Valeport uvSVX User manual

uvSVX and uvSVXe Operating Manual
Document ID
MANUAL-857569191-11 | issue: 1.7
Date:
July 2021
This confidential 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 there from, must
not be disclosed to any other person whatsoever without the prior written consent of the Company.
© 2021 Valeport Ltd
Valeport Ltd
St Peter's Quay
Totnes TQ9 5EW
United Kingdom
Phone:
email:
Web:
[phone]
[e-mail]
www.valeport.co.uk
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

Contents
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© 2021 –Valeport Ltd
Contents
1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................1
2 Sensors.......................................................................................................................................2
2.1 Sound Velocity Measurement..............................................................................................2
2.2 Temperature.........................................................................................................................2
2.3 Pressure...............................................................................................................................2
2.3.1 Interchangeable Pressure Sensor Modules................................................................3
2.4 Calculated Parameters.........................................................................................................4
2.4.1 Calculated Conductivity...............................................................................................4
2.4.2 Calculated Salinity.......................................................................................................4
2.4.3 Calculated Density.......................................................................................................4
3 Physical Characteristics..............................................................................................................5
3.1 Materials...............................................................................................................................5
3.2 Dimensions - uvSVX............................................................................................................5
3.3 Dimensions - uvSVXe..........................................................................................................6
4 Communications.........................................................................................................................7
4.1 Serial Comms - RS 232 and RS485....................................................................................7
4.2 Ethernet Connectivity...........................................................................................................8
4.2.1 Setting up Ethernet Connectivity.................................................................................8
4.2.2 Operation with Valeport Configure............................................................................12
4.2.3 Operation with DataLog x2........................................................................................13
4.3 uvSVX Communications Setup..........................................................................................14
5 Setting Up the uvSVX...............................................................................................................15
5.1 Start / Stop..........................................................................................................................15
5.1.1 Output Last Measured Reading................................................................................15
5.2 Information #Codes............................................................................................................16
5.3 Sampling Modes.................................................................................................................17
5.4 Pressure Tare.....................................................................................................................17
5.5 Error Flag............................................................................................................................18
5.6 Warning Message ..............................................................................................................18
5.7 Pressure / Depth Units.......................................................................................................19
5.8 Set Latitude ........................................................................................................................19
5.9 DASH Formula...................................................................................................................20
5.10 User Calibration..................................................................................................................20
6 Data Output Formats................................................................................................................21
6.1 Data String Formatting.......................................................................................................21
6.2 CSV Format........................................................................................................................22
6.3 Valeport NMEA ($PVSVX).................................................................................................23
6.4 SVX2 with Salinity..............................................................................................................24
6.5 SVX2 without Salinity.........................................................................................................24
6.6 Data String #1 ....................................................................................................................25
6.7 Modbus RTU ......................................................................................................................25
7 Electrical....................................................................................................................................26
7.1 Power uvSVX.....................................................................................................................26
7.2 Power uvSVXe...................................................................................................................26
7.3 Wiring Information..............................................................................................................26

Contents
© 2021 –Valeport Ltd
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8 Software....................................................................................................................................27
8.1 Setup Using the Valeport Configure App...........................................................................27
8.1.1 Interface to the uvSVX –Serial Data........................................................................27
8.1.2 Interface to the uvSVXe –Ethernet...........................................................................28
8.1.3 Configure the Instrument...........................................................................................29
9 Care & Maintenance.................................................................................................................33
9.1 Calibration ..........................................................................................................................33
10 Ordering and Part Numbers .....................................................................................................34
11 Declaration of Conformity.........................................................................................................35
11.1 uvSVX.................................................................................................................................36
11.1.1 UK Declaration of Conformity....................................................................................36
11.1.2 EU Declaration of Conformity....................................................................................37
11.2 Interchangeable Pressure Module.....................................................................................38
11.2.1 UK Declaration of Conformity....................................................................................38
11.2.2 EU Declaration of Conformity....................................................................................39

uvSVX and uvSVXe Operating Manual: MANUAL-857569191-11 | issue 1.7
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© 2021 –Valeport Ltd
1 Introduction
Aimed primarily at the underwater vehicle market, the uvSVX is a compact direct reading
instrument that outputs a selectable, fixed data string at up to 64Hz of Sound Velocity,
Temperature, Depth and optionally, Salinity and Density calculated with Valeport’s proprietary
DASH formula. High accuracy data is assured with the added bonus of Valeport’s unique
interchangeable pressure module that allows customers to maximise operational specific depth
requirements. This innovative pressure module, with integral calibration, can be changed in a
couple of minutes without opening the instrument.
There are two communication options of the uvSVX, RS232 / RS485 and Ethernet
uvSVX - Sound Speed, Exchangeable Pressure and Temperature
for underwater vehicles
To be used in a variety of subsea applications ROVs, construction survey, monitoring and
positioning operations, one of the key development drivers was to provide a cost-effective
alternative to the use of resonant quartz pressure sensors. Using the very latest technology in
temperature compensated piezo-resistive transducers, the uvSVX offers several advantages over
resonant quartz sensors, with similar performance - cost, maintenance and operationally specific
pressure ratings.
Valeport's DASH equations are included in the uvSVX, as standard and provide a real-time water
density output.
•Interchangeable Pressure Sensor Module
-Pressure ranges from 10 to 600 Bar (approximately 100 to 6 000 metres water)
-Titanium diaphragm pressure sensor
▪No external diaphragms, oil reservoir or oil-filled tubes
-Long term calibration stability with a 2 year recommended recalibration cycle
•Sound Speed
-Valeport's industry standard 25mm baseline, Digital Time of Flight sound speed sensor
•Temperature
-fast response PRT
•Titanium housing
•RS232 or RS485 (addressable) data output
•ASCII and Modbus RTU output protocols
•Choice of calibrated data output format at a sampling rate of up to 64Hz
•TEOS 10 seawater properties of water computation for depth calculation

Section 2 | Sensors
© 2021 –Valeport Ltd
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2 Sensors
2.1 Sound Velocity Measurement
Utilising Valeport's latest design for the world's most accurate sound velocity sensor, each
measurement is made using a single pulse of sound travelling over a precisely known distance, so
is independent of the inherent calculation errors present in CTD calculated data. Valeport's unique
digital signal processing technique virtually eliminates signal noise and gives an almost
instantaneous response; the digital measurement is also entirely linear, giving predictable
performance under all conditions.
Range:
1375 - 1900m/s
Resolution:
0.001m/s
Accuracy:
±0.020m/s
2.2 Temperature
The uvSVX is fitted with an accurate, fast response Platinum Resistance Thermometer (PRT)
temperature sensor.
Type:
PRT
Range:
-5°C to +35°C
Resolution:
0.001°C
Accuracy:
±0.01°C
2.3 Pressure
The uvSVX is fitted with a high accuracy, 0.01% of full scale, temperature compensated piezo-
resistive pressure transducer.
The Pressure Module is interchangeable
Type:
Strain Gauge
Range:
individual modules
10, 30, 50, 100, 200, 300, 400 or 600 Bar
1 bar is approximately equal to 10m depth
Resolution:
0.001 units (selectable)
Accuracy:
±0.01% or full range
Response Time:
1 milliseconds

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© 2021 –Valeport Ltd
2.3.1 Interchangeable Pressure Sensor Modules
The Interchangeable Pressure Sensor Modules can be swapped to best suit the operational depth
of the project. The accuracy of the sensor is a factor of the full-scale capability of the sensor -
0.01% and not the measured pressure. A 600 Bar module will offer the same ± 0.60m accuracy at
6000m as it will at 300m while a correctly selected 30 Bar Pressure Module, for an operation at
300m, will provide an accuracy ± 0.03m
Bar
Approximate maximum
operational depth
metres
Accuracy (0.01%)
± metres
10
100
0.01
20
200
0.02
30
300
0.03
50
500
0.05
100
1000
0.10
200
2000
0.20
300
3000
0.30
400
4000
0.40
600
6000
0.60
Prior to changing out a Pressure Module the uvSVX should be thoroughly rinsed in fresh water and
dried.
A Pressure Module should ideally be changed in dry lab conditions but if this is not possible every
effort must be made to keep water out of the module socket. Check the module and socket for any
water and if found dry everything thoroughly before fitting. If water does get into the socket it could
cause the connector to corrode.
A special tool is provided to unscrew the fitted module and screw its replacement securely into
place. Never use excessive force. The design allows the Pressure Module to be swapped out
without the need to remove the protection cage of the uvSVX.
The three prongs should be carefully inserted into the black screw cap of the Pressure Module and
turned counter-clockwise (when looking directly at the module) to loosen it. Keep turning until the
Pressure Module gently pops out of the socket. The tool will engage with the Pressure Module and
allow you to very gentle pull if required.
Before fitting a replacement Pressure Module, check all surfaces for ware - especially the screw
cap. Check the O ring is clean and free of any ware or damage. There is no need to grease the O
ring. The closing action of the system does not rely on surfaces sliding over one another and
grease might attract debris that would compromise the seal.
The replacement Pressure Module should be placed into the socket with the connector
approximately lined up with its pair in the socket. Fine adjustment is achieved by the shape of the

Section 2 | Sensors
© 2021 –Valeport Ltd
Page | 4
module housing in the socket. If the Pressure Module is misaligned it will not tighten smoothly and
should be removed and turned by 180°.
Engage the screw cap into the threads of the socket and then use the tool to tighten the Pressure
Module into place. The module should be screwed down until the shoulder of the black screw cap
is in line with the shoulder of the titanium end-cap as shown below:
Inside the transit case an additional transit case is provided for the Pressure module to allow it to be
returned to Valeport for calibration without the need to send the whole instrument.
2.4 Calculated Parameters
From directly measured sound velocity, temperature and pressure, SWiFT calculates Salinity using
a proprietary Valeport algorithm developed from extensive laboratory and field work. This Salinity
value is then used to compute Conductivity using standard EOS80 formulas.
A new salinity equation for sound speed instruments - Allen - 2017 - Limnology and Oceanography:
Methods - Wiley Online Library
https://aslopubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/lom3.10203
2.4.1 Calculated Conductivity
Accuracy:
±0.05 mS/cm
Resolution:
0.001 mS/cm
2.4.2 Calculated Salinity
Accuracy:
±0.05 PSU
Resolution:
0.001 PSU
2.4.3 Calculated Density
Accuracy:
±0.05 kg/m3
Resolution:
0.001 kg/m3

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© 2021 –Valeport Ltd
3 Physical Characteristics
3.1 Materials
Housing & Bulkhead:
Titanium
Screw Cap:
Acetal
Pressure Transducer
Diaphragm
Titanium
Connector:
uvSVX: Standard is SubConn type MCBH6F (titanium)
uvSVXe: Standard is SubConn type DBH13F (titanium)
Alternatives may be supplied on request
Weight:
<1.75kg (in air)
3.2 Dimensions - uvSVX

Section 3 | Physical Characteristics
© 2021 –Valeport Ltd
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3.3 Dimensions - uvSVXe