BBE BenthoTorch User manual

bbe
BenthoTorch
User Manual
Version 2.4 E1, October 2014
P.O. Box 4, 6987 ZG Giesbeek
Nijverheidsstraat 30,
6987 EM Giesbeek, The Netherlands
T+31 313 880 200
[e-mail]
Iwww.eijkelkamp.com

What’s new
bbe BenthoTorch Manual Page 2
What’s new
Software
PC Software bbe++ supports the BenthoTorch.
Hardware
First version
Please Note:
Decimal points are according to local settings of Windows, i.e. internationally, the decimal point is “ .” but in
most of Europe it is „ ,“. Please pay attention to this. Most import/export difficulties are caused by the use of the
“point” or “comma” and vice versa. The software screenshots contain “decimal commas”, i.e. the European
system.

What’s new
bbe BenthoTorch Manual Page 3
WHAT’S NEW 2
Software ............................................................................................................................ 2
Hardware........................................................................................................................... 2
GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 7
Cleaning the instrument: ................................................................................................. 7
Supplement to the safety instructions............................................................................ 7
QUICK START INSTRUCTIONS 8
OPERATING PRINCIPLES AND DESIGN 11
Principles of Operation .................................................................................................. 11
Fluorescence of different algae classes ........................................................................ 11
Benthic algae ................................................................................................................ 11
Design ............................................................................................................................. 12
Measurements............................................................................................................... 12
Operation ...................................................................................................................... 12
USE OF THE BENTHOTORCH 13
USB connecting cable of the BenthoTorch .................................................................. 13
Power supply of the BenthoTorch................................................................................. 13
Use of the BenthoTorch with the powersupply............................................................ 13
Charging the BenthoTorch with the powersupply ....................................................... 14
Starting the BenthoTorch............................................................................................... 14
Automatic Power-Down ................................................................................................. 14
Operation Modes ............................................................................................................ 15
Operation of the BenthoTorch by Capacitive Touch Keys .......................................... 15
Storing the BenthoTorch................................................................................................ 16
Structure of the Internal Software................................................................................. 17
Navigation within the Software ...................................................................................... 18
Entering Settings........................................................................................................... 18
OPERATING THE BBE BENTHOTORCH 19
Measuring Procedure ..................................................................................................... 19
Single Measurement...................................................................................................... 19
Interval / continuous measurement................................................................................ 20
Reference method for chlorophyll-a measurement for validation of the bbe BenthoTorch 20
Substrate used for reference......................................................................................... 20
Measurement by bbe BT ............................................................................................... 21
Scraping and transport .................................................................................................. 21
Extraction and measurement of chlorophyll-a(DIN 38 412-L16) .................................... 21
Data Menu / view data .................................................................................................... 23

What’s new
bbe BenthoTorch Manual Page 4
data -> view................................................................................................................... 23
Data -> delete................................................................................................................ 23
Settings Menu................................................................................................................. 24
Overview ....................................................................................................................... 24
Mode ............................................................................................................................. 24
Measuring duration........................................................................................................ 24
Measuring interval ......................................................................................................... 24
AutoPowerDown............................................................................................................ 25
Clock -> date................................................................................................................. 25
Clock -> time ................................................................................................................. 25
Clock -> Sync. GPS time............................................................................................... 25
Clock -> UTC time shift ................................................................................................. 26
Clock -> Daylight saving................................................................................................ 26
Display -> Contrast........................................................................................................ 26
Display -> Brightness .................................................................................................... 26
Software version............................................................................................................ 27
Calibration Menu ............................................................................................................ 27
General considerations.................................................................................................. 27
Offset calibration procedures........................................................................................ 28
Reflectance calibration procedures .............................................................................. 29
Fingerprint calibration procedures ............................................................................... 29
Internal Temperature...................................................................................................... 32
Show internal temperature: ........................................................................................... 32
Voltage ............................................................................................................................ 32
Show voltage:................................................................................................................ 32
Calibrate voltage: .......................................................................................................... 32
Factory settings.............................................................................................................. 32
Correction factor ............................................................................................................ 33
Connecting the bbe AlgaeTorch / BenthoTorch / AlgaeLabAnalyzer via USB to a PC33
USB Driver Set-Up ........................................................................................................ 33
BBE++ SOFTWARE 35
Software Set-Up.............................................................................................................. 35
Desktop icon of the bbe++ software .............................................................................. 37
bbe++ software in the Start menu ................................................................................. 37
Software Update ............................................................................................................. 38
Structure of the software ............................................................................................... 38
Menu structure (“Basic functionality”) ......................................................................... 39
Menu structure (”Advanced functionality”).................................................................. 40
General considerations for storing and displaying data and parameters in bbe++ .. 41
What is stored in a bbe++ database?............................................................................ 41
Where is the database stored?...................................................................................... 41
How to display the data? ............................................................................................... 41
Simultaneous display of data of different types of instruments ...................................... 41
Who can access to the parameters of the instruments?................................................ 42
Desktop of the bbe++ Software..................................................................................... 42
Toolbar.......................................................................................................................... 42
Toolbar instrument ........................................................................................................ 42

What’s new
bbe BenthoTorch Manual Page 5
Graphic- und table views ............................................................................................... 43
Serial number, voltage of the battery, internal clock ...................................................... 43
THE MENUS 44
File Menu ...................................................................................................................... 44
New 44
Open 45
Close 45
Import (FluoroProbe / AlgaeTorch / BenthoTorch) 45
Export (ASCII) 47
Export (Database) 47
Export (KMZ) – AlgaeTorch / BenthoTorch / FluoroProbe 47
Export (ToxTest protocol) – AlgaeLabAnalyser only 47
Summary View 47
1. ... 2. ... 3. ... 48
Data Directory 48
Exit 48
Edit Menu ...................................................................................................................... 49
Copy 49
Edit Comment – advanced functionality only 50
Delete Data – advanced functionality only 51
Parameters Menu.......................................................................................................... 52
Overview 54
History – advanced functionality only 55
Recalc – advanced functionality only 56
View Menu..................................................................................................................... 59
Toolbar 59
Status Bar 60
Measurement 60
Macro 60
Data Navigation 60
Period 60
Session 61
Connection State 61
Auto-Update 61
Window – Advanced functionality only........................................................................... 61
New Table Window 61
New XYGraph Window 62
New Single Value View 62
Cascade 63
Tile Horizontally/Vertically 64
Select Data 64
View Editor 65
Comment Fields 78
1. ... 2. ... 3. ... 78
Tools ............................................................................................................................. 78
Settings 78
Enable advanced/basic functionality 85
Connect COM port 86
Device 86
SQL Script 87
Help............................................................................................................................... 87
About … 87
bbe++ manuals … 88
The Views........................................................................................................................ 88
Table views ................................................................................................................... 88
History of Parameters 89
Edit comment 89
Data selection 90
Sorting of the list view 90
XY graph views ............................................................................................................. 91

What’s new
bbe BenthoTorch Manual Page 6
Select data of interest 91
Right-click menu............................................................................................................ 93
Scaling of the axis 94
Autoscaling 95
Parameters 95
Default scaling 95
PARAMETERS 96
THE GPS MODULE 98
The GPS module of the bbe AlgaeTorch and bbe BenthoTorch.................................... 98
General remarks ........................................................................................................... 98
Actvating and deactivating............................................................................................. 98
position (Settings -> GPS -> position) ........................................................................... 98
Required quality (Settings -> GPS -> required quality) .................................................. 98
Version (Settings -> GPS -> version) ............................................................................ 99
Starting the measurement ............................................................................................. 99
Data evaluation within the Torch: .................................................................................. 99
Data evaluation within bbe++ ........................................................................................ 99
Data export to Google earth ........................................................................................ 100
UPDATE OF THE FIRMWARE 102
TROUBLESHOOTING 104
Instrument Does Not Start ........................................................................................... 104
Results vary .................................................................................................................. 104
DATA AND TABLES 105
Technical Data .............................................................................................................. 105

General Safety Precautions
bbe BenthoTorch Manual Page 7
General Safety Precautions
The bbe BenthoTorch is an instrument for determination of the concentration of chlorophyll on surfacees or on
the ground of a water body. It should only be used for this purpose.
Only instructed staff should operate this instrument.
Consult appropriate safety manual in case of using hazardous compounds and solutions. Wear gloves, coat and
safety goggles.
Electrical connection of the instrument should only be carried out by trained staff.
The instrument should only be opened by authorised staff.
Changes to electrical connections and circuits may cause damage to the instrument and lead to loss of warranty.
Cleaning the instrument:
The instrument should be cleaned after use. The use of aggressive cleaning fluids or water at high pressure
should be avoided. Neither should any mechanical cleaners or apparatus come into contact with the sensor
head or LED display. Attention: in order to obtain exact measurement results, the measuring head should be
free from grease.
Before stowing the instruments should be cleaned of dirt under running water. If necessary, normal,
commercially available washing up liquid can be used. Rub the instrument dry with a soft cloth and take care
when drying the electrical contacts.
The simplest way to store the instrument for any length of time is in its original case, in which the accessories
can also be stored and kept dry.
Supplement to the safety instructions
Performing electrical connection may only be carried out by trained personnel. Maintenance, such as e.g.
exchanging the rechargeable battery pack, may only be carried out by personnel trained and authorised by bbe
Moldaenke. Replacement parts and repair materials must be issued/released by bbe Moldaenke for each case.

Quick start instructions
bbe BenthoTorch Manual Page 8
Quick start instructions
1. Charge the BenthoTorch by using the power supply connected to the small cable housing of the USB cable
2. Start the BenthoTorch by turning it upside down and back again in one quick movement.
If the BenthoTorch is equipped with a reed contact to switch it on with a magnet, a symbol is printed on the
label of the BenthoTorch. Please tip on the symbol with the magnet to switch the BenthoTorch on. The
magnetic switch can be used alternatively to the shaking switch.
3. Use a wrist strap to secure the instrument
4. Ensure that the connector is closed with the cap
5. Go to “Start measurement”
6. Apply the BenthoTorch to the benthic algae. Ensure that the red foam shadows the algae from the light.
Tip this point
with a magnet to
start the
BenthoTorch

Quick start instructions
bbe BenthoTorch Manual Page 9
7. If there is an internal GPS module available and activated, the status of the GPS signal is shown. If the given
quality criteria are met, the measurement starts automatically, otherwise, the poor positioning information can
be used (takepos) or the GPS information can be skipped.
PosFix Num Quali
YES 4 95%
takepos. skip
If there is no GPS signal e.g. within buildings only “skip” is available.
8. During the internal calibration a decreasing number of # is shown
###############
###############
#####
During the measurement the remaining time is displayed:
Measuring
Time remaining
5 s
The end of the measurement is signalled by a short vibration. The result can be read from the display. The
results of 3 algae classes are shown alternating.
green
0.7µg/cm’2
more <- -> ESC

Quick start instructions
bbe BenthoTorch Manual Page 10
cyanos
0.7µg/cm’2
more <- -> ESC
diatoms
0.7µg/cm’2
more <- -> ESC
Press “ESC” to return to the start measurement item.

Operating Principles and Design
bbe BenthoTorch Manual Page 11
Operating Principles and Design
Principles of Operation
F LUORESCENCE OF DIFFERENT ALGAE CLASSES
The BenthoTorch is a fluorometer made for quick and easy measurements of benthic algae including an algae
differentiation measurement. The results are separately given for green algae cyanobacteria and diatoms.
Due to the fact that algae of the same division contain a similar quantity and quality of photosynthetic pigments,
their fluorescence excitation spectrum (with a fixed emission wavelength at 680nm) is significant. Thus, it is
possible to differentiate divisions of algae by their fluorescence excitation spectrum.
The bbe BenthoTorch for algae differentiation uses 7 LEDs for fluorescence excitation. The LEDs emit light at 3
selected wavelengths (470nm, 525nm, 610nm).
There is one additional LED of 700nm (not visible in the picture above), that is used to compensate effects of the
background reflection.
B ENTHIC ALGAE
Benthic algae are grow in layers on a surface or on the ground of the waterbodies. To measure the chlorophyll
concentration of these layers two effects have to be taken in account:
The shadowing of the upper layer of algae:
This shadowing reduces the excitation light in the lower layers and it reduces the fluorescence light on its way to
the fluorescence detector.
To compensate this effect a mathematical model is applied in the BenthoTorch.
The reflectance of the background:
The higher the reflectance of the background, the more excitation light passes the algae layer more than one
time. This leads to a higher fluorescence signal.

Operating Principles and Design
bbe BenthoTorch Manual Page 12
To compensate this effect the reflectance of the background is measured with an additional LED.
Design
M EASUREMENTS
•Benthic green algae
•Benthic cyanobacteria
•Benthic diatoms
O PERATION
•cable-free operation
•display on the instrument
•datalogger
•internal rechargable batteries
•internal display
•4 capacitive softkeys
•vibration feedback
•position sensors to start the BenthoTorch
•power-down features
Sensor head with
LEDs and photodiode
Connector
Display
4 capacitive keys
Carrying eye

Use of the BenthoTorch
bbe BenthoTorch Manual Page 13
Use of the BenthoTorch
USB connecting cable of the BenthoTorch
The BenthoTorch comes with a connecting cable. This cable has two functions: connecting the Torch to a PC
and connecting a power supply to the torch.
Power supply
connector
Connector for
the AlgaeTorch
USB connector
Power supply of the BenthoTorch
The BenthoTorch comes with a power supply to charge the BenthoTorch and use it continuously. The power
supply comes with different country-specific mains plugs. Choose the connector for your country and click in
onto the power supply as shown below.
Use of the BenthoTorch with the powersupply
•Connect the small end of the cable to the box of the “connecting cable” of the BenthoTorch.
•Connect the power supply to the mains.
•If the internal battery is not fully charged, charging will start (see below, page 14)
When using the power supply, the BenthoTorch will not switch off completely, but the display illumination will be
turned off after some minutes if the touch keys have not been used.

Use of the BenthoTorch
bbe BenthoTorch Manual Page 14
Charging the BenthoTorch with the powersupply
•Connect the small end of the cable to the box of the “connecting cable” of the BenthoTorch.
•Connect the power supply to the mains.
The BenthoTorch will start up and show the charging process by moving bars in the battery symbol.
bbe BenthoTorch
01.06.2008
12 00 00 menu
When the internal battery is charged completely, the battery symbol will be completely filled and it will stop
moving.
Starting the BenthoTorch
The BenthoTorch is equipped with a position sensor. To switch it on, turn the BenthoTorch upside down and
back again in one quick movement.
The BenthoTorch then switches on. Please confirm the start of the instrument by touching the corresponding left
key. Do not touch any key during the turning procedure.
bbe BenthoTorch
switch torch on?
YES NO
The confirmation is done in order to avoid unwanted starts, for example during transport.
After confirmation, a start-up message with the current time and the status of the internal battery appears:
bbe BenthoTorch
01.06.2008
12 00 00 menu
Press the right key to enter the main menu.
Automatic Power-Down
If the BenthoTorch is being used without a power supply, it switches off automatically after 5 minutes without any
operation. It then has to be re-started as described above.

Use of the BenthoTorch
bbe BenthoTorch Manual Page 15
Operation Modes
Three operation modes can be used with the BenthoTorch.
•Single mode:
after starting, one measurement is carried out. The end of the measurement is indicated by a vibration.
Afterwards the result is displayed.
•Continuous mode:
The BenthoTorch operates continuously with the given parameters Measuring Time. The measurements
are executed directly one after the other.
To interrupt the auto-mode measurement, turn the Algae Torch upside down and back again as described in
the “Starting the BenthoTorch” section.
•Interval mode:
The BenthoTorch operates continuously with the given parameters Measuring Time and Interval. If the
interval is longer than the measuring time, the BenthoTorch switches off between the measurements.
To interrupt the auto-mode measurement, turn the Algae Torch upside down and back again as described
in the “Starting the BenthoTorch” section.
•Under water measurements (divers)
oActivate the interval mode and use a long interval time
oStart the measurement before diving. The first measurement will be taken on air. After that the
BethoTorch will enter the standby mode
oUse the magnetic bar to start the BenthoTorch again. It will conduct one measurement and
enter the standby afterwards
oRepeat this procedure for all measurement sites
Operation of the BenthoTorch by Capacitive Touch Keys
The BenthoTorch is equipped with 4 capacitive keys with vibration feedback. The keys are located below the
display. To actuate a key, just touch the marked area. The actuation is reconfirmed by the BenthoTorch via a
short palpable vibration.

Use of the BenthoTorch
bbe BenthoTorch Manual Page 16
The current function of each key is shown on the display.
During the start-up of the instrument the keys are calibrated. So please do not touch the keys during the switch-
on procedure.
During submersion the keys are deactivated. This is recognised by detecting more than one key pressed at the
same time. The keys are reactivated when the keys are dry again.
Storing the BenthoTorch
The best way to store the BenthoTorch is in the original case. The cable and the accessories can also be stored
in this case.

Use of the BenthoTorch
bbe BenthoTorch Manual Page 17 Structure of the Internal Software
bbe BenthoTorch
01.06.2008
12 00 00 menu
Start measurement Data Power-down Settings Calibration View Mode Offset Send Measuring time Background Delete Interval
Black / grey / white
AutoPowerDown
Fingerprints
Clock
Green algase (high / low)
Time
Cyano (high / low)
Date Diatoms (high / low) Sync GPS time
Internal Temp.
UTC time shift
Voltage
Dayli. saving
Show
Display
calibrate
Brightness
Factory settings
Contrast
Correction factor
Software version

Use of the BenthoTorch
bbe BenthoTorch Manual Page 18
N AVIGATION WITHIN THE S OFTWARE
The software is structured in menus with different layers. For an overview, please see above.
< SETTINGS >
OK <- -> ESC
SETTINGS
< Mode >
OK <- -> ESC
SETTINGS MODE
< Single >
OK <- -> ESC
Functions of the keys:
OK: To choose the item shown and enterthe submenu
ESC: To discarde the changes and leave the menu
<- ->: To navigate within the same menu level.
E NTERING S ETTINGS
To change the settings of the BenthoTorch, choose the parameter in the SETTINGS menu:
Measuring time
10s
OK + - ESC
The underlined number is currently changeable by using the + and – keys.
OK: Confirms the underlined number and moves the cursor one position to the right. If the last number is
underlined, OK confirms the new setting and returns to the SETTINGS menu.
+ / -: Changes the currently underlined number
ESC: Cancels the input and returns to the SETTINGS menu.

Operating the bbe BenthoTorch
bbe BenthoTorch Manual Page 19
Operating the bbe BenthoTorch
Measuring Procedure
The BenthoTorch was calibrated before delivery with the bbe standard algae types.
S INGLE M EASUREMENT
•Start the BenthoTorch
•Use a wrist strap to secure the instrument
•Ensure that the connector is closed with the cap
•Go to “Start measurement”
•Apply the BenthoTorch in to the benthic algae. Ensure that the red foam shadows the algae from the light.
•Replicate the measurement on one stone and average to reduce the effect of patchiness
•During the internal calibration a decreasing number of # is shown
###############
###############
#####
•During the measurement the remaining time is displayed:
measuring
time remaining
5 s
•The end of the measurement is signalled by a short vibration. The result can be read from the display. The
results of 3 algae classes are shown alternating.

Operating the bbe BenthoTorch
bbe BenthoTorch Manual Page 20
green
0.7µg/cm’2
more <- -> ESC
cyanos
0.7µg/cm’2
more <- -> ESC
diatoms
0.7µg/cm’2
more <- -> ESC
•More switches between the following items:
•Automatic alternating of the tree algae classes
•Display of the concentration of cyanobacteria
•Display of the concentration of green algae
•Display of the concentration of diatom
•Display of the time / date of the measurement.
•Use the arrow keys to display data of another point in time.
•Press “ESC” to return to the start measurement item.
I NTERVAL / CONTINUOUS MEASUREMENT
•Start the BenthoTorch
•Use a carrying cable/rope to secure the instrument
•Ensure that the connector is closed with the cap / dummy connector
•Do not exceed the maximum depth (10 m / 100 m).
•Use the continuous mode (settings -> mode -> continuous)
•Adjust measuring time and interval
•Go to “Start -> Start continuous measurement”
•Apply the BenthoTorch in to the benthic algae. Ensure that the red foam shadows the algae from the light.
•To stop the BenthoTorch, turn it upside down and back between two measurements when the BenthoTorch
switches off because of the selected measuring interval. If the measuring interval is 0 s, use the exit key
between two measurements:
•To read the data, go to “Data -> view”
Reference method for chlorophyll-a measurement for validation of the bbe BenthoTorch
S UBSTRATE USED FOR REFERENCE
For test purposes, substrata used are exposed, flat materials which are non-fluorescent in visible light and easy
to scrape:
a. Black PVC plates (4x6cm)
b. Gray PVC plates (4,5x7,5cm)
c. Glass microscopic slides darkened on one side to omit the “double sidedness problem”.