RBR quartz3 Q User manual

rbr-global.com
INSTRUMENT GUIDE
Q

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1 Table of Contents
1Table of Contents ...................................................................................................... 2
2 Introduction ............................................................................................................... 4
3 Revision history.......................................................................................................... 5
4 Warranty statement................................................................................................... 6
5 RBRquartz Q ............................................................................................................... 7
5.1 Overview............................................................................................................................................ 7
5.1.1 Description ........................................................................................................................................................................7
5.1.2 Included in Shipment........................................................................................................................................................8
5.2 Specifications.................................................................................................................................... 9
6 Instrument Hardware .............................................................................................. 11
6.1 Opening and closing the logger ..................................................................................................... 11
6.2 Changing the batteries ................................................................................................................... 12
6.3 Installing desiccant......................................................................................................................... 13
6.4 Twist activation............................................................................................................................... 13
6.5 Wi-Fi feature .................................................................................................................................... 14
6.6 Maintenance and repairs................................................................................................................ 15
6.6.1 Instrument calibration....................................................................................................................................................15
6.6.2 O-rings .............................................................................................................................................................................15
Inspecting O-rings...........................................................................................................................................................15
Replacing an O-ring.........................................................................................................................................................16
6.6.3 O-rings - RBRquartz BPR|zero.........................................................................................................................................16
Inspecting O-rings...........................................................................................................................................................17
Replacing an O-ring.........................................................................................................................................................17
6.6.4 Corrective maintenance .................................................................................................................................................18
Overview:.........................................................................................................................................................................18
6.6.5 Installation of calibration adapter .................................................................................................................................22
Remove anti-biofouling mesh ........................................................................................................................................22
Installation of the calibration adapter...........................................................................................................................22
6.6.6 Repairs.............................................................................................................................................................................23
6.6.7 Support kits.....................................................................................................................................................................24
6.7 Internal and External Power draw ................................................................................................. 24

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6.7.1 Order of power draw.......................................................................................................................................................24
6.7.2 Paused .............................................................................................................................................................................24
6.7.3 USB Power.......................................................................................................................................................................24
7 Appendix................................................................................................................... 25
7.1 Appendix A - Product drawing........................................................................................................ 25
7.2 Appendix B - Paros interface drawing............................................................................................ 27
7.3 Appendix C - Anti biofouling mesh assembly ................................................................................ 28
7.4 Appendix D -Calibration adapter installation................................................................................ 29

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2 Introduction
This document introduces you to your RBR instrument and will provide the information to deploy and maintain it. It is
written specifically for the RBRquartz3QYou can access the RBR instrument guide on the USB data stick provided when
you purchase a logger, from the Help menu in Ruskin, and on the RBR web site, atwww.rbr-global.com.

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3 Revision history
Revision No. Release Date Notes
A 04-May-2020 Original

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4 Warranty statement
All data loggers manufactured by RBR Ltd. are warranted against defects in workmanship or original parts and
materials for one year. Third party sensors (not manufactured by RBR) are limited to the warranty provided by the
original manufacturer.
Units suffering from such defects will be repaired or replaced at the discretion of RBR Ltd., provided that the problem
has appeared during normal use of the instrument for the purpose intended by us. The liability of RBR Ltd. extends only
to the replacement cost of the instrument. The customer will bear all costs of shipment to us for repair; all other costs,
including return shipment, will be borne by RBR Ltd.
This warranty does not cover consumables or normal wear and tear, nor does it cover damage caused by negligent use
or mishandling. Attempted modification or repair of any unit without the prior consent of RBR Ltd. will immediately
void any warranty in force.
Users are expected to maintain a regular program of calibration.
We reserve the right to grant or refuse warranty repairs at our discretion if we consider that there are reasonable
grounds for doing so.

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5 RBRquartz Q
5.1 Overview
5.1.1 Description
The RBRquartz³ Q tide and wave recorder uses an integrated Paroscientific Digiquartz® pressure sensor for the best-in-
class initial accuracy and low drift performance. The RBRquartz³ Q is intended for long-term autonomous or real-time
observations of water level, tides, and waves. The stable pressure sensor is able to resolve small changes in water level
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 and USB-C or optional Wi-Fi download for
large data files.
The RBRquartz³ Q can record instantaneous pressure measurements, average pressure samples to remove wave action,
and burst-sample pressure at up to 16Hz for wave height and period calculations. Wave measurements are made by
burst sampling, with programmable sample rate, number of samples, and burst interval. High accuracy marine
temperature data are recorded with each measurement. Wave, tide, and temperature measurements are standard with
every RBRquartz³ Q.

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5.1.2 Included in Shipment
Item No. Description
1RBRquartz3Q*
28xAA batteries
3RBR quick start guide
4O-ring removal tool
5Replacement O-rings
6Spare desiccant
7Silicone grease (3g)

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8USB-C to USB-A cable
9Memory stick with software and user guide
10 Shipping case (IP-67)
N/A Maintenance kit (Not shown)
*Battery end cap defined in the order and may not be as shown
5.2 Specifications
Physical
Weight (in air): 2300g
Size: ~510mm x Ø100mm
Displaced Volume: 2395cm3
Housing: Plastic
Depth rating: 750m
Operational temperature: -20°C to 50°C*
Storage temperature: -20°C to 50°C
Power: 8 AA cells**
External power: 4.5-30VDC
Communication: USB-C or RS-232/485

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Other
Storage: 240M readings
Clock drift: ±60 seconds/year
*Calibrated temperature range is -5°C to 35°C
**Lithium iron supplied (MSDS: https://data.energizer.com/PDFs/lithiumirondisulfide_psds.pdf), can also support
NiMH, Alkaline, and Lithium ion
Marine temperature (standard)
Range: -5 to 35°C
Accuracy: ±0.002°C
Time constant: 30s (embedded)
Typical stability: ±0.002°C/year
Depth
Range: 10 / 20 / 55 / 125 / 190 / 260 / 330 dbar
Initial accuracy: ±0.01% FS (full scale)
Resolution: 100ppb (at 16Hz sampling rate)
The full mechanical drawing is available inAppendix A - Product drawing

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6 Instrument Hardware
6.1 Opening and closing the logger
Instruments have both a "sensor end cap" and a "battery end cap". Only the battery end cap needs to be opened, the
data connector and battery door are inside.It may be unscrewed by hand or by using a rod inserted into the mooring
line hole for leverage. The end cap does not unscrew completely until the O-ring is clear of its mating surface in the
body. This ensures that it will not eject at high speed should the interior of the logger become pressurized.
Closing the logger is exactly the reverse of opening it. Remember to keep the O-rings clean and avoid scratching the O-
ring mating surfaces. Carefully inspect the O-rings, as described in the Inspecting theO-rings section, before deploying
the logger. Do not use excessive force when tightening the end cap; hand-tight is quite sufficient, as the seal depends
upon the O-rings, not the end cap tightness.

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6.2 Changing the batteries
Permalink:https://docs.rbr-global.com/display/RSKDOC/Changing+the+batteries
Loggers are powered by eight AA size cells. These can be almost any chemistry with only a few restrictions depending
on the sensors ordered. Check your logger's compatibility in Ruskin to see if your instrument has a restriction.
Steps
Remove the battery end cap from the logger, see Opening and closing the logger.
       
  2. Using both thumbs, press down on the "+" symbols on the battery cover and slide in the direction of the arrow. The
battery cover can then be folded up.
       
 3.Invert the logger to allow the batteries to slide out of the battery carriage.
 4. Insert fresh batteries into the battery carriage with the negative terminals pointing inwards, four (4) batteries per
channel.
 5. Close the battery cover by folding down and then pressing with both thumbs on the "+" symbols and sliding in the
opposite direction of the arrow.
 6. Replace the battery end cap.

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6.3 Installing desiccant
The logger has a dedicated location for placement of desiccant in the battery end cap, which will accommodate three
(3) Dricap desiccant capsules (part #0003240 (qty9), or0005668 (qty100)).
Steps
Remove the battery end cap from the logger - seeOpening and closing the logger.
Inside the battery end cap, there are 3 recessed sockets. Insert a desiccant capsule into each socket,
ensuring that each is securely placed.
     
  3. Replace battery end cap.
6.4 Twist activation
All loggers are shipped with this feature enabled. This allows the instrument to be enabled without a schedule. To
activate or deactivate the twist feature seeTwist Activationunder theGate Condition section of the Ruskin user guide.
You must first enable this mode and enable the logger. Closing the battery end cap enables the logger. When enabled by
twist activation the logger will vibrate for a few seconds. To stop the logger, open the battery end cap one quarter turn.
When the logger is stopped it will vibrate for three short pulses to provide positive feedback.

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6.5 Wi-Fi feature
The Wi-Fi card will be powered for 60 seconds whenever the battery end cap is turned to the on or off position
regardless of whether logging has been enabled or not, allowing forconnection toRuskin, downloading data, and
programming the deployment. See image below for an example use case:
If you have enabled the Wi-Fi feature on your logger and a mobile device, you can connect and view data from the
logger on the mobile device. Your logger will be shipped from the factory with the Wi-Fi on and set to record data in the

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mobile format. Enabling and disabling the Wi-Fi card and changing the data format is described in the Ruskin User
Guide.
6.6 Maintenance and repairs
6.6.1 Instrument calibration
We recommend that you verify the calibration of your data logger before any critical deployment, periodically once a
year, or if you suspect the calibration 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 us
for our current calibration fees.
6.6.2 O-rings
The single most important item of maintenance on any RBR submersible data logger is the care of the O-rings. Any kind
of water leak can damage the circuitry beyond repair and cause complete data loss. Every logger's seal depends upon
its O-rings, not the end cap tightness. Therefore, proper O-ring maintenance is crucial.
Inspecting O-rings
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 inner surfaces of the groove in the end-cap where the O-ring sits
Any dirt present should be removed by wiping thoroughly with a soft, lint-free cloth. When cleaning, never use any
material or tool which could scratch the O-ring or any of its mating surfaces. If any dirt is present in the O-ring groove,
then the O-ring should be removed as described below to allow thorough cleaning of the groove. If an O-ring needs to
be removed for any reason, it should be replaced.
O-rings may lose elasticity over time due to pressure, even when the logger is not deployed.We strongly
suggest that the O-rings be replaced regularly, for example, before every deployment, or after a change of
batteries, or at least once a year.


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If the O-ring is scratched, cut, distorted, perished or defective in any other way it must be replaced. If any of the surfaces
of the O-ring groove are scratched, pitted or otherwise damaged, the logger may need to be returned to RBR for
refurbishment: please contact us for advice.
Replacing an O-ring
Lever the O-ring from its groove. Use a soft plastic or wood tool; do not use a metal screwdriver or any
other tool which may scratch the surfaces of the O-ring groove, doing so will probably render the end
cap useless. Slide the O-ring out of its groove and off the logger. 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.
Thoroughly clean the O-ring groove, taking great care not to scratch or damage it in any way. Inspect it
carefully, and contact us for advice if it appears damaged. Apply a light film of silicone grease to all
three inside surfaces of the groove, being careful not to trap any dirt, hairs or lint.
Select the proper O-ring,see part numbers below,and make sure it is not damaged. Lubricate it with a
very light film of silicone grease to ease its installation.
Install the new O-ring by pushing it into place and popping it into its groove.
When the new O-ring is in place, inspect it once more for scratches and dirt, and wipe away any
silicone grease deposited on the end cap.
Most experienced users of oceanographic equipment replace all O-rings before every deployment as a matter of
routine. The cost of an O-ring is negligible compared with the cost of the instrument and its deployment. Therefore,
routine replacement of O-rings is cheap insurance.
Plastic bodies:#2-225 N70 O-ring
Titanium bodies:#2-225 N70 O-ring,#8-225 N90 backup ring
6.6.3 O-rings - RBRquartz BPR|zero
The single most important item of maintenance on any RBR submersible data logger is the care of the O-rings. Any kind
of water leak can damage the circuitry beyond repair and cause complete data loss. Every logger's seal depends upon
its O-rings, not the end cap tightness. Therefore, proper O-ring maintenance is crucial.
O-rings may lose elasticity over time due to pressure, even when the logger is not deployed.We strongly
suggest that the O-rings be replaced regularly, for example, before every deployment, or after a change of
batteries, or at least once a year.


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Inspecting O-rings
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 inner surfaces of the groove in the end cap where the O-ring sits
Any dirt present should be removed by wiping thoroughly with a soft, lint-free cloth. When cleaning, never use any
material or tool which could scratch the O-ring or any of its mating surfaces. If any dirt is present in the O-ring groove,
then the O-ring should be removed as described below to allow thorough cleaning of the groove. If an O-ring needs to
be removed for any reason, it should be replaced.
If the O-ring is scratched, cut, distorted, perished or defective in any other way it must be replaced. If any of the surfaces
of the O-ring groove are scratched, pitted or otherwise damaged, the logger may need to be returned to RBR for
refurbishment: please contact us for advice.
Replacing an O-ring
Lever the O-ring from its groove. Use a soft plastic or wood tool; do not use a metal screwdriver or any
other tool which may scratch the surfaces of the O-ring groove, doing so will probably render the end
cap useless. Slide the O-ring out of its groove and off the logger. 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.
Thoroughly clean the O-ring groove, taking great care not to scratch or damage it in any way. Inspect it
carefully, and contact us for advice if it appears damaged. Apply a light film of silicone grease to all
three inside surfaces of the groove, being careful not to trap any dirt, hairs or lint.
Select the proper O-ring,see part numbers below,and make sure it is not damaged. Lubricate it with a
very light film of silicone grease to ease its installation.
Install the new O-ring by pushing it into place and popping it into its groove.
When the new O-ring is in place, inspect it once more for scratches and dirt, and wipe away any
silicone grease deposited on the end cap.

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Most experienced users of oceanographic equipment replace all O-rings before every deployment as a matter of
routine. The cost of an O-ring is negligible compared with the cost of the instrument and its deployment. Therefore,
routine replacement of O-rings is cheap insurance.
O-rings:#2-225 N70 O-ring (RBR#0002408),#8-225 N90 backup ring (RBR#0009115)
6.6.4 Corrective maintenance
Overview:
TheParoscientific Digiquartz®sensor is filled with a buffer, which is connected to the environment via a tube. The
mountingof the Paroscientific Digiquartz®sensor and the connection to the sensor end cap are described inAppendix B
- Paros interface drawing. Should any of the buffer leak from the instrument this will need to be refilled, likewise if the
buffer tube were to have debris fall into it the material would need to be purged. The instructions in this section
describe how to remove the anti-biofouling assembly to allow access to the buffer tube for the oil to be refilled or for
debris to be flushed out.
RBRquartz Maintenance kit (0008879)
Item No. Description
1 Lint-free swabs

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Item No. Description
2 24 gauge needle ~10cm long
3 3mm hex key
4Pick
5 Syringe with stopper
6 Dow Corning FS 1265 Fluid 300 cst
Accessing the buffer tube:
Remove the retaining ring (0002069) using the pick by hooking the split in the ring at the opening and
pulling it out of the recess in the sensor end-cap (SEC).
Once the split ring has been removed theUpper Mesh Insulator Disk (0004592), Mesh (0004583), and
the Lower Mesh Insulator Disk (0004591) will then come out easily.
Using the 3mm hex key remove the set screw (0004579)
The full anti-biofouling assembly drawing is available in Appendix C - Anti biofouling mesh assembly
Filling / purging debris from the buffer tube:
While holding the instrument vertical with the SEC up, push the needle in approximately5cm.
Before installing the needle into the buffer tube ensure any air bubbles have been purged. To
purge the syringe needle, hold the syringe with the needle pointing up and discharge a small
amount of buffer oil.
The buffer tube interface assembly drawing (Figure 2) shows that there are several features in
the buffer tube assembly where the needle can get stuck, moving the needle side to side will
allow you to clear these features and fully insert the needle.

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Tip the instrument onto its side and flush with ~2mL of oil.
The purpose of having the instrument on its side is to remove debris and contaminated oil.
Return the instrument to the vertical position, leaving the needle inserted into the buffer tube.
Continue to push more oil into the buffer tube, while slowly removing the needle.
Ensure you have filled the cavity with oil to the top of the threaded hole.
Clean the M6 set screw with 0.7mm
The 0.7mm hole is the smallest opening in the assembly, and if there is debris it may block this
area. You may need to clear this hole with a pick, or compressed air if available.
Reassemble, as per Figure 1 and instructions below:
Install the set screw with the 0.7mm hole (0004579) using the 3mm hex key. When installing the
set screw, the oil will be displaced and spill into the mating surface for the lower mesh insulator
disk.
Remove excess oil with a tissue or swab.
Once cleaned, install the Lower Mesh Insulator Disk (0004591) with the recess facing up.
The nickel-copper mesh (0004583) will rest in the recess of the lower mesh insulator disk, see
Figure 1.
The upper mesh insulator disk (00044592) is then placed on top of the lower mesh insulator disk
and nickel-copper mesh assembly.
Lastly, the retaining ring (0002069) is re-inserted by opening the split ring and feeding the ring
into the recession of the SEC, holding it in place with one finger while continuing to feed the
remainder of the ring into the recess.
Figure 1 - Anit biofouling mesh assembly