HyQuest Solutions MagnaRod MAGD/CMC User manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
MAGNA ROD / CURRENT METER COUNTER
MODEL MAGD/CMC
HYQUEST SOLUTIONS PTY LTD
PO BOX 332, LIVERPOOL B.C NSW 1871, AUSTRALIA
Phone:(Int.) 612 9601 2022 Fax: :(Int.) 612 9602 6971
Phone:(Nat.) [phone] Fax: :(Nat.) [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Web: www.hyquestsolutions.com.au
QUALITY SYSTEM
ISO:9001
CERTIFIED

Hyquest Solutions Pty Ltd
Top Set Rod –Model: MagnaRod
© Copyright - 2 - Issue 1.03 5 Mar, 2013
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Introduction........................................................................................ 3
2.1 Overview............................................................................................................... 4
3. Installation.......................................................................................... 4
3.1 Hardware Connections ....................................................................................... 4
4. Operation............................................................................................ 5
4.1 Navigating Screens .............................................................................................. 5
4.2 Top Set Rod Operation....................................................................................... 6
4.3 Top Set Rod Menus............................................................................................. 7
4.4 Current Meter Counter Operation.................................................................... 8
4.5 Current Meter Counter Menus.......................................................................... 9
4.6 Indicator LEDs .................................................................................................... 12
4.7 Bluetooth®Communications............................................................................... 12
4.7.1 Serial Communications Interface ...................................................................... 13
4.7.2 Data Conversion Example .................................................................................. 15
4.7.3 Operating the Special Functions Using Serial Communications .................... 17
4.5 Changing the Batteries........................................................................................ 17
4.6 Maintenance and Repair Procedure.................................................................. 18
5. Specifications...................................................................................... 19
Appendix A Capturing a Spin Test............................................................... 21
Appendix B Measuring Meter Dwell............................................................ 26
Appendix C Example Calibration Certificate.............................................. 27

Hyquest Solutions Pty Ltd
Top Set Rod –Model: MagnaRod
© Copyright - 3 - Issue 1.03 5 Mar, 2013
1. Introduction
The Hyquest Solutions MagnaRod takes all the headaches out of Current Meter gauging.
After selecting “Bed” then “Surface”
the water depth is displayed along
with the % depth as the rod is moved
up and down so you can easily find
0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 or anything in
between. Then with the press of a
button it converts to a Current Meter
Counter equivalent to our existing
CMCsp, with automatic calculation
and display of ‘point velocity’ and
current meter revolutions after a pre-
set time interval. The device also
offers a Bluetooth wireless interface
feature for compatible PDA or Pocket
PC (compatible software also required). This measures flow velocity from almost any
mechanically rotating current meter. A feature of the device is its ability to "clean" the signal
and interface directly to a compatible PDA, PocketPC, or other computing device and provide
serial data that can be used by the external device to compute discharge. Current Meters
fitted with a cat whisker ball and wire contact to perform a mechanical switch closure can be
used with the unit to produce a clean, noise-free signal. The water velocity is directly
computed and displayed on the LCD. The MagnaRod supports up to 6 current meters with
each meter having up to 3 rating equations and 3 rotations/sec ranges.
The MagnaRod counter operates with 3 x AA alkaline 1.5V batteries and comes in a robust
waterproof enclosure. The commands are identical to the CMCsp commands, so existing
third party compatible software that has been developed, can be used to perform a
measurement and make operating selections. The MagnaRod can operate with current meter
velocities from less than 0.05 ft/sec to more than 20 ft/sec for a Price AA meter. The
MagnaRod also provides a slow-speed mode to improve measurements with extremely slow
rotating current meters [velocities less than 0.25 ft/sec]. The MagnaRod does not need to be
connected to an external device to operate. The visual indicators, LCD and internal buzzer of
the MagnaRod can be used to make a conventional current meter measurement and compute
water velocity using look up tables if required.
As you continue to read this manual, many features and operating capabilities of the
MagnaRod will be revealed and described. The MagnaRod is extremely easy to use and yet
versatile enough to offer selections to operate in a wide variety of scenarios and field settings.
As an added benefit, whenever the MagnaRod is inactive, it will automatically turn itself
OFF after a preselected period to help conserve the batteries. To turn it ON, simply press the
2 buttons together and all previous settings are restored ready for the user to begin a
measurement.
The MagnaRod also has an internal serial port that can be used to upgrade the firmware as
new features become available.

Hyquest Solutions Pty Ltd
Top Set Rod –Model: MagnaRod
© Copyright - 4 - Issue 1.03 5 Mar, 2013
Tajimi connector for
depth sensor
Banana sockets for
current meter
2. Product Overview
2.1 Overview
The MagnaRod can measure depth, and also indicate when a current meter is at 0.2, 0.4,
0.6… of the water depth.Any pulse type current meter can be connected, and after entering
the pulse to velocity equations, it can display the measured velocity directly. Velocity can be
either displayed in feet/sec (ft/sec) or metres/second (m/sec) and is chosen by the user in a
menu. When a measurement is being made, the MagnaRod counts contact closures,
measures elapsed time, and computes velocity to a precision of 0.01 ft/sec or 0.001 m/sec.
The velocity is computed based on the selection from up to 6 entered meter ratings, again
chosen from a menu. During a measurement, the MagnaRod sends through the Bluetooth
serial port the number of accumulating meter contact closures and elapsed time at 1-second
intervals.
An important operating feature of the MagnaRod is the ability to signal process each contact
closure. Contact closures from any type of meter are inherently noisy causing miscounting or
double counting. The MagnaRod samples the input signal from the connected meter and
examines the signal to determine if a contact closure has occurred and if successive signals
are of the same characteristics. The MagnaRod then determines contact closure conditions
and either counts the signal closure or eliminates the condition as a noise pulse and does not
count the signal. For cat’s whisker contacts, this becomes extremely important since cat’s
whisker contacts offer the poorest quality for marking and counting rotations.
The MagnaRod offers (2) modes of operation for a cat whisker type meter - FAST and
SLOW speed mode. FAST is selected for meter rotations >0.25 ft/sec while SLOW mode is
for velocities below 0.25ft/sec. To improve noise rejection, the sample rate of the input
signal at the SLOW speed mode (lower velocities) is 1/10 of the sampling rate that occurs
during FAST mode. This slower sampling rate improves performance for back rotations and
corroded whisker contacts at extremely low meter cup rotations. It is important to know that
the MagnaRod offers operational overlap at this 0.25 ft/sec velocity selection in either mode
and therefore it is not necessary for the operator to know precisely the velocity of water for
selecting either mode.
3. Installation
3.1 Hardware Connections
1. When the MagnaRod is clipped into the cradle,
the Tajimi connector must be screwed into the
mating part in the handle –this connects the sensor
used for depth measurement.
2. The current meter is connected through the 2
banana type sockets at the top of the MagnaRod.

Hyquest Solutions Pty Ltd
Top Set Rod –Model: MagnaRod
© Copyright - 5 - Issue 1.03 5 Mar, 2013
4. Operation
4.1 Navigating Screens
The MagnaRod has two front panel buttons that are used to turn power ON and OFF, view
menus, and choose operating settings. The labeling on the MagnaRod gives you a reminder
of the button functions:
Power ON –Press and hold both buttons to turn on the MagnaRod.
Power OFF - Press and hold both buttons again to turn off the MagnaRod.
Left Right
Button Button
Bed -TSR- Surface
Stop -CMC- Start
Up/Dn -Menu- Select
Hold→TSR/CMC Hold→Menu
Top Set Rod
(TSR) Display
Press and HOLD
Right Button to
select the TSR
menus
TSR Menus
Top Set Rod
(TSR) Display
Current Meter Counter
(CMC) Display
Press and HOLD
Left Button to
toggle between the
TSR and CMC
Displays
Current Meter Counter
(CMC) Display
Press and HOLD
Right Button to
select the CMC
menus
CMC Menus

Hyquest Solutions Pty Ltd
Top Set Rod –Model: MagnaRod
© Copyright - 6 - Issue 1.03 5 Mar, 2013
4.2 Top Set Rod Operation
1. Move the Rod to its lowest position
and press “Bed” (Left Button)
The display will indicate the preset
offset from the stream bed to the
current meter position.
(“Sensor Err” indicates the Tajimi connector is not screwed in)
2. Move the Rod so the centre of the
current meter mounting bracket is at
the water surface.
The water depth is shown with the
symbol indicating the measurement is
from the stream bed to the surface.
3. Press “Surface” (Right Button) and a scale will appear on
the right hand side of the display. The Depth is also
displayed, initially indicating 0.00D. The symbol also
indicates that the distance and depth is being measured
from the surface down to the current meter. The total water
depth (or Sounding) is displayed on the bottom of the
screen. (“Depth too small” indicates you have moved the
rod less than 0.02ft (5mm) which is not enough)
4. Slide the Rod down to the required
percentage depth D. The display on the
right shows 0.20 of sounding as
measured from the water surface, 0.20D
The vernier scale on the right of the
display indicates the exact depth when
the two arrows line up (0.25ft).
5. Change to the CMC display by pressing and holding the Left Button. Perform a velocity
measurement at this point of the vertical (See the next page for details on measuring
velocity).
6. Keep sliding the Rod down to the
next required depth, say 0.60D. There is
no need to return to the TSR Display, as
the depth 0.60D is displayed on the
bottom of the CMC Display.
Repeat this complete process at each vertical where measurements are taken.
TSR Display
CMC Display

Hyquest Solutions Pty Ltd
Top Set Rod –Model: MagnaRod
© Copyright - 7 - Issue 1.03 5 Mar, 2013
4.3 Top Set Rod Menus
While in the Top Set Rod (TSR) display press and hold the right hand button to enter the TSR
Menu’s. Pressing “Up/Dn” (left hand button) will move the triangle pointer down through the
menus, and pressing “Select” (right hand button) will toggle the option, or select the item.
1. The Units selection can be imperial (ft) or
metric (m). Note that these units are the
measurement units for the Top set Rod and also
for the Current Meter Counter ft/s and m/s.
2. The Foot Offset selects the reference position
when the “Bed” button is pressed. This is the
distance from the river bed to the current meter
shaft when the Top Set Rod is in the lowest
position.
3. LCD Options allows 3 more LCD selections
to be chosen.
The contrast can vary between 6 (light) and 24
(dark) and may only need changing at the
extremes of ambient temperature.
The Power Down time can be set to 15, 20, 25,
30, 35,…..60 mins. If no buttons are pressed, the MagnaRod will power down automatically
after this time.
The BackLight time can be set to 1,2,3,4,5,6…14,15 mins or Off. This is the time the
backlight stays on after a button is pressed –when operating in daylight, it is best to set the
BackLight Off as this will conserve power and the batteries will achieve considerably longer
life.
4. Language can be set to English or Spanish.
(The translation is about 90% complete at this
time !!!)
5. The Software Revision is displayed at the
bottom of this screen.

Hyquest Solutions Pty Ltd
Top Set Rod –Model: MagnaRod
© Copyright - 8 - Issue 1.03 5 Mar, 2013
4.4 Current Meter Counter Operation
The Current Meter screen data is presented as shown above.
1. Press “Start” (right hand button) and the count,
elapsed time and velocity will be zero’d. The / will start
toggling between / and \.
2. When the first meter pulse is detected, the elapsed
timer will start. The count and velocity will also be
updated as pulses are detected.
3. When the elapsed timer exceeds the measurement
interval, and a meter pulse is detected, the timer will be
stopped. The final count, elapsed time and the
calculated velocity are all displayed.
4. If “Stop” (left hand button) is pressed during a measurement, the count, elapsed time and
velocity are frozen at that point.
Meter Type :
Mag Head / High Speed or
Cat Whisker / Hi+Lo Speed
Meter equations selected
(created by the User)
Measurement
interval in Secs
Depth as measured
in TSR screen
Water Velocity
calculated in ft/s or m/s
Toggles between \ and /
while taking a measurement
Elapsed Time
in Secs
Contact counts

Hyquest Solutions Pty Ltd
Top Set Rod –Model: MagnaRod
© Copyright - 9 - Issue 1.03 5 Mar, 2013
4.5 Current Meter Counter Menus
While in the Current Meter Counter (CMC) display press and hold the right hand button to
enter the CMC Menu’s. Pressing “Up/Dn” (left hand button) will move the triangle pointer
down through the menus, and pressing “Select” (right hand button) will toggle the option, or
select the item.
1. The “Meter” type can be Mag Head, Cat
Whisker Fast, or Cat’s Whisker Slow.
In Mag Head mode the Status LED is Green.
In Cat Whisker Fast the Status LED is Red.
In Cat Whisker Slow the Status LED is off.
One important operating features of the
MagnaRod is the ability to signal process each contact closure. Contact closures from any
type of meter are inherently noisy causing miscounting or double counting. The MagnaRod
samples the input signal from the connected meter and examines the signal to determine if a
contact closure has occurred and if successive signals are of the same characteristics. The
MagnaRod then determines contact closure conditions and either counts the signal closure or
eliminates the condition as a noise pulse and does not count the signal. For Cat’s Whisker
contacts, this becomes extremely important since Cat’s Whisker contacts offer the poorest
quality for marking and counting rotations.
In Cat’s Whisker mode there are 2 speed settings. FAST is selected for meter rotations >0.25
ft/sec while SLOW mode is for velocities below 0.25ft/sec. To improve noise rejection, the
sample rate of the input signal at the SLOW speed mode (lower velocities) is 1/10 of the
sampling rate that occurs during FAST mode. This slower sampling rate improves
performance for back rotations and corroded whisker contacts at extremely low meter cup
rotations. It is important to know that the MagnaRod offers operational overlap at this 0.25
ft/sec velocity selection in either mode and therefore it is not necessary for the operator to
know precisely the velocity of water for selecting either mode. When in SLOW mode, the
status LED flickers, and the sounder beeps longer whenever the whisker contacts are made.
2. The “Time” is the CMC elapsed time and can be set to 10, 20, 30, 40, …..90 Secs
3. Up to 6 different Meters can be selected –the Meters and their equations are entered in the
Setup Equations… option.
4. When Setup Equations… is selected, the Meter
name and the respective equations are displayed.
When the triangle is at item 1, and “Select” is
pressed, the Meter No is stepped through. The
equations for the selected meter are displayed at
the bottom of the screen.

Hyquest Solutions Pty Ltd
Top Set Rod –Model: MagnaRod
© Copyright - 10 - Issue 1.03 5 Mar, 2013
5. To Edit a selected Meter, step to item 2 and
press “Select”
The Meter Serial No (or name), the number of
equations (1, 2 or 3), and the equations themselves
will be displayed. The first character of the Serial
No will be flashing. Press “Up/Dn” (left hand
button) to change the character, and press “Select”
(right hand button) to select this character and
move to the next character. Repeat these steps so
the equations on the screen match the equations on
your Current Meter calibrations sheets.
6. Select “Save and Return” to go back to the previous menu.
7. When More Settings + Test is selected, 5 more
selections become available.
8. The Buzzer can be set to Disable, En→Full, and
En→Mom. (When set to En→Full, the buzzer
beeps while the contacts are detected as closed)
When set to En→Mom, the buzzer beeps only
momentarily as the contacts close)
9. If the Bluetooth module is not detected, it will
display “Not Fitted”, otherwise it can be set to Disable, En→CMC or En→Full. At this time
both these options provide the same set of Bluetooth commands –a new set of commands
will be available for En→Full in the future.