AML Base X2 User manual

BaseX2
User Manual
Version 1.05
13 April 2017

User Manual for AML Oceanographic BaseX2
Revision History
Revision
Revision Date
Changes
Name
Version 1.00
2016-03-19
Manual created
Mark Smith
Version 1.01
2016-05-18
Regulatory Information updated
Chris Perrier
Version 1.02
2016-05-20
Formatting updates
Jehan Zouak
Version 1.03
2016-06-09
Updated technical specifications
Jehan Zouak
Version 1.04
2016-07-19
Baud rate
Jehan Zouak
Version 1.05
2017-04-13
Maintenance instructions updated
Andrew Beak-Taylor

User Manual for AML Oceanographic BaseX2
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
USB Wireless Adaptor ............................................................................................................7
Installation.........................................................................................................................7
LED Indicators ........................................................................................................................8
Configuring Sampling Parameters Using SeaCast .................................................................9
Configuring Sampling Parameters through the Terminal ........................................................9
Accounting for Atmospheric Pressure Variations at the Surface...........................................10
Logging a Profile...................................................................................................................10
Monitoring Real Time Data ...................................................................................................11
Post-Deployment Procedures ...............................................................................................12
Viewing your Data.................................................................................................................12
Maintaining the Instrument........................................................................................................14
Periodic Maintenance ...........................................................................................................14
Battery Care..........................................................................................................................14
Battery Life............................................................................................................................14
Charging the Lithium-Ion Batteries........................................................................................15
Communications .......................................................................................................................16
PC Settings / WiFi.................................................................................................................16
PC Settings / Serial...............................................................................................................16
Output Formats.....................................................................................................................16
Default Output Format.....................................................................................................16
Default Example Outputs: ...............................................................................................17
Support .....................................................................................................................................18
Troubleshooting ....................................................................................................................18
Contact AML Oceanographic................................................................................................21
Appendices ...............................................................................................................................21
Commands ...........................................................................................................................21
IP Address ............................................................................................................................22
Command Addressing (WiFi vs Instrument Mode)................................................................22
Command Listing..................................................................................................................22
Technical Specifications .......................................................................................................26
Ordering Codes.........................................................................................................................28
Regulatory Information..............................................................................................................29
Warranty ...................................................................................................................................29
Technical Overview Drawings...................................................................................................30

User Manual for AML Oceanographic BaseX2
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General Description of the Instrument
AML Oceanographic X•Series instruments and XchangeTM 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 XchangeTM 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 XchangeTM sensors are sent for calibration, leaving the instrument working in the
field.
Base•X2is 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.
Base•X2shares the same pedigree as larger, more featured instruments in the X•Series family,
providing the same capabilities, functionality, and accuracy in a condensed package.
Base•X2is 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 family. 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 up to 11 hours with a full battery charge and
may be deployed up to a depth of 100 m or 500 m (depending on version chosen at time of
order).
Communication with the Base•X2can be established in two ways, either via the integrated
wireless (WiFi) capabilities or direct serial connection with RS-232 or RS-485. The instrument
may be powered either internally or externally.

User Manual for AML Oceanographic BaseX2
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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•X2manual) 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 (CT•Xchange, C•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.

User Manual for AML Oceanographic BaseX2
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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:
oBase•X2instrument
oConnector and Charging Cable
oRed shorting plug (attached to instrument with lanyard)
oUSB wireless adaptor
oOne primary sensor blanking plug
oOne secondary sensor blanking plug
oUSB with manuals and documentation
oAC wall plug / DC socket adaptor / Power Supply adaptor.
•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 using WiFi and perform a scan or monitor using
SeaCast.
•Check the battery voltage. A % Battery Life indicator is shown in SeaCast when the
instrument is connected under the status window.
Returning an Instrument to the Factory
•If shipping for repair or recalibration, obtain an RMA number from the service centre.
•Package 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X2
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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 range that closely matches the depth of the deployment.
Base•X2is available in two different pressure ratings: 100 meter or 500 meter. The depth rating
is dependent on the instrument housing selected at time of purchase. Refer to the instrument’s
decal or engraving on the top (adjacent to the shackle) to verify the pressure rating.
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 WiFi.
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.
oIf using a Terminal Emulator, the instrument will need
to be connected to the computer via the Data/Power
Cable using serial communications.
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X2
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Primary Xchange™ mount blanking plug Secondary Xchange™ mount blanking plug
Supported Sensor Configurations
Swappable sensors allow you to configure the instrument in a number of different ways. Base•X2
supports the following sensor combinations:
Configuration
Primary Port
Secondary Port
1
SV•Xchange
P•Xchange
2
SV•Xchange
T•Xchange
3
SV•Xchange
Tu•Xchange
4
C•Xchange
P•Xchange
5
C•Xchange
T•Xchange
6
CT•Xchange
P•Xchange
7
CT•Xchange
T•Xchange
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X2
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USB Wireless Adaptor
Since a wireless connection is required to connect to the Base•X2instrument, a wireless adaptor
is included with every device for the user’s convenience. If a computer – such as a laptop –
already has an adaptor installed, it can connect to Base•X2without disrupting its existing network.
It is recommended that the included wireless adapter always be used to connect to the
instrument.
Installation
The drivers for the wireless adaptor are included with every installation of SeaCast 4 and on the
AML USB stick. The wireless drivers should install automatically when first inserted into a PC.
Alternatively, the drivers may be installed manually. The following instructions explain how to
install them on a computer running Windows 7.
Control Panel > Device Manager
Right-click Unknown device in Other devices
and select Update Driver Software...
Browse your computer.
Navigate to the SeaCast install folder or the
AML USB stick. Ensure Include subfolders is
ticked.
Select Next and the utility will find and install the driver.
For alternate computer operating systems please refer to the SeaCast 4 user manual.

User Manual for AML Oceanographic BaseX2
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LED Indicators
The large LED indicator located next to the data/power connector on the instrument’s top
endcap is used to communicate the instrument’s status. 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 to show that the
instrument is still functioning after the cast.
When the red shorting plug is inserted into the connector the
LED indicator will briefly turn solid green to acknowledge
instrument power-on. It will then begin to slowly blink while
the instrument boots up. When the LED turns solid green the
instrument is armed and ready to log. Never deploy the
instrument unless the indicator LED is solid green.
Other flash/color patterns indicate the following:
•Solid green: 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 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: 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 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 amber: The instrument is charging.
•Off with data/power cable attached: The instrument is not working properly. Consult the
Troubleshooting section of this manual or call the service department.
•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.
The smaller LED indicator located next to the shackle on the instrument’s top endcap indicates
the status of the instruments WiFi and GPS operations. In general, it will: