Sea-Bird Scientific ECO-FLNTUS User manual

[email protected]
© Copyright 2017 Sea-Bird Scientific
Product Manual
LOBO System Operation Manual
Document No.
AT-DN-00434
Release Date:
2011-11-24
Version:
B
Software:
n/a
Firmware:
n/a

System Operation Manual
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LOBO
2017-05-16
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Copyright 2017 Sea-Bird Scientific. All rights reserved.
Revision History
Revision
Description
Date
Editor
A
Initial Release
June 8, 2007
S.K. Feener, P.Eng.
B
Added SUNA information.
Added Cycle PO4 information.
Added Contact page.
Added Warranty page.
Updated GPRS modem data.
Various operation details updated.
November 24, 2011
S.K. Feener, P.Eng.
Updated for Sea-Bird Scientific Branding
May 10, 2017
T.V. Yeadon, BSc.

System Operation Manual
SAT-DN-00434, Rev. B
LOBO
2017-05-16
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Copyright 2017 Sea-Bird Scientific. All rights reserved.
Table of Contents
1Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 7
1.1 Purpose of this Manual .........................................................................................................7
1.2 Document Overview .............................................................................................................7
1.3 Background..........................................................................................................................7
1.4 Definitions, Acronyms and Abbreviations ...............................................................................8
1.5 Referenced Documents.........................................................................................................8
1.6 Quick Start Guide .................................................................................................................8
1.6.1 Scheduled Operation Quick Start....................................................................................9
2Description of LOBO .............................................................................................................. 10
2.1 System Overview................................................................................................................10
2.2 LOBO Configurations ..........................................................................................................10
2.2.1 RiverLOBO ..................................................................................................................11
2.2.2 DockLOBO ..................................................................................................................14
2.2.3 BenthicLOBO ..............................................................................................................16
2.2.4 BayLOBO ....................................................................................................................17
3Safety ................................................................................................................................... 18
3.1 Personal Safety ..................................................................................................................18
3.1.1 Flooded Instrument.....................................................................................................18
3.1.2 Cables ........................................................................................................................18
3.1.3 Electricity ...................................................................................................................18
3.2 Equipment Safety ...............................................................................................................18
3.2.1 Instruments ................................................................................................................18
3.2.2 Connections................................................................................................................18
3.2.3 Recovery ....................................................................................................................19
4Instrumentation .................................................................................................................... 20
4.1 Sea-Bird Scientific STOR-X Datalogger/Controller..................................................................21
4.2 Nortek Acoustic Sensors......................................................................................................22
4.2.1 Continental Profiler .....................................................................................................22
4.2.2 Aquadopp Profiler .......................................................................................................23
4.3 Sea-Bird Scientific Nitrate Sensors .......................................................................................24
4.3.1 Sea-Bird Scientific ISUS/ISUS-X .....................................................................................24
4.3.2 Sea-Bird Scientific SUNA ..............................................................................................26
4.4 WET Labs Sensors...............................................................................................................27
4.4.1 WET Labs ECO-CDS......................................................................................................27
4.5 WET Labs ECO-FLNTUS........................................................................................................28
4.5.1 WET Labs WQM ..........................................................................................................28
4.5.2 WET Labs Cycle PO4 Sensor ..........................................................................................29
4.6 Sea-Bird SBE 37-SIP.............................................................................................................31
4.7 Aanderaa 3835 Oxygen Optode ...........................................................................................32
5Power System ....................................................................................................................... 34
5.1 Alkaline Battery Pack ..........................................................................................................34
5.2 Shore-Based Power System.................................................................................................35
5.2.1 Solar Panel..................................................................................................................35
5.2.2 Battery Enclosure........................................................................................................37
6Wireless Telemetry System .................................................................................................... 42
6.1 External Antenna and Antenna Cable...................................................................................43
6.2 Cellular Modem..................................................................................................................44
6.2.1 Modem Enclosure .......................................................................................................44

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6.3 A Note About Cellular Coverage...........................................................................................47
7Server Computer ................................................................................................................... 48
7.1 Server specifications ...........................................................................................................48
7.2 Server IP Configuration .......................................................................................................48
7.3 Server Functions.................................................................................................................48
7.3.1 Overview ....................................................................................................................48
7.3.2 STOR-X Email Format...................................................................................................49
7.3.3 Web Server Interface...................................................................................................50
8Event Scheduling ................................................................................................................... 57
8.1 Schedule File Format ..........................................................................................................57
8.1.1 Schedule File Generator Utility.....................................................................................57
8.2 Power and Data Size Considerations ....................................................................................63
9Data Formats and Data Extraction.......................................................................................... 64
9.1 Using SatCon to Extract Data ...............................................................................................64
10 System Startup and Operation ............................................................................................... 71
10.1 Prerequisites......................................................................................................................71
10.1.1 Server Computer Prerequisites.....................................................................................71
10.1.2 Cellular Telemetry Prerequisites...................................................................................71
10.2 Startup Procedure ..............................................................................................................71
10.2.1 Step 1: Prepare Power System .....................................................................................72
10.2.2 Step 2: Test STOR-X Communications ...........................................................................72
10.2.3 Step 3: Test STOR-X Ports (SUNA example)....................................................................72
10.2.4 Step 7: Configure the STOR-X Cellular Parameters .........................................................73
10.2.5 Step 8: Test the Cellular Modem Hardware ...................................................................73
10.2.6 Step 9: Check and Set the Clock....................................................................................73
10.2.7 Step 10: Enable the STOR-X Autorun Mode ...................................................................73
10.2.8 Step 10: Start LOBO.....................................................................................................74
11 Maintenance ......................................................................................................................... 75
11.1 Sea-Bird Scientific STOR-X Maintenance...............................................................................75
11.2 Sea-Bird Scientific SUNA/ISUS/ISUS-X...................................................................................75
11.3 Sea-Bird Scientific Alkaline Battery Pack Maintenance...........................................................76
11.4 WET Labs WQM Maintenance .............................................................................................76
11.4.1 Replacing the WQM Bleach (when plumbed with ISUS only)...........................................77
11.4.2 Purging the WQM of Bleach (when plumbed with ISUS only)..........................................78
11.5WET Labs Cycle PO4Maintenance........................................................................................80
11.6 Nortek Aquadopp Maintenance...........................................................................................80
11.7 Nortek Continental Maintenance.........................................................................................80
11.8 WET Labs ECO-FLNTUS Maintenance ...................................................................................80
11.9 Seabird SBE-37SIP Maintenance ..........................................................................................81
11.10 Aanderaa Oxygen Optode Maintenance ...........................................................................81
11.11 Solar Panel Maintenance.................................................................................................81
11.12 Battery Box Maintenance ................................................................................................81
11.13 Wireless System Maintenance .........................................................................................82
12 Warranty............................................................................................................................... 83
13 Appendix A –WET Labs Cycle PO4Configuration ..................................................................... 84

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Index of Tables
Table 1: Example 2D Continental Specifications ........................................................................................... 22
Table 2: Example Aquadopp Specifications ...................................................................................................23
Table 3: Example ECO-CDS Specifications ..................................................................................................... 27
Table 4: Example ECO-FLNTUS Specifications ............................................................................................... 28
Table 5: Example WQM Specifications ..........................................................................................................29
Table 6: Example Cycle PO4Specifications ....................................................................................................30
Table 7: SBE 37-SIP Specifications .................................................................................................................32
Table 8: Oxygen Optode 3835 Specifications ................................................................................................32
Table 9: Standard Alkaline Battery Pack Specifications................................................................................. 34
Table 10: Solar Panel Specifications .............................................................................................................. 35
Table 11: Panel Rack Specifications ............................................................................................................... 36
Table 12: Battery Enclosure Specifications.................................................................................................... 38
Table 13: Battery Specifications..................................................................................................................... 39
Table 14: CLC Specifications........................................................................................................................... 40
Table 15: Lightning Arrestor Specifications ...................................................................................................40
Table 16: Antenna and Cable Specifications..................................................................................................43
Table 17: GSM/GPRS Modem Specifications.................................................................................................44
Table 18: Modem Enclosure Pin Configuration .............................................................................................46

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Index of Illustrations
Figure 1: RiverLOBO .......................................................................................................................................11
Figure 2: RiverLOBO (dimensioned)...............................................................................................................13
Figure 3: Typical DockLOBO Deployment ......................................................................................................14
Figure 4: DockLOBO (Dimensioned)............................................................................................................... 15
Figure 5: Typical BenthicLOBO Deployment ..................................................................................................16
Figure 6: BayLOBO ......................................................................................................................................... 17
Figure 7: Typical DockLOBO Sensor Configuration ........................................................................................ 20
Figure 8: STOR-X mounted in frame ..............................................................................................................21
Figure 9: Aquadopp mounted in RiverLOBO.................................................................................................. 23
Figure 10: ISUS in LOBO frame.......................................................................................................................24
Figure 11: ISUS/WQM plumbing....................................................................................................................25
Figure 12: SUNA and Hydro-Wiper mounted in LOBO .................................................................................. 26
Figure 13: SUNA and Hydro-Wiper ................................................................................................................26
Figure 14: WET Labs ECO-CDS CDOM Sensor in LOBO frame .......................................................................27
Figure 15: WQM in LOBO Frame.................................................................................................................... 29
Figure 16: WET Labs Cycle PO4 sensor mounted on LOBO ...........................................................................30
Figure 17: Alkaline Battery Pack in LOBO frame............................................................................................34
Figure 18: Shore-Based Power System .......................................................................................................... 35
Figure 19: 80 Watt Solar Panel ......................................................................................................................36
Figure 20: Solar Panel Mounting Rack ...........................................................................................................37
Figure 21: IL2F Cable Face View.....................................................................................................................37
Figure 22: Battery Enclosure..........................................................................................................................38
Figure 23: Battery Enclosure Connectors ...................................................................................................... 38
Figure 24: Battery Enclosure internal assembly ............................................................................................ 39
Figure 25: Lightning Arrestor .........................................................................................................................40
Figure 26: Wireless Telemetry System Components..................................................................................... 42
Figure 27: RiverLOBO Modem Assembly ....................................................................................................... 43
Figure 28: External Marine Antenna..............................................................................................................44
Figure 29: Modem Enclosure.........................................................................................................................45
Figure 30: Modem Enclosure with Surge Protection..................................................................................... 46
Figure 31: MCBH6M Bulkhead Face View......................................................................................................46
Figure 32: STOR-X Email Format ....................................................................................................................49
Figure 33: Main Web Page............................................................................................................................. 51
Figure 34: LOBOviz .........................................................................................................................................52
Figure 35: LOBOviz time series plot ...............................................................................................................53
Figure 36: Archived raw data......................................................................................................................... 54
Figure 37: Schedule and previous schedule folders ......................................................................................55

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1Introduction
1.1 Purpose of this Manual
This manual describes the capabilities, configuration, operating procedures and maintenance requirements
of the Land/Ocean Biogeochemical Observatory (LOBO) water quality monitoring system. As LOBO is a
system of components, this manual should be used in conjunction with the appropriate instrumentation
user manuals.
The intended audience for this manual includes operations personnel, system maintenance and design
personnel, and technical authorities.
1.2 Document Overview
Section 1 describes the purpose and overview of this document, background information, and includes a
list of definitions, acronyms and abbreviations, and a list of references. Additionally, quick start instructions
are provided to get the system functioning quickly.
Section 2 familiarizes the user with the LOBO system and the various available configurations.
Section 3 describes some hazards encountered in the operation of oceanographic instruments and
recommends safe practices for the protection of personnel and equipment.
Section 4 describes the instrumentation and sensors commonly found in a LOBO system.
Section 5 describes the power system components used with LOBO.
Section 6 describes the wireless telemetry system components.
Section 7 provides a brief overview of the server computer used to receive, process, and archive data
received from LOBO.
Section 8 describes event scheduling, including the schedule file format and the schedule file generator
utility. Power and data considerations are also discussed.
Section 9 briefly discusses data formats and data extraction.
Section 10 discusses initial startup of the LOBO hardware.
Section 11 describes maintenance requirements.
1.3 Background
The LOBO is a fully integrated, portable, real-time water quality monitoring system that addresses the need
for routine, robust and accurate water quality measurements in sensitive and diverse ecological areas such
as estuaries and inland waters. Near real time and archived data from Sea-Bird Scientific’s RiverLOBO
deployed in the Northwest Arm in Halifax, Nova Scotia, can be viewed at http://lobo.Sea-Bird
Scientific.com. This site also contains links to other LOBO systems deployed in various locations including
the Columbia River and Yaquina Bay in Oregon, the Penobscot River in Maine, and multiple sites in the
Caloosahatchee River and estuary in Florida. Originally developed by Dr. Ken Johnson’s team at MBARI,
LOBO is designed to create a near real time sensor network for aquatic systems. LOBO uses a system of

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high quality, high temporal resolution in-situ sensors to monitor fluxes. Water properties such as salinity
and temperature are combined with nutrient measurements to monitor important processes that affect
biogeochemistry.
LOBO has been extensively tested in a wide range of extreme water quality conditions since 2003 with a
network of five systems in the Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve. Online real-time an
archived data is available at http://www.mbari.org/lobo/loboviz.htm. The system addresses specific
resource management concerns such as degraded coastal water quality, loss and alteration of estuarine
watershed habitat, habitat restoration, reduction of biodiversity, and problematic effects of pollution and
invasive species. The ability to study the interactions of the hydrologic and nutrient chemical cycles and
human alterations of these cycles at the land/ocean interface is a fundamental component of coastal zone
management, and one that has traditionally been a major scientific challenge.
1.4 Definitions, Acronyms and Abbreviations
AGM Absorbed Glass Mat
Ah Amp-hours
APN Access Point Name
BLIS Bleach Injection System
CLC Charge and Load Controller
DIW De-Ionized Water
DNS Domain Name Server
GPRS General Packet Radio Service
GSM Global System for Mobile Communications
ICD Interface Control Document
IP Internet Protocol
LOBO Land/Ocean Biogeochemical Observatory
NEMA National Electrical Manufacturer’s Association
NTP Network Time Protocol
RTC Real Time Clock
SDD System Design Description
SIM Subscriber Identity Module
TDF Telemetry Definition File
WQM Water Quality Monitor
1.5 Referenced Documents
RD1. STOR-X Operation Manual, Sea-Bird Scientific Inc., SAT-DN-00242, Rev. E, 2011-06-07
RD2. Sea-Bird Scientific Instrument File Standard, Sea-Bird Scientific Inc., SAT-DN-00134, Version 6.1,
2010-02-04
RD3. Sea-Bird Scientific Log File Standard, Sea-Bird Scientific Inc., SAT-DN-00135, Version 1.1, 2007-08-
30
RD4. Technical Note, ISUS V2 Sampling Tips, Sea-Bird Scientific Inc.,,
RD5. Aquadopp Current Profiler User Guide, Nortek AS, N3009-103, Revision B, September 2005
RD6. Continental Current Profiler User Guide, Nortek AS,, Rev C, October 2004
RD7. TD 218 Operating Manual –Oxygen Optodes, Aanderaa Data Instruments,,13th Edition, November
2005
1.6 Quick Start Guide
This section provides a quick start to using the LOBO with references to detailed operating instructions
found elsewhere.

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Please verify the contents of all shipping cases against the packing list.
LOBO is based around Sea-Bird Scientific’s STOR-X data logger and controller. The basic quick start
instructions provided in its user manual (RD1) also hold true for LOBO, with some changes to account for
hardware differences.
Although LOBO can be used in a real-time mode, it is not a common use for the LOBO system. Please refer
to the STOR-X manual for more information on this mode.
1.6.1 Scheduled Operation Quick Start
1. Connect the 6-pin download/programming cable to the STOR-X and to your computer. Start
HyperTerminal (or another terminal emulator) at 57600 bps, 8N1, with no flow control. Please note
that the STOR-X normally communicates at 9600 baud, but for ease of use in the various operating
modes a baud rate of 57600 has been selected as the default.
2. Ensure the safety plug is reinstalled in the battery pack (if present) so it does not flood when
deployed.
3. Apply power by connecting the battery cable to the STOR-X and battery pack.
4. You should see a startup message followed by the PicoDOS C:\ prompt in HyperTerminal. Press Enter
to ensure the STOR-X is responding.
5. Verify the supply voltage by typing supply and then Enter. For the standard 15 V alkaline battery
pack, the voltage should be higher than 15 V when new.
6. Check the current time held by the STOR-X’s precision real time clock using the clock get command.
If the time is incorrect, set the time as described in the STOR-X manual. It is best to use UTC time.
7. Type config to verify instrument settings. Verify the instrument port settings and cellular settings.
Modify if required.
8. Set the STOR-X to autorun in scheduled mode. This is found in the user settings menu of the config
program.
9. Exit the program. The STOR-X should reboot and run the storxv2 program automatically. Observe
the program step through the schedule file, stopping at the next event that will occur based on the
current time.
10. Prepare for deployment: disconnect the programming/download cable from the STOR-X and install
the dummy plug on the programming/download port. If you are not going to deploy immediately,
remove the power cable so that the instruments do not power up in air –this will damage the Sea-
Bird pump in the WQM, for example. Reconnect the power cable immediately before deployment.
When terminating deployment:
1. If you are just maintaining the system (battery changes, cleaning, etc) simply disconnect the
battery cable. Reconnect the battery cable immediately before redeploying.
Or
2. Connect the STOR-X to a computer using the programming/download cable and establish
communication using HyperTerminal. In the terminal window, press any key; when asked if you
wish to end deployment, type y(es).
3. Check for STOR-X clock drift. At the prompt, use the clock get command to retrieve the current
system time. Record this along with the UTC time from another reliable source in your
deployment notes.

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2Description of LOBO
2.1 System Overview
LOBO is a system of hardware and software components that integrates the autonomous remote control,
storage and transmission of telemetry from a diverse set of oceanographic sensors. A typical system
consists of one or more LOBO platforms each complete with a battery-based power system and cellular
telemetry system, and a remotely located server computer running an email server to receive and store
transmitted data and a web server that the platforms check for new acquisition schedules. Additionally,
the server may run an instance of LOBOviz, a data visualization and display package for the entire network
of monitoring sites. This powerful tool allows users to access and view real time or archived data,
comparing multiple sensors at a site or multiple sites simultaneously though a simple web interface. This
gives system users rapid and easy access to the monitoring network to help make informed decisions. A
new live demonstration system has been deployed in Halifax Harbour, Canada (see http://lobo.Sea-Bird
Scientific.com for near real time and archived data).
2.2 LOBO Configurations
The LOBO system is available in a variety of robust, easy to use platforms, depending on the deployment
site conditions and user needs. Two floating platform configurations are available, one for waters as
shallow as 1 meter (RiverLOBO), and one for deeper waters (BayLOBO). Both are designed for deployment
with a minimum of effort in small boats. Users can easily move platforms around study sites to monitor
critical locations. Each uses a modular instrument bay with quick release sensor modules for easy
maintenance. A minimum of exposed infrastructure and a robust flotation system make the systems
resistant to vandalism, and an optional independent GPS tracking system is available. LOBO platforms are
also available for attaching to fixed structures such as docks or pilings (DockLOBO), or for placing directly
on the bottom (BenthicLOBO). The various configurations are described in the following sections.

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2.2.1 RiverLOBO
Designed for rivers and estuaries with constant or periodic currents, the RiverLOBO utilizes a specially
designed float to minimize drag. The robust system is designed to be temporarily submerged and has
been tested in heavy icing conditions down to -20 C without missing any data transmissions. Data is
transmitted back to the user via wireless options, typically cellular.
Figure 1: RiverLOBO
A dimensioned drawing of the standard RiverLOBO platform can be found on the following page.
Marine Hazard Light
Cellular Modem
GPS Tracking Device
(optional)
Flotation
Frame and Sensors

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Figure 2: RiverLOBO (dimensioned)

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2.2.2 DockLOBO
Without flotation, DockLOBO is a convenient module to monitor water quality from fixed platforms of
opportunity such as a dock or piling. By placing the hardware on a solid structure, this system can utilize
solar power for more aggressive data acquisition schedules and lower operational costs, or continue to use
a more discrete submerged replaceable battery pack. From the dock site the data can be sent back to the
user via cabled or wireless options, typically cellular.
Figure 3: Typical DockLOBO Deployment
A dimensioned drawing of an example DockLOBO using a submersible battery pack can be found on the
following page.
Cellular Antenna
Solar Panel
Battery Box and
Cellular Modem
Frame and Sensors

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Figure 4:
DockLOBO (Dimensioned)

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2.2.3 BenthicLOBO
BenthicLOBO also has no flotation and is designed in a frame suitable for deployment on the bottom near
a dock. Instrument data is transmitted back to shore using an armoured cable. Power is provided by a
shore based power system using solar panels and batteries. From the shore the data can be sent back to
the user via wireless or cabled options, typically cellular.
Figure 5: Typical BenthicLOBO Deployment
Dimensions for the LOBO frame would normally be identical to that of the DockLOBO in Figure 4.
Dimensions of the bottom frame will depend on the deployment site.
Cellular Antenna
Solar Panel
Battery Box
Frame and Sensors
Bottom Frame

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2.2.4 BayLOBO
Designed for protected bays and small lakes, the BayLOBO uses a heavy duty disc shaped float well suited
for riding waves. A larger payload bay allows for more battery capacity for longer deployments. Data is
sent back to the user via wireless options, typically cellular.
Figure 6: BayLOBO
Marine Hazard Light
Cellular Modem
Flotation
Frame and Sensors

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3Safety
Sea-Bird Scientific equipment should be operated and maintained with extreme care only by personnel
trained and knowledgeable in the use of oceanographic electronic equipment.
3.1 Personal Safety
3.1.1 Flooded Instrument
Use EXTREME CAUTION handling any instrument suspected of being flooded. If the instrument leaked at
depth it might be pressurized when recovered. Indications of a flooded instrument include short circuits
between connectors or an extended gap between the end cap and housing. If an instrument is suspected
of being flooded, disconnect its power source, place it in a safe location and contact Sea-Bird Scientific for
further instructions.
If the instrument cannot be safety stored away, the following steps may be taken to release the pressure
to render the instrument safe. PROCEED AT YOUR OWN RISK. To depressurize the STOR-X or ISUS, slowly
unscrew a port connector just enough to break the seal with the end cap, allowing trapped water to escape
around the connector threads. Attempt to drain the instrument completely. Depressurized and drained,
the sensor is safe for normal storage.
3.1.2 Cables
When deploying LOBO, operators should remain aware of any attached mooring or telemetry cable to avoid
becoming entangled. Any cable or line released from a ship can be dangerous. Keep a safe distance from
the cable coil on deck when the instruments are being deployed.
3.1.3 Electricity
Use care when handling, connecting and operating power supplies and batteries. A shorted power supply
or battery can output high current, harming the operator and damaging equipment.
While trouble-shooting with a multi-meter, take care not to short the probes. Shorts can damage
equipment, create safety hazards, and blow internal fuses.
3.2 Equipment Safety
3.2.1 Instruments
Do not leave instruments in direct sunlight when not in use. Surfaces heated by direct sunlight can easily
increase the internal temperature of the instrument beyond its rating.
Employ measures to protect instruments and cables from being fouled or overrun by the vessel.
3.2.2 Connections
Handle electrical terminations carefully. They are not designed to withstand strain. Disconnect the cables
from the components by pulling on the connector heads and not the cables or molded splices. Twisting or
wiggling the connector while pulling will damage the connector pins.

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3.2.3 Recovery
Do not haul instruments in by their electrical cables, unless they are reinforced with mechanical strength
members for the purpose. Hauling on electrical cables can cause damage to the instrument port
connectors, cables, and splices.

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4Instrumentation
While highly customizable with respect to instrumentation, Sea-Bird Scientific’s STOR-X data logger will
always be present, as it controls all aspects of the LOBO platform operation. A common configuration for
a LOBO platform is as follows:
STOR-X
Port
Name
Manufacturer
Description
1
WQM
WET Labs
Measures several key water quality parameters.
2
ISUS or SUNA
Sea-Bird
Scientific
Provides nitrate concentration measurement
3
ECO-CDS
WET Labs
Provides CDOM measurement
4
Not Connected
-
Free for additional sensor; normally provides switched
battery voltage for power
5
Not Connected
-
Free for additional sensor; normally provides
regulated 13 V for power
POWER
BATTERY
Sea-Bird
Scientific
15 V, 51 Ah Alkaline battery pack
MODEM
GSM/GPRS or
CDMA
Sea-Bird
Scientific
Cellular
An example of a DockLOBO or RiverLOBO system configured in this manner is shown below. Note cables
and plumbing are not shown.
Figure 7: Typical DockLOBO Sensor Configuration
The following sections describe some of the typical instrumentation and sensors that can be found on a
LOBO platform. This list is not exhaustive. All instrumentation described will not be on every system.
Please refer to the appropriate user manual for complete details.