Valeport rapidPro CTD User manual

rapidPro Operating Manual
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This document was prepared by the staff of Valeport Limited, the Company, and is the property of the Company,
which also owns the copyright therein. All rights conferred by the law of the copyright and by virtue of
international copyright conventions are reserved to the Company. This document must not be copied, reprinted or
reproduced in any material form, either wholly or in part, and the contents of this document, and any method or
technique available therefrom, must not be disclosed to any other person whatsoever without the prior written
consent of the Company.
Valeport Limited
St Peters Quay
Totnes
Devon, TQ9 5EW
United Kingdom
As part of our policy of continuous development, we reserve the right to alter, without prior notice, all
specifications, designs, prices and conditions of supply for all our equipment.
0660907a
04 October 2019
[phone]
[e-mail] | [e-mail]
www.valeport.co.uk
Tel:
e mail:
Web:

Table of Contents
© 2019 Valeport Ltd Page 2
Table of Contents
..................................................................................................................................... 41. EU Declaration of Conformity - CE Marking
..................................................................................................................................... 72. Introduction
.................................................................................................................................... 72.1. rapidPro SVT
2.1.1 Sensor Specifications
.................................................................................................................................... 8
2.1.2 Dimensions
.................................................................................................................................... 9
.................................................................................................................................... 102.2. rapidPro CTD and rapidPro CTDplus
2.2.1 Sensor Specifications
.................................................................................................................................... 11
2.2.2 Fluorometers
.................................................................................................................................... 12
2.2.3 Linear Observation Range
.................................................................................................................................... 14
2.2.4 Quenching
.................................................................................................................................... 15
2.2.5 Turbidity
.................................................................................................................................... 16
2.2.6 Dimensions
.................................................................................................................................... 17
.................................................................................................................................... 182.3. ProLogger
2.3.1 Changing\Charging the ProLogger
.................................................................................................................................... 19
2.3.2 ProLogger Dimensions
.................................................................................................................................... 20
2.3.3 Rechargeable Battery
.................................................................................................................................... 20
..................................................................................................................................... 233. Communication | Memory | Software
.................................................................................................................................... 233.1. Qualification and Approvals-Bluetooth Module
3.1.1 Compliance with RoHS Directive
.................................................................................................................................... 24
3.1.2 European Union Regulatory Compliance - Bluetooth Module
.................................................................................................................................... 25
3.1.3 Bluetooth Qualification Information
.................................................................................................................................... 26
..................................................................................................................................... 274. Operation
.................................................................................................................................... 274.1. Operating Modes
.................................................................................................................................... 284.2. Switching On/Off
.................................................................................................................................... 294.3. Deployment
.................................................................................................................................... 294.4. Pressure Tare
.................................................................................................................................... 304.5. Data Requests and Output Formats
4.5.1 Stop Command
.................................................................................................................................... 30
4.5.2 Run Commands
.................................................................................................................................... 30
4.5.3 Rapid Profile Settings
.................................................................................................................................... 31
4.5.4 Site information
.................................................................................................................................... 31
4.5.5 Instrument Information
.................................................................................................................................... 31

Table of Contents
Page 3 © 2019 Valeport Ltd
..................................................................................................................................... 325. Bluetooth Adapter - Re-Program and Pair
..................................................................................................................................... 356. Ordering and Part Numbers
.................................................................................................................................... 356.1. Ordering and Part Numbers - rapidPro SVT
.................................................................................................................................... 356.2. Ordering and Part Numbers - rapidPro CTD
.................................................................................................................................... 366.3. Ordering Part Numbers -ProLogger Module

© 2019 Valeport Ltd
0660907a - rapidPro Operating Manual
Page 4
1. EU Declaration of Conformity - CE Marking

© 2019 Valeport Ltd
EU Declarationof Conformity- CE Marking
Page 5

© 2019 Valeport Ltd
0660907a - rapidPro Operating Manual
Page 6
Please note: Any changes or modifications to the product or accessories supplied, that are not authorised by
Valeport Ltd, could void the CE compliance of the product and negate your authority to operate it. This product
has demonstrated CE compliance under conditions that include the use of shielded cables. It is important that you
use shielded cables compliant with the product’s conformance, to protect from potential damage and reduce the
possibility of interference to other electronic devices.

© 2019 Valeport Ltd
Introduction
Page 7
2. Introduction
The rapidPro has been developed in two forms for the fast collection of sound velocity and CTD profiles.
Designed to optimally operate with the Teledyne rapidCAST underway profiling winch the rapid collection of
accurate sensor data is key. The Pro version of the rapid profiler is further developed with a new optimised shape
and removable ProLogger module that combines a rechargeable lithium ion battery, data logger, a GPS receiver
with Bluetooth comms.
2.1. rapidPro SVT
rapidPro SVT
The rapidPro SVT has been developed for the specific collection of sound velocity Profiles, at high fall rates
through the water column. Now further developed with a new optimised shape and removable ProLogger module
that combines a rechargeable lithium ion battery, data logger, GPS receiver and Bluetooth comms module.
ProLogger
The world’s most accurate Sound Velocity sensor with virtually instantaneous response time, high specification
thermistor temperature sensor, data acquisition rates of up to 32Hz housed in a low drag housing result in the
highest quality profiles at drop rates over 5 m/s.
Optionally, the rapidPro SVT is designed to operate with the Teledyne OceanScience rapidCAST underway
profiling winch to deliver the highest quality SVT casts. While the vessel is underway profiles up to 450m at 6
knots are expected.

© 2019 Valeport Ltd
0660907a - rapidPro Operating Manual
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2.1.1. Sensor Specifications
The rapidPro SVT is fitted with Valeport's digital time of flight sound velocity sensor, strain gauge pressure
transducer and fast response thermistor temperature sensor.
Sound Velocity
Range:
1375 - 1900m/s
Resolution:
0.001m/s
Accuracy:
±0.02m/s
Pressure
Range:
200 Bar (max)
Resolution:
0.001% range
Accuracy:
±0.01% range
Temperature - Thermistor
Range:
-5°C to +35°C
Resolution:
0.001°C
Accuracy:
±0.01°C
Response
50 milliseconds
Data Acquisition
Sample Rate: up to 32 Hz
Electrical
Battery:
Rechargeable Lithium Ion battery module
Battery Life:
approximately 20 hours continuous operation from a fully charged pack
Physical
Materials:
Titanium/PEEK housing
Stainless steel 316 nose casting
Titanium & composite sensor components
Depth Rating:
2000m
Instrument Size:
Ø62mm x Length 605mm
Weight:
4.5kg (in air)

© 2019 Valeport Ltd
Introduction
Page 9
2.1.2. Dimensions

© 2019 Valeport Ltd
0660907a - rapidPro Operating Manual
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2.2. rapidPro CTD and rapidPro CTDplus
rapidPro CTD
rapidPro CTDplus
The rapidPro CTD and the rapidPro CTDplus, with an optical sensor, has been developed for the collection of
conductivity, temperature and depth during fast drop rates through the water column. Now further developed
with an new optimised conductivity sensor shape and removable ProLogger module that combines a rechargeable
lithium ion battery, data logger, GPS receiver and Bluetooth comms.
ProLogger
Setup and data download is controlled with Valeport Connect software for PC.
As an option, the rapidPro CTD is designed to operate in conjunction with the Teledyne OceanScience rapidCAST
underway profiling winch to deliver the highest quality CTD and optional optical parameter casts. While the
vessel is underway profiles to 400m at 6 knots are expected.

© 2019 Valeport Ltd
Introduction
Page 11
2.2.1. Sensor Specifications
Conductivity
Range:
0 - 80 mS/cm
Resolution:
0.001 mS/cm
Accuracy:
±0.01 mS/cm
Response:
30 milliseconds
Pressure
Range:
100 or 200 Bar
Resolution:
0.001% range
Accuracy:
±0.01% range
Response:
1 millisecond
Temperature - Thermistor
Range:
-5°C to +35°C
Resolution:
0.001°C
Accuracy:
±0.01°C
Response:
50 milliseconds to T90
Data Acquisition
Sample Rate: up to 32 Hz
Optical Sensor Options
Chlorophyll a
0-800 µg/l
2 gain settings: 0-40, 0-800
Fluorescein
0-500 ppb
2 gain settings: 0-25, 0-500
Rhodamine
0-1000 ppb
2 gain settings, 0-50, 0-1000
Turbidity
0 to > 10,000 NTU
Using nephelometric and OBS techniques
Electrical
Battery:
Rechargeable Lithium Ion battery module
Battery Life:
CTD:
CTDplus:
approximately 20 hours continuous operation
approximately 14 hours continuous operation from a fully charged battery pack
Physical
Materials:
Titanium/PEEK housing
Titanium & composite sensor components
Depth Rating:
2000m
Instrument Size:
Ø62mm x Length 605mm
Weight:
4.5kg (in air)

© 2019 Valeport Ltd
0660907a - rapidPro Operating Manual
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2.2.2. Fluorometers
2.2.2.1. Safety Statement
A Hyperion Fluorometer is classified as Risk Group 1 under standard 62471. As the type is classified as Risk Group
1 solely due to radiation in the visible band a hazard label is not required. However,
·the LED used is in excess of the Exempt Group and that the viewer- related risk is dependent upon how the
user installs and operates the equipment.
·the exposure hazard value (EHV) for a Hyperion Fluorometer in terms of distance is 320mm
Never look directly into the Hyperion aperture
2.2.2.2. Chlorophyll a
Performance
Excitation:
470 nm
Detection:
696 nm
Dynamic Range:
0-800 µg/l
2 gain settings: 0-40 and 0-800 (software controlled)
Instrument
Detection limit:
0.025 µg/l*
Actual
Detection limit:
0.025 µg /l**
Linearity:
0.99 R2
Response Time:
0.03 to 2 sec
* 3x SD in RO water
** calibrated against Chlorophyll a in acetone solution
2.2.2.3. Phycocyanin
Performance
Excitation:
590 nm
Detection:
650 nm
Dynamic Range:
0-9 000 ppb
2 gain settings, 0-45, 0-9 000 (software controlled)
Instrument
Detection limit:
<0.01 ppb*
Actual
Detection limit:
0.08 ppb**
Linearity:
0.99 R2
Response Time:
0.03 to 2 s
* 3x SD in RO water
** Calibrated against Phycocyanin in water\Phosphate buffer solution

© 2019 Valeport Ltd
Introduction
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2.2.2.4. Fluorescein (Uranine)
Performance
Excitation:
470 nm
Detection:
545 nm
Dynamic Range:
0-500 ppb
2 gain settings: 0-25 and 0-500 (software controlled)
Instrument
Detection limit:
<0.01 ppb*
Actual
Detection limit:
0.03 ppb**
Linearity:
0.99 R2
Response Time:
0.03 to 2 sec
* 3x SD in RO water
** Calibrated against Fluorescein solution
2.2.2.5. Rhodamine
Performance
Excitation:
520 nm
Detection:
650 nm
Dynamic Range:
0-1000 ppb
2 gain settings, 0-50, 0-1000 (software controlled)
Instrument
Detection limit:
<0.01 ppb*
Actual
Detection limit:
0.06 ppb**
Linearity:
0.99 R2
Response Time:
0.03 to 2 s
* 3x SD in RO water
** Calibrated against Rhodamine solution

© 2019 Valeport Ltd
0660907a - rapidPro Operating Manual
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2.2.3. Linear Observation Range
The linear range is the concentration range for which the fluorometer signal is directly proportional to the
concentration of the fluorophore. The linear range starts at the minimum detection limit (MDL) and extends to the
upper limit of the instrument (dependent on fluorophore properties, optical filters, LED power, sample volume and
optical path length).
Hyperion Fluorometers have a calibrated linear response for 2 gain settings (e.g. the ranges 0-40 µg/l (G5) and 0-
800 µg/l (G1) for chlorophyll a). At higher concentrations, unlike analogue devices which generally flat-line at
full-scale deflection (e.g. FSD 5V) the Hyperion will continue to output a signal which increases with concentration
(i.e. meaningful data), though which is no longer guaranteed to be linear.
At very high fluorophore concentrations, signal quenching can occur, whereby the instrument output does not
increase linearly with fluorophore concentration (roll-off) and may decrease at even higher levels.
To perform a quick linearity check, dilute the sample 1:1 with RO water. If the reading decreases by 50%, the
sample is in the linear range. If the reading decreases by less than 50% or even increases, the sample is above
the linear range.

© 2019 Valeport Ltd
Introduction
Page 15
2.2.4. Quenching
Quenching refers to the reduction in fluorescence of a fluorophore. Several processes can result in quenching:
1. Chloride is known to quench quinine sulphate and Fluorescein. It is, therefore, advisable to prepare any
fluorophore solutions with RO* or DI** water.
2. Temperature quenching - as the temperature of the sample increases, the fluorescence decreases, that is,
fluorescence is sensitive to temperature. In order to improve accuracy, measure the sample at different
temperatures and derive corrections for changes in temperature.
3. Photo-bleaching (or fading) is the (permanent) degradation of a fluorophore molecule by light resulting in
lower signal levels. Photo-bleaching is dependent on exposure (intensity of light and duration) and wavelength
(UV is more damaging than longer wavelengths). Use of more robust fluorophores is recommended to avoid
photo-bleaching.
* Reverse Osmosis
** De-Ionised

© 2019 Valeport Ltd
0660907a - rapidPro Operating Manual
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2.2.5. Turbidity
Valeport's Turbidity technology is essentially two sensors in one. The first is a “classic” nephelometer, using a 90°
beam angle for turbidity levels between 0 and 2000 NTU. The second sensor uses optical backscatter - OBS
(~120° beam angle) for turbidity levels beyond 10 000 NTU. Both sensors output data simultaneously, at a
programmable rate, so there is no need to switch ranges as conditions vary. Intelligent sampling and the use of a
24 bit ADC eliminates the need to switch gain. The optical head is very compact, measuring just 20mm diameter
and is rated to full ocean depth.
Excitation\Detection:
850nm
Linear Range:
Nephelometer 0 to >1 000 NTU - linear response
Optical Backscatter: 0 to 6 000 NTU - linear response
(>6,000 NTU has a non-linear monotonic response that allows derivation of higher
values using look-up tables)
Minimum Detection
Level
0.03 NTU
2.2.5.1. Safety Statement
Valeport's turbidity sensor uses a near Infra Red (NIR) LED operating at 850 nm with a reflector producing a fairly
narrow output beam. As the photo-response of the eye is low at 850 nm the blink reflex and iris contraction reflex
are not activated. NIR LEDs generally produce very low levels of radiation and pose no threat to the human eye. A
photometric test report was commissioned by Valeport in accordance with BS EN 62471. For this the LED was set
to 25 times the operational power and the sensor was classified as exempt. However, it is best practice to avoid
extended exposure to the LED and it is recommended not to look directly into the sensor windows.
The Turbidity sensor is classified EXEMPT under the standard 62471.
As a Hyperion Turbidity instrument is classified as EXEMPT a hazard label in not required.
Never look directly into the Hyperion aperture

© 2019 Valeport Ltd
Introduction
Page 17
2.2.6. Dimensions
rapidPro CTD and rapidPro CTDplus

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0660907a - rapidPro Operating Manual
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2.3. ProLogger
The ProLogger is a self contained module that contains a 3.7V, 6.8 Ah rechargeable lithium ion battery, the data
logger and Bluetooth comms. The battery powers the data logger, Bluetooth and the rapidPro instrument.
There are two sets of LEDs in the translucent white cap that indicate the status of the GPS and Bluetooth
connection. They are only visible when the ProLogger is out of the profiler.
Light Status
Description
GPS
Solid Green
GPS Fix received
Flashing Green
GPS Fix not
Bluetooth
Green
Unpaired
Blue
Paired
There are a further two sets of LEDs in the connector end cap that indicate the Battery charge status and the
Operational status of the ProLogger.
Light Status
Description
Battery Charging Status
Flashing Red
Charging < 30% capacity
Flashing Amber
Charging at > 30% capacity < 60% capacity
Flashing Green
Charging > 60% capacity
Solid Green
Fully charged

© 2019 Valeport Ltd
Introduction
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ProLogger Operational Status
Solid Green
Run mode
Flashing Green
Interrupted mode
Amber
Bootloading Mode (only lit when upgrading firmware)
Bootloader Reset
In order to Bootload new firmware into the ProLogger the unit has to be reset. In order to do this the Magnetic
On/Off key must be placed close to the white, translucent end cap and pins 7 and 8 shorted together. Any
Bootloading process must be carried out serially (NOT through Bluetooth) using the USB interface cable direct to a
PC.
Outside of a rapidPro the ProLogger is not powered. To power the ProLogger outside of the instrument it must be
powered with the charging/data cable provided using either the charger provided or a PC USB port.
The ProLogger is compatible with both a rapidPro SVT and rapidPro CTD and can be swapped between the two.
2.3.1. Changing\Charging the ProLogger
·Changing\Charging the ProLogger of a rapidPro is a very simple process. All data is saved in non-volatile
Flash memory, so data is secure during the process
·Remove the grub screw just below the black rear housing of the RapidPro profiler and then carefully unscrew
rear housing
-An Allen Key that fits the grub screw is provided in the case
·The ProLogger can now be carefully removed for charging/data download
-charging is carried out using the provided cable and charger
-Data download operations can be carried out using the same charging cable as above but interfaced to a
PC's USB port
The ProLogger must be correctly 'ejected' from the PC
·Check for any water ingress to the instrument that has occurred during this process. Dry if necessary
Before replacing the ProLogger into the rapidPro all LEDs should be off
If the LEDs are still on, re-interface the unit to the PC and 'eject' correctly
·Replace the ProLogger into the instrument - rotating slowly until the location pins align, the ProLogger will
drop further into the rapidPro indicating that it is correctly sited
·Check the o-ring for damage and debris. Clean it and smear lightly with silicon grease. Replace if
necessary
For planned periods of extended storage, the ProLogger should be removed from the instrument

© 2019 Valeport Ltd
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2.3.2. ProLogger Dimensions
2.3.3. Rechargeable Battery
The ProLogger is fitted with a rechargeable battery with the following characteristics:
Battery:
Internal, Rechargeable Lithium Ion Battery Pack
Capacity
6.8 Ah
Charging:
1.5A Charger that is supplied
0.5A Laptop USB port
Note that there is still current drawn when the rapidPro is switched off or in Sleep Mode and that the current
drawn is considerably less when sub surface recording data but the GPS and Bluetooth are off. The GPS and
Bluetooth are disabled as the pressure reading passes the trigger depth in Rapid Mode.
The instrument draws power continuously whilst running. Battery life is calculated as though the Bluetooth, GPS
and sensor modules are always powered on and based on the following scenario:
a profile to 200m with a decent rate of 5 ms-1
a recovery rate of 1 ms-1
5 minutes spent on the surface before a new profile is initiated
rapidPro SVT: 18 hrs operation
rapidPro CTD: 15 hrs operation
rapidPro CTDplus: 12 hrs operation
All battery calculation figures are estimated, and may vary according to deployment temperature and the
inherent battery variability. Valeport accepts no liability for the failure of a battery to last for the expected
lifetime
2.3.3.1. Charging
The battery pack is supplied with a dedicated USB charging and data download interface cable, this must be
used.
In order to gain access to the charging socket the ProLogger module must be removed from the rapidPro profiler.
The comms end cap has a large thread and is sealed by an O ring within the the Peek cover. In case of pressure
build up in the housing the pressure seal is broken long before the thread releases the Peek cover allowing any
gases under pressure to be released safely. The thread must be kept clean and clear.
If the rapidPro is used in a manner not specified by Valeport the protection provided by the equipment might
be impaired.