updated Sensor Current Draw and Battery Life
Quinton Calverley
Version 1.08
2015-03-18
Updated manual for SeaCast 4
Andrew Beak-Taylor
Version 1.09
2015-04-29
Data•Xchange and formatting edits
Jehan Zouak
Version 1.1
2015-06-22
Updated technical specifications
Jehan Zouak
Version 1.11
2015-11-24
Updated manual to include CT•Xchange™ and updated product
codes.
Tony Nordstrom
Version 1.12
2016-06-03
Added 500 m variant
Andrew Beak-Taylor
Version 1.13
2017-03-06
Minor updates
Jehan Zouak
Version 1.14
2017-04-13
Added regulatory info and greasing instructions
Andrew Beak-Taylor

User Manual for AML Oceanographic Base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
Supported Sensor Configurations................................................................................................ 6
LED Indicator............................................................................................................................... 7
Configuring Sampling Parameters Using SeaCast ...................................................................... 8
Configuring Sampling Parameters through the Terminal ............................................................. 8
Accounting for Atmospheric Pressure Variations at the Surface.................................................. 8
Logging a Profile.......................................................................................................................... 9
Monitoring Real Time Data .......................................................................................................... 9
Post-Deployment Procedures.....................................................................................................10
Viewing your Data.......................................................................................................................10
Configuring the Instrument for Data on Power Up ......................................................................12
Disabling Data on Power Up.......................................................................................................12
Maintaining the Instrument..............................................................................................................13
Periodic Maintenance .................................................................................................................13
Battery Care................................................................................................................................13
Battery Life..................................................................................................................................13
Charging the Lithium-Ion Batteries .............................................................................................14
Communications .............................................................................................................................15
PC Settings.................................................................................................................................15
Output Formats...........................................................................................................................15
Default Output Format...........................................................................................................15
Default Example Outputs: .....................................................................................................16
Support ...........................................................................................................................................18
Troubleshooting..........................................................................................................................18
Contact AML Oceanographic......................................................................................................21
Appendices .....................................................................................................................................22
Commands .................................................................................................................................22
Communications Commands ................................................................................................22
Sampling Rate Commands ...................................................................................................22
Output Format Commands....................................................................................................23
Logging Commands..............................................................................................................24
General Commands..............................................................................................................24
Technical Specifications .............................................................................................................25
Ordering Codes...............................................................................................................................27
Regulatory Information....................................................................................................................28
Warranty .........................................................................................................................................28
Technical Overview Drawings.........................................................................................................29

User Manual for AML Oceanographic BaseX
2
General Description of the Instrument
The AML Oceanographic X•Series instruments and 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.
Base•X is the smallest multi-sensor data logging instrument in the X•Series family. Its compact size
makes it ideal for hand deployments from small boats, jetties, suitable shorelines, etc. As Base•X
shares the same pedigree as larger, more featured instruments in the X•Series family, it provides
the same capabilities, functionality, and accuracy, but in a condensed package.
Base•X is equipped with one primary Xchange™ sensor port (C•Xchange™, CT•Xchange™,
SV•Xchange™) and one secondary Xchange™ sensor port (T•Xchange™, P•Xchange™,
Tu•Xchange™) and can accept any sensor in the X•Series lineup. The integrated shackle and cage
allow for rapid turnaround from shipping case to deployment, as the instrument is stored ‘ready to
go.’ The instrument is capable of logging continuously for 12 hours with a full battery charge and may
be deployed up to a depth of 100 m or 500 m.
Supported communication protocols for Base•X are RS-232 or RS-485. The instrument can be
powered both internally and externally.
Like all AML logging instruments, Base•X can be equipped with Data•Xchange to add wireless
capabilities and enhance data transfer rates. Base•X2has these capabilities embedded.

User Manual for AML Oceanographic BaseX
3
Where Do I Start?
AML Oceanographic X•Series instruments ship with several manuals on the USB:
•An instrument manual (this Base•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, CT•Xchange, SV•Xchange, P•Xchange,
T•Xchange, and Tu•Xchange) 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 will be using Data•Xchange with your instrument, refer to its manual beforehand.

User Manual for AML Oceanographic Base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 contains the following items, identified above:
oBase•X instrument
oData•Xchange (if purchased)
oData/Power cable
oRed shorting plug
oBlack dummy plug
oOne primary sensor blanking plug
oOne secondary sensor blanking plug
oUSB with manuals and documentation
oBattery charger and cable
•Inspect for damage
oCheck the cable for slices or gouges
oCheck the connector sockets for corrosion, dirt, and salt deposits
oCheck the pressure case for dents and scrapes
oCheck the sensors for cracks or bends
•Ensure all the Xchange™ sensors are installed tightly. The blue locking sleeve should be
tight, and sitting less than 1 mm from the instrument end cap.
•Connect the instrument to a computer with the data cable and perform a scan or monitor if
using SeaCast. Check the battery voltage on the output (normally the last column of data,
unless calculated parameters have been enabled). It should be between 7.2 and 8.4 volts.
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 BaseX
5
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 range that closely matches 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.
oCheck the instrument memory
▪Save any unsaved memory files.
▪Initialize the memory (Note: This deletes ALL files stored in the instrument
memory. Be sure to have a copy of all important logged data before
performing this step.).
•If using SeaCast, click the Clear Memory box.
•If using a Terminal Emulator, send instrument an INIT command.
Primary Xchange™ mount blanking plug Secondary Xchange™ mount blanking plug
Caution: Do not exceed the specified pressure ratings of the P•Xchange
sensor, Tu•Xchange sensor, or the instrument housing. Overpressure can
result in damage to the sensors and the instrument.
Caution: Install blanking plugs in all unused sensor ports prior to deployment. Failure to install
blanking plugs will result in damage to the connectors.

User Manual for AML Oceanographic BaseX
6
Supported Sensor Configurations
Swappable sensors allow you to configure the instrument in a number of different ways. Base•X
supports the following sensors:
Primary Port:
•SV•Xchange
•CT•Xchange
•C•Xchange
Secondary Port:
•P•Xchange
•T•Xchange
•Tu•Xchange*
* Tu•Xchange is incompatible with C•Xchange and CT•Xchange on Base•X
T•Xchange,
P•Xchange &
Tu•Xchange blanking
plug (Secondary Port)
C•Xchange,
CT•Xchange &
SV•Xchange
blanking plug
(Primary Port)

User Manual for AML Oceanographic BaseX
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LED Indicator
The LED indicator is located next to the data/power connector on the
instrument’s top endcap. In general, the LED:
•will be on whenever the data/power cable is plugged into the instrument.
•will turn on when the red shorting plug is inserted into the instrument. It
will turn off after 5 minutes to conserve power.
•Will, when the instrument is logging and is brought back to the surface,
turn on for 5 minutes so that the operator can see that the instrument is
still functioning after the cast.
The LED indicator displays are as follows:
•Solid green: This indicates the instrument is on and the battery has more than 20% capacity
remaining. The instrument is ready to log.
•Flashing green: The instrument is logging data and the battery has more than 20% capacity
remaining.
Note:
oThe flashing green LED will turn off after 5 minutes to conserve power.
oThe instrument will not start logging until it is immersed in water and it takes its first
sample at the programmed sampling rate.
•Solid red: This indicates the instrument is on and the battery has less than 20% capacity
remaining.
•Flashing red: The instrument is logging data and the battery has less than 20% capacity
remaining.
Note:
oThe flashing red LED will turn off after 5 minutes to conserve power.
oThe instrument will not start logging until it is immersed in water and it takes its first
sample at the programmed sampling rate.
•LED is off with data/power cable attached: The instrument is not working properly. Consult
the Troubleshooting section or call the service department.
•LED is off with the red shorting plug inserted: If the shorting plug was inserted less than 5
minutes ago, the instrument is not working properly. Consult the Troubleshooting section or
call the service department. If the LED was on for the first 5 minutes after inserting the shorting
plug, the instrument is functioning correctly and the LED has turned off to conserve power.

User Manual for AML Oceanographic BaseX
8
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
Initialize Memory (erases instrument memory)
INIT
Set Log File Name
SET LOG filename.txt
Set Instrument Time & Date
SET TIME hh:mm:ss
SET DATE mm/dd/yy
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.