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.

Hyquest Solutions Pty Ltd
Top Set Rod –Model: MagnaRod
© Copyright - 11 - Issue 1.03 5 Mar, 2013
10. The Dwell Test measures the rotational angle
that the contact is closed on the Meter head.
Spin the meter by hand at about 1 to 2 revs per
second and press “Start”. The bottom of the
display will show “Rdy” while it is waiting for a
contact closure, and the Start button function will
change to “Stop”. When the 3 angles are
measured, the display will indicate “Done” and the angles will appear across the screen.
This function measures the dwell angle (ratio of meter contact time to the total time for a
single rotation) for a meter contact and is useful for making adjustments to a cat whisker type
meter in the field. For a cat whisker contact head, the optimum adjustment is 60º or a single
meter cup width (US Geological Survey Price AA or Pygmy meter). A variation to an
adjustment of +/- 10% is acceptable. The measure of dwell angle for the magnetic head
contact does not apply but can be performed.
11. The “Spin Test” is an elapsed time
measurement from the time a meter is spun to
when rotation of the meter stops.
Press “Start” and the display will indicate Rdy,
then the first contact closure will start the time and
subsequent closures will increment the count. This
will continue until no closures are detected for 10
a second period –indicating the meter has stopped. Note that the time will then jump back 10
secs as the display shows the total count and the elapsed time up to the last count.
Press “Stop” if you wish to terminate the test earlier.
12. The “Manual Calibrate”menu allows the
analog ac Level and dc Threshold to be measured
and displayed. (Everytime the display changes
from the TSR menu to the CMC menu, a calibrate
is automatically performed –as indicated by the
Status LED flashing green and red.) This
calibrate process allows the circuitry to take into
account the water salinity when measuring the
contact closures from the meter. This menu is for
testing only.
dc Thresh = 87 (fresh water or air)
dc Thresh = 26 (extremely salty water)

Hyquest Solutions Pty Ltd
Top Set Rod –Model: MagnaRod
© Copyright - 12 - Issue 1.03 5 Mar, 2013
4.6 Indicator LEDs
The MagnaRod provides two LED indicators to show the unit is operating and to indicate
current meter contact closures. The following is a brief description for each indicator.
COUNT (Orange LED)—This indicator will flash whenever a contact closure from the meter
has been detected.
OPERATING STATUS (Green/Red/Blue LED)—This indicator remains illuminated
whenever the MagnaRod is turned On and showing the operating status mode. The LED has
three colors showing the type of meter (Magnetic Head or Cat’s Whisker Head) selected as
well as Bluetooth®operational status. Green indicates the Magnetic Head is selected and red
indicates the Cat’s Whisker Head Fast is selected. The indicator also shows the operating
mode.
The indicator will flash Blue while searching for a Bluetooth connection, and be Blue steady
when a connection is established.
4.7 Bluetooth®Communications
Bluetooth®provides for a wireless link to an external device such as a PocketPC (PDA) or
laptop. Bluetooth®is a wireless standard (IEEE 802.14) that offers a transparent serial port
protocol for communication. When the MagnaRod is turned On, the MagnaRod determines
if Bluetooth®is installed. If available, Bluetooth®can be enabled and ‘discovered’ by
another Bluetooth®device to establish a connection. Set the external device’s communication
protocol in the following manner:
Baud Rate : 19200
Data bits : 8
Stop bits : 1
Parity : None
Flow control : None
When this display is presented, the STATUS indicator will be blue and flashing. When
another Bluetooth®compatible device is in proximity of the MagnaRod, and the devices
application requests a connection, each automatically establishes the Bluetooth®serial
interface protocol. When the connection has been established, the STATUS indicator will
show a solid blue color continuously.
When making a connection with another Bluetooth®device for the first time, first examine
and prepare the required enabling features of the external device for Bluetooth® connection.
Enable the MagnaRod Bluetooth®function and allow the external device to ‘discover’ the
MagnaRod. When the external device makes ‘discovery’, the user must select the
MagnaRod within the device’s menu setup and enable the connection. The external device
should respond with a ‘connected’ message. The MagnaRod can now be used in a normal

Hyquest Solutions Pty Ltd
Top Set Rod –Model: MagnaRod
© Copyright - 13 - Issue 1.03 5 Mar, 2013
manner. All serial data sent from the MagnaRod will be transmitted via Bluetooth®. The
connection can be disengaged by selection in the ‘Bluetooth’ menu. The operator must
monitor the integrity of the connection from the external device. If the connection becomes
broken, the MagnaRod will revert back to Bluetooth®DISCOVER mode. The blue flashing
LED will alert the operator of a disconnection between the MagnaRod and the external
device. Connection will have to be rediscovered by the external device. Any active
measurement occurring during a broken communications link will terminate and the
measurement will need to be retaken. The MagnaRod will not automatically power down
when Bluetooth®is enabled and connected.
4.7.1 Serial Communications Interface
The MagnaRod can be connected to a hand-held or notebook computer or any device that
can transmit and receive serial communications using Bluetooth®using an application such
as HyperTerm. Commands can be sent to the MagnaRod to perform special functions or
select operating modes. The following describes the serial data requirements, commands,
and data formats that are used for the serial communications interface :
Baud Rate : 19,200
Format : 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit
Flow Control : None
The following list shows the commands and functions that can be performed through the
serial communications interface.
Command Function Performed
SStart a measurement
TTerminate the measurement
IAbort the measurement
RResend the last data string (** not implemented yet **)
UBuzzer ON
ZBuzzer OFF
HCat Whisker Speed Select, set to Fast
LCat Whisker Speed Select, set to Slow
MSelect Magnetic Head meter processing
CSelect Cat Whisker Head meter processing (Fast)
P Start a measurement without performing a calibration
QStart a measurement with no time limit (continuous measure)
VSoftware Version
NOTE: Commands sent to the MagnaRod are case sensitive –and must be upper case only.
When the commands ‘S’, ‘T’, and ‘I’ are received by the MagnaRod from an
externally connected device, the MagnaRod sends an acknowledge character ‘A’
back to the device. For the ‘S’ command, the MagnaRod sends acknowledge

Hyquest Solutions Pty Ltd
Top Set Rod –Model: MagnaRod
© Copyright - 14 - Issue 1.03 5 Mar, 2013
character ‘A’ after the MagnaRod performs and completes the calibration. Note that
invalid or unrecognized commands will result in a ‘?’ being transmitted through the
Bluetooth port.
S –Start a measurement:Begins a measurement at the first contact closure detected.
Number of contact closures and elapsed time counts are accumulated. At the first
contact closure, the MagnaRod begins sending the accumulated contact closures
and elapsed time counts through the serial port every second. The first data string
transmitted through the serial port begins the start of the measurement interval with
the meter contact closure count tally and elapsed time tally of ‘0’. Note that when
this command is received by the MagnaRod, it automatically performs a
calibration then monitors the input for meter contact closures. Following is the
output data format sent to the externally connected device at the 1-second output
rate: dnn,xxxx_
d = preamble for indicating display data
nn = number of meter contact closures, transmitted in HEX ASCII
(hexadecimal notation)(i.e. 0-9,A-F)
, = delimiter
xxxx = counts of elapsed time measured as 0.003333 seconds/count,
transmitted in HEX ASCII (i.e. 0-9,A-F) while in Normal mode
and 0.03333 seconds/count while in Slow mode.
_ = space
This data format that is transmitted to the externally connected device can be used
to display elapsed time and velocity while the measurement is being performed.
At the end of the measurement interval or if the ‘T’ command is received, the
MagnaRod sends the last tally of accumulated counts and time in the following
format:
fnn,xxxx or enn,xxxx
f = final data, no detected faults
e = final data, error detected during measurement;
restart the measurement
The measuring interval is based on the user selected measurement time. When the
measuring interval has been reached, (or the T command is received) the
MagnaRod, upon the next meter contact closure, will send the final data for that
measurement. If there is no contact closure detected when the measurement
interval has been reached, the MagnaRod will continue to send data and the user
must send the ‘I’ command to abort the function. Note that the meter contact
number, nn, is limited to a total of 255 counts (hexadecimal notation ‘FF’). If more
than 255 counts are detected throughout the measurement interval, the count will
rollover to ‘00’ and continue to accumulate counts. No fault condition is set if this
occurs. This allows for continuous counting in excess of 255 counts occurring
during the measuring interval. External processing software can easily detect this
condition and process total meter counts when the measuring interval is completed.
The same condition occurs for the elapsed time tally. This permits an elapsed time
count of 218 seconds for a measuring interval before the count rolls over to ‘0000’.

Hyquest Solutions Pty Ltd
Top Set Rod –Model: MagnaRod
© Copyright - 15 - Issue 1.03 5 Mar, 2013
T –Terminate the measurement:MagnaRod stops the measurement at the next
contact closure and, at the next contact closure (which is counted), sends the last
tally of accumulated counts and elapsed time as previously described.
I –Abort the measurement:The MagnaRod aborts the measurement. No final
measurement data is transmitted.
P –Start a measurement without doing a calibration: This command is used to begin
a measurement without performing a calibration. The command should only be
used for a high velocity measurement that does not allow a calibration to be
performed due to the rapid rotation of the meter cups.
Q –Continuous measurement: This command is used to continuously output a 1-
second data display without a time limit. The ‘T’ or ‘I’ command must be used to
terminate the operation.
V –The software version of the MagnaRod is sent in the following manner:
vX.X Example: v1.0
4.7.2 Data Conversion Example
The data format of the MagnaRod is transmitted in HEX ASCII (base 16 numbers using the
ASCII code which is displayable on any terminal) to provide efficiency in the number of data
characters sent through the serial interface. Following is an example of the interpretation of
the data.
Example: d0C,0AF6
Accumulated meter counts = 0C16 = 1210
Elapsed time = 0AF616 = 280610 = (2806 counts x 0.003333 sec/count) = 9.35 secs
The data format says a total of 12 meter counts have been accumulated in 9.35
seconds.
Shown below is a simple Excel program that easily converts hexadecimal numbers to decimal
(base 10) numbers. The column ‘Decimal Conversion’ shows the Excel formula.
Hexadecimal
Decimal
Number
Conversion
1F
=hex2dec(A3)
0
1
2
3
A B

Hyquest Solutions Pty Ltd
Top Set Rod –Model: MagnaRod
© Copyright - 16 - Issue 1.03 5 Mar, 2013
Data Format Notes
The data format presented by the MagnaRod during a measurement provides for displaying a
computed velocity by an external device at a 1-second rate. The accumulating contact
closure counts and time interval counts can be used in a rating equation to display velocity.
At the end of the measuring interval, a final total of contact closures and interval time is then
used to compute the measured velocity. For the Normal mode, the 1-second output data
format displays the accumulating time interval counts based on a 300 Hz sample rate. The
following example below shows how it would be presented using the ‘HyperTerminal’
program: NORMAL mode, 300 Hz sample rate, counts accumulating at a 1 Hz rate.
For Slow Speed mode operation, the display of the accumulating time interval counts differs
in that the value is based on a 30 Hz sample rate. The following example below shows how it
would be presented in the Slow Speed mode:
30 Hz sample rate, counts accumulating at a 0.25 Hz rate (1 count every 4 seconds)

Hyquest Solutions Pty Ltd
Top Set Rod –Model: MagnaRod
© Copyright - 17 - Issue 1.03 5 Mar, 2013
4.7.3 Operating the Special Functions Using Serial Communications
The special function ‘SPIN Test’ can be operated using the serial communications interface.
A laptop, desktop PC, or PocketPC using a terminal emulating package or Microsoft®’s
HyperTerminal can be used to invoke the function. No menu selections in the MagnaRod
are needed. The selection of the meter type and turning the buzzer On and Off can all be done
using the serial communications interface. These functions can also operate using
Bluetooth®.
The following list shows the commands and functions that can performed through the
serial communications interface.
Command Function Performed
NSpin Test
SStart Spin Measurement (subcommand in ‘Spin Test’)
AStop Spin Measurement (subcommand in ‘Spin Test’)
UBuzzer ON
ZBuzzer OFF
MMagnetic Head Meter
CCat Whisker Head Meter
I Abort function
When the ‘N’ command is received by the MagnaRod from an externally connected device,
the MagnaRod echoes acknowledge character ‘N’ back to the device.
Refer to Appendix A for details in using the Spin Test and capturing a ‘spin test file’.
4.5 Changing the Batteries
NOTE : For optimum performance, the batteries should always be replaced with three good
quality AA alkaline 1.5V batteries !!
Simply lift the clip at the bottom of the front face, and lift the front cover upwards.
Insert the new batteries taking care of the battery orientation –which is stamped on the
bottom of the battery enclosure.
Please Note: Installing the batteries backwards will not damage the MagnaRod.

Hyquest Solutions Pty Ltd
Top Set Rod –Model: MagnaRod
© Copyright - 18 - Issue 1.03 5 Mar, 2013
4.6 Maintenance and Repair Procedure
There is no specific maintenance for the MagnaRod. As with any electronic device, care
must be taken to insure minimal exposure to moisture, dirt, or other contaminants. The unit is
splash proof; however, it is not waterproof. If the unit becomes submerged in water, remove
the batteries and any remaining water. Allow the unit to dry out completely before
reinstalling the batteries.
There are no user serviceable parts inside the MagnaRod. If the unit does not function
properly, the unit must be returned to Hyquest Solutions for component repair.
The MagnaRod does not require any calibration or adjustments. The MagnaRod is self-
calibrating and will perform this operation whenever the unit is turned on and whenever
“Manual Calibrate” is selected via the menu, or whenever a start measurement command
(‘S’) is received through the serial communications interface.

Hyquest Solutions Pty Ltd
Top Set Rod –Model: MagnaRod
© Copyright - 19 - Issue 1.03 5 Mar, 2013
5. Specifications
Bluetooth®Class 2 / Output power 2.5mW (4dBm)
Compliant Bluetooth®Spec V1.1
Up to 30ft (10m) range (operating at 2.4GHz)
Communications Internal RS232 Port (Tx, Rx) @ 9600 baud 8/N/1
(For reloading new firmware only.)
Depth Measurement Magnetic strip –Calibrated at HS to + 2mm (+ 0.006ft)
Connections 2 x Banana type sockets for current meter
1 x 6 pin Tajimi connector (for depth sensor connection)
Indicators 128 x 64 graphics backlit LCD
1 x Orange LED + 1 x Red/Green/Blue LED
Power Source 3 x Internal AA alkaline 1.5V batteries
Battery indicator on LCD
Dimensions 140mm x 100mm x 50mm (L x W x D)
Weight 400 grams (with batteries)
Environmental -5C to + 50C, (IP66 + temporary immersion)
(Note: 60º = 1 Meter cup width for 6 cups)
Water Velocity Flow (absolute maximum) (1)
(Normal Mode) Price AA meter - Mag 45 ft/s (13.7m/s) @ 99oto 204odwell
- CatW 22 ft/s (6.7m/s) @ 10oto 62odwell
Pygmy meter - CatW 9.4ft/s (2.8m/s) @ 10oto 62odwell
(Slow speed mode) Price AA meter - Mag 2.5ft/s (0.76m/s) @ 54oto 265odwell
- CatW 2 ft/s (0.61m/s) @ 17oto 70odwell
(2-cup width) 1.1ft/s (0.33m/s) @ 120odwell
Pygmy meter - CatW 0.9ft/s (0.27m/s) @ 17oto 70odwell
(2-cup width) 0.5ft/s (0.15m/s) @ 120odwell
Water Velocity Flow (absolute minimum) –before setting fault detection (1)
(Normal Mode) Price AA meter - Mag 0.14ft/s(0.04m/s) @ 15oto 210odwell
- CatW 0.1 ft/s (0.03m/s) @ 10oto 90odwell
Pygmy meter - CatW 0.06ft/s(0.018m/s)@ 10oto 90odwell
(Slow speed mode) Price AA meter - Mag 0.04ft/s(0.012m/s)@ 10oto 340odwell
- CatW 0.07ft/s(0.021m/s)@ 10oto 170odwell
Pygmy meter - CatW 0.04ft/s(0.012m/s)@ 10oto 90odwell
Maximum Conductivity > 50,000 µSiemens (max velocity ranges must be derated 20%)

Hyquest Solutions Pty Ltd
Top Set Rod –Model: MagnaRod
© Copyright - 20 - Issue 1.03 5 Mar, 2013
Specifications… (continued)
Contact time to Fault Detection (absolute maximum) (** NOT IMPLEMENTED YET **)
(Normal Mode) Magnetic Head Contact 11 Seconds
Cat’s Whisker Head Contact 7 Seconds
(Slow speed Mode) Magnetic Head Contact 30 Seconds
Cat’s Whisker Head Contact 20 Seconds
Minimum dwell angle for 10o
Cat Whisker Head
(1) NOTES: a) Measurements and Computations based on the following Rating Table
Equations.
Price AA Meter: V=2.2048 +0.0178 where: V= Velocity (ft/s)
T T = Seconds/rotation
Pygmy Meter: V=0.9604 +0.0312
T
b) Measurements made with 0 microSiemens conductivity, open air, ambient
room temperature.
Example: V = 2.3456[n]+0.1234 where: n=number of rotations/second
First Term: 2.3456 V=water velocity
Second Term: 0.1234
First Term Entry: Maximum Allowable: 6.5535
Second Term Entry: Maximum Allowable: 6.5535
Range Values: Maximum Allowable: 9.99
Note: Incorrect or unreasonable entries can give unexpected results.