Valeport 803 User manual

Model 803 ECM
Operating Manual
Document Ref:
Date:
This document was prepared by the staff of Valeport Limited, the Company, and is the property of the
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copied, reprinted or reproduced in any material form, either wholly or in part, and the contents of this
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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.
0803805 i
March 2019
[phone]
[email protected] | [email protected]
www.valeport.co.uk
Tel:
e mail:
Web:

Table of Contents
Valeport Ltd © 2019 Page 2
Table of Contents
..................................................................................................................................... 41. Introduction
.................................................................................................................................... 41.1. Description .................................................................................................................................... 51.2. Specification
1.2.1 Power Supply
.................................................................................................................................... 5
1.2.2 Data Acquisition
.................................................................................................................................... 5
1.2.3 Data Output
.................................................................................................................................... 5
1.2.4 Physical .................................................................................................................................... 6
..................................................................................................................................... 82. Installation and Operation
.................................................................................................................................... 82.1. Hardware
2.1.1 Physical Installation
.................................................................................................................................... 8
2.1.2 Electrical Connections
.................................................................................................................................... 9
2.1.3 Communications Leads
.................................................................................................................................... 9
.................................................................................................................................... 92.2. Operation
2.2.1 Data Output Communications
.................................................................................................................................... 9
2.2.2 Changing the Baud Rate
.................................................................................................................................... 10
2.2.3 Changing Data Rate
.................................................................................................................................... 10
2.2.4 Changing the Data Format
.................................................................................................................................... 10
2.2.5 Reading Serial Number and Software Version
.................................................................................................................................... 11
2.2.6 Changing the Baud Rate of the RS485 Adaptor
.................................................................................................................................... 11
2.2.7 Optional Analogue Output
.................................................................................................................................... 12
..................................................................................................................................... 133. Filters
..................................................................................................................................... 144. Selecting the Output Protocol
.................................................................................................................................... 144.1. RS232 Communications
.................................................................................................................................... 144.2. RS485 Communications
.................................................................................................................................... 144.3. Analogue Output
..................................................................................................................................... 155. Trouble Shooting
..................................................................................................................................... 166. Maintenance
.................................................................................................................................... 166.1. Cleaning .................................................................................................................................... 166.2. Seal Sizes
..................................................................................................................................... 177. Appendix 1 - Electrical Connections
.................................................................................................................................... 177.1. RS232 Communications Lead
.................................................................................................................................... 177.2. RS485 Communications Lead

Table of Contents
Page 3 Valeport Ltd © 2019
.................................................................................................................................... 187.3. RS232 Communications Lead with 4-20mA Analogue Output
.................................................................................................................................... 187.4. RS232 Communications Lead with 4-20mA Analogue Output Pigtail
..................................................................................................................................... 198. Appendix 2 - Filter Characteristics
.................................................................................................................................... 198.1. 801/802/803 Digital Filter Characteristics - Attenuation dB
.................................................................................................................................... 198.2. 801/802/803 Digital Filter Characteristics - Signal Ratio
..................................................................................................................................... 229. Appendix 3 - Configuration Codes
..................................................................................................................................... 2410. Appendix 4 - Calibration

Valeport Ltd © 2019
0803805i - Model 803 ECM
Page 4
1. Introduction
This document covers the operation of the Valeport Model 803 2 axis ROV Electromagnetic Current Meter.
The instrument may be supplied with Titanium or Acetal underwater housings in a choice of configurations,
and with a choice of communications options. This manual describes the operation of all versions.
The Model 803 ROV Current Meter is a unique instrument, providing ROV pilots with relative water velocity
data in real time. It may be fitted to ROV’s to provide actual through the water speeds, or fitted to Tether
Management Systems to give a measurement of local flow conditions.
The Model 803 consists of a Valeport 2 axis electromagnetic flow sensor, with processing electronics capable
of giving a variety of output formats for easy interface to almost any system.
The sensor should be mounted in clear flow on the ROV or TMS. When power is applied to the sensor, it
measures the water velocity in 2 axes across the sensor surface. The data is updated at regular intervals (user
selectable), to provide X and Y axis flow information: the X axis is the flow across the vehicle and the Y axis is
flow into the vehicle.
The lightweight design of the instrument leads to minimal effect on the vehicle balance, yet permits a depth
rating of up to 3000m (Titanium version).
Available as a complete self-contained instrument, or with a separate sensor and electronics package, or even
as an OEM system, the Model 803 will appeal both to operators who wish to improve their existing vehicles,
and to manufacturers who want to offer it as an additional item in the sensor package.
1.1. Description
The system comprises the following:
· Electronics housing containing the system electronics
· EM sensor mounted on the electronics housing.
Or
· Electronics housing containing the system electronics
· EM sensor mounted separately from the electronics housing
Or
· An OEM system
The flow is measured by a Valeport Series 800 2 Axis Electromagnetic sensor that uses the Faraday principle
to measure the flow past the sensor in two orthogonal axes. The magnetic field is generated within the
sensors by a coil, and the electronics detects the signal generated across two pairs of electrodes, one pair for
each axis.
The electronics carry out all the signal detection and processing, including digital filtering and power/data
isolation, and data output in digital format, in millimetres per second, metres per second or knots. The
calibration is held within the electronics. An optional analogue output signal is also available.

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Introduction
Page 5
1.2. Specification
1.2.1. Power Supply
· 7 to 29V DC | 2W nominal
1.2.2. Data Acquisition
Sample rate
Raw signal sampling at 96 Hz
Filter
Digital FIR filter, automatically set to suit data rate. Fixed time delay for output for
each data rate [i.e. no frequency dependent phase shift]
Data Rate [Hz]
-3dB point [Hz]
Cut off
[Hz]
Data delay [secs]
Data delay
[samples]
16
3.56
8
0.3125
5
8
3.01
4
1.875
15
4
1.17
2
1.75
7
2
0.61
1
4
8
1
0.30
0.5
8
8
1.2.3. Data Output
Data Rate:
1Hz Factory default, but user settable to 1, 2, 4, 8 or 16 Hz. Output on demand
mode also available
Communications:
RS232 or RS485 (factory set).
Factory default is 4800 baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity bits.
Baud rate can be changed by user to 2400, 4800, 9600 or 19200.
String format:
Knots
sXX.XX<TAB>sYY.YY<cr><lf>
m/s
sX.XXX<TAB>sY.YYY<cr><lf>
mm/s
sXXXXX<TAB>sYYYYY<cr><lf>
Where XXXXX, XX.XX or X.XXX and YYYYY, YY.YY or Y.YYY are the speeds for the X
and Y axis (including leading zero)
s is the sign(+ or -)
Fixed length 15 character string
Range:
Standard range of +/- 10knots (+/-5m/s) on each axis
Resolution:
A/D resolution of 0.01kts (0.001m/s)
Accuracy:
± 1% of reading on each axis.
Analogue Output
(option)
-5 to +5v for each channel. Reconstituted at +/- 12 bits from digital output and
updated at the data rate (1 Hz default).
Alternative formats are 0 – 10v (zero speed at 5v),
or 0 – 5v (zero speed at 2.5v) for each channel.
Calibration
Held in EEPROM in unit.

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0803805i - Model 803 ECM
Page 6
1.2.4. Physical
1.2.4.1. Electronics Housing
Integral Mount
Material:
Black Acetal or Titanium
Size:
92mm Ø x 237mm length (Acetal)
76mm Ø x 237mm length (Titanium)
Depth Rating:
1000m (Acetal), 3000m (Titanium)
Weight:
0.5 kg in water (Acetal), 3.5kg (Titanium)
Remote Sensor
Material:
Black Acetal or Titanium
Size:
92mm Ø x 237mm length (Acetal)
76mm Ø x 237mm length (Titanium)
Depth Rating:
1000m (Acetal), 3000m (Titanium)
OEM Head and
Electronics
Size:
76mm Ø x 250mm length
Depth Rating:
3000m
1.2.4.2. Sensors
Integral Mount
Size:
11.5cm diameter
Materials:
Polyurethane, silver and 316
stainless steel
Remote Sensor
Size :
11.5cm diameter
Materials:
Polyurethane, silver and 316
stainless steel
OEM Head and Electronics
Size :
11.5cm diameter
Materials:
Polyurethane, silver and 316
stainless steel

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Introduction
Page 7
1.2.4.3. Dimensions

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0803805i - Model 803 ECM
Page 8
2. Installation and Operation
2.1. Hardware
2.1.1. Physical Installation
The EM sensor should be mounted in free flow and the X and Y axes are normal to the stem. The sensor has
a flat surface on the Titanium sensor end cap, indicating that flow from that direction is Y +ve. The
instrument should be positioned with this flat edge facing forwards. The flat edge takes the place of the
polished mark or painted dot in diagram below.
The approximate measurement volume for the sensor is a cylinder projecting from the face of the sensor, of
diameter 90mm (approximate electrode spacing), and height of 45mm. These dimensions should be taken
into account when deploying the sensor.
The rear face of the sensor is fitted with an earthing ring for the EM system and should not therefore be
covered in paint or tape.
If a sensor has been stored out of water for some time, when it is re-immersed the readings may take a few
minutes to settle while the electrode contact with the water stabilises.

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Installation and Operation
Page 9
2.1.2. Electrical Connections
Pin out details are provided in Appendix 1.
2.1.3. Communications Leads
For test, setup and evaluation purposes, the unit should be connected to a PC using the interface lead (Y
Lead) supplied.
The Model 803 can output digital data in either RS232 or RS485 formats. Units are supplied as standard with
RS232 interface leads, but if the user intends to operate the instrument in RS485 mode, then an RS485
interface lead should be purchased in place of or as well as an RS232 lead.
The Y lead consists of a short Subconn type pigtail, which connects to the instrument. A small polycarbonate
box sits in the centre of the lead, with two further cables exiting. The first is terminated with a 9 pin D type
connector, which should be connected to the serial port of a PC. The second lead terminates in two 4mm
banana pins for application of DC power – connect the red pin to +ve voltage, and the black pin to ground or
–ve voltage.
The user will also notice that the polycarbonate box has 4 jack sockets in the side. These are for the analogue
output option of the instrument, if fitted.
In RS485 systems, the polycarbonate enclosure contains an RS485/RS232 adaptor. The user will be able to
communicate with the PC perfectly normally when using this interface unit, but the differential signal allows
communications over long cable lengths.
2.2. Operation
The unit is made operational by applying power. A software program, ROVLog, is provided to allow easy
setup and data display, but some users may wish to simply take the ASCII text output into other systems.
Such users will need to be aware of how to setup and operate the unit using the following commands.
Note that instructions for operation of ROVLog are in a separate document.
2.2.1. Data Output Communications
The data output communications protocol is:
Selectable baud, 8 data bits, No Parity, 1 stop bit
In order to change the set up of the unit and enter the desired baud rate it is necessary to interrupt the unit
and send the appropriate “#” code. For sensible data to be displayed the baud rate at which the unit is
running needs to be known. The original factory baud rate is 19200. The baud rate may be found by
disconnecting, scanning through the four possible baud rates (2400, 4800, 9600 and 19200) in terminal and
re-connecting each time. It should be noted that high sampling rates and low baud rates will not work. This
is due to clashes between the sampling and data output times.
1. Connect directly to the unit using a terminal program [such as HyperTerminal].
2. Switch on power and repeatedly send a “#” character to interrupt the unit. The unit will respond with a
“«” when interrupted. This interrupting “#” command can be sent at any time when the unit is
powered up in order to interrupt the unit.
3. The commands which are available are detailed below.
Please note that <cr> denotes the Enter (or Return) key should be pressed.

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0803805i - Model 803 ECM
Page 10
2.2.2. Changing the Baud Rate
There are four possible baud rates that may be set. They are 2400, 4800, 9600 and 19200. To enter the baud
rate having already interrupted the unit with the ”#” code, send the command:
#210 followed by “space” and one of the four possible baud rates (e.g. 2400) then <cr>
To read the selected baud rate that has been sent, send the command:
#211 and the unit will send the baud rate (2400, etc)
If the unit has been set with a new baud rate, remember to set it into RUN before trying to obtain data, either
by switching power off and on or by sending the #028 command.
In RS485 systems, the baud rate of the RS485 adaptor unit located in the box of the configuration lead
must also be altered before further commands can be given. This is necessary each time the baud rate
is changed. Please see section 2.3.6 for details of changing the baud rate of the RS485 adaptor unit.
The unit will output data at the data rate which has been set, or on demand depending on which output
mode has been selected. The output string format is shown below and is dependant upon the units last
entered into the unit:
sXX.XX<TAB>sYY.YY<cr><lf>
or sX.XXX<TAB>sY.YYY<cr><lf>
or sXXXXX<TAB>sYYYYY<cr><lf
Where:
XX.XX and YY.YY are the speeds for the X and Y axis in knots
X.XXX and Y.YYY are the speeds for the X and Y axis in M/s
XXXXX and YYYYY are the speeds for the X and Y axis in mm/s
s is the sign(+ or)
Leading zeroes are included, so the string is always fixed at 15 characters.
After the unit has been interrupted and any changes made, the unit can be put back into RUN mode either by
switching power off and on again or by sending the command #028.
2.2.3. Changing Data Rate
To change the data rate, send the command:
#020 followed by a “space” and 2<cr>, 4<cr>, 8<cr> or 16<cr> as required
To read the data rate that has been set, send the command:
#021 and the unit will send the data rate set [1, 2, 4, 8 or 16]
2.2.4. Changing the Data Format
To change the data format, (millimetres, metres and knots respectively) send the command:
#212 followed by a “space” and mm<cr>, m<cr>, or knots<cr> as required
To read the data format that has been set, send the command:
#213 and the unit will send the data format [m, mm, or knots]

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Installation and Operation
Page 11
2.2.5. Reading Serial Number and Software Version
To read the serial number of the unit, send the command:
#003 and the unit will send the serial number
To read the software version of the unit, send the command:
#015 and the unit will send the software version
2.2.6. Changing the Baud Rate of the RS485 Adaptor
The Model 803 can operate in RS232 or RS485 modes. If the user wishes to operate in RS485 mode, then an
RS485/RS232 adaptor interface lead should be purchased in place of or as well as an RS232 lead.
The RS 485 interface lead contains a KK systems RS485/RS232 adaptor. This adaptor can be used to input
and output data at different baud rates, so if the user had changed the baud rate of the Model 803 itself, it
will also be necessary to change the baud rates of the adaptor.
Install the KDCFG.exe (supplied on the KK systems disk) program on to the PC.
Remove the lid of the Y lead box. With the Y lead connected to a PSU and the PC, turn the power on and
press the push button on the side of the KD 485 unit until the EXE led flashes. Release the button and after a
short while the EXE led should continue to flash. The KD 485 is then in its executive mode.
Start the KDCFG.exe program and select the port in use.
If successful the program will display the current settings of the KD485 ADE unit and allow the new baud rate
to be set. The default settings are as follows
Port 1
Port 2
ADE fixed program
4800 BAUD
4800 BAUD
mode 1
8 bits
8 bits
No parity
No parity
1 stop bit
1 stop bit
RX Disabled
RX Disabled
TX Disabled
TX Disabled
To enter a new baud rate change the number of baud in ports 1 and 2. After setting these parameters input
the changes by selecting the Update button to re-program the unit with the desired baud rate.
With HyperTerminal or ROVLog configured to the appropriate baud rate then successful communications
should be achieved.
For further details of the KD485 unit please consult the manufacturer’s manual.

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0803805i - Model 803 ECM
Page 12
2.2.7. Optional Analogue Output
The Model 803 has an optional analogue output made available by the addition of an extra circuit board
inside the instrument (board number 0801507A).
If fitted, this board gives a standard analogue output of +/- 5V full scale with +/- 11bit resolution, for each of
the two channels (X and Y axes). This will give 0.01kts (0.001m/s) resolution for the +/- 10knots (+/-5m/s)
range required.
Alternative voltage ranges are available on request.
The output connections are given in Appendix 3.

Valeport Ltd © 2019
Filters
Page 13
3. Filters
The data filter is a digital FIR filter and the unit automatically sets the filter to suit the selected data output
rate. So that the 803 can be used for turbulent flow applications where users wish to recreate the flow
characteristics, the filters are set so that the cut-off frequency is half the data rate. Attenuation [dB and Signal
ratio] are given in both graphical and tabular form in Appendix 2.
A characteristic of the filters are that they have a fixed time delay for the output signal [i.e. phase delay is
independent of signal frequency]. If data is being synchronised with other sources of data, then this delay
needs to be taken into account in data processing – note that the delay times are exact multiples of the time
between data points.
The filter characteristics can be summarised as follows:
Data Rate
[Hz]
-3dB point
[Hz]
Cut off
[Hz]
Data delay
[secs]
Data delay
[samples]
16
3.56
8
0.3125
5
8
3.01
4
1.875
15
4
1.17
2
1.75
7
2
0.61
1
4
8
1
0.30
0.5
8
8

Valeport Ltd © 2019
0803805i - Model 803 ECM
Page 14
4. Selecting the Output Protocol
The 803 can output data via RS232 or RS485 communications, selectable by moving a single connector inside
the instrument housing, or optionally in analogue format via an additional circuit board
To gain access to this connector, the housing for the electronics must be removed by unscrewing the 6 x M5
Titanium counter sunk slotted screws that hold the housing on the bulkhead and sensor end cap.
Undo the 3 screws at the connector end of the 803 and ease the end plate from the housing. There is an
internal flexible cable at this end of the module. This requires disconnecting at the pye connector before
proceeding to the electronics.
Unscrew the 3 screws at the EM sensor end of the housing and ease this from the Titanium housing. The
boards should now be exposed.
4.1. RS232 Communications
To communicate with the instrument via RS232 communications the three way Harwin connector with the
brown, yellow & orange wires should be connected to the 3 way connection on the 0801509D circuit board
labeled RS232.
Do not adjust the position of the four way Harwin connector with the red and blue wires.
If the unit has the optional analogue output board fitted, a third connector with white, green and black wires
should be connected to this extra board. Otherwise this lead should be left disconnected.
4.2. RS485 Communications
To communicate with the instrument via RS485 communications the three way Harwin connector with the
brown, yellow & orange wires should be connected to the 3 way connection on the 0801509D circuit board
labeled RS485.
Do not adjust the position of the four way Harwin connector with the red and blue wires.
If the unit has the optional analogue output board fitted, a third connector with white, green and black wires
should be connected to this extra board. Otherwise this lead should be left disconnected.
4.3. Analogue Output
If the instrument has the optional 0801507A analogue output board fitted, then the 4 way Harwin connector
with the green, white and black wires should be connected to the connector labeled J4 on this board. Under
no circumstances should this connector be connected to the J4 connector on the main 0801509D circuit board.

Valeport Ltd © 2019
Trouble Shooting
Page 15
5. Trouble Shooting
The following table is designed to assist the user with problems commonly experienced while using the
instrument.
Symptom
Probable Cause
Remedy
No output
Incorrect comm port selected
on PC
Check comm port choice in HyperTerminal or
ROVLog
Incorrect output format
selected
Check that instrument is set to RS232 or RS485
output, as required.
Insufficient power
If running on external power, voltage too low
or external supply current limiting at switch on.
Incorrectly fitted cable
Check connections and try again.
Illegible characters
Incorrect baud rate
In RS232 mode, check instrument baud rate
and HyperTerminal or ROVLog baud rate
In RS485 mode, check instrument baud rate,
HyperTerminal or ROVLog baud rate, and KK
systems RS485 adaptor baud rates.
Spurious Readings:
Proximity of sensor to
interfering sources
Check location
Growth on sensor
Clean sensor head at regular intervals.
Most faults are due to:
1. Incorrect communications settings.
2. Incorrectly connected leads.
3. Low battery power, low external voltage, current limit on external supply.
If in any doubt about the performance of the unit, please contact the factory at the address shown on the
front page of this manual.

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0803805i - Model 803 ECM
Page 16
6. Maintenance
6.1. Cleaning
The EM sensor calibration will be affected by large amounts of marine growth as the water flow characteristics
will be altered, so it advisable to periodically clean the sensor.
The sensing electrodes should not be covered in grease or any form of insulating substance.
6.2. Seal Sizes
Underwater Housing
End Cap, sensor end
2x O-Ring 200-143-4470
End Cap, sensor end
2x Anti-Extrusion Ring BS143
End Cap, connector end
2x O-Ring 200-143-4470
End Cap, connector end
2x Anti-Extrusion Ring BS143
SubConn Connector
2x O-ring 200-121-4470

Valeport Ltd © 2019
Appendix 1 - Electrical Connections
Page 17
7. Appendix 1 - Electrical Connections
7.1. RS232 Communications Lead
SubConn Cable
Analogue Signal
(Sockets in cable box)
Power In
(Banana Pins
RS232
9 way D type
Pin
Function
Pin
Colour
Pin
Pin
1
+ve Supply
Brown /
Red
Red plug
2
Analogue X
X
3
Analogue Ground
X & Y
4
0v supply
Blue /
Black
Black
Plug
5
Analogue Y
Y
6
RS232 ground
5 (link to 1,6,8,9)
7
RS232 out of unit
2
8
RS232 into unit
3
7.2. RS485 Communications Lead
SubConn Cable
Analogue Signal
(Sockets in cable box)
Power In
(Banana Pins)
RS232
9 way D type
Pin
Function
Pin
Pin
Function
Pin
1
+ve Supply
Red plug
2
Analogue X
X
3
Analogue Gnd
X & Y
4
0v supply
Black Plug
5
Analogue Y
6
RS485B
RS232 Out of unit
2
7
RS485 Gnd
RS232 Gnd
5 (link to
1,6,8,9)
8
RS485A
RS232 Into Unit
3
Note that there is no accepted standard for the orientation of RS485 A and B functions. The system will
work with the communications lead provided, but if the user is fitting a pigtail and operating the unit via
an independent RS485 system, it may be necessary to swap the RS485 A and B connections to
communicate successfully.

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0803805i - Model 803 ECM
Page 18
7.3. RS232 Communications Lead with 4-20mA
Analogue Output
MCIL10F SubConn Cable
Analogue Signal
(Sockets in cable
box)
Power In
(Banana Plugs)
RS232
9 way D
type
Pin
Function
Pin
Pin
Pin
1
0v Supply
Black plug
2
+ ve supply
Red plug
3
Analogue X +ve
4mm socket Red X
Right
4
Analogue X -ve
4mm socket Red X
Right
5
Analogue Y +ve
4mm socket Red Y
left
6
Analogue Y -ve
4mm socket Black Y
left
7
RS232 out of unit
2
8
RS232 into unit
3
9
RS232 ground
5 (link to
1,6,8,9)
10
No connection
7.4. RS232 Communications Lead with 4-20mA
Analogue Output Pigtail
SubConn Cable
Blue 10 core
Pin
Function
Pin
1
0v Supply
1
2
+ ve supply
2
3
Analogue X +ve
3
4
Analogue X -ve
4
5
Analogue Y +ve
5
6
Analogue Y -ve
6
7
RS232 out of unit
7
8
RS232 into unit
8
9
RS232 ground
9
10
No connection
10

Valeport Ltd © 2019
Appendix 2 - Filter Characteristics
Page 19
8. Appendix 2 - Filter Characteristics
8.1. 801/802/803 Digital Filter Characteristics -
Attenuation dB
8.2. 801/802/803 Digital Filter Characteristics - Signal
Ratio

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0803805i - Model 803 ECM
Page 20