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:

User Manual for AML Oceanographic BaseX2
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•be on whenever the data/power cable is plugged into the instrument.
•turn on whenever the red shorting plug is inserted into the instrument.
The small LED indicator displays are as follows:
•Single amber flash: The instrument WiFi is on and the GPS has locked.
•Double amber flash: The instrument WiFi is on and there is no GPS lock.
While the large LED will cease flashing after 5 minutes of inactivity to conserve power, the
small LED will remain active as long as the red shorting plug is inserted or the data/power
cable is attached.
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. It is highly recommended that the SeaCast manual be reviewed prior to
instrument usage.
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.
Note: The user must select a baud rate of 38400 or 115200 if connecting via serial cable,
including serial connection via SeaCast. The factory default is 115200.
In general, it is recommended that the instrument be configured with SeaCast. However, if
connected via terminal emulation the steps listed below must be completed by issuing text
commands.

User Manual for AML Oceanographic BaseX2
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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.
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."
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
While there are many variations to profiling workflow based on user requirements, the typical
procedure is as follows:

User Manual for AML Oceanographic BaseX2
11
1. Ensure the pre-deployment procedures have been completed.
2. With the instrument out of water, plug the red shorting plug into the connector and
wait for the instrument status indicator to turn solid green. The red shorting plug must
remain installed while the instrument is in use. There are two LEDs on the instrument,
the patterns and colours for these LEDs are listed on the instrument shackle. The
instrument will go to sleep after 5 minutes of inactivity, and be awoken by selecting Wake
on the Status tab.
3. Start SeaCast and set it to Wireless. It will automatically use your adaptor to find every
wireless instrument nearby. Wireless connection can be made the default mode in the
Settings menu. (Refer to the SeaCast manual for complete instructions).
4. If required, wait until a GPS lock is acquired. Under nominal conditions, this may take 1-
5 minutes outside.
5. Prior to conducting a cast, choose the preferred sampling mode in SeaCast. Log file
names are created automatically. This configures the instrument to either log by depth,
time, SV reading, etc., and sets the sampling rate.
6. With the instrument in air (NOT submerged), use the ZERO command to zero the
barometric pressure offset (P•Xchange only).
7. Securely attach the lowering cable to the instrument shackle bar.
8. 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.
9. The instrument uses readings from either the SV, Cx, or CT sensor to determine of it’s
in water. If the instrument determines that it is in water the instrument status indicator
will begin to flash green and the instrument will begin to automatically log data.
10. Leave SeaCast running and perform a cast. When the instrument is fully submerged the
WiFi connection will be lost and the signal broadcast will be terminated, which SeaCast
will acknowledge. Once the instrument returns to the surface and is removed completely
from the water it will reactivate the signal and SeaCast will detect and reconnect with it
automatically.
11. Note that with Base•X2in 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.
12. Upon reconnection, the cast file will be downloaded automatically and appear in the Cast
Folder. The file can also be opened directly from the instrument using the Choose cast
file dropdown menu under the View Data tab. Complete details are found in the SeaCast
user manual.
a. Note: If conducting a test cast in the lab where the WiFi connection is not lost,
the test data may not download automatically. Should this occur, select
‘reconnect’ in the SSID dropdown box on the front panel. Once reconnected, the
file will automatically download.
b. If the latest cast file does not download automatically, it may be because the
‘automatically download cast files’ option is not turn on. Navigate through the
Settings menu in SeaCast to ensure that this option is set to ‘on’ (located in the
Preferences tab).
Monitoring Real Time Data
Real time data may be monitored (or logged) through either the WiFi connection or Serial cable.
If using the WiFi connection, the connector-end of the instrument must remain out of the water
to maintain signal.

User Manual for AML Oceanographic BaseX2
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To begin, ensure the instrument is out of water. Connect to the instrument via SeaCast (either
via serial cable or WiFI) and navigate to the View Data tab. Press the Monitor button at the bottom
of the panel to begin live streaming of sensor data. Note that there will be a delay of a few
seconds between pressing the button and streaming of the data due to initialization time of the
sensors. Data will begin to populate the table. The instrument may now be lowered into the water.
Data is streamed at whatever sample rate the instrument is set to. For example, if the instrument
is set to log at 1/second, then the table will update at 1 Hz. The instrument’s sample rate can be
adjusted using the Sample Mode button on the Status panel in SeaCast.
Data may also be monitored using a terminal emulator (when connected via serial cable). Issuing
the command ‘monitor’ will begin instrument data streaming. This must be done with the
instrument in Instrument Mode (refer to the Command Addressing section of this manual).
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 the red cap over 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. The recommended method is to connect the
instrument via the wireless communication.
Alternately, use the following instructions to access the data manually via a terminal window.
•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 (the bolded text represent issued
commands):
Base.X V2 Version 4.22 SN:2501
AML Oceanographic Ltd.
942.8 MBytes installed
>dir
test .raw 5598 02/24/10 14:41:55.00
data .txt 3987 02/24/10 14:45:08.00
935 MBytes free
7 MBytes Used
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

User Manual for AML Oceanographic BaseX2
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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X2
14
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 either the data cable or 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•X2will provide approximately 11 hours of battery life with continuous sampling, however
actual life varies somewhat depending on the sensors installed.
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X2
15
Charging the Lithium-Ion Batteries
•Ensure the instrument is dry.
•Plug the data/power cable into the instrument.
•Plug one of the power adapters (flying leads, wall wart, 12V cigarette lighter) into the
data/power cable.
•Apply power and allow the instrument to charge until the large LED on the instrument
turns from yellow to solid green. A full charge requires approximately 3 hours. If the large
LED is:
ooff, the battery is charged.
osolid yellow, the battery is on standby.
oflashing red, an error has occurred.
The connections should be made to the instrument before plugging the charger into the
AC outlet for proper charging operation.
•Turn the instrument off after charging (unplug the data/power cable) to maintain a full
charge after charging.

User Manual for AML Oceanographic BaseX2
16
Communications
PC Settings / WiFi
Base•X2communicates via the wireless connection established using the SeaCast software. All
instrument operations can be set / controlled via this method.
PC Settings / Serial
Base•X2will 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 115200
After power up, Base•X2will wait for an ASCII carriage return. The instrument will automatically
detect whether communications are RS-232 or RS-485. Baud rate must be 38400 or 115200.
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•X2is 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X2
17
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 V2 Version 4.22 SN:0002
AML Oceanographic Ltd.
942.8 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 V2
EmulationMode=disabled
UseCustomHeader=yes
SN=2
Firmware=V4.22
SampleUnits=/ second
SampleInterval=2
PressureInc=0.00
SoundInc=0.00
LogFile=data.txt
Date=2016-01-27
Time=15:56:58
MemorySize=942.8 MB
MemoryUsed=3.8 MB
DisplayTime=yes
DisplayDate=yes
DisplaySalinity=no
DisplayDensity=no
DisplaySoundVelocity=no
DisplayBattery=yes
RelayMode=RS232 mode
RealtimeLogging=yes
LoggingTimeout=0
StartupDelay=10
DisplayHeader=yes
StartupMode=prompt
CharacterReception=yes

User Manual for AML Oceanographic BaseX2
18
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
Latitude=48.6570
Longitude=-123.4137
AutoMonitorSeconds=0
FixedPressure=0.0000
UseFixedPressure=no
BiofoulingPwrAlways=no
LedTimeoutSecs=300
DisplayIncrement=no
[Slot 1]
SensorName=SV-C-CT.Xchange SV.X SN 204907 09/22/15
BoardSN=03511
[Slot 3]
SensorName=P-T-TU-DO-UV.Xchange P.X SN 304977 10/23/15
BoardSN=02640
>dir
Support
Troubleshooting
Device fails to connect over wireless:
•Is the device powered?
oIs the connector fully seated?
oIs the attached X•Series instrument charged?
oThe amber endcap light will blink when powered, using the patterns on the label.
•Is your computer connected to the ad-hoc network the device generates?
oSee which wireless networks are available to your computer. If using SeaCast,
a network called “Data•Xchange” will appear. If not, the SSID with the device’s
serial number included indicates that it is broadcasting.
Connection is spotty, or device wakes up from sleep mode without prompting: