Valeport va500 User manual

VA500 Altimeter Operating Manual
Document ID
MANUAL-1969127270-2 | issue: 1.3
Date:
January 2022
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.
© 2022 Valeport Ltd
Valeport Ltd
St Peter's Quay
Totnes TQ9 5EW
United Kingdom
Phone:
email:
Web:
[phone]
[email protected]
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
©2022 –Valeport Ltd
Page | b
Contents
1 Introduction..................................................................................................................................1
2 Specifications ..............................................................................................................................2
2.1 Acoustic........................................................................................................................................... 2
2.1.1 Acoustic Footprint.................................................................................................................. 2
2.2 Pressure.......................................................................................................................................... 2
2.3 Data Acquisition.............................................................................................................................. 2
2.4 Communications ............................................................................................................................. 3
2.5 Power Requirements....................................................................................................................... 3
3 Physical Characteristics..............................................................................................................4
3.1 Dimensions ..................................................................................................................................... 4
3.1.1 Standard VA500 Altimeter ..................................................................................................... 4
3.1.2 VA500 Altimeter with 90° Transducer.................................................................................... 5
4 Configuration and Operation.......................................................................................................6
4.1 Using the Configuration Wizard....................................................................................................... 6
4.2 Manually Configuring the Unit......................................................................................................... 9
4.3 Instrument Settings......................................................................................................................... 9
4.4 Range Settings.............................................................................................................................. 10
4.5 Communications Settings.............................................................................................................. 11
4.6 Sampling Regime.......................................................................................................................... 12
4.7 Output Format............................................................................................................................... 12
4.8 Pressure Settings.......................................................................................................................... 13
4.9 Appended DigiQuartz Data String (VA500P)................................................................................. 13
5 Output Data String Formats......................................................................................................14
5.1 Valeport NMEA Data String ($PRVAT) ......................................................................................... 14
5.2 $SDDBT Data String..................................................................................................................... 14
5.3 Tritech Data String........................................................................................................................ 14
5.4 Benthos Data String...................................................................................................................... 15
5.5 Appended DigiQuartz Data String (VP500P)................................................................................. 15
6 Care and Maintenance..............................................................................................................16
6.1 Connector Care............................................................................................................................. 16
7 Wiring Information.....................................................................................................................17
7.1 SubConn MCBH10F ..................................................................................................................... 17
7.1.1 Extended Y Lead - Power/232 Comms / Analogue.............................................................. 17
7.2 Non Standard Instrument Connectors........................................................................................... 18
7.2.1 6 Way Impulse MCBH 6 MP Pinout..................................................................................... 18
7.2.2 Test Lead with 6 way Female Impulse Connector ............................................................... 18
7.2.3 6 Way XSG-6-BCL Pinout.................................................................................................... 18
7.2.4 Test Lead with 6 Way Female RMG-6-FS Connector.......................................................... 19
7.2.5 6 Way MCBH6M SubConn Pinout....................................................................................... 19
7.2.6 Test Lead for 6 way SubConn MCIL6F Connector .............................................................. 19
8 Customer Specific Configurations.............................................................................................20
8.1 Seacon Connector ........................................................................................................................ 20
8.1.1 Physical Characteristics....................................................................................................... 20
8.1.2 Dimensions.......................................................................................................................... 20
8.1.3 SEACON 1508 Pin Out........................................................................................................ 21
9 Declarations of Conformity........................................................................................................22
9.1 EU Declaration of Conformity - CE Marking.................................................................................. 22
9.2 UK Declaration of Conformity - UKCA Marking............................................................................. 23

VA500 Altimeter Operating Manual
MANUAL-1969127270-2 | issue: 1.3
Page | 1
© 2022 –Valeport Ltd
1 Introduction
The VA500 altimeter has been designed with the objective of providing an accurate, reliable and
robust measurement of range from surface and underwater platforms. State of the art signal
processing offers unrivalled range and performance from a 500kHz transducer.
•millimetre precision
•0.1m –100m range
•RS232 and RS485 serial outputs
•0-5V & 0-10V analogue outputs
•wide range power supply - 9 to 28 volts DC
•Low power - <125 mA @ 12V
all address the needs of the ROV, AUV and Hydrographic community in a compact and robust
package.
The option of integrating a high accuracy pressure sensor (0.01%), as used in the miniIPS,
provides full water column measurement offers an unbeatable package for your underwater
positioning requirements.

Section 2 | Specifications
© 2022 –Valeport Ltd
Page | 2
2 Specifications
2.1 Acoustic
State of the art signal processing technology provides stable, repeatable readings while allowing
the range to be extended to unrivalled distances for a 500kHz altimeter.
Type:
500 kHz broadband transducer
Range:
0.1m –100m
Resolution:
1mm
Beam Angle:
±3°
2.1.1 Acoustic Footprint
The acoustic beam angle of the VA500 is, for practical purposes ±3°.
The beam pattern is a cone extending from the face with that angle so the foot print diameter is
approximately 10% of the range as described in the table below:
Range(m)
Footprint Ø (m)
1
0.10
2
0.21
5
0.52
10
1.05
20
2.10
50
5.24
100
10.48
2.2 Pressure
The optional pressure sensor fitted to the Altimeter is a temperature compensated piezo-resistive
sensor, which delivers the performance previously only available from a resonant quartz sensor at
a more cost-effective price.
Type:
Temperature compensated piezo-resistive
Range:
10, 30, 100, 300 or 600 Bar
Accuracy:
±0.01% FS
Resolution:
0.001% FS
2.3 Data Acquisition
Sampling:
Continuous or data on demand (by serial command/TTL trigger).
Data Rate:
1, 2 or 4 Hz

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Page | 3
© 2022 –Valeport Ltd
2.4 Communications
Digital Output:
RS232 & RS485 fitted as standard
Protocol:
4800 to 115200 baud, (8,1,N)
Formats:
Valeport NMEA / Tritech / Kongsberg / $SDDBT / NMEA
Analogue output:
0-5/0-10 V fitted as standard
RS485 is enabled by grounding pin 9 to pin 5 in the communications lead
see Wiring Information
2.5 Power Requirements
Input:
9 - 28 volts DC (isolated power supply)
Power:
<125 mA @ 12V

Section 3 | Physical Characteristics
© 2022 –Valeport Ltd
Page | 4
3 Physical Characteristics
Housing:
Titanium (6000m rated)
Size:
48mm max Ø
43mm main body Ø
215mm length (including connector)
248mm length with pressure module fitted
Weight:
0.95 kg (air)/ ~0.7 kg (in water)
Connector:
SubConn MCBH10F (titanium)
3.1 Dimensions
3.1.1 Standard VA500 Altimeter

VA500 Altimeter Operating Manual
MANUAL-1969127270-2 | issue: 1.3
Page | 5
© 2022 –Valeport Ltd
3.1.2 VA500 Altimeter with 90° Transducer

Section 4 | Configuration and Operation
© 2022 –Valeport Ltd
Page | 6
4 Configuration and Operation
The VA500 is supplied with a Valeport DataLog x2 and Terminal x2, setup and terminal
communications program and configuration tools designed specifically for use with Valeport
instruments.
Install the program by opening the install package supplied (or download from
https://valeport.download) and follow the on-screen instructions. Once installed, launch the
terminal program
4.1 Using the Configuration Wizard
Valeport Terminal can be used to manually connect and
configure the VA500 or can be used in the configuration
wizard mode.
Click on the configure button to launch the wizard.
Select the COM port the VA500 is connected to.
The wizard is configured with the default settings of the
unit but can be altered if the unit has been modified.
Default ASCII settings are pre-configured and should not
need changing.

VA500 Altimeter Operating Manual
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Page | 7
© 2022 –Valeport Ltd
Select the VA500 altimeter from the drop down list.
Select the Read Configuration from the instrument to
determine current settings
Or
Open previously saved configuration file to load a
predefined setup.
The first wizard screen will give information about the
instrument. These are settings that are set at the factory.
The next page defines:
Communications settings.
Analogue mode and limits.(See wiring schedule in
section 6 for analogue outputs)
Analogue range can be 0-5V or 0-10V
Analogue limit is the distance that equates to full scale
voltage output.
Serial Data format (see data format section for definition
of formats)
The next page defines:
Output units, can be seconds, metres, feet or fathoms.
Minimum range allows fixed returns close to the VA500
to be filtered out.
Maximum range allows filtering of spiking in noisy
environments or in the presence of multiple echoes.
Sound speed is set to 1500m/s. To improve accuracy
then the local sound speed should be measured and
applied here.
Error is the value returned when no echo is detected or it
is outside the minimum and maximum ranges defined.

Section 4 | Configuration and Operation
© 2022 –Valeport Ltd
Page | 8
If the Altimeter is fitted with the optional pressure sensor,
this can be configured here.
Units can be dBar, metres or feet.
Tare allows the pressure sensor to be zeroed to
atmospheric pressure.
Latitude is used in the conversion from pressure to
depth.
Continuous output rates can be 1,2 or 4 Hz
Alternatively the VA500 can be triggered with a serial
command (S followed by a carriage return) or via TTL
(see wiring schedule in section 6)
Once configuration is complete, the wizard will
summarise the commands to be sent to the instrument.
The configuration can also be saved to file for later use
or reference.
If the Run mode check box is ticked the instrument will
start outputting data into the terminal window behind
once the configuration is complete.

VA500 Altimeter Operating Manual
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Page | 9
© 2022 –Valeport Ltd
4.2 Manually Configuring the Unit
Alternatively, the VA500 Altimeter can be manually configured via serial communications using a
series of # code commands. This can be Valeport’s Terminal x2 or an alternative terminal program
such as HyperTerminal.
Valeport Terminal is preconfigured with the required settings, but for reference the settings
required to communicate with the VA500 are:
Baud Rate:
115200 (can be set to 9600 to 115200)
Data Bits:
8
Parity:
none
Stop Bits:
1
Flow Control:
none
Send line ends with line feed
The unit can be stopped at any time by sending the ‘#’ character. The unit returns a ‘>’, and waits
for a further command. The unit can then be interrogated or configured using the following codes.
All commands must be “sent” by pressing the Enter (carriage return) key, with the exception of
the single ‘#’ character required to enter setup mode
Note that there is a “watchdog” function in operation –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.
4.3 Instrument Settings
# code
Followed By:
Operation
#032
<CR>
Returns the software version number.
#034
<CR>
Returns the units serial number
#136
<CR>
Read PCB serial number
#138
<CR>
Send calibration date
#839
<CR>
Reads the transducer frequency

Section 4 | Configuration and Operation
© 2022 –Valeport Ltd
Page | 10
4.4 Range Settings
The VA500 has a standard operational range of 0.1m to 100m. If required this can be restricted
with the setting of a minimum range and maximum range.
minimum and maximum ranges are set in metres regardless of the units programmed by setting
#021
The default setting for sound speed used to calculate range is 1500 m/s
# code
Followed By:
Operation
#021
;Range_units
Set to either
0 –Seconds
1 –Metres
2 –Feet
3 –Fathoms
#022
<CR>
Read range units set above
#118
;0 or 1 or 2<CR>
Set Altimeter Error output message
Where 0=zero (0.000), 1=-999, 2=NR
#119
<CR>
Reads Altimeter Error output message
#823
;maximum range<CR>
set the maximum range that is considered
when processing data (acoustic returns beyond
maximum range are ignored)
#824
<CR>
Reads maximum range
#840
;minimum range<CR>
set the minimum range that is considered when
processing data (acoustic returns before
minimum range are ignored)
#841
<CR>
Reads minimum range
#830
; Value, <CR>
Variable to change the Speed of Sound ms-1
#831
<CR>
Reads the sound speed

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Page | 11
© 2022 –Valeport Ltd
4.5 Communications Settings
The full-scale DAC range is set in metres regardless of the units programmed by setting #021
# code
Followed By:
Operation
#059
;baud_rate<CR>
Sets the units baud rate
2400,4800,9600,19200,38400,
57600,115200
RS485 is enabled by grounding a pin in the communications lead -
see Wiring Information
#001
;ALTIMETER_address<CR>
Sets the 485 address
#002
<CR>
Returns the address
#005
;ON<CR> or ;OFF<CR>
Turns ON or OFF address mode
#006
<CR>
Returns ON or OFF for address mode
Analogue Settings:
#094
;analogue_range<CR>
Sets the analogue output voltage range
0 –0 –5V
1 –0 –10V
#095
<CR>
Reads analogue output voltage range
set above
#096
;counts<CR>
Analogue output test.
#097
;Analogue range limit<CR>
Sets the range equivalent to full scale
DAC output
#098
<CR>
Reads the range equivalent to full scale
DAC output

Section 4 | Configuration and Operation
© 2022 –Valeport Ltd
Page | 12
4.6 Sampling Regime
# code
Followed By:
Operation
S
<CR>
Performs Single measurement
M
rate<CR>
Performs continuous measurement at set rate. If rate is
omitted then instrument performs continuous
measurements at previous rate.
1,2, or 4 Hz
#039
;ModeValue<CR>
Set mode without putting unit into run mode
Where
Mode = M
Value = 1,2 or 4 for Normal mode (M)
Mode = S for serial trigger single shot measurement
Mode = T for TTL trigger measurement
#040
<CR>
Read operating mode.
#028
<CR>
Puts unit into run mode
4.7 Output Format
See section 4 for detailed description of output formats
# code
Followed By:
Operation
#089
<CR>
Reads current output format
#082
;SDDBT<CR>
;TRITEC<CR>
;BENTHOS<CR>
;NMEA<CR>
Sets output format (see section on output strings)

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Page | 13
© 2022 –Valeport Ltd
4.8 Pressure Settings
The pressure sensor fitted to the VA500 measures absolute pressure, i.e. it includes atmospheric
pressure. The pressure tare function allows the atmospheric pressure (as measured by the sensor
before deployment) to be removed from the readings, so the output is simply pressure of water.
Note also that by taking a tare reading at any fixed point in the water column, readings will then be
output relative to that point.
# code
Followed By:
Operation
#009
;<CR> or ;VALUE<CR>
Sets the tare value in systems with pressure
fitted.
;<CR> = Makes device take a reading to use as
tare. ;VALUE<CR> = User entered value in units
as set by #018 command.
#010
<CR>
Returns the tare value
#011
;ON<CR> or ;OFF<CR>
Turns Tare function ON/OFF
#012
<CR>
Reads Tare mode
#016
;Latitude <CR>
Sets Latitude
#017
<CR>
Reads Latitude
#018
;Pressure units<CR>
Set to either
0 –dBar
1 –Metres
2 –Feet
#019
<CR>
Read pressure units
#083
;0 or 1 or 2 or 3
Setup the pressure output format
Where
0=not fitted, 1=PPPP.P, 2=PPP.PP, 3=PP.PPP
#084
<CR>
Returns the set pressure range
4.9 Appended DigiQuartz Data String (VA500P)
The VA500P can be configured to output an additional DigiQuartz type telegram appended to the
conventionally selected and configure telegram. This allows a separate pressure data telegram to
be broadcast to an INS, for example.
This DigiQuartz type telegram contains the instrument pressure reading in PSI, not corrected for
latitude and the tare NOT applied, i.e. PSIA.
In addition, the psia unit can be included in the telegram if required.
These commands are not part of DataLOG x2. You will need to use a Terminal program to
configure the telegram
See section Appended DigiQuartz Telegram (VP500P)
# Code
Followed By
Operation
#042
;0 or ;1
Enable\Disable DigiQuartz output telegram (appended to existing
output)
#043
<CR>
Read DigiQuartz output (on or off)
#044
;0 or ;1
Enable\Disable DigiQuartz units (psia) text appended to DigiQuartz
output telegram
#045
<CR>
Read DigiQuartz units (psia) text appended to DigiQuartz output
telegram (on or off)

Section 5 | Output Data String Formats
© 2022 –Valeport Ltd
Page | 14
5 Output Data String Formats
If the optional pressure sensor is fitted and enabled then the only data format that supports this is
the Valeport NMEA format. A number of other formats have been implemented to provide
compatibility with existing systems.
5.1 Valeport NMEA Data String ($PRVAT)
#082;NMEA<CR>
$PRVAT, xx.xxx,M, xxxx.xxx, dBar*hh<CR><LF>
Field Number:
1. Range from transducer
2. Units
3. Pressure
4. Units
5. Checksum
Example:
$PRVAT,00.115,M,0010.100,dBar*39
$PRVAT,00.116,M,0010.000,dBar*3d
5.2 $SDDBT Data String
#082;SDDBT<CR>
$SDDBT,x.x,f,x.x,M,x.x,F*hh<CR><LF
Sounder, Depth: Depth below transducer
Field Number:
1. Depth, feet
2. f = feet
3. Depth, meters
4. M = meters
5. Depth, Fathoms
6. F = Fathoms
7. Checksum
Example:
$SDDBT,0.4,f,0.1,M,0.1,F*02
$SDDBT,0.4,f,0.1,M,0.1,F*02
This format limits the resolution of the altimeter to 0.1m
5.3 Tritech Data String
#082;TRITEC<CR>
xx.xxxm<CR><LF>
Example:
00.126m
00.124m

VA500 Altimeter Operating Manual
MANUAL-1969127270-2 | issue: 1.3
Page | 15
© 2022 –Valeport Ltd
5.4 Benthos Data String
#082;BENTHOS<CR>
Rxx.xx<cr><lf>
where xx.xx can range from 0.10 to 99.99. If no echo was received the output
will be R99.99E<cr><lf>.
Example:
R00.13
R00.12
5.5 Appended DigiQuartz Data String (VP500P)
The VA500P can be configured to output an additional DigiQuartz type data string appended to the
conventionally selected and configure telegram. This allows a separate pressure data telegram to
be broadcast to an INS, for example.
This DigiQuartz type telegram contains the instrument pressure reading in PSI, not corrected for
latitude and the tare NOT applied, i.e. PSIA.
In addition, the psia unit can be included in the telegram if required. See section 4.9 for details on
how to configure the data telegram.
Without units:
*0001xx.xxx<CR><LF>
* = Start Character
00 = Destination ID (ID of Host - fixed)
01 = Source ID (ID of Device responding - fixed)
xx.xxx = Data –NO TARE applied (psia)
<CR><LF>
Telegram example:
Valeport NMEA telegram appended by the DigiQuartz type telegram (without psia units)
>#042;1 (enable DQ output)
>#028 (run)
$PRVAT,05.432,M,0010.076,dBar*39
*000114.614
With units:
*0001xx.xxxpsia<CR><LF>
* = Start Character
00 = Destination ID (ID of Host)
01 = Source ID (ID of Device responding)
xx.xxx = Data –NO TARE applied
psia = units
<CR><LF>
Telegram example:
Valeport NMEA telegram appended by the DigiQuartz type telegram (with psia units)
>#044;1 (enable units)
>#028(run)
$PRVAT,04.321,M,0010.084,dBar*34
*000114.626psia

Section 6 | Care and Maintenance
© 2022 –Valeport Ltd
Page | 16
6 Care and Maintenance
There are no user serviceable parts within the VA500. The VA500 is remarkably robust, being
primarily constructed of titanium. The only maintenance required, other than periodic recalibration
as necessary, is to keep the sensor as clean as possible.
After use, rinse all parts in fresh water removing any growth or debris as necessary, but take
exceptional care not to touch or damage the pressure diaphragm itself if fitted.
6.1 Connector Care
The following handling procedures should be adopted when using connectors:
•The connector should not be exposed to long term heat or sunshine.
•If this occurs, and the connectors are very dry, soak in fresh water before use.
•Ensure the connectors are lubricated - the recommended lubricant is:
Loctite 8021 in a spray can
or
Molykote 44 Medium - but use very sparingly.
•Any accumulation of sand or mud in the female contact should be removed with fresh
water. Failure to do so could result in the splaying of the female contact and damage to the
O-ring seals.
•When using bulkhead connectors ensure that there are no angular loads as this destroys
the connector.
•When disconnecting, pull straight, not at an angle.

VA500 Altimeter Operating Manual
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Page | 17
© 2022 –Valeport Ltd
7 Wiring Information
It is advised that continuity checks are performed prior to all terminations.
7.1 SubConn MCBH10F
SubConn
MCBH10F
Pin
Function
1
Power Ground
2
Power +V
3
Analogue +'Ve
4
Analogue -'Ve
5
Enable 485
Link to Pin 9 for RS485.
N/C for RS232
6
TTL trigger +Ve
7
RS232 Tx (To PC) / RS485A
8
RS232 Rx (From PC) / RS485B
9
RS232 Ground
10
TTL Trigger -'Ve
7.1.1 Extended Y Lead - Power/232 Comms / Analogue
END1: SubConn
MCIL10M + DLSA-M
END 2:
END 3:
9 Way D Socket
FUNCTION
Pin
Connector
Pin
1
Black 4mm Plug
RS 444-797
-Ve
2
Red 4mm Plug
RS 444-832
+Ve
3
Analogue +ve
4
Analogue -ve
5
Enable 485
6
Trigger +ve
7
2
RS232 TX (out of sensor)/
RS485A
8
3
RS232 RX (into sensor)/
RS485B
9
1, 5, 6, 8, 9,
SHELL
RS232 GND
10
Trigger -ve

Section 7 | Wiring Information
© 2022 –Valeport Ltd
Page | 18
7.2 Non Standard Instrument Connectors
7.2.1 6 Way Impulse MCBH 6 MP Pinout
6 way Impulse
MCBH-6-MP
Function
1
RS232 Rx (into sensor / From PC)
2
Power Ground
3
RS232 Tx (from sensor / into PC)
4
Analogue +Ve
5
Analogue –Ve/ RS232 Ground
6
Power +V
7.2.2 Test Lead with 6 way Female Impulse Connector
END 1:
6 Way In Line
Female Impulse
END 2:
Power In
END 3:
Analogue
Out
END 4:
9 Way D
Socket
FUNCTION
Pin
Connector
Connector
Pin
2
Black 4mm
Plug
-Vin
6
Red 4mm
Plug
+Vin
4
Green 4mm
Plug
Analogue
+ve
5
Black 4mm
Plug
Analogue
-ve
3
2
RS232 TX
(out of sensor)
1
3
RS232 RX
(into sensor)
5
1,5,6,8,9
RS232 Gnd
7.2.3 6 Way XSG-6-BCL Pinout
6 way XSG-6-BCL
Pin
Function
1
RS232 Rx (into sensor / From PC)
2
Power Ground
3
RS232 Tx (from sensor / into PC)
4
Analogue +Ve
5
Analogue –Ve/ RS232 Ground
6
Power +V