Swoffer Instruments 3000 User manual

MODEL 3000
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Software Version
4.1
January-03-2017
SWOFFER INSTRUMENTS, INC
1112 S. 344th St., Suite 302
Federal Way, WA 98003 USA
http://www.swoffer.com

2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
DESCRIPTION AND MODES OF OPERATION ...............................3
KEYPAD OPERATION .....................................................................4
LCD / DISPLAY OPERATION........................................................... 5
UNITS OF MEASURE.......................................................................6
MEMORY CAPACITY.......................................................................7
SELECTING A SENSOR .................................................................. 7
CALIBRATE MODE.......................................................................... 8
CALIBRATION EQUATION INPUT................................................. 11
COUNT REVOLUTIONS MODE ..................................................... 12
COUNT MODE TO DETERMINE ROTOR CONDITION ................. 13
SELECT AN AVERAGING TIME .................................................... 14
VELOCITY MODE........................................................................... 14
DISCHARGE MODE ....................................................................... 16
FLOW DIRECTION CORRECTION ................................................ 20
STATION ERASURE/STATION EDIT............................................ 21
TRANSFER DATA TO COMPUTER............................................... 21
ERASE SECTIONS................................................................... 17, 22
GLOSSARY.................................................................................... 23
SPECIFICATIONS .......................................................................... 25
DEFAULT SETTINGS AND CALIBRATION NUMBERS ................ 25
CARE & MAINTENANCE OF THE MODEL 3000 INDICATOR ...... 27
END NOTES ................................................................................... 28

3
MODEL 3000
CURRENT VELOCITY AND STREAM DISCHARGE INDICATOR
The Model 3000 is used with rotating sensor current meters for calculating, storing, and processing stream
velocity and discharge data to enable on-site evaluation. The Model 3000 can operate in units of either feet or
meters. There are four basic modes of operation:
CALIBRATE MODE
This mode is used to input directly or to field calculate the pitch of a “prop”. Field calibration is accomplished by
towing the prop through a watercourse of known length while the Model 3000 counts the number of pulses
produced. The Model 3000 then automatically calculates the prop pitch;
(1) pitch = number of pulses / course length (10 feet & 10 meters)
units are pulses per foot OR pulses per meter
COUNT (COUNT REVOLUTIONS) MODE
This mode counts prop (meter) revolutions for a user definable time period. The number of pulses per revolution
of a prop will vary for different props and rotor assemblies. After a timing period and pulses per revolution are
set the number of revolutions during the time period can be calculated; This mode is primarily used with the
USGS Price Type AA and Pygmy meters using the original "catwhisker contactor" or magnetic head (preferred),
the Swoffer optic-head retrofit (Model 2200) and the HIF version of the same, as well as OTT and other sensors.
(2) revolutions = pulses during period / pulses per revolution
VELOCITY MODE
This mode calculates the velocity of water flowing past the sensor using the formula;
(3) velocity = (n/p) / t
t = measurement period in seconds
p = prop pitch in pulses per 10 feet OR pulses per 10 meters
n = number of pulses counted during period t
dimensions are feet per second OR meters per second.
DISCHARGE MODE
This mode calculates total stream discharge using individual partial area and velocity measurements taken across
the streambed.
(4) Q = ð av
Q is total discharge in ft3per second OR m3per second
a is an individual partial cross section area
v is the corresponding mean velocity of the flow normal to the partial area
The cross section is defined by depths at locations 1, 2, 3, . . . n. At each location the velocities
are measured to obtain the mean of the vertical distribution of velocity. The partial discharge is
now computed for any partial section at location x as:

4
qx= vx[(bx-b(x-1))/2 + (b(x+1) -bx)/2]dx
= vx[b(x+1) - b(x-1)/2]dx
x = 1, 2, 3, . . . n, observation points
qx= discharge through partial section x
vx= mean velocity at location x
bx= distance from initial point to location x.
b(x-1) = distance from initial point to preceding location
b(x+1) = distance from initial point to next location
dx= depth of water at location x
The vx's in the above formula are usually measured using one of two methods:
1. Velocity measurement taken at depth (0.6)dx.
2. The average of two velocity measurements taken at depths of (0.2)dxand (0.8) dx.
NOTE: Other methods are also valid and in fact are called for in special types of measurement situations.
The ones stated here are merely shown as guides to help use the Model 3000 in natural streams.
This procedure for discharge measurement is used by the US Geological Survey and is described in detail in
Chapter A8, Discharge Measurements at Gaging Stations, a publication of the US Geological Survey. The
procedure is also covered in Hydrology and Hydraulics Systems, Ram S. Gupta, Prentice Hall, and Hydraulic
Engineering, Roberson/Cassidy/Chaudhry, Houghton Mifflin. Open-Channel Flow, M. Hanif Chaudhry, Prentice
Hall, ISBN 0-13-637141-8 is also an excellent reference work for applications in many different types of
channels.
KEYPAD OPERATION
The operator controls the Model 3000 through a 20-button keypad. The keypad is configured as 4 rows by 5
columns:

5
THE PRIMARY FUNCTIONS AND THE SHIFT FUNCTIONS
The primary functions are printed in the lower half of the key, and the shift functions are printed in the upper half.
Select a primary function by pressing only that key.
Select a shift function by first momentarily pressing the SHIFT key, then the desired key. Do not hold the SHIFT
key down while pressing a shifted function key.
POWER ON AND OFF
The PWR key turns the Model 3000 on and off. ON is instant after pressing the PWR key. OFF requires that the
key be held depressed for four seconds. The Model 3000 display counts down from three seconds to OFF while
the key is depressed.
When the Model 3000 is first powered on it will display:
M3000 (feet)
Command
The Model 3000 also has an “auto off” feature. After no keypad activity for 20 minutes, the instrument shuts
down. To restart press the PWR key. No saved data is lost at auto shutdown.
The ENTER key
The ENTER key is used to tell the Model 3000 that a number has been entered and generally to progress to the
next display screen.
The ESC (Escape) key.
One of the most important keys on the pad since it allows you to "back out" of almost anywhere and any function.
Generally, to enter into a new Function you must begin from the initial screen. Press the ESC key the number of
times necessary to reach the initial screen, which is:
M3000 (feet)
Command
For the display to show meters press the "0" (numeral zero key) at the initial screen (see UNITS OF MEASURE):
M3000 (meters)
Command
DISPLAY OPERATION
The Model 3000 communicates to the user by the Liquid Crystal Display (LCD). The display is arranged as 2
rows by 16 characters per row:

6
Model 3000 LCD
2 rows X 16 char
ENTERING NUMBERS
When the Model 3000 requires numerical input the display will show the number field to be entered with a cursor
under the rightmost digit position:
000.000
As the number keys are pressed the last number pressed will appear in the rightmost position and the other digits
will be shifted (scrolled) left. For example, if the digit "8" were pressed the display would look like this:
000.008
and after following with the digit "3":
000.083
then after pressing the digit "5":
000.835
Pressing any of the number keys will cause the digits to appear on the LCD entering from the rightmost position
while shifting the other digits to the left. The left most digit is "thrown away" each time a number key is pressed.
This means that if a mistake is made just enter zeros then the number you want until it appears correctly in the
LCD.
Press the ENTER key after you are satisfied with the number you see displayed.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Changing numbers or values is not possible without a visible cursor. Be careful however,
when you do see the cursor that you do not accidentally change figures you may only wish to view, not modify. If
the cursor is visible, you can edit the data...whether you want to or not. Pressing the ESC key when the cursor is
visible will make it disappear and prevent editing. This is most important while in the DISCHARGE MODE.
UNITS OF MEASURE
The Model 3000 can work in either feet or meters units of measure. The Model 3000 does not show the units on
the LCD except at the initial screen and in the initial screens of each cross section in the Discharge Mode. Units
may be toggled from feet to meters by simply using the 0 (zero) key while the indicator is in the initial screen
only. Each press of the 0 key will change units from feet to meters to feet, etc. The indicator will remain in the
units selected for all subsequent operations unless changed again at the initial screen. No data will be affected in
the stored registers (Discharge Mode), however, and all data once collected in feet will remain in feet and all data

7
once collected in meters will remain in meters. Data in any section in the Discharge Mode can only be viewed
and edited when the Model 3000 is toggled to the same units (feet or meters) as the original data. Once any
section has had data stored, it remains in those units unless the entire section is erased. Editing data of any cross
section in other than the original units is not possible. (see Discharge Mode instructions to follow).
MEMORY CAPACITY
The Model 3000 is capable of holding one hundred stream cross-sections (referred to as Transects or Sections)
with a total of 1000 Stations. Any combination of station numbers can be used in the Sections as long as the total
number does not exceed 1000 Stations. (Example: two Sections of 500 Stations, five Sections of 200 Stations or
one Section of 1000 Stations, etc.) Each Station stored in memory consists of, the Station Number (actual width
from initial point 0), Time & Date, Depth, Velocity, Angle and Units.
Any of the Sections may be erased completely and separately at any time without affecting any other Section and
any Station in any Section may be erased or modified at any time also.
When memory has reached the 1000 Station capacity, the Model 3000 will display "MEMORY FULL". No
further storage is possible until a Section or Sections are deliberately erased using the procedure described in the
Data Erase portion of the instructions. (p.17, 22)
SELECTING A SENSOR ( the PROP key)
Before any measurements can be made a "prop" must be selected. The default is Prop no. 1, the 2 inch propeller
that has been standard with all previous Model 2100 instruments and now standard with the Model 3000.
The Model 3000 Indicator uses calibration numbers or the "pitch" of the prop (or other type sensor connected to
it) to determine velocities. The Model 3000 indicator stores the pitches for five different props plus the USGS AA
meter, Pygmy meter and a spare location for any other "contact-closure" type sensors. The props are identified as
1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, AA 1/1, Pygmy and "Contact closure". There are two additional positions for input of the
equation supplied with AA and Pygmy Price Type vertical axis meters with their rating charts. These two
positions follow the contact closure position and are called "Equation/Contact" and "Equation/Optic". Scrolling
through the PROP menu is accomplished by pressing the PROP key repeatedly. When the last Prop position is
reached the menu returns to the first one again. (“Scrolling” of Prop selections goes only in one direction).
Selecting a Prop is done by pressing ENTER when the desired Prop is displayed. When a selection has been
made, press the ESC key to return to the initial screen. The Model 3000 will always power up with this prop
selection until changed again.
The Model 3000 comes with default calibrations for the three standard propeller - sensor combinations normally
used with the instrument. 1, 2 and 3 are the 2", 3" and 13/8" propellers. 4, 5, and “Equation/Optic” are pre-
calibrated for AA and Pygmy meters using the Swoffer Model 2200 optical retrofit sensor. Positions AA 1/1,
Pygmy, Contact closure and Equation/Contact automatically convert the Model 3000 from optical input to
contact closure input (non optical sensors) and require connecting the sensor wires to different positions in the
battery compartment. (Several options for alternate cabling hookups are available with the Model 3000 . Please
see any supplemental sheets for the most recent variations. Your version may differ in some ways.)

8
To select a prop press the PROP key, the display will look like this (with units=Feet selected):
1
Prop 1
Pitch : 186.00
If prop number 1 is not the desired prop press PROP again, the display will look like this:
Prop. 2
Pitch : 130.00
Repeated pressing of the PROP key will cause the Model 3000 to display the pitches for prop numbers 3, 4, and
5. Pressing PROP again will scroll the display to show the pitch for a USGS AA meter using the original
catwhisker contactor (one pulse per revolution) on the 1/1 connection. Pressing PROP again will display the
calibration number for a USGS Pygmy meter using the cat whisker contactor and pressing once again will display
"Contact closure", "Equation/Contact", and "Equation/Optic". The Props scroll around to No. 1 again with the
next press of the PROP key. When the desired prop number is displayed you may press the ENTER key to select
it. (See page 25 for a list of the default calibration numbers). The display will read:
Prop p
SELECTED
The Model 3000 will always use this Prop selection even after shut down and re-start until changed again.
Remember that the AA 1/1,Pygmy, Contact Closure and Equation /contact positions also change the Model 3000
from an optical input (electronic signal processing) to a contact closure type of system only.Different electrical
connections in the battery compartment are required for operation in these three positions and without changes in
the connections the Model 3000 will not operate. Be sure to check the PROP selection first before attempting to
take readings.
NOTE: Calibration numbers (Pitch) displayed for the different props represent the number of sensor pulses
produced when a sensor/propeller combination (AA and Pygmy meter included) is dragged though a distance of
ten units (feet or meters) of quiet water. The Model 3000 uses these figures along with an internal timer to
compute velocity. Default calibration numbers have been derived by Swoffer (and others) to be the norm for each
sensor/propeller combination represented, however, these can be changed to match any new or newly derived
calibrations determined by the user's field trials.
IMPORTANT ! If very accurate and consistent velocity data is to be derived from the Model 3000 then
the following calibration procedures must be put to use regularly .
CALIBRATE MODE
a: Automatic Entry of Prop Pitch by Model 3000 calculation:
<<< WARNING>>> Make sure that the Model 3000 Indicator is in the correct units mode (feet or meters)
when calibrating a sensor. I.e. do not input "metric" data while the instrument is in the "feet" mode. Your
velocity measurements as well as the discharge measurements (as calculated by the Model 3000) will be in error.
Back out using the ESC key to the initial screen and toggle the "0" key for desired units selection.

9
To determine the pitch of a propeller by actual field calibration trials use the Calibrate mode. Calibration is then
accomplished by towing the propeller through a course of known length of quiet water while the Model 3000
counts the number of sensor pulses produced. The prop pitch is then calculated:
Pitch = number of pulses pulses in 10 feet (or meters)
course length
To calibrate a propeller, first select the propeller number to be used (press PROP until the desired prop no. is
displayed then press ENTER to select it. Press ESC twice to return to the main screen. Next enter the Calibrate
mode by pressing shift then CALIBRATE. Display will read:
0 = Calculate
1 = Manual Entry
To do an actual field calibration, you will press 0. (see IN PRACTICE below)
To determine a reliable calibration number for your Model 3000 (something you must do if you are working with
slow flows [below about 1.5 FPS] and for measurements taken in very shallow streams) perform the following:
SUGGESTED METHOD OF COURSE LAYOUT AND PROCEDURE FOR FIELD CALIBRATIONS
Accurately mark a straight course of 10 to 20 feet in length in a body of calm, current-free water along which the
sensor can be towed while walking the course. A swimming pool or dock into a quiet lake serves well.
Place the sensor in the water a few feet before the beginning of the course, 6 to 12 inches below the surface. The
propeller must face into the direction of travel. Walk the sensor through the course at a rate close to that which
you will be measuring. Use the wand or wading rod rather than the sensor as a guide, press and release COUNT
at the instant the wand enters the course. The Model 3000 indicator counts the number of sensor pulses generated
as you walk through the length of the course. At the instant the wand leaves the course press and release COUNT
again. The displayed figure is the number of sensor pulses counted in the course length. Several passes through
the course in both directions will develop a reliable average calibration figure for the rotor-propeller assembly
being calibrated.
IN PRACTICE
Following the in-water placement of the sensor and the walking procedure just described:
Pressing the 0 (0=calculate) key will prompt the Model 3000 display to ask you for the course length.
Enter the length of course to be used by pressing digits followed by ENTER. Any accurately measured course
length will do since the Model 3000 adjusts the number to equal counts in 10 feet/10 meters, but the longer the
distance and the quieter the water the better.
NOTE: Be very sure which units mode the Model 3000 is in before entering figures. (Don’t enter feet as the
course distance while the Model 3000 is in the METERS mode for instance!).
Display will read:
Course length?
00.000
Press ENTER again and the display will read:
Count = _
Pass number = 1

10
Begin walking the sensor several feet before course start mark and at the instant the sensor wand enters the actual
course press the COUNT button. Display will begin counting up sensor pulses generated through the length of the
course. At the instant the wand reaches the course end, press COUNT again. Counting will stop and the Model
3000 will automatically calculate a pitch, converting the pulses into a figure in 10 feet (or 10 meters). Display
will read:
Pitch = ppp.pp
ENTER or REJECT
This pitch is entered in the memory if accepted and it is expressed as the number of sensor output pulses generated
in ten feet or meters. It is strongly advised to take four to six passes through the course in both directions to
determine a reliable average count for the pitch. The model 3000 keeps track of the number of "passes" back and
forth and you may accept or reject any pass as necessary by aborting mid-way (press ESC anytime during the
pass) or shift REJECT at the end of a pass. Press ENTER after a successful pass to save the count. Press
COUNT again to begin another pass and COUNT to stop counting at the end of the next pass. ENTER to accept.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Pressing ENTER a second time after accepting any count will total and average the counts
up to that point and will assign the average as the calibration number for that prop pitch. Once done, you have
three choices: accept the figure, enter a different figure manually, or start the passes sequence over again for a
new set of data.
b: Manual entry of Prop Pitch:
If the pitch of a propeller is known and it is desired to enter it, the manual Calibration mode is used:
<<< WARNING>>> Make sure that the Model 3000 Indicator is in the correct units mode (feet or meters)
when manually inputting calibration numbers for a sensor. I.e. do not input "metric" data while the instrument is
in the "feet" mode. Your velocity measurements as well as the discharge measurements (as calculated by the model
3000) will be in error. Back out using the ESC key to the initial screen and toggle the "0" key for units selection.
First, select the sensor (Prop No.) to be used by scrolling through the menu then pressing ENTER. ESC to the
main screen and enter the calibrate mode by pressing shift CALIB. Display will read:
0 = Calculate
1 = Manual Entry
Press 1. Display will read:
Prop # N
Pitch = PPP.PP
Enter the digits necessary to display the known calibration number (pulses per 10 units of measure). Then press
ENTER to put this calibration in the memory.
Manual Calibration mode may be used when changing optic rotor assemblies. New designs may have more (or
fewer) pulses per revolution, for instance the AA meter can have an upgraded optics rotor that has four pulses
instead of the original 2 pulses per revolution, effectively doubling the calibration number.
This method may also be used if you have calibrated propeller rotor assemblies using a different meter (Model
3000 or 2100) and you know what the calibration numbers for the propeller rotors are. A calibration number
therefore is good for a particular propeller rotor assembly regardless of what sensor and Indicator it is installed
on.
It is important to note that errors in measurements due to Calibration Number variation will be in direct
percentage proportion to the difference between the ideal (correct) Calibration Number for a Prop or rotor and