Wet Labs ECO FL User manual

ECO FL User’s Guide (FL) Revision AN 4 June 2012
ECO Fluorometer
ECO FL
User’s Guide
The user’s guide is an evolving document. If you find sections that are unclear, or missing
information, please let us know. Please check our website periodically for updates.
WET Labs, Inc.
P.O. Box 518
Philomath, OR 97370
541-929-5650
fax: [phone]
www.wetlabs.com

ECO FL User’s Guide (FL) Revision AN 4 June 2012
ECO Sensor Warranty
This unit is guaranteed against defects in materials and workmanship for one year from the
original date of purchase. Warranty is void if the factory determines the unit was subjected to
abuse or neglect beyond the normal wear and tear of field deployment, or in the event the
pressure housing has been opened by the customer.
To return the instrument, contact WET Labs for a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) and
ship in the original container. WET Labs is not responsible for damage to instruments during the
return shipment to the factory. WET Labs will supply all replacement parts and labor and pay for
return via 3rd day air shipping in honoring this warranty.
Return Policy for Instruments with
Anti-fouling Treatment
WET Labs cannot accept instruments for servicing or repair that are treated with anti-fouling
compound(s). This includes but is not limited to tri-butyl tin (TBT), marine anti-fouling paint,
ablative coatings, etc.
Please ensure any anti-fouling treatment has been removed prior to returning instruments to
WET Labs for service or repair.
Shipping Requirements
1. Please retain the original ruggedized shipping case. It meets stringent shipping and
insurance requirements, and protects your meter.
2. Service and repair work cannot be guaranteed unless the meter is shipped in its original
case.
3. Clearly mark the RMA number on the outside of your case and on all packing lists.
4. Return instruments using 3rd day air shipping or better: do not ship via ground.
Electrical equipment marked with this symbol may not be disposed
of in European public disposal systems. In conformity with EU
Directive 2002/96/EC (as amended by 2003/108/EC), European
users of electrical equipment must return old or end-of-life
equipment to the manufacturer for disposal at no charge to the user.

ii ECO FL User’s Guide (FL) Revision AN 4 June 2012

ECO FL User’s Guide (FL) Revision AN 4 June 2012 i
Table of Contents
1. Overview ........................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Specifications ...................................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Connectors .......................................................................................................................... 2
1.3 Delivered Items .................................................................................................................... 3
1.4 Optional Equipment ............................................................................................................. 3
2. Theory of Operation ......................................................................................................... 6
3. Instrument Operation ....................................................................................................... 7
3.1 Initial Checkout .................................................................................................................... 7
3.2 Operating the Sensor for Data Output .................................................................................. 7
3.3 Bio-wiper™ Operation .......................................................................................................... 8
3.4 Deployment ......................................................................................................................... 9
3.5 Upkeep and Maintenance .................................................................................................... 9
4. FLB and FLSB: Using Internal Batteries....................................................................... 12
4.1 Removing End Flange and Batteries .................................................................................. 12
4.2 Replacing End Flange and Batteries .................................................................................. 13
4.3 Checking Vent Plug ........................................................................................................... 14
5. Data Analysis ................................................................................................................. 15
5.1 Scale Factor ...................................................................................................................... 15
5.2 Analog Response............................................................................................................... 15
5.3 Digital Response ................................................................................................................ 16
6. Characterization and Testing ........................................................................................ 17
7. Terminal Communications ............................................................................................ 18
7.1 Interface Specifications ...................................................................................................... 18
7.2 Command List.................................................................................................................... 18
8. Device and Output Files ................................................................................................ 19
8.1 Plot Header........................................................................................................................ 19
8.2 Column Count Specification ............................................................................................... 19
8.3 Column Description ............................................................................................................ 19
8.4 Sample Device File ............................................................................................................ 20
8.5 Sample Output Files .......................................................................................................... 21
Appendix A: Mounting Bracket Drawing .......................................................................... 22
WET Labs WEEE Policy ........................................................................................................ 23
WEEE Return Process ................................................................................................................. 23

ECO FL User’s Guide (FL) Revision AN 4 June 2012 1
1. Overview
WET Labs offers a range of the Environmental Characterization Optics (ECO) series
fluorometers for the following measurements: chlorophyll, Colored Dissolved Organic Matter,
uranine, rhodamine, and phycocyanin and phycoerythrin. This section includes meter and
connector specifications, delivered items and descriptions of features, including internal batteries
and Bio-wiper™.
1.1 Specifications
FL(RT)—Provides analog or RS-232 serial output with 16,000-count range. This unit provides
continuous operation when powered.
FL(RT)D—Provides the capabilities of the FL(RT) with 6,000-meter depth rating.
FL—Provides the capabilities of the FL(RT) with periodic sampling.
FLS—Provides the capabilities of the FL with an integrated anti-fouling bio-wiper™.
FLB—Provides the capabilities of the FL with internal batteries for autonomous operation.
FLSB—Provides the capabilities of the FLS with internal batteries for autonomous operation.
FL(RT)
FL(RT)D
FL
FLS
FLB
FLSB
Mechanical
Diameter 6.3 cm
Length 12.7 cm 17.68 cm
12.7 cm 13.3 cm 27.4 cm 27.99 cm
Weight (in air) 0.4 kg 1.3 kg 0.4 kg 0.5 kg 0.96 kg
Weight (in water) 0.02 kg 0.75 kg 0.02 kg 0.08 kg 0.14 kg
Pressure housing acetal titanium Acetal copolymer
Environmental
Temperature range 0–30 deg C
Depth rating 600 m 6000 m 600 m 300 m
Optional pressure sensor No Yes
Optional thermistor No Yes
Electrical
Digital output resolution 14 bit
Analog output signal 0–5 V
Internal data logging No No Yes
Internal batteries No Yes
Connector MCBH6M
Input voltage 7–15 VDC
Current, typical 50 mA
Current, sleep -- 85 µA
Data memory -- 108,000 samples
Sample rate to 8 Hz
RS-232 output 19200 baud
Optional anti
-
fouling
Bio-wiper™ No Yes No Yes
Bio-wiper™ cycle -- 140 mA
-- 140 mA

2 ECO FL User’s Guide (FL) Revision AN 4 June 2012
Optical Specifications for Fluorescence Meters
Specifications given below are typical. Linearity for all is 99% R2. Other ranges are available on
request.
Parameter
EX/EM
Sensitivity
Range
Chlorophyll-a (Chl) 470/695 nm 0.02 µg/l 0–125 µg/l
Colored Dissolved Organic Matter (CDOM) 370/460 nm 0.09 ppb 0–500 pp
Uranine (UR) (fluorescein) 470/530 nm 0.05 ppb 0–400 ppb
Rhodamine (Rh) 540/570 nm 0.03 ppb 0–230 ppb
Phycocyanin (PC) 630/680 nm 0.03 ppb 0–230 ppb
Phycoerythrin (PE) 540/570 nm 0.03 ppb 0–230 ppb
1.2 Connectors
ECO-series digital fluorometers use a six-pin bulkhead connector. The pin functions for this
connector are shown below.
Pin
Function
1
Ground
2
RS
-
232 (RX)
3
Re
served
4
V in
5
RS
-
232 (TX)
6
Analog out
WARNING
If you are going to build or use a non-WET Labs-built cable, do not use the
wire from pin 3 or the ECO meter will be damaged.
Input power of 7–15 VDC is applied to pin 4. The power supply current returns through the
common ground pin. The input power signal has a bi-directional filter. This prevents external
power supply noise from entering into ECO FL, and also prevents internally generated noise
from coupling out on to the external power supply wire. Data is sent out the serial output pin.
1.2.1 ECO FLB, FLSB Connectors
ECO FLB and FLSB (units with internal batteries) have a second bulkhead connector that
comes with a jumper plug to supply power to the unit. The pin functions for this
connector are shown below.
Socket
Function
1 V in
2 N/C
3 Battery out

ECO FL User’s Guide (FL) Revision AN 4 June 2012 3
1.3 Delivered Items
The standard ECO delivery consists of the following:
 the instrument itself
 dummy plug with lock collar
 protective cover for optics
 this user’s guide
 ECOView user’s guide
 ECOView host program and device files (on CD)
 instrument-specific calibration sheet
 FL(RT), FL, FLS only: stainless steel mounting bracket and hardware (See Appendix A
for details)
 Internal battery units: six 9-V Lithium batteries (installed)
Spare Parts
 Fluorescent stick for bench testing
 Bio-wiper™ units: one 3/32-in. hex key for Bio-wiper™ removal
 Bio-wiper™ units: Three 4-40 x 3/8 in. 316 stainless steel screws for securing Bio-wiper™
Additional spare parts for internal battery units
 Two end flange O-rings (size 224) and two vent plug O-rings (size 010)
 Two jacking screws for connector flange removal
 One 3/32-in. hex key for jacking screws
 Blue-tipped power plug for autonomous operation
 Three pre-cut segments (7 inches) of 0.036-inch diameter monofilament for end flange
 Three pre-cut segments (0.25 inches) of 0.094-inch diameter white nylon bar stock
for replacing the white plastic dowel pin.
1.4 Optional Equipment
1.4.1 Test Cable
A test cable is optionally available with each unit. This cable includes:
1. An inline connector for providing power to the instrument from a user-supplied 9V
battery.
2. An auxiliary analog out connector.
3. A DB-9 serial interface connector.
4. A six-socket connector for providing power and signal to the instrument.
1.4.2 Copper Faceplate
ECO meters are optionally equipped with copper faceplates to improve the meter’s
resistance to biofouling. Refer to Section 3.5.1 for important details on maintenance and
cleaning.
1.4.3 Bio-wiper™ and Copper Faceplate
The FLNTUS and FLNTUSB are equipped with an integrated non-contact anti-fouling Bio-
wiper™ and copper faceplate for use in extended deployments. This wiper can be manually
controlled by a host controller package, or can perform autonomously as part of a pre-
programmed sampling sequence upon instrument power-up. The rate of closure and
opening is dependent upon both temperature and depth.

4 ECO FL User’s Guide (FL) Revision AN 4 June 2012
Refer to Section 3.5.1 for important details on the maintenance and cleaning of the Bio-
wiper™ and copper faceplate.
WARNING!
Do NOT rotate the Bio-wiper™ manually. This can damage the wiper motor and will
void the warranty.
1.4.4 Batteries
ECO units with internal batteries are supplied with six 9-volt Lithium batteries as their
power source. They can use either standard alkaline cells for a total capacity of
approximately 1000 mA-hrs, or for longer deployments, LiMnO2 cells to achieve more
than 2000 mA-hrs of operational capacity. Actual total usage time of the internal batteries
is a function of several parameters. These include nominal water temperature, sequence
timing, sample periods, and total deployment duration.
For even greater deployment capability contact WET Labs for information on external
battery packs.
1.4.5 External Thermistor
ECO meters are optionally equipped with an external thermistor. The thermistor is
calibrated at WET Labs and the calibration coefficients are supplied on the instrument’s
calibration sheets. Thermistor output is in counts and can be converted into engineering
units using the instrument’s device file and ECOView software or the raw data can be
converted in the user’s software (e.g. MATLAB or Excel) using the calibration equation:
Temperature (deg C) = (Output * Slope) + Intercept
1.4.6 Pressure Sensor
ECO meters are optionally equipped with a strain gauge pressure sensor. The pressure
sensor is calibrated at WET Labs and the calibration coefficients are supplied on the
instrument’s calibration sheets. Pressure sensor output is in counts and can be converted
into engineering units using the instruments device file and ECOView software or the
raw data can be converted in the user's software (e.g. MATLAB or Excel) using the
calibration equation:
Relative Pressure (dbar) = (Output * Slope) + Intercept
Please note that strain gauge pressure sensors are susceptible to atmospheric pressure
changes and should be “zeroed” on each deployment or profile. The calibration equation
for pressure above should be used first to get the relative pressure and the cast offset
should then be subtracted to get the absolute pressure:
Absolute Pressure (dbar) = Relative Pressure (dbar) - Relative Pressure at
Atmospheric/Water interface (dbar)
WARNING!
Do not exceed the pressure sensor’s depth rating (see calibration sheet).