Lowell TCM Series User manual

Universal User Guide, Rev L, February 2022 © 2014-2022 Lowell Instruments, LLC
Universal User Guide
for
TCM-x Current Meters,
MAT-1 Data Logger
and
Domino Software
Lowell Instruments, LLC
82 Technology Park Dr.
East Falmouth, MA 02536
www.lowellinstruments.com
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

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Contents
Contents................................................................................................................................2
1 Introduction....................................................................................................................5
1.1 How to use this manual.......................................................................................................5
2 Getting Started...............................................................................................................6
2.1 Installing Software ..............................................................................................................6
2.2 Connect to the Logger .........................................................................................................6
2.3 Create a Setup File ..............................................................................................................7
2.4 Save File on MAT-1 Logger drive ..........................................................................................8
2.5 Communicating with the Logger ..........................................................................................9
2.6 Check the Logger’s Status and Set the Clock.......................................................................10
2.7 Start the Logger.................................................................................................................11
2.8 Demo Deployment ............................................................................................................11
2.9 Stop Logging and Saving Data ............................................................................................12
2.10 Convert Data.....................................................................................................................13
2.11 View Data .........................................................................................................................15
3 TCM Tilt Current Meters................................................................................................17
3.1 Theory of Operation..........................................................................................................17
3.2 Typical Tilt Current Meter Settings.....................................................................................18
3.3 Anchoring Guidelines ........................................................................................................20
3.4 Other Deployment Considerations.....................................................................................22
3.5 Data Retrieval and Conversion...........................................................................................23
4 TCM-1 Tilt Current Meter ..............................................................................................24
4.1 Assembling the Current Meter (TCM-1 Only)......................................................................24
4.2 Selecting a Velocity Range (TCM-1 Only)............................................................................24
4.3 Deploying in an Inverted or Hanging Orientation (TCM-1 Only)...........................................25
4.3.1 Site Selection.......................................................................................................................................... 25
4.3.2 Mounting the Meter .............................................................................................................................. 25
4.3.3 Data Post Processing.............................................................................................................................. 29
5 Logging Modes & Setup File ..........................................................................................30
5.1 Deployment Description....................................................................................................31
5.2 Operational Indicator Control............................................................................................31

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5.3 Presets..............................................................................................................................32
5.4 Creating a Preset...............................................................................................................34
5.5 Enabling and Disabling Logging Channels ...........................................................................34
5.6 Recording Rate & Burst Mode............................................................................................34
5.7Temperature.....................................................................................................................35
5.8 Start and Stop Times .........................................................................................................35
6 Device Information .......................................................................................................37
6.1 Device Status ....................................................................................................................37
6.2 Data and Clock Device Information ....................................................................................37
6.3 Device Information............................................................................................................38
6.4 Logger Control...................................................................................................................38
6.5 Real-Time or Most-Recent Data.........................................................................................38
6.6 Current Logger Settings .....................................................................................................38
7 Convert Files .................................................................................................................39
7.1 Output Type......................................................................................................................40
7.1.1 Discrete Channels................................................................................................................................... 40
7.1.2 Compass Heading................................................................................................................................... 41
7.1.3 Yaw/Pitch/Roll........................................................................................................................................ 41
7.1.4 Current (Tilt Current Meter) .................................................................................................................. 42
7.1.5 Cable Attitude (Tilt Current Meter) ....................................................................................................... 43
7.1.6 Vertical Orientation................................................................................................................................ 43
7.2 Output Options .................................................................................................................44
7.2.1 Output.................................................................................................................................................... 44
7.2.2 Time........................................................................................................................................................ 44
7.2.3 Calibration Coefficients –Advanced ...................................................................................................... 45
8 Sensor Information .......................................................................................................46
8.1 Sensor Orientation............................................................................................................46
8.2 Magnetometer..................................................................................................................46
8.3 Accelerometer ..................................................................................................................47
8.4 Thermistor........................................................................................................................47
9 Logger Maintenance .....................................................................................................47
9.1 O-Ring Care.......................................................................................................................47
9.2 Logger Housing Care..........................................................................................................48
9.3 SD Card.............................................................................................................................49

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9.3.1 Ejecting the Card .................................................................................................................................... 49
9.3.2 Reformatting the SD Card ...................................................................................................................... 49
9.3.3 Card Type ............................................................................................................................................... 50
9.4 Battery Information ..........................................................................................................50
9.4.1 Battery Life ............................................................................................................................................. 51
9.4.2 Safe Shutdown ....................................................................................................................................... 51
9.4.3 Replacing the Battery & Desiccant......................................................................................................... 52
10 Trouble-Shooting the Logger and Software ...................................................................53
10.1 Firmware Updates.............................................................................................................54
10.2 Resetting the device..........................................................................................................55
10.3 Serial Number...................................................................................................................55
10.4 Repair Policy .....................................................................................................................55
10.5 Returning Products to Lowell Instruments .........................................................................55
10.5.1 Return Shipping Address ................................................................................................................... 55
11 Additional Information .................................................................................................57
11.1 Optional Accessories .........................................................................................................57
11.2 Contact Information..........................................................................................................57
11.3 Disclaimer.........................................................................................................................57

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1Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of a TCM-x or MAT-1 from Lowell Instruments! We hope that your
new device serves you well for many years. We have attempted to include the “right amount” of detail
in this guide: not too much, not too little. But we also know that, even after a thorough reading, some
things may not be clear. Please feel free to contact us if you have questions.
1.1 How to use this manual
This user guide is intended for users of both the MAT-1 Data Logger and the TCM-x Current Meters. The
TCM-x Current Meters use a MAT-1 Data Logger as the “brains” of the meter and the material
substantially overlaps.
Both MAT-1 and TCM-x users should read Section 2 “Getting Started”. This section describes basic
operation of the hardware and software. Users of the TCMs will also want to read Section 3 “TCM
Current Meter” for instructions that are specific to operating current meters.

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2Getting Started
2.1 Installing Software
The MAT-1 Data Logger requires that our Domino software be installed to operate the logger. It is highly
recommended that you install the software prior to connecting the logger to a USB port. Go to
www.lowellinstruments.com/downloads to get the latest version of Domino and follow the software
installation instructions. Domino is available both for Windows and macOS. (At the time of writing this
guide, the version for macOS is in beta test. Check the website for a list of known issues.3)
Tip: On Mac OS, Domino must be placed in Applications for it to run.
2.2 Connect to the Logger
Remove the end cap of the logger by unscrewing it. Connect the USB cable to your computer and
connect the other end of the cable to the logger. Windows should automatically find the logger and
connect to it. (See “Troubleshooting” if Windows does not succeed in loading the drivers automatically.)
Tip: The USB cable used with the MAT-1 logger is the same type of cable that is commonly used by many
Android smart phones. If you lose your cable you can purchase a replacement at many stores.
Caution: The logger will be
damaged if water enters the
housing. Keep the O-ring clean
and free from dust, hair and dirt.
See “O-ring Care” for more
information.
This end is permanently sealed.
Do not attempt to open.
Unscrew this end.
USB micro-B Port
Micro SD Card

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2.3 Create a Setup File
The logger uses a setup file to operate. The setup file is stored on the logger’s microSD card and contains
the settings that the logger will use when it is instructed to start logging: enabled/disabled channels,
recording intervals, start and stop times etc.
Open Domino and select the “Setup” icon to open the Setup File screen. You will use this screen to
create a setup file. Start by entering a description and choose either a preset or choose your specific
logging parameters. If this is your first test, keep it simple. Follow the example below:
1. Setup Tab
3. Logging Parameters
4. Save File
2. Default settings

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Tip: The description is limited to 15 characters and may only contain alpha-numeric characters, dashes,
underscores and spaces. The description will become part of the data file name when the deployment is
complete.
See “Typical Tilt Current Meter Settings” (in Section 3) for specific instructions on creating a setup file
for use with a tilt current meter.
2.4 Save File on MAT-1 Logger drive
Click “Save Setup File…,” and navigate to your logger’s USB drive. If you are using a microSD card
supplied by Lowell Instruments, the drive will be labeled “MAT_LOGGER”. It is essential that the setup
file be named “MAT.cfg” and be saved on the logger’s SD card. The logger will look for this file when you
instruct the logger to start recording data (in the next step) and it will load the values that you saved in
the file. The logger will not start if the MAT.cfg file is missing. Note: on Windows, your computer may
hide the .cfg from the name of the setup file after it has been created, and the folder will simply contain
“MAT”. This will not impact the operation of the device or software.
Tip: If you have multiple loggers that you want to configure in the same way, it may be convenient to
save this file on your hard drive and copy it to the other SD cards.
1. MAT Logger Drive
2. Save File

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2.5 Communicating with the Logger
When the logger connects for the first time it will be stopped. Navigate to the “Device” tab. The tab will
show connection and device status.
Logger is not collecting data.
Connection status

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2.6 Check the Logger’s Status and Set the Clock
The software should now be connected to the logger and will display sensor readings and logger
information. Follow these steps to start the logger:
1. Set the logger’s clock by synchronizing it to the computer’s clock.
2. Check the sensor readings for current readings.
3. Check the current logger settings
1. Click to Set Clock
2. Check sensors and other real-time data
3. Check Logger Settings