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
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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

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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
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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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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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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
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3.3 Dimensions - uvSVXe

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© 2021 –Valeport Ltd
4 Communications
Control of the uvSVX is achieved through the use of “# codes”, as described below.
All commands must be “sent” by pressing the Enter key
with the exception of the single ‘#’ character required to enter set up mode
4.1 Serial Comms - RS 232 and RS485
The uvSVX is fitted with both RS232 and RS485 communications as standard. RS485 is enabled
by grounding a pin in the communications lead (refer to Wiring Section).
Protocol is 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity, no flow control.
RS232 comms have been tested over 200m of cable. Successful operation over this distance will
depend on the quality of cable. Contact Valeport for more information.
Baud rate is factory set to 115200. User may choose between 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400,
57600, 115200 and 230400.
Fast data rates and longer data string outputs may not be possible with low baud rates

Section 4 | Communications
© 2021 –Valeport Ltd
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4.2 Ethernet Connectivity
The uvSVXe is fitted with a Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Ethernet
module set up in Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). This means the instrument will
automatically be assigned an IP address. Depending on how your router works, it should go back to
that IP address each time it is interfaced although this is not guaranteed unless you provide it with a
fixed IP in the router configuration.
4.2.1 Setting up Ethernet Connectivity
The uvSVXe has a Lantronix Ethernet module that will need to be configured. You can download
the Lantronix Device Installer software from https://www.lantronix.com/products/deviceinstaller.
Connect the uvSVXe to the network and run the software. If the device is not found after a few
moments press Search, top left
Once the module has been found click on XPort to reveal the IP address - in the example above:
192.168.8.155
Click on the IP Address in the left-hand panel to reveal more information in the right-hand panel
Select Web Configuration
Select the green arrow to reveal the password entry dialogue
Do not enter a Username or Password - simply select OK

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© 2021 –Valeport Ltd
Select: Connection
ensure settings are similar to below
Protocol: TCP
The Local Port number should be less than 10000.
Do not select or accept a Local Port number 23
Local Port number 23 is reserved for TelNet
Remote Port: 0
Select: Apply Settings
Perform a new search after the settings have been completed.

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Select: Serial Settings
Baud Rate on Channel 1: 230400
Flow Control: None
Click on: Apply Settings
Perform a new search after the settings have been applied to ensure they have been saved.
4.2.1.1 If No Lantronix Devices are Found
If no Lantronix devices are found, this can happen if you are using an Ethernet to Serial converter,
click on the Options button: and check that you have the correct network adaptor
selected.
Once a new network adaptor has been selected, click on the Search button: to locate and
interface to the uvSVXe.

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© 2021 –Valeport Ltd
4.2.1.2 Fixed IP
To set a fixed IP address for the unit follow the wizard in the Lantronix App

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4.2.2 Operation with Valeport Configure
Valeport Configure is now the program of choice to configure a uv instrument.
Available from https://Valeport.download download the latest version:

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© 2021 –Valeport Ltd
4.2.3 Operation with DataLog x2
If you prefer you can continue to set the uvSVX up using DataLog X2:
Load the latest version of Valeport's configuration software DataLog x2. It can be downloaded from
https://Valeport.download. Search for uvSVX then look for the software section towards the bottom
of the page.
Setup the TCP Client windows to match the data from the Lantronix DeviceInstaller, click on the
symbol in the Port Settings section of the menu to get an options dialogue. The instrument can
be configured using the software or with individual #commands as required.

Section 4 | Communications
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4.3 uvSVX Communications Setup
The following # commands need to be set as required to achieve the communications scenario
required
Code
Description
#005;n
Set address mode On | Off
where n = 0 or 1
#005;0 (Off)
#005;1 (On)
In address mode, the uvSVX will only respond to commands prefixed by
its address, or the global address “00”
Example:
03:#028
uvSVX address “03” begin sampling
Example:
00:#028
All uvSVX addresses begin sampling
this function is password protected
#006
Read address mode activation status
#033;nn
Set uvSVX RS485 | Modbus address to any number from 01 to 99
this function is password protected
#034
Read address
#059;nnnnnn
Set the baud rate in the Instrument - factory set to 115200
where nnnnnn = 2400, ......, 230400
this function is password protected
#352,n
Enable | Disable # on Modbus
interrupts the instrument with a serial # if in Modbus mode
#352;0 (disable)
#352;1 (enable)
this function is password protected
#353
read # on Modbus activation status
#700; n;n
Enables Modbus communications mode with parity on or off.
Once entered into Modbus mode the uvSVX will begin to measure on the
measurement cycle.
#700;0;0 - Modbus disabled
#700;0;1 - Modbus disabled
#700;1;0 - Modbus No Parity
#700;1;1 - Modbus Even Parity
this function is password protected
#701
Read Modbus activation status

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5 Setting Up the uvSVX
5.1 Start / Stop
When power is applied to the uvSVX, it will immediately begin to operate according to the settings
already programmed. The most basic level of Start / Stop control is, therefore, by switching power
on and off.
A Welcome message is transmitted, shown below in DataLog X2 followed by a data string:
To put the uvSVX into run mode:
Code
Description
#028
Starts sampling in the mode set, or takes a single reading if unit is in “Single”
sampling mode.
#
When the instrument is running, the uvSVX may be put into set up mode at
any time by typing the ‘#’ character. The device will respond with a
command prompt ‘>’ and wait the next instruction.
When interrupted an error is often seen. This is generated due to the
<CR><LF> usually associated with the # and should not be interpreted as a
problem with the uvSVX
A “watchdog” function is in operation within the uvSVX
If the unit is interrupted with the ‘#’ character, and no further command is received
for a period of 5 minutes, the sensor will automatically begin sampling data using
the existing settings
5.1.1 Output Last Measured Reading
In order to read the last measured reading the command #015 can be used.
The data is output in the selected units and data telegram format.

Section 5 | Setting Up the uvSVX
© 2021 –Valeport Ltd
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5.2 Information #Codes
The following commands will cause the sensor to report back various pieces of information, as
described.
You can use Valeport Configure, DataLog X2 or your own terminal program to send # commands to
the instrument.
#nnn to be followed by <CR><LF>:
# Code
Description
#003
Read uvSVX serial number
#006
Read address mode activation status
#010
Read Tare value
#012
Read Tare activation status
#014
Read firmware version number
#017
Read the instrument Latitude
#023
Read the SV calibration coefficients
#027
Read the data string delimiter
#032
Read calibration mode
#034
Read RS485/Modbus address value
#040
Read sampling mode
#043
Read leading separator activation status
#045
Read trailing separator activation status
#051
Read the number of samples in the dataset for averaging
#053
Read the Pressure / Depth units
#084
Read the number of decimal places in the Pressure / Depth field
#086
Reads the pressure sensor Polynomial values
#088
Read the temperature calibration coefficients
#089
Read the output string format
#096
Read the sampling frequency
#114
Read the FPGA firmware
#117
Read the Pressure / Depth error message
#121
Read DASH equations activation status
#138
Read last SV and Temperature calibration date
#200
Read Pressure Module serial number
#202
Read Pressure Module maximum pressure rating
#209
Read the Data Matrix Code (Pressure Module Serial Number)
#221
Read is warning message activation status
#226
Read the User Pressure calibration coefficients
#353
Read '#' character to leave Modbus mode activation status (to use # codes with 8N1
framing)
If this mode is enabled do not use address 0x23 for Modbus
#501
Read the Calibration history for Temperature sensor
#502
Read the Calibration history for SV sensor
#511
Read User Calibration activation status