Valeport miniSERIES Series User manual

miniSERIES Operating Manual
miniCTD, miniSVP & miniTIDE
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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
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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.
0660880d
May 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
.................................................................................................................................... 51.1. CE Marking -Standard Equipment
.................................................................................................................................... 61.2. CE Marking -Bluetooth Equipment
..................................................................................................................................... 82. Introduction
..................................................................................................................................... 93. Specifications
.................................................................................................................................... 93.1. Dimensions
.................................................................................................................................... 93.2. Connections
.................................................................................................................................... 103.3. Power
.................................................................................................................................... 103.4. Acoustic Frequency(miniSVP)
.................................................................................................................................... 103.5. Memory
.................................................................................................................................... 103.6. Output
.................................................................................................................................... 103.7. Operating Modes
.................................................................................................................................... 113.8. Performance
..................................................................................................................................... 124. Data Requests and Output Formats
.................................................................................................................................... 124.1. Stop Command
.................................................................................................................................... 124.2. Baud Rates
.................................................................................................................................... 124.3. Run Commands (miniSVP & miniCTD only)
.................................................................................................................................... 134.4. Run Commands(miniTIDE only)
.................................................................................................................................... 134.5. Pressure Units
.................................................................................................................................... 134.6. Pressure Tare
.................................................................................................................................... 134.7. Site Information
.................................................................................................................................... 144.8. Instrument Information
.................................................................................................................................... 144.9. Logger Control
.................................................................................................................................... 144.10. Data Formats
..................................................................................................................................... 165. Deployment
.................................................................................................................................... 165.1. Cage.................................................................................................................................... 175.2. Clamp
..................................................................................................................................... 186. Battery Life
.................................................................................................................................... 186.1. miniSVP & miniCTD
.................................................................................................................................... 18
6.1.1 Operation with Bluetooth
.................................................................................................................................... 186.2. miniTIDE
.................................................................................................................................... 196.3. Changing Batteries

Table of Contents
Page 3 © 2019 Valeport Ltd
..................................................................................................................................... 207. Optional Bluetooth Logger
.................................................................................................................................... 207.1. Bluetooth miniLogger Pack
.................................................................................................................................... 217.2. USB Bluetooth Receiver
..................................................................................................................................... 228. Care and Maintenance
.................................................................................................................................... 228.1. SubConn Care
.................................................................................................................................... 228.2. Greasing and mating above water (drymate)
..................................................................................................................................... 239. O Rings
..................................................................................................................................... 2410. Wiring Information
.................................................................................................................................... 2410.1. Instrument Connector
.................................................................................................................................... 2510.2. Switch Plug
.................................................................................................................................... 2510.3. 3m Y Lead (RS232)

© 2019 Valeport Ltd
0660880d - miniCTD, miniSVP and miniTIDE
Page 4
1. EU Declaration of Conformity - CE Marking
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
EU Declaration of Conformity- CE Marking
Page 5
1.1. CE Marking - Standard Equipment

© 2019 Valeport Ltd
0660880d - miniCTD, miniSVP and miniTIDE
Page 6
1.2. CE Marking - Bluetooth Equipment

© 2019 Valeport Ltd
EU Declaration of Conformity- CE Marking
Page 7

© 2019 Valeport Ltd
0660880d - miniCTD, miniSVP and miniTIDE
Page 8
2. Introduction
This manual covers the basic specifications, deployment and maintenance procedures for the following products:
·miniSVP Sound Velocity Profiler
·miniCTD CTD Profiler
·miniTIDE Underwater Tide Gauge / Level Recorder
These products have been designed to operate with Valeport’s DataLog software; details of this software are given
in a separate manual. The instruments can also be controlled by sending commands directly, using a suitable
terminal emulation program such as HyperTerminal.
The instruments are based on Valeport’s existing “mini” sensor range, with the addition of an internal battery and
logging facility to allow autonomous self recording operation, as well as additional operating modes to suit profiling
and moored applications.
Each product in the range is available in either 500m rated Acetal or 6000m rated titanium housing. This manual
highlights where this may result in specification variations, but the housing material has no effect on instrument
function or operation. Where illustrations show plastic housing, it may be taken that the instructions apply equally
to a titanium housing, and vice-verse.
The products have been designed to be simple to use and maintain, as well as being small and lightweight for
easy handling and deployment. Overall, they represent a very cost effective method of data collection for
applications where the sophistication of Valeport's larger instruments is not required.
If the equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer the protection provided by the equipment
may be impaired.
The safety of any system incorporating the equipment is the responsibility of the assembler of the system.

© 2019 Valeport Ltd
Specifications
Page 9
3. Specifications
The operational limits for the miniSERIES are:
3.1. Dimensions
Housing Ø
Sensor Bulkhead
Ø
Overall Length
Weight (Acetal)
Weight (Titanium)
miniSVP
48mm
54mm
435mm
0.8kg
1.6kg
miniCTD
48mm
54mm
370mm
1.0kg
1.8kg
miniTIDE
48mm
48mm
270mm
0.7kg
1.4kg
3.2. Connections
SubConn type MCBH10F (titanium on titanium housings, brass on Acetal housings). Wiring Information is in Section
6.
Materials:
Part
mini
SVP
mini
CTD
mini
TIDE
Material
Main housing
·
·
·
Titanium (6000m) or Acetal (500m)
Sensor bulkhead
·
·
·
Titanium (6000m) or Acetal (500m)
Space Rods
·
Carbon Composite
Acoustic Reflector
·
Titanium
SV Transducer
·
Ceramic transducer behind polycarbonate window.
Conductivity Sensor (6000m)
·
Titanium structure, polyurethane coating, ceramic core
Conductivity Sensor (500m)
·
Acetal structure, ceramic core
Pressure Transducer
·
·
·
Stainless steel diaphragm with Acetal protective cover.
Temperature sensor
·
·
PRT in titanium housing with polyurethane backing.

© 2019 Valeport Ltd
0660880d - miniCTD, miniSVP and miniTIDE
Page 10
3.3. Power
External
9 – 28V DC input
NB: battery should still be fitted even if external power is being used, to maintain clock
function
miniSVP / miniCTD
<250mW (20mA @12v)
miniTIDE
<200mW when sampling (16mA @12v)
Internal
Single “C” cell, either 1.5v alkaline or 3.6v Lithium
miniSVP / miniCTD
30 hours operation (alkaline)/90 hours operation (Lithium)
miniTIDE
38 days @ 40 sec / 10 min sampling (alkaline)
67 days @ 40 sec / 10 min sampling (Lithium)
3.4. Acoustic Frequency (miniSVP)
Single sound pulse of 2.5MHz frequency.
3.5. Memory
Each instrument is fitted with SD memory cards. This provides more than sufficient capacity for the operational life
of the battery pack.
3.6. Output
Units are fitted with both RS232 and half-duplex RS485 communications as standard, selected by pin choice on the
output connector. Protocol is 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity, no flow control.
Baud rate is factory set to 115200. User may choose between 38400, 57600, 115200.
fast data rates may not be possible with low baud rates
3.7. Operating Modes
miniSVP
Continuous output at 1, 2, 4 or 8Hz
Profiling mode, every n.nn dBar, where n.nn is user defined
miniCTD
Continuous output at 1, 2, 4 or 8Hz
Profiling mode, every n.nn dBar, where n.nn is user defined
miniTIDE
Continuous output at 1 or 2Hz
Burst mode, using a choice of pre-defined patterns

© 2019 Valeport Ltd
Specifications
Page 11
3.8. Performance
Sensor
miniSVP
miniCTD
miniTIDE
Sound Velocity
Range
1400 – 1600m/s
Accuracy
±0.02m/s
Resolution
0.001m/s
Conductivity
Range
0 – 80mS/cm
Accuracy
±0.01mS/cm
Resolution
0.001mS/cm
Pressure (Bar)
Range
10, 50, 100, 300, 600
10, 50, 100, 300, 600
10, 30, 100, 300, 600
Accuracy
±0.05% range
±0.05% range
±0.01% range
Resolution
0.001% range
0.001% range
0.001% range
Temperature
Range
-5 to +35°C
-5 to +35°C
Accuracy
±0.01°C
±0.01°C
Resolution
0.001°C
0.001°C
Certain features of the sensors used in the “mini” range are designed specifically to enable high quality data to be
delivered:
Sound Velocity (miniSVP)
Carbon Composite Rods:
The carbon composite material used for the sensor spacer rods has been specifically
selected to provide 3 features:
a) Excellent corrosion resistance
b) Very high strength
c) Virtually zero coefficient of thermal expansion
This last point is particularly important; accurate sound velocity measurement relies
on measuring the time taken for a pulse of sound to travel a known distance. The
material selected does not measurably expand over the operating temperatures of
the instrument, ensuring the highest possible accuracy at all times.
Digital Sampling
Technique:
Enables a timing resolution of 1/100th of a nanosecond, equivalent to about
0.5mm/sec speed of sound on a 25mm path sensor, or 0.125mm/sec on a 100mm
sensor. In practice, the output is restricted to 1mm/sec resolution.
Linear sensor performance allows easy calibration.
Conductivity (miniCTD)
Construction Materials:
The materials used in the Valeport Conductivity sensor have been specially chosen
to resist compression at high pressure, This unique approach ensures that it performs
within specification under even the harshest of field conditions.
Digital Sampling
Technique:
A new digital sampling technique allows the Valeport conductivity sensor to operate
with significantly less noise and greater long term stability than traditional inductive
cells.
Pressure (miniTIDE)
Temperature
Compensation:
A new temperature compensated piezo-resistive pressure sensor allows performance
levels traditionally associated with costly resonant crystal sensors.

© 2019 Valeport Ltd
0660880d - miniCTD, miniSVP and miniTIDE
Page 12
4. Data Requests and Output Formats
The “mini” range of products described in this manual is designed to be used with Valeport’s DataLog software.
However, the instruments respond to a series of text commands that are detailed here, for those users who wish to
interface the products to other systems. Note that this list is not comprehensive, but will allow the standard
functions of the instrument to be accessed. For more detailed information, please contact Valeport Ltd.
Notes
·All commands must be confirmed using “Carriage Return” or “Enter” on the keyboard, with the exception of
the “Stop” command (#).
·All commands are echoed back by the instrument as they are typed.
4.1. Stop Command
The instrument can be stopped at any time by sending the ‘#’ character. The instrument returns a ‘>’, and waits
for a further command.
4.2. Baud Rates
#059;{baud_rate};1 Sets the units baud rate. Options are: 38400, 57600, 115200
e.g. #059;115200
4.3. Run Commands (miniSVP & miniCTD only)
S
Performs Single measurement
M1
Performs continuous measurement at 1Hz
M2
Performs continuous measurement at 2Hz
M4
Performs continuous measurement at 4Hz
M8
Performs continuous measurement at 8Hz
M
Performs continuous measurements at previously used rate
Pn.nn
Performs profile at a depth increment of n.nn, as set by the operator, in the current
profiling units (see command #018)
e.g.: P0.25 takes a reading every 0.25 dBar, metres or feet as appropriate

© 2019 Valeport Ltd
Data Requests and Output Formats
Page 13
4.4. Run Commands (miniTIDE only)
M1
Performs continuous measurement at 1Hz
M2
Performs continuous measurement at 2Hz
M
Performs continuous measurements at previously used rate
B1
Burst sampling pattern of 30 seconds / 1 minute
B2
Burst sampling pattern of 40 seconds / 5 minutes
B3
Burst sampling pattern of 40 seconds / 10 minutes
B4
Burst sampling pattern of 40 seconds / 15 minutes
B5
Burst sampling pattern of 60 seconds / 30 minutes
4.5. Pressure Units
#018;0
Pressure is output in dBar
#018;1
Pressure is output in metres, calculated using simplified UNESCO formula
#018;2
Pressure is output in feet, calculated using simplified UNESCO formula
4.6. Pressure Tare
#009;
Takes a single reading of the pressure sensor and uses the measured value as a Tare
(note the ‘;’ in the command)
#009;nn
Sets the Pressure Tare to ‘nn’, a user specified value (entered in the chosen units as set
with command #018)
e.g: #009;10.3
sets Pressure Tare to 10.3 dBar metres or feet.
#010
Instrument responds with current Tare value
4.7. Site Information
#037;info
Each data file may contain up to 58 characters of information about the deployment.
Each file will use the same information until it is updated.
#038
Instrument responds with current site information
#016;lat
Sets the instrument deployment latitude in decimal degrees, for use in pressure / depth
conversion algorithm

© 2019 Valeport Ltd
0660880d - miniCTD, miniSVP and miniTIDE
Page 14
4.8. Instrument Information
#032
Instrument responds with its software version number
#034
Instrument responds with its serial number
#138
Instrument responds with date of last calibration
4.9. Logger Control
$DIR
Outputs file table (list of data files)
$CLR
Clears memory (use with caution!)
$OCLK
Reads Current Date & Time
$ICLK;DD;MM;CC;YY;HH;MM;SS
Sets Date & Time
e.g.: $ICLK;03;02;20;08;14;30;00
sets clock to 14:30:00 on 3rd February 2008
$DEL;filename
Deletes specific file e.g.: $DEL;File1
$EXTT;filename
Performs simple text output data contained in specific file
$EXTZ;filename
Performs Zmodem extraction of data contained in specific file
$RN;filename;newfilename
Renames a file e.g.: $RN;File1;MyData
$FREE
Outputs amount of free memory
$VOLT
Reads internal and external voltage levels
4.10. Data Formats
Each time the instrument is turned on (or a new file started in Burst mode on the miniTIDE), it will output a file
header in the following format. Each logged file therefore contains this header information.
Now: 19/02/2008 14:55:00
The current date and time
Battery Level: 1.4V
Internal battery level (guide only)
MiniTide: S/N 27838
Instrument Type and Serial Number
Site info: VALEPORT TEST SITE
Site information
Calibrated: 14/01/2008
Date of last calibration
Latitude: 52.999286
Latitude for Pressure / Depth conversion
Mode: B1
Current operating mode
Tare: 0
Current Pressure Tare value
Pressure units: dBar
Current Pressure Units (dBar, metres or feet)
Logged and real time data follow the same formats, described below.
miniSVP example
10.351
21.488
1506.739
miniCTD example
10.128
19.786
46.554
miniTIDE example
0012.345

© 2019 Valeport Ltd
Data Requests and Output Formats
Page 15
·The data separator is a tab (this may be altered if required).
·Data is presented in the order: Pressure, Temperature, SV / Conductivity
·For the miniSVP and miniCTD, pressure data format is dependent on sensor range, and may be any of the
following. Leading zeroes are included, so it is a fixed length string:
-PPPP.P (e.g. 0123.4 dBar)
-PPP.PP (e.g. 012.34 dBar)
-PP.PPP (e.g. 12.345 dBar)
·For the miniTIDE, pressure data is a fixed length string, 3 decimal places, including leading zeroes.
·The temperature data (miniSVP & miniCTD) is given to 3 decimal places. Value is in °C and leading zeroes are
included; signed if negative:
-21.456
-02.769
--01.174
·Sound Velocity (miniSVP) is given in m/s, as a fixed length string with 3 decimal places. In air, the sensor reads
0000.000
·Conductivity (miniCTD) is given in mS/cm, as a fixed length string with 3 decimal places, and leading zeroes if
appropriate.

© 2019 Valeport Ltd
0660880d - miniCTD, miniSVP and miniTIDE
Page 16
5. Deployment
The mini product range is supplied as standard installed in the deployment cage. The choice of deployment frame
will affect the conductivity readings of the MiniCTD. The nature of inductive conductivity cells means that objects
that interact with the cells inductive field will affect the conductivity readings. For this reason MiniCTD’s are factory
calibrated in the standard cage.
If the MiniCTD is to be deployed without the cage, the conductivity readings will be affected. To compensate
for this an adjustment will have to be made to the calibration parameters. Contact Valeport for further details.
5.1. Cage
The deployment cage is a rugged deployment method, providing physical protection to the instrument. The cage
is supplied with a wire strop which should be attached to the cage at the end nearest the instrument connector.
This strop should be fixed to the end of the deployment wire or rope. Shackles are provided for the end of the
cage nearest the sensors, should additional weight be required to aid deployment.
If the instrument is removed from the deployment cage for any reason, it should be reinstalled securely, taking
note of the alignment markings on the housing (see photo) and polypropylene clamp.

© 2019 Valeport Ltd
Deployment
Page 17
5.2. Clamp
The clamp system is primarily designed for hand deployment use from small vessels. It should be fitted around the
main tube of the instrument, at a point that allows the instrument to balance horizontally. The clamp features
fixing points for the deployment wire or rope, and also for a small weight to be added below the instrument, to
alleviate streaming.
Whichever deployment system is used, it is important to note that if the data is being monitored in real time
via a Valeport signal cable, the SubConn connector system is not designed to be weight bearing. Suspend the
instrument either from the dedicated eye in the cable, or from a separate strain wire. Do not allow the weight
of the instrument to be taken through the connector itself.

© 2019 Valeport Ltd
0660880d - miniCTD, miniSVP and miniTIDE
Page 18
6. Battery Life
6.1. miniSVP & miniCTD
The units draw power continuously whilst running. Battery life is calculated as follows:
Alkaline cells have a nominal capacity of 6000mAh.
We assume 77% efficiency, giving a usable life of 4620mAh.
With a 1.5v alkaline C cell, the current drain is 120mA.
4620mAh / 120mA = 38½ hours
Lithium cells have a nominal capacity of 7700mAh.
We assume 66% efficiency, giving a usable life of 5082mAh.
With a 3.6v lithium C cell, the current drain is 50mA.
5082mAh / 50mA = 101 hours (approximately)
6.1.1. Operation with Bluetooth
Using a standard C-cell battery, the MiniSVP/CTD fitted with a Bluetooth logger should have an endurance of
approximately 12 hours continuous operation. Once enabled (mag key removed) the Bluetooth unit is in
continuous transmit mode, even underwater.
6.2. miniTIDE
In continuous output mode, the instrument draws power continuously whilst running:
Alkaline cells have a nominal capacity of 6000mAh.
We assume 77% efficiency, giving a usable life of 4620mAh.
With a 1.5v alkaline C cell, the current drain is 62mA.
4620mAh / 62mA = 74½ hours
Lithium cells have a nominal capacity of 7700mAh.
We assume 66% efficiency, giving a usable life of 5082mAh.
With a 3.6v alkaline C cell, the current drain is 24mA.
5082mAh / 24mA = 212 hours (approximately)
In Burst mode, the unit cycles between ‘Run’ and ‘Sleep’ modes, making calculations more complex. The table
summarises the battery life in each of the preset patterns:
Mode
Pattern
Alkaline
Lithium
B1
30 seconds per 1 minute
6 days
17 days
B2
40 seconds per 5 minutes
21 days
46 days
B3
40 seconds per 10 minutes
38 days
67 days
B4
40 seconds per 15 minutes
52 days
80 days
B5
60 seconds per 30 minutes
64 days
87 days
Note that 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.

© 2019 Valeport Ltd
Battery Life
Page 19
6.3. Changing Batteries
Changing batteries in the mini range of products is very simple process, which may be completed in under a
minute. Note that all data is saved in non-volatile Flash memory, so data is secure during the battery change
process.
The system clock does require battery power in order to maintain the current date and time settings, but the
instrument is fitted with a capacitor system to maintain a supply to the clock for a period of not less than 20
minutes after the removal of the battery. This should be more than sufficient to allow the battery to be changed.
In the event that clock settings are lost during battery change, or after an extended period of storage with no
battery fitted, then please use DataLog x2 software or the # codes defined in Section 3.9 to reset the clock.
·Disconnect any external connections, including the switch plug, from the instrument’s SubConn connector.
·Loosen the Acetal lock ring at the top of the instrument housing – this should be achievable by hand.
·Pull the logger pack from the top of the instrument.
·Replace the single C cell in the instrument; note that the cell should be inserted with the positive end upwards.
Although it is possible to insert the battery incorrectly, it will not make contact.
·Check the o-ring on the logger pack for damage and debris. Clean it and smear lightly with silicon grease.
·Replace the logger pack, rotating slowly until the location pins align. Push the logger pack home.
·Replace the Acetal lock ring – hand tight is sufficient.
Note that for planned periods of extended storage, the battery should be removed from the instrument to
prevent accidental leakage.

© 2019 Valeport Ltd
0660880d - miniCTD, miniSVP and miniTIDE
Page 20
7. Optional Bluetooth Logger
7.1. Bluetooth miniLogger Pack
The Bluetooth miniLogger pack has been designed as a direct replacement for the standard SubConn miniLogger
pack.
The Bluetooth miniLogger is rated to 2000m and is secured using the same lock ring as used by the standard
logger pack.
On first installation, it will require 2 minutes initialise, during this period the magnetic switch key should be
removed.
After this period of initialisation the switch key can be used to turn the instrument on and off in the same manner
as the SubConn switch cap is used on the standard logger pack. Every time the switch is removed, the instrument
will start a new file.
Using a standard C-cell battery, the MiniSVP/CTD fitted with a Bluetooth logger should have an endurance of
~12 hours continuous operation.