4. PRE-DEPLOYMENT SET-UP
The Wirewalker Profiler is a purely mechanical device. Its simplicity is a strength, but the profiler must be
properly set up (ballasted, affixed to the profiling wire, deployed in the proper orientation, i.e. with the
correct side facing up) or there is a risk of compromised profiling performance. Therefore, it is important
to become familiar with what is necessary to prepare and access for a deployment. DMO has made this
intuitive by using a variety of hardware. While you may utilize additional tools during integration and
ballasting procedures, typically on deck you only need a #3 Phillips screwdriver to remove the Phillips flat
head 1/4-20 screws on the cowlings, center lid, and on the cam cover to load the wire into a Wirewalker.
4.1. ANATOMY OF THE WIREWALKER
PROFILER
At the heart of the Wirewalker Profiler is the profiling
cam mechanism, which engages with the wire to propel
the platform down through the water column. Since the
payload is customizable, so are the clamps and mounts
to secure them to the platform. Buoyant foam is used to
ballast the system for the desired ascent rate and to
balance the weight of adding various payloads. Refer to
PAYLOAD BALLASTING CONSIDERATIONS for a more
in depth view of ideal locations to mount particular
types of sensors and for where to add/remove foam.
Additionally, there are two cowlings that help to protect
the integrated payload. The leading edge cowling is the
shorter of the two, while the longer is the trailing edge.
Sensors that benefit from maximum unobstructed water
flow should be mounted on the leading edge. More
Wirewalker anatomical terms are defined in the
GLOSSARY .
4.2. REMOVING THE COWLINGS
In order to integrate a payload, change batteries, add/remove foam, or often to access the data and/or
program a sensor, the cowlings must be removed. This is done by simply removing the cowling screws
(pairs of Phillips flat head 1/4-20 screws on the inner edge of the cowling) with a #3 Phillips screwdriver.
No other tools are necessary. There are cowling screws on both sides of the Wirewalker that will need to
be removed. Refer to Figure 5A for visualization.
To replace the cowlings, align the cowling screw holes with their mounting brackets and replace the
screws. However, if instrument clamps or cowling mounts were moved, the pre-drilled cowling holes may
not align. The cowling can easily be modified for the new configuration as each possible attachment
location has pre-drilled pilot holes. Enlarge the hole to be used and carefully countersink the cowling.
NOTE: To avoid cowling deformation, cowlings should be affixed to the WW for long term storage as
this helps them keep their shape. For short term storage, such as while prepping for a cruise, cowlings
are best stored upright (on short top/bottom edge) rather than on their long edge or long side.
Cowlings may widen (i.e. open up) if stored improperly, making it challenging to attach them. If
widening does occur, lay the cowling on it’s long side (as if it were going to be affixed to the WW), and
add some weight (the WW downweight works well) distributed along the long edge. This will compress
the cowling and help return it to its intended shape. This works best in a warm environment and should
be occasionally inspected. An overly compressed cowling is equally as challenging as a widened one.
One or two hours of compression is all that is typically needed. DMO does NOT advise the use of direct
or applied heat.
Wirewalker Users Guide [v4] 9
