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
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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.

User Manual for AML Oceanographic BaseX
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Using SeaCast
Refer to the SeaCast User Manual for instructions on enabling "Zero Depth."
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.
Logging a Profile
•Ensure the pre-deployment procedures have been completed (see page 5).
•Plug the data/power cable into the instrument.
•Ensure that the desired sampling settings have been selected and applied.
•With the instrument in air (NOT submerged), use the ZERO command to zero the barometric
pressure offset (P•Xchange only).
•Insert the red shorting plug to power the instrument. Insertion of the shorting plug tells the
instrument to begin logging data once it is submerged. The instrument determines whether
or not it is submerged by looking for valid conductivity or sound speed readings.
oThe green LED light should illuminate on the top of the instrument indicating the
battery has more than 20% capacity remaining and the instrument is ready to start
logging.
oIf the LED light is red, the battery charge is less than 20% but the instrument is still
ready to log.
oIf the LED light fails to illuminate, the instrument will not log. Refer to the
Troubleshooting section of this manual if this occurs.
•Securely attach the lowering cable to the instrument shackle bar.
•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.
•Send the instrument down to the desired depth and return it to the surface.
•Note that with Base•X in the typical, vertical orientation, the downcast data is usually more
accurate than the upcast data since the downcast measurements are not contaminated by
the thermal shedding from the pressure case.
Monitoring Real Time Data
•Ensure the pre-deployment procedures have been completed (see page 5).
•Ensure that the desired sampling settings have been selected and applied.

User Manual for AML Oceanographic BaseX
10
•Plug the data/power cable into the instrument. If you power the instrument externally 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 Minos•X, is about 2 volts per 100m of
cable while sampling and 0 volts per 100m when in low power mode.
oThe instrument’s low voltage warning triggers at 6.9 volts.
oThe instrument’s auto shutdown triggers when supplied with 6.5 volts or less.
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.
•With the instrument in air, use the ZERO command to zero the barometric pressure offset
(P•Xchange™ only).
•Securely attach the lowering cable to the instrument shackle bar.
•Lower the instrument until the sensors are fully submerged; the LED should start to flash
green. 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.
•Begin monitoring data using SeaCast or HyperTerminal.
•Send the instrument down to the desired depth and return it to the surface.
•Note that with Base•X in the typical vertical orientation, the downcast is usually more
accurate than the upcast data since the downcast measurements are not contaminated by
the thermal shedding from the pressure case.
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 plugs or cables. Do not blow compressed air into the Pressure•Xchange™
sensor. Doing so may damage the sensitive pressure transducer diaphragm.
•Remove the shorting plug or cable. Place dummy plug in the connector to protect it.
•Dry the instrument and stow it securely.
Viewing your Data
You may download and view data directly through the terminal, or automatically using SeaCast. The
SeaCast manual has more information. Alternately, use the following instructions to access the data
manually.
•Connect the instrument to the computer using the data/power cable.
•With the terminal, use the DIR command to list all the files on memory, then the DUMP
command to retrieve the file of interest. For example:
Base.X Version 4.09 SN:2501
AML Oceanographic Ltd.
968.5 MBytes installed
>dir
test .raw 5598 02/24/10 14:41:55.00
data .txt 3987 02/24/10 14:45:08.00
960 MBytes free
7 MBytes Used

User Manual for AML Oceanographic BaseX
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2 File(s) listed
>dump data.txt
[cast header]
InstrumentSN=08221
Date=02/24/10
Time=14:45:10.55
PressureOffset=0.09
UsePressureOffset=yes
Slot1Sensor1=SV-C.Xchange SV.X SN 131197 01/22/10
Slot2Sensor1=P-T.Xchange P.X SN 145721 08/21/09 T.X SN 400048 11/17/09
[Data]
02/24/10 14:45:10.66 1474.313 0000.015 17.447 008.18
02/24/10 14:45:10.69 1474.334 0000.015 17.449 008.20
02/24/10 14:45:11.19 1474.332 0000.027 17.451 008.20
02/24/10 14:45:11.69 1474.326 0000.027 17.451 008.20
02/24/10 14:45:12.19 1474.319 0000.027 17.457 008.20
02/24/10 14:45:12.69 1474.321 0000.034 17.459 008.20
02/24/10 14:45:13.19 1474.318 0000.023 17.457 008.20
02/24/10 14:45:13.69 1474.321 0000.019 17.458 008.20
02/24/10 14:45:14.19 1474.427 0000.019 17.459 008.20
02/24/10 14:45:14.69 0000.000 -0000.015 17.601 008.20
02/24/10 14:45:15.19 0000.000 -0000.030 17.655 008.20
02/24/10 14:45:15.69 0000.000 -0000.011 17.651 008.20
02/24/10 14:45:16.19 0000.000 -0000.015 17.632 008.20
02/24/10 14:45:16.69 0000.000 -0000.015 17.624 008.20
02/24/10 14:45:17.19 0000.000 -0000.015 17.622 008.20
02/24/10 14:45:17.69 0000.000 -0000.015 17.618 008.20
[cast header]
InstrumentSN=08221
Date=02/24/10
Time=14:45:21.85
PressureOffset=0.09
UsePressureOffset=yes
Slot1Sensor1=SV-C.Xchange SV.X SN 131197 01/22/10
Slot2Sensor1=P-T.Xchange P.X SN 145721 08/21/09 T.X SN 400048 11/17/09
[Data]
02/24/10 14:45:21.92 1474.309 -0000.019 17.598 008.20
02/24/10 14:45:21.95 1474.308 0000.019 17.451 008.20
02/24/10 14:45:22.44 1474.301 0000.023 17.453 008.20
02/24/10 14:45:22.94 1474.297 0000.011 17.453 008.20
02/24/10 14:45:23.44 1474.294 0000.019 17.451 008.20
02/24/10 14:45:23.94 1474.314 0000.019 17.453 008.20
02/24/10 14:45:24.44 1474.310 0000.027 17.453 008.20
02/24/10 14:45:24.94 1474.307 0000.015 17.451 008.20
02/24/10 14:45:25.44 1474.307 0000.027 17.453 008.20
02/24/10 14:45:25.94 1474.308 0000.023 17.454 008.20
02/24/10 14:45:26.44 1474.313 0000.023 17.451 008.20
02/24/10 14:45:26.94 1474.294 0000.023 17.452 008.20
02/24/10 14:45:27.44 1474.313 0000.023 17.453 008.20
02/24/10 14:45:27.94 1474.303 0000.023 17.454 008.20
02/24/10 14:45:28.44 1474.312 0000.023 17.453 008.20
>

User Manual for AML Oceanographic BaseX
12
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 10/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.
•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 10/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.

User Manual for AML Oceanographic BaseX
13
Maintaining the Instrument
Periodic Maintenance
Periodic preventative maintenance will prolong the life of the instrument. The following steps are
recommended:
•If the instrument is very dirty or oily, allow it to soak in warm, soapy water before cleaning
with a rag or soft brush. When finished, rinse with fresh water to remove any residual soap
or dirt.
•Before each use:
oCheck for proper installation of all Xchange™ sensors.
oCheck for nicks and cuts on the cable.
•After each use:
oClean and rinse the instrument using fresh water.
oDry the instrument completely, and store it in a cool, dry place.
•Monthly:
oApply a layer of Molykote 44 medium silicone grease to the female half of the
connection as shown and fully insert the plug. Wipe away any excess that squeezes
out. This will lubricate both male and female connectors.
•Yearly:
oSend the instrument or Xchange™ sensors to a service centre for diagnostics and
re-calibration.
Battery Care
Incorrect care can reduce the life of the batteries. Below are some guidelines to prevent damage to
the batteries:
•Do not leave the data cable nor the red shorting plug installed in the instrument. This turns
the instrument on and depletes the battery.
•Before storing the instrument for several months, fully charge the battery. The battery will
self-discharge at a rate of 2% per month so extended storage durations can require
recharging to protect the battery from fully depleting.
Battery Life
Base•X will provide approximately 18 hours of battery life with continuous sampling, however actual
life varies somewhat depending on the sensors installed. When logging at time intervals of 25
seconds or more, Base•X powers down between samples to conserve the battery.
The instrument will indicate low battery life when the battery voltage is equal to or lesser than the
low voltage threshold, which is factory-set to a default 6.9 V.

User Manual for AML Oceanographic BaseX
14
Charging the Lithium-Ion Batteries
•Ensure the instrument is dry.
•Plug the data cable into the instrument.
•Plug the charger into the data cable.
•Plug the charger into a 120 or 240 volt AC outlet and allow the instrument to charge until the
green flashing light on the charger turns solid green. A full charge requires approximately 3
hours.
oIf the light on the charger is off, the battery is not attached correctly.
oIf the light on the charger is solid yellow, the battery is on standby.
oIf the light on the charger is flashing red, an error has occurred.
The charger should be connected to the instrument before plugging the charger into the AC
outlet for proper operation of the charger and charging light.
•Turn the instrument off after charging (unplug the data/power cable) to maintain a full charge
after charging.
•If instrument is left turned on after the battery has been charged to 8.3 volts, the charger will
turn off and the instrument will start drawing on the battery. When the battery voltage drops
below 8 volts the charger will automatically turn on and start charging the battery up to 8.3
volts. The charger can be restarted by manually resetting it (refer to procedure below).
•It is possible to use the instrument while charging the battery, however, instrument use
causes the power consumption to fluctuate which can confuse the charger and cause it to
stop charging prematurely. The charger monitors the charging power to detect when the
battery is charged; fluctuating power from the instrument can corrupt the algorithm. To
ensure proper charging, manually reset the charger when you have stopped using the
instrument (refer to procedure below).
•To manually reset the charger: unplug the charger from the wall and then back in. This will
reset the charger and start charging the battery.

User Manual for AML Oceanographic BaseX
15
Communications
PC Settings
Base•X will communicate with both RS-232 and RS-485 serial connections. The computer to which
the instrument is connected must be set up as follows:
•8 bits
•1 stop bit
•No parity
•No hardware flow control
•Baud rate of 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19,200 or 38,400 baud
After power up, Base•X will wait for an ASCII carriage return. The instrument will automatically detect
whether communications are RS-232 or RS-485 as well as the baud rate.
Output Formats
Output formats can be modified. If the required modifications are not supported by the commonly
used command list in the next section, please contact the factory for support with custom output
formats.
Formatting can be changed in the following ways:
•The number of decimal places for each channel
•Turn on or off
odate and time
ocalculated parameters (Salinity and Density)
obattery voltage
opower up information (header)
oautomatic monitoring on power up
Default Output Format
The output from Base•X is space delimited values.
The following table shows the output units for each Xchange™ sensor:
Sensor
Units
Default Format
SV•Xchange™
m/s
1234.567
Conductivity•Xchange™
mS/cm
12.346
CT•Xchange™ Conductivity
mS/cm
12.345
CT•Xchange™ Temperature
C
12.345
Pressure•Xchange™
dBar
1234.56
Temperature•Xchange™
C
12.345
Turbidity•Xchange™
NTU
1234.56

User Manual for AML Oceanographic BaseX
16
The default data channel outputs with all calculated parameters turned on are:
SV,P sensors
Date
Time
Sound velocity
Pressure
Battery
Density
Salinity
mm/dd/yy
hh:mm:ss.ss
m/s
dbar
volts
kg/m3
ppt
SV Turbidity sensors
Date
Time
Sound velocity
Turbidity
Battery
mm/dd/yy
hh:mm:ss.ss
m/s
NTU
volts
CT, C,T sensors
Date
Time
Conductivity
Temperature
Battery
Density
Salinity
Sound velocity
mm/dd/yy
hh:mm:ss.ss
mS/cm
C
volts
kg/m3
ppt
m/s
Note: These are examples of the default configurations. Your data channel outputs will be entirely
dependent on which XchangeTM sensors are installed.
Default Example Outputs:
Keyboard inputs in the output capture shown below are in bold type.
>Base.X 4.13 SN:0002
AML Oceanographic Ltd.
968.5 MBytes installed
>scan
06/25/13 15:56:40.99 0000.000 0000.22 007.63
>monitor
06/25/13 15:56:47.03 0000.000 0000.14 007.63
06/25/13 15:56:47.53 0000.000 0000.13 007.63
06/25/13 15:56:48.03 0000.000 0000.16 007.63
06/25/13 15:56:48.53 0000.000 0000.22 007.63
06/25/13 15:56:49.03 0000.000 0000.24 007.63
06/25/13 15:56:49.53 0000.000 0000.26 007.63
>dis options
[Instrument]
Type=Base.X
EmulationMode=disabled
UseCustomHeader=yes
SN=2
Firmware=V4.13
SampleUnits=/ second
SampleInterval=2
PressureInc=0.00
SoundInc=0.00
LogFile=data.txt
Date=06/25/13
Time=15:56:58
MemorySize=968.5 MB
MemoryUsed=3.8 MB
DisplayTime=yes
DisplayDate=yes
DisplaySalinity=no
DisplayDensity=no
DisplaySoundVelocity=no
DisplayBattery=yes
RelayMode=RS232 mode
RealtimeLogging=no

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LoggingTimeout=0
StartupDelay=10
DisplayHeader=yes
StartupMode=prompt
CharacterReception=yes
LoggingBreakMode=no
DetectionMode=A3
BatteryACoefficient=+3.500000E-01
BatteryBCoefficient=+2.500000E-02
ShutDownVoltage=6.5
WarningVoltage=6.9
PressureOffset=0.00
UsePressureOffset=no
SoundVelocityThreshold=1375.00
DelimterMode=Space
SensorDetectionMode=Once
Traceability=yes
SkipPowerOff=no
AnalogChannels=2
[Slot 1]
SensorName=SV-C.Xchange SV.X SN 203421 06/07/13
BoardSN=05554
[Slot 3]
SensorName=P-T-TU-DO.Xchange P.X SN 303108 04/03/13
BoardSN=55555
>dir
Demonstr. 2458 04/10/13 04:20:40.00

User Manual for AML Oceanographic BaseX
18
Support
Troubleshooting
Instrument fails to communicate:
•Is the connector damaged?
•Check the cables
oIs the data/power cable connected to the instrument and computer?
oAre there any cuts in the cable?
oIf using a cable other than an AML cable, it should be configured as a null modem
cable.
oIf using multiple cable lengths, the extensions should not be configured as null
modem cables.
•Are the batteries dead? Try using external power.
•If using external power over a long cable, check the voltage drop over the cable. Measure
the voltage across a 10 watt, 27Ω, resistor across pins 1 and 4 of the cable. The voltage
must be above 7 volts.
•Are the communication settings in the program used on the computer correct?
oComm port selection
o8 bits
o1 stop bit
oNo parity
oNo hardware flow control
oBaud rate between 600 and 38,400 baud
•Are the communication settings in the instrument correct?
oWas the instrument specifically set to one baud rate last time? If so, use that baud
rate to resume communications.
oWas the instrument set to only RS-232 or only RS-485 last time? If so, resume
communications in the required protocol.
oWas the instrument set to RX OFF last time? If so, a carriage return must be sent
to the instrument immediately after power is applied to interrupt this mode.
•Was the instrument set to monitor on power up mode? If so, a carriage return must be sent
to the instrument immediately after power is applied to interrupt this mode. To interrupt
monitor on power up, hold down the ENTER key while applying power to the instrument.
Instrument fails to log:
•Verify the LED indicator status:
oWith the instrument in air (NOT submerged), insert the red shorting plug. The LED
indicator should show solid green indicating the instrument is charged and ready.
Note: If neither SV•Xchange, CT•Xchange, nor C•Xchange sensors are installed,
the instrument will begin logging in air.
oPlace the instrument’s sensors in water. The LED indicator should remain green
and begin flashing, indicating the instrument is charged and logging.
▪If the indicator shows red, charge the battery.