EIJKELKAMP bbe AlgaeTorch 100 User manual

bbe
AlgaeTorch
User Manual
Version 2.6 E1, October 2017
Nijverheidsstraat 30,
6987 EM Giesbeek, The Netherlands
T+31 313 880 200
[e-mail]
Iwww.eijkelkamp.com
M-186501e

What’s new
bbe AlgaeTorch Manual Page 1
What’s new
Firmware
Firmware V 1.0.3:
Integration of AlgaeTorch 100 pressure measurement
Firmware V 1.0.4:
Integration of cell counts and 2-point calibration
Firmware V 1.0.7:
Integration of 2-point turbidity calibration
Integration of correction factor
Firmware V 1.1.0:
Integration of interval measurement
Firmware V 2.1.0:
Integration of GPS
Hardware
Series 03 and up
Delivery of the AlgaeTorch with attachment for shallow water.
Series 04 and up
Integrated GPS module.
Series 04-040 and up
Magnetic switch to start the AlgaeTorch alternatively to the tilt action mechanism.
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 AlgaeTorch Manual Page 2
WHAT’S NEW 1
Firmware ...........................................................................................................................1
Hardware...........................................................................................................................1
GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 7
Cleaning the instrument: .................................................................................................7
Supplement to the safety instructions............................................................................7
Storage (longer periods)..................................................................................................7
QUICK START INSTRUCTIONS 9
OPERATING PRINCIPLES AND DESIGN 11
Principles of Operation..................................................................................................11
Fluorescence.................................................................................................................11
Turbidity ........................................................................................................................11
GPS module..................................................................................................................11
Design .............................................................................................................................13
Measurements...............................................................................................................13
Operation ......................................................................................................................13
Versions..........................................................................................................................14
10 m version..................................................................................................................14
100 m version................................................................................................................14
Attachment for shallow water ........................................................................................14
USE OF THE ALGAETORCH 15
Wrist strap or carrying cable/rope ................................................................................15
USB connecting cable of the AlgaeTorch..................................................................... 15
RS232 / Modbus (RS232) connecting cables of the AlgaeTorch (option)................... 16
Power supply of the AlgaeTorch ...................................................................................17
Charging the AlgaeTorch with the power supply.........................................................18
Starting the AlgaeTorch.................................................................................................18
Operation of the AlgaeTorch by Capacitive Touch Keys.............................................20
Storing the AlgaeTorch.................................................................................................. 20
Structure of the Internal Software.................................................................................21
Navigation within the Software ......................................................................................22
Entering Settings...........................................................................................................22
OPERATING THE BBE ALGAETORCH 23
Measuring Procedure.....................................................................................................23
Single Dip-In Measurement...........................................................................................23
Profiling / Continuous measurement..............................................................................24
Moored operation..........................................................................................................24

What’s new
bbe AlgaeTorch Manual Page 3
Display unit.....................................................................................................................25
Data Menu / View data....................................................................................................25
data -> view...................................................................................................................25
More: 25
Arrow keys: 26
ESC: 26
Data -> delete................................................................................................................27
Settings Menu.................................................................................................................27
Overview.......................................................................................................................27
Mode.............................................................................................................................27
Measuring duration........................................................................................................28
Measuring interval.........................................................................................................28
AutoPowerDown............................................................................................................28
Clock -> date.................................................................................................................28
Clock -> time.................................................................................................................28
Display -> Contrast........................................................................................................29
Display -> Brightness ....................................................................................................29
Unit................................................................................................................................29
GPS ..............................................................................................................................29
Serial protocol ...............................................................................................................29
Software version............................................................................................................30
Calibration Menu ............................................................................................................30
Fingerprint calibration procedures ...............................................................................30
Calibration of the offset: ................................................................................................30
Calibration solution for the „ultra filtrated water offset and the yellow substances 31
Calibration of the algae fingerprints:..............................................................................31
Setting the cell count factors: ........................................................................................32
Check of the instrument using a dye (option) ................................................................32
Procedure 33
Set dye 33
Check dye 33
Turbidity calibration procedures...................................................................................34
Calibration of the turbidity offset:...................................................................................34
Calibration of the turbidity slope: ...................................................................................34
Show depth: ..................................................................................................................35
Set air pressure:............................................................................................................35
Internal Temperature...................................................................................................... 35
Show internal temperature: ...........................................................................................35
Voltage ............................................................................................................................35
Show voltage:................................................................................................................35
Calibrate voltage: ..........................................................................................................36
Factory settings..............................................................................................................36
Correction factor ............................................................................................................ 36
Connecting the bbe AlgaeTorch / BenthoTorch / AlgaeLabAnalyzer via USB to a PC36
USB Driver Set-Up ........................................................................................................36
BBE++ SOFTWARE 38
Software Set-Up.............................................................................................................. 38
Desktop icon of the bbe++ software..............................................................................40
bbe++ software in the Start menu .................................................................................40
Software Update............................................................................................................. 41

What’s new
bbe AlgaeTorch Manual Page 4
Structure of the software...............................................................................................41
Menu structure (“Basic functionality”) ......................................................................... 42
Menu structure (”Advanced functionality”) ..................................................................43
General considerations for storing and displaying data and parameters in bbe++ .. 44
What is stored in a bbe++ database?............................................................................44
Where is the database stored?......................................................................................44
How to display the data? ...............................................................................................44
Simultaneous display of data of different types of instruments......................................44
Who can access to the parameters of the instruments?................................................45
Desktop of the bbe++ Software.....................................................................................45
Toolbar..........................................................................................................................45
Toolbar instrument ........................................................................................................45
Graphic- und table views...............................................................................................46
Serial number, voltage of the battery, internal clock......................................................46
THE MENUS 47
File Menu ......................................................................................................................47
New 47
Open 48
Close 48
Import (FluoroProbe / AlgaeTorch / BenthoTorch) 48
Export (ASCII) 50
Export (Database) 50
Export (KMZ) –AlgaeTorch / BenthoTorch / FluoroProbe 50
Export (ToxTest protocol) –AlgaeLabAnalyser only 50
Summary View 50
1. ... 2. ... 3. ... 51
Data Directory 51
Exit 51
Edit Menu......................................................................................................................52
Copy 52
Edit Comment –advanced functionality only 53
Delete Data –advanced functionality only 54
Parameters Menu..........................................................................................................55
Overview 57
History –advanced functionality only 58
View Menu.....................................................................................................................59
Toolbar 59
Status Bar 60
Measurement 60
Batch (AOA only) 60
Measurement mode (AOA and ALA only) 60
Macro 60
Data Navigation 60
Period 61
Session 61
Connection State 61
Auto-Update 61
Application look 61
Window –Advanced functionality only...........................................................................62
New Table Window 62
New XYGraph Window 62
New Single Value View 63
Cascade 64
Tile Horizontally/Vertically 64
Select Data 64
View Editor 65
Comment Fields 80
1. ... 2. ... 3. ... 81

What’s new
bbe AlgaeTorch Manual Page 5
Tools.............................................................................................................................81
Settings 81
Enable advanced/basic functionality 89
Connect COM port 89
Device 89
SQL Script 90
Calibration....................................................................................................................... 90
The Views........................................................................................................................ 91
Table views ...................................................................................................................91
History of Parameters 92
Edit comment 92
Delete data 93
Data Fields Selection 94
Sorting of the list view 94
XY graph views .............................................................................................................95
Select data of interest 96
Right-click menu............................................................................................................98
Scaling of the axis 98
Autoscaling 99
Parameters 100
Default scaling 100
PARAMETERS 101
THE GPS MODULE 102
The GPS module of the bbe AlgaeTorch and bbe BenthoTorch..................................102
General remarks .........................................................................................................102
Actvating and deactivating...........................................................................................102
position (Settings -> GPS -> position) .........................................................................102
Required quality (Settings -> GPS -> required quality)................................................102
Version (Settings -> GPS -> version) ..........................................................................103
Starting the measurement...........................................................................................103
Data evaluation within the Torch: ................................................................................103
Data evaluation within bbe++ ...................................................................................... 103
Data export to Google earth........................................................................................104
UPDATE OF THE FIRMWARE 106
HOW TO ACCESS TO AN ALGAETORCH BY MODBUS 108
USE OF THE AOA PROTOCOL FOR THE ALGAETORCH 109
TROUBLESHOOTING 111
Instrument Does Not Start ...........................................................................................111
PC Does Not Recognise the AlgaeTorch .................................................................... 111
Problems in Detecting Low Concentrations............................................................... 111
Problems with wrong readings ...................................................................................111
Problems in Detecting Algae Classes......................................................................... 111
DATA AND TABLES 112
Specifications...............................................................................................................112

What’s new
bbe AlgaeTorch Manual Page 6
Dimensions................................................................................................................... 113

General Safety Precautions
bbe AlgaeTorch Manual Page 7
General Safety Precautions
The bbe AlgaeTorch is an instrument for determination of the concentration of chlorophyll in water. 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 connector at the bbe AlgaeTorch (100m version) has to be supplied with grease periodically.
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.
Storage (longer periods)
Clean the instrument before storage.
Store the instrument dry and frost free.
NiMH-Cells show a certain amount of self-discharge. When you store your device for a period of several weeks
without operation, please proceed as follows:
1. Generally charge the battery completely (e.g. over night) before you store the device.
2. Get the device out of the stock every two or three months (respectively once a year for devices Series 6
and higher) and:
a. charge the battery for about 6 hours.
b. discharge the battery by starting a continuous measurement - let the measurement run until the battery is
empty and the device switches off automatically
Note: only operate the device willingly until automatic switch off when you did the above mentioned firmware-
has the following version (or higher):
2.34 (for AlgaeTorch/BenthoTorch 1 = Series 1 to 5)
3.05 (for AlgaeTorch/BenthoTorch 2 = Series 6 and higher)

General Safety Precautions
bbe AlgaeTorch Manual Page 8
c. charge the battery completely before you store the device
Please note: After this procedure all earlier measuring results in the internal storage of the Torch will be
overwritten! We recommend to download your results to a bbe++ database before doing the procedure above.

Quick start instructions
bbe AlgaeTorch Manual Page 9
Quick start instructions
To use the AlgaeTorch instrument immediately, please refer to the following two pages. If more detailed
information is required, please go to chapter ”Use of the AlgaeTorch”.
1. Charge the AlgaeTorch by using the power supply connected to the small cable housing of the USB
cable.
2. Start the AlgaeTorch by turning it upside down and back again in one quick movement.
If the AlgaeTorch is equipped with a reed switch to switch it on with a magnet, a symbol is printed on the label of
the AlgaeTorch. Please tip on the symbol with the magnet to switch the AlgaeTorch on. The magnetic switch can
be used alternatively to the tilt mechanism (described above).
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. Dip the AlgaeTorch in the water. Ensure a sufficient distance from the water bed and that no fluorescent
material such as leaves are nearby. This may influence the measurement. Please use the attachment for
shallow water in this case. Move the AlgaeTorch slightly to avoid air bubbles at the front window. These air
bubbles might influence the measuring results.
7. In the lab, please use the bbe calibration vessel.
Tip this point with a
magnet to start the
AlgaeTorch

Quick start instructions
bbe AlgaeTorch Manual Page 10
> 25cm
In case of fluorescing matter on
the ground, please use the attachment
for shallow water.
8. 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 495%
takepos. skip
If there is no GPS signal e.g. within buildings, only “skip” is available.
9. 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:
Cyano: 10.3µg/l
Total: 42.7µg/l
OK

Operating Principles and Design
bbe AlgaeTorch Manual Page 11
Operating Principles and Design
Principles of Operation
FLUORESCENCE
The AlgaeTorch is a fluorometer made for quick and easy total chlorophyll and cyanobacteria measurements.
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 AlgaeTorch for algae differentiation uses 7 LEDs for fluorescence excitation. The LEDs emit light at 3
selected wavelengths (470nm, 525nm, 610nm).
TURBIDITY
An additional LED is used optionally for turbidity measurements based on the reflected light of any particles in
the water.
The turbidity measurement is based on backscattering. The calibration is done with Formazin.
The results are shown in FTU (Formazin turbidity units). This result is also used to perform a turbidity
compensation of the chlorophyll measurement. Consequently, the chlorophyll measurement in turbid water is
enhanced by the turbidity measurement.
GPS MODULE
The AlgaeTorch is equipped with a global positioning system module to determine the exact position of the
measurement. The longitude and latitude are stored together with the measurement results and can be
transferred to a PC for further evaluation.

Operating Principles and Design
bbe AlgaeTorch Manual Page 12
The bbe++ software contains a feature to export the data to a so-called *.KMZ file to display the data in Google
Maps.

Operating Principles and Design
bbe AlgaeTorch Manual Page 13
Design
MEASUREMENTS
total chlorophyll
cyanobacteria
pressure sensor (AlgaeTorch 100)
turbidity sensor
OPERATION
cable-free operation
display on the instrument
datalogger
internal rechargeable batteries
internal display
4 capacitive softkeys
vibration feedback
position sensors to start the AlgaeTorch
power-down features
Sensor head with
LEDs and photodiode
Connector
Display
4 capacitive keys
Carrying eye
Pressure sensor
(AlgaeTorch 100)
GPS module
Magnetic
switch

Operating Principles and Design
bbe AlgaeTorch Manual Page 14
Versions
10 M VERSION
This version is made for use in shallow water. It is rated down to 10 m. For underwater operation, please
ensure that the cap of the connector is closed. It is watertight as rated only in this configuration.
100 M VERSION
This version is made for use in shallow water and deeper water down to 100m. It is equipped with an underwater
connector so that data can also be read out from below the surface. Additionally it is equipped with a pressure
sensor.
ATTACHMENT FOR SHALLOW WATER
To prevent fluorescence readings influenced from bentic algae or seaweed the AlgaeTorch is delivered with an
attachment for shallow water. Please use this attachment when measuring near the river or lake bed.

Use of the AlgaeTorch
bbe AlgaeTorch Manual Page 15
Use of the AlgaeTorch
Wrist strap or carrying cable/rope
On top of the AlgaeTorch there is an eye to mount a wrist strap or carrying cable/rope.
USB connecting cable of the AlgaeTorch
The AlgaeTorch 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

Use of the AlgaeTorch
bbe AlgaeTorch Manual Page 16
There are two versions available. One for the AlgaeTorch 10 equipped with a standard connector and one for the
AlgaeTorch 100 equipped with a submersible connector.
RS232 / Modbus (RS232) connecting cables of the AlgaeTorch (option)
There are two types of RS232 cables available for the AlgaeTorch. One type is equipped with a standard RS232
connector to be used with a PC and one is delivered without a connector for stationary use.
The one without a connector is intended to be used together with a data logger. The numbers of the cables are
printed on the black wires.
Submersible
connector

Use of the AlgaeTorch
bbe AlgaeTorch Manual Page 17
Number
Function
1
+ 12V
2
GND
3
RxD
4
TxD
Power supply of the AlgaeTorch
The AlgaeTorch comes with a power supply to charge the AlgaeTorch 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 AlgaeTorch with the power supply
Connect the small end of the cable to the box of the “connecting cable” of the AlgaeTorch.
Connect the power supply to the mains.
If the internal battery is not fully charged, charging will start (see below, page 17)
When using the power supply, the AlgaeTorch will not switch off completely, but the display illumination will be
turned off after some minutes if the touch keys have not been used.
Wires with
imprint

Use of the AlgaeTorch
bbe AlgaeTorch Manual Page 18
Charging the AlgaeTorch with the power supply
Connect the small end of the cable to the box of the “connecting cable” of the AlgaeTorch.
Connect the power supply to the mains.
The AlgaeTorch will start up and show the charging process by moving bars in the battery symbol.
bbe AlgaeTorch
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 AlgaeTorch
The AlgaeTorch is equipped with a position sensor. To switch it on, turn the AlgaeTorch upside down and back
again in one quick movement.
The AlgaeTorch 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 AlgaeTorch
switch torch on?
YES NO
The confirmation is done in order to avoid unwanted starts, for example during transport.
If the AlgaeTorch is equipped with a reed switch to switch it on with a magnet, a symbol is printed on the label of
the AlgaeTorch. Please tip on the symbol with the magnet to switch the AlgaeTorch on. The magnetic switch can
be used alternatively to the tilt mechanism (described above).

Use of the AlgaeTorch
bbe AlgaeTorch Manual Page 19
After confirmation, a start-up message with the current time and the status of the internal battery appears:
bbe AlgaeTorch
01.06.2008
12:00:00 Menu
Press the right key to enter the main menu.
Automatic Power-Down
If the AlgaeTorch 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.
Operation Modes / Air Pressure Compensation
Three operation modes can be used with the AlgaeTorch.
Single mode:
after starting, one measurement is carried out. The end of the measurement is indicated by a vibration.
Afterwards the result is displayed.
In the case of the AlgaeTorch100 with integrated pressure sensor, an air pressure measurement is
taken before the AlgaeTorch is submersed and the measurement starts. This is necessary since the
air pressure influences the depths measurement.
Continuous mode:
The AlgaeTorch 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 AlgaeTorch” section.
In the case of the AlgaeTorch100 with integrated pressure sensor, an air pressure measurement is
taken before the first measurement starts. This is necessary since the air pressure influences the
depths measurement. So please submerse the AlgaeTorch100 after the measurement has started.
Interval mode:
The AlgaeTorch operates continuously with the given parameters Measuring Time and Interval.
If the interval is longer than the measuring time, the AlgaeTorch 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 AlgaeTorch” section.
In the case of the AlgaeTorch100 with integrated pressure sensor, an air pressure measurement is
taken before the first measurement starts. This is necessary since the air pressure influences the
depths measurement. So please submerse the AlgaeTorch100 after the measurement has started.
Tip this point with a
magnet to start the
AlgaeTorch