RBR quartz3 Q User manual

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INSTRUMENT GUIDE
Q

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Table of contents
1
RBRquartz³ Q........................................................................................................ 3
2 Specifications....................................................................................................... 4
3 Hardware.............................................................................................................. 6
3.1 Opening and closing the instrument ...............................................................6
3.2
RBRquartz³ Q interface .....................................................................................7
3.3 Orientation and datum location ......................................................................9
3.4 Twist activation...............................................................................................10
3.5 Cables ..............................................................................................................11
4 General maintenance ........................................................................................ 14
4.1 Support kit.......................................................................................................14
4.2 Replacing the O-ring .......................................................................................15
4.3 Replacing batteries .........................................................................................16
4.4 Replacing desiccant capsules.........................................................................17
4.5 Cables and connectors ...................................................................................18
4.6 Cleaning the instrument.................................................................................19
4.7 Calibrating the instrument .............................................................................19
5 Pressure sensor maintenance ........................................................................... 20
5.1 Removing the antifouling mesh assembly.....................................................20
5.2 Filling the syringe and de-gassing the buffer oil............................................21
5.3 Cleaning the buffer tube.................................................................................22
5.4 Refilling buffer oil............................................................................................23
6 External pressure adaptor................................................................................. 26
7
Repairs ................................................................................................................ 27
8
Revision history.................................................................................................. 27

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1 RBRquartz³ Q
The RBRquartz3Q integrates the Paroscientific Digiquartz® pressure sensor forbest-in-classaccuracy and low drift
performance.
Intended for long-term autonomous or realtime observations of water level, tides and waves, the RBRquartz3Q can
resolve small changes over long deployments.Flexible measurement schedules and burst sampling permit
applications for tide, wave, and sea level measurements. The RBRquartz3Q has a large memory capacity, sufficient
power for extended deployments, and USB-C or Wi-Fi download for large data files.
The RBRquartz3 features:
High accuracy
Internal USB-C connector
Large memory
Quartz stability
For a detailed description of wave and tide measurements, seeRuskin User Guide: Standard Loggers3.
.
RBRquartz3Q

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2 Specifications
Instrument
Specification Description
Max number of readings 240 million
Power 8 AA-type cells
External power 4.5 to 30V
Communications Internal: USB-C; external: USB and RS-232/RS-485
Clock drift ±60 seconds/year
Depth rating 260m
Housing Plastic
Diameter 100mm
Length ~510mm (with standard end-cap)
~572mm (with connectorised end-cap)
~504mm (with right-angle connectorised end-cap)
Weight(with batteries) 2.3kgin air, -0.25kgin water
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Temperature sensor
Specification Description
Range -5 to 35°C *
Initial accuracy ±0.002°C
Resolution 0.00005°C
Typical stability ±0.002°C/year                   
Time constant <30s (embedded)
*A wider temperature range is available upon request. ContactRBR for more information.
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Pressure sensor
Specification     Description
Range 20 / 55 / 125 / 190 / 260dbar
Initial accuracy ±0.01% FS
Resolution 100ppb (at 1Hz sampling rate)
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Accelerometer
Specification Description     
Range ±3g
Resolution <100ng
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Power supply selection
If connected, an external power supply will be used preferentially over the internal batteriesas long as the voltage
remains 4.5V or greater. If it drops below 4.5V or complete disconnection occurs, the system automatically switches to
the internal batteries.
Clock
The instrument's clock is maintained during brief disconnections. This time is usually sufficient to change batteries or
replace desiccants.
USB-C power
The USB-C cable provides power sufficient for configuration or data download. However, the instrument requires an
internal or external power supply to perform sampling.
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Deployment estimates(withthionyl chloride cells) .
Speed Burst samples Interval Time # of samples
16Hz - Continuous ~58 days ~79.5 million
4Hz 4096 120min ~400 days ~19.5 million
1s 60 30min ~4 years ~4.5 million
.
External MCBH-6-MP connector pinout .
Pin No. USB RS-232 RS-485
1               Ground
2               Power in +4.5 to +30 V
3 N/C Data output from the
instrument (Tx) Data output from the instrument (Tx-)
4 VUSB +5V Data input into the
instrument(Rx)
Data input into the
instrument (Rx+)
5 D- N/C Data input into the
instrument (Rx-)
6 D+ N/C Data output from the
instrument (Tx+)

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3 Hardware
3.1 Opening and closing the instrument
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Opening theinstrumentwith a standard end-cap
Twist the battery end-cap counterclockwise.
Once fully unscrewed, pull the end-cap away from
the housing.
.
Closing the instrument with a standard end-cap
Place the end-cap back on the instrument.
Twist the end-cap clockwise until aligned with
PAUSE.
Openinstrument with a standard end-cap
Opening theinstrumentwith a connectorised end-cap
Twist the battery end-cap counterclockwise.
Once fully unscrewed, pull the end-cap away from
the housing.
For instruments with connectorised end-caps,
unplug the umbilical cable.
.
Closing the instrument with a connectorised end-cap
Plug the mini-display port connector into the
instrument as shown.
Twist the end-cap counterclockwise two full
rotations to unwind the umbilical cable.
Place the end-cap back on the instrument.
Twist the end-cap clockwise until aligned with
PAUSE.
Open instrumentwith a connectorised end-cap
Remember to keep the O-ring clean and avoid scratching the O-ring mating surfaces. Carefully inspect the O-
ringbefore deploying the instrument.
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3.2 RBRquartz³ Q interface
The RBRquartz³ Q instrument provides an internal USB-C port and, depending on the end-cap type, an
externalMCBH-6-MP connector.
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.
USB-C connection
A USB-C desktop cable is supplied in the instrument support kit.Use this cable to downloaddata from the instrument
to your computer.Follow the steps below to access the USB-C port located inside the instrument body.
Remove the batteries. 
Connect the computer to the instrument through the USB-Cport.
Start the Ruskin application.
Mini-display port
The mini-display port is located next to the USB-C port. This is the port to use for the umbilical cable from the
connectorised end-cap. 
Left: mini-display port, right: USB-C port
Refer to Opening and closing the instrument for details on accessing connection ports.
Refer to Specifications for the external MCBH-6-MP connector pinout diagram.
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End-cap types
RBR standard loggers are compatible with three different end-caps. These end-caps are interchangeable between
instruments.
Standard end-cap
Connectorised end-cap Right-angle connectorised end-cap
.
MCBH connectors
Only connectorised battery end-caps have the external MCBH-6-MP connector. Depending on your needs, they may be
wired to support the USB, RS-232, or RS-485 communication (selected at the time of order). 
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MCBH connectors
Patch cables and underwater extension cables are sold separately.
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3.3 Orientation and datum location
The datum of theRBRquartz³ Q is located at the centre of the pressure sensor diaphragm. RBR performs an offset
adjustment with the sensor facing downwards, as shown in the first image.It is recommended to deploy the instrument
verticallyto match the way it was calibrated.It is acceptable to deploy horizontally if necessary.
Recommended orientation:
sensors facing down
Datum location
Avoid deploying the instrument vertically with the sensor facing up! Such orientation will affect performance
of the pressure sensor due to increased build-up of sediment.
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3.4 Twist activation
Twist activation allows you to start or pause the instrument without the need to connect to a computer. All RBR
Generation3 standard loggers are equipped with twist activation as a standard feature. SeeRuskin User Guide: Standard
Loggers3.
When you select "Twist activation" in Ruskin, the instrument starts to sample based on the twist on/off position rather
than a schedule. To start sampling, first click "Enable" in Ruskin to enable logging. The status will then become
"Paused". Turn the battery end-cap to the RUN position. Theinstrument will vibrate with one long pulse and start
sampling. To pause it, turn the battery end-cap to the PAUSE position. Theinstrument will vibrate with three short
pulses to indicate it has stopped logging.
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.Twist activation mode

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3.5 Cables
The RBR support kit includes only the USB-C desktop cable. This cable is used to downloaddata from the instrument's
internal port to a computer.
Patch cables and underwater extension cables are sold separately and not included in the support kit.
Patch cables
Patch cables connect your instrument to computers with various outputs. Power terminal blocks allow for extended
deployment. 
Part No. 2-meter patch cable Notes
0011088 USB - MCIL-6FS to USB-C For instruments with USB output. Includes a power terminal block. No
extension cable available for USB.
0009379 RS-232 - MCIL-6FSto USB-C For instruments with RS-232 output (embedded converter).Includes a
power terminal block.
0009378 RS-485FD - MCIL-6FSto USB-C For instruments with full-duplex RS-485 output (embedded converter).
Includes a power terminal block.
0003970 RS-232 - MCIL-6FSto DB9-F For instruments with RS-232 output. Includes a power terminal block.
0004126 RS-485FD -MCIL-6FSto DB9-F For instruments with full-duplex RS-485 output. Includes a power
terminal block.
Patch cables are not intended for underwater use!
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Underwater extension cables
Extension cables with locking sleeves of the opposite gender are compatible with patch cables.Use them when you
need to increase the distance between the instrument and the computer.
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Name Notes
(RS-232) MCIL-6FS to MCIL-6MP Extension cable with RS-232 and power
wiring.
Part No. Length (m)
0005075 3
0004651 5
0004652 10
0005146 15
0004653 20
0005228 25
0004654 30
0005229 35
0004655 40
0005230 45
0004656 50
(RS-485FD) MCIL-6FS to MCIL-6MP Extension cable with full-duplex RS-485 and
power wiring.
Part No. Length (m)
0005299 50
0005300 75
0005301 100
0005302 150
0005303 200
0005304 250
0004235 300
0005305 400
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Extension cables with two femalelocking sleeves are suitable for bulkhead connectors, e.g. when connecting the
instrument to the RBRfermata.
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Name Notes
Cable, MCIL-6FS to MCIL-6MP Interconnect cable with female locking
sleeves. Suitable for RS-232/power or other
applications.
Part No. Length (m)
0000295 0.6
0002611 2
0002209 3
0002265 5
0002210 10
0003163 15
0003627 20
0003164 30
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The RS-232 cable lengths are limited to 50m at a 19,200 baud. We recommend using RS-485 for long-distance.
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4 General maintenance
4.1 Support kit
RBR support kit
RBR provides one support kit per every three instruments ordered. If you need more units, contact RBR.
The RBRsupport kit contains an assortment of basic accessories and spare parts, as presented below.
.
RBRsupport kit diagram

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4.2 Replacing the O-ring
Care for the O-ring is the single most important item of maintenance on any submersible RBR instrument. A water leak
can damage the circuit board beyond repair and cause complete data loss. Every instrument's seal depends upon its O-
ring, not the end-cap tightness. Therefore, proper O-ring maintenance is crucial.
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   Location of the O-ring
To access the O-ring, open the instrument.
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Inspecting the O-ring
Visually inspect the new O-ring for nicks and scratches before installing it. Pay attention to the following areas:
The surface of the O-ring itself
The mating surface on the inside of the case between the threads and the open end
The groove in the end-cap where the O-ring sits
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Refer to Opening and closing the instrument for details on accessing the O-ring.
The O-ring removal tool and silicon compound are available in the support kit.

The O-ring may lose elasticity over time, even when the instrument is not deployed.RBR strongly recommends
replacing the O-ring regularly.
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Avoid using any object that could scratch the O-ring or any of its mating surfaces.
If dirt is present in the O-ring groove, remove the O-ring as described below and thoroughly clean the groove.
Do not return this old O-ring to the instrument! If you remove the O-ring from the instrument for any reason,
always replace it with a new one.
If the surfaces of the O-ring groove are scratched, pitted, or damaged, contact RBR for advice.
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Replacing the O-ring
Use the plastic O-ring removal tool (included in the support kit) to remove the old O-ring from its groove.The O-
ring may need to stretch quite a bit as it is pushed off. This requires some effort, but can be done by hand.
Clean the groove thoroughly with a soft, lint-free cloth and compressed air, if necessary.
Select a new O-ring and inspect it for damage.
Lubricate with a very light film of silicone compound (included in the support kit).
Install the new O-ring by pushing it into place and popping it into its groove.
Once in place, inspect it once more for scratches and debris, and wipe away any silicone compound deposited
on the end-cap.
Once the inspection is complete, close the instrument.
RBRquartz3Q with batteries removed
Replacing the batteries
Remove the battery end-cap.
Using both thumbs, press down on the "+" symbols on the battery cover and slide in the direction of the arrow.
Remove the eight old batteries from the battery carriage.
Insert eight new batteries.
Check for correct battery polarity.
Put the end-cap back on the logger and twist clockwise until aligned with PAUSE.
Do not use metal screwdrivers or any other metal tool! They may scratch the O-ring groove and render the
end-cap useless.
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4.3 Replacing batteries
 Refer to Opening and closing the instrument for details on accessing the batteries.
RBR ships new instruments with lithium thionyl chloride batteries included.Replace the batteries before each
deployment to maximise the operational time and prevent data loss.
Ruskinsoftware allows users to estimatethe remaining battery life during deployment (assuming fresh batteries) by
tracking power consumption in mAh.SeeRuskin User Guide: Standard Loggers3for more information on predicting
battery life.

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Remove the battery end-cap.
Remove the used desiccant capsules from their sockets.
Insert fresh desiccant capsules into their sockets.
Once all the capsules are secured, place the battery end-cap back in its place.
Put the end-cap back on the logger and twist clockwise until aligned with PAUSE.
Location of the desiccant capsules
All instruments ship with fresh reusable desiccant capsules.They use a cobalt-free colour changing indicator
dye.Orange indicates fresh desiccant, while green indicates it is saturated (about 17% water by weight).Once
exhausted, the capsules can be replaced with new ones (available from RBR), or refreshed.
Refreshing the desiccant
To refresh the desiccant, saturated silica beads must be removed from their capsule and heated to 120°C for about two
hours. Once cool, refreshed beads can be returned to the capsule and reused.
.
4.4 Replacing desiccant capsules
 Refer to Opening and closing the instrument for details on accessing the batteries.
Replace desiccant capsules before each deployment.
Fresh desiccant will keep the instrument compartment dry and prevent malfunction. Water damage may occur if
condensation forms inside the instrument.
As a preventative measure, RBR recommends servicing the instrument in a cool, dry place (when possible).
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Replacing desiccant capsules
Always remove the beads from their capsule before refreshing! The plastic capsule will deform if heated
to120°C.
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4.5 Cables and connectors
Cable bend radius
The smallest bend radius for RBR supplied cables is 15cm.
Lubricating the connectors
Lubrication improves watertight sealing, prevents corrosion, and reduces the force required to de-mate the
connector.Use the silicon compound provided with your instrument.
Apply the silicon compound to all female connectors before every mating
Ensure each connector hole is filled with approximately 30% lubricant
Lubricatinga connector
Reducing mechanical stress
Do not pull on the cable
Hold onto the connector to pull out the cable
Disconnect by pulling straight out, not at an angle
Avoid sharp bends at the point where the cable enters the connector
Avoid angular loads on the connector

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4.6 Cleaning the instrument
Clean the instrument after each extended deployment to remove deposits that may have accumulated.
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Type Procedure Notes
General/biofouling To clean the exterior, soak in a mild
detergent, then scrub the instrument with
a soft brush.
Avoid scratching the plastic (scratches
make future cleaning more difficult).
Sensor antifouling mesh Scrub the antifouling mesh with a soft
brush. Replace the antifouling mesh if
needed.
Seeinstructions on removing the
antifouling meshfor more information.
Calcification Soak in vinegar for six hours,then scrub
the surface using a soft brush.
Soaking in vinegar for more than 24 hours
may damage the O-ring and increase the
chances of a leak.
4.7 Calibrating the instrument
Factory calibration coefficients are calculated for each sensor, and the coefficients are stored on the instrument.
RBR calibrationcertificates containcalibration equations, coefficients, and residuals for each sensor. Hard copies are
provided with each shipment. RBR can replace lost or misplaced calibration certificates upon request.
RBR recommends calibrating your instrument before any critical deployment, periodically once a year, or if you suspect
the readings to be out of specifications.
Discuss your calibration needs with RBR. In some cases, you will be recommended to return the instrument to RBR to
have it checked and re-calibrated.
Please contactRBRfor our current calibration fees.

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5 Pressure sensor maintenance
5.1 Removing the antifouling mesh assembly
Removing the antifouling mesh assembly may be necessary for a variety of reasons, such as cleaning the instrument
and its buffer tube, or installing the external pressure adaptor. Follow the steps below.
Remove the retaining ring using the removal tool. Hook the split in the ring at the opening and pull it out of the
recess in the sensor end-cap.
Theupper mesh insulator disk, nickel-copper mesh, and the lower mesh insulator disk will come out easily once
the retaining ring is removed.
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Item No. Description Part image Assembled
antifouling mesh
Buffertube
interface assembly
1 Lower mesh
insulator disk
2 Nickel-copper
mesh
3 Upper mesh
insulator disk
4 Retaining ring
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Replacement parts are available in the support kit.
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