Wet Labs ECO VSF User manual

ECO VSF User’s Guide (VSF) Revision AN 14 Sept. 2011
ECO VSF
Volume Scattering Function Meter
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. 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 VSF User’s Guide (VSF) Revision AN 14 Sept. 2011
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.
Shipping Requirements
1. Please retain the original shipping material. We design the shipping container to meet
stringent shipping and insurance requirements, and to keep your meter functional.
2. Clearly mark the RMA number on the outside of your shipping container and on all
packing lists.
3. Return instruments using 3rd day air shipping or better: do not ship via ground.
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.
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.

ECO VSF User’s Guide (VSF) Revision AN 14 Sept. 2011 i
Table of Contents
1. Specifications ................................................................................................................ 1
1.1 Connectors ........................................................................................................................ 2
1.2 Delivered Items .................................................................................................................. 3
1.3 Optional Equipment ........................................................................................................... 4
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 ....................................................................................................................... 8
3.5 Upkeep and Maintenance .................................................................................................. 9
4. VSFB and VSFSB: 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, Changing O-Rings: ............................................................................ 14
5. Data Analysis ................................................................................................................. 15
5.1 Data Corrections ................................................................................................................ 15
5.2 Determining other Angle-Specific Coefficients .................................................................... 16
6. Testing and Calibration ................................................................................................. 17
6.1 Testing............................................................................................................................... 17
6.2 Calibration ......................................................................................................................... 17
7. General Terminal Communications ............................................................................. 20
7.1 Communication Settings ..................................................................................................... 20
7.2 ECO Command List and Data Format ................................................................................ 20
8. Device and Output Files ................................................................................................ 21
8.1 Plot Header........................................................................................................................ 21
8.2 Column Count Specification ............................................................................................... 21
8.3 Column Description ............................................................................................................ 21
8.4 Sample Device File ............................................................................................................ 22
8.5 Sample Output File ............................................................................................................ 22
Appendix A: Mounting Bracket Drawing ........................................................................ 23

ECO VSF User’s Guide (VSF) Revision AN 14 Sept. 2011 1
1. Specifications
Model
VSF(RT)
VSF
VSFS
VSFB
VSFSB
Mechanical
Diameter 6.3 cm
Length 12.7 cm 13.3 cm 27.4 cm 27.99 cm
Weight, in air 0.4 kg 0.5 kg 0.96 kg
Material Acetal copolymer
Environmental
Temperature range 0–30 deg C
Depth rating 600 m 300 m
Optional pressure sensor -- Y
Optional thermistor -- Y
Electrical
Output resolution 12 bit
Internal data logging N Y
Internal batter
ies
N Y Y
Connector MCBH6MP
Input
7–15 VDC
Current, typical 60 mA
Current, sleep 140 µA
Data memory -- 77,000 samples
Sample rate to 8 Hz
RS
-
232 output
19200 baud
Optional Anti
-
fouling
bio-wiper™ N Y N Y
Bio-wiper™ cycle - - 140 mA
Optical
Wavelength 470, 532, or 650 nm
Sensitivity 0.003 m-1
Range, typical 0–5 m
-
1
Linearity 99% R2
VSF(RT)—Provides an RS-232 serial output with 4000-count range. This unit can be programmed for
continuous operation.
VSF—Provides an RS-232 serial output with 4000-count range. This unit can be programmed for
continuous operation or periodic sampling.
VSFS—Provides the capabilities of the VSF with an integrated anti-fouling Bio-wiper™.
VSFB—Provides the capabilities of the VSF and self-recording with internal batteries for autonomous
operation.
VSFSB—Provides the capabilities of the VSF with an integrated anti-fouling Bio-wiper™ and self-recording
with internal batteries for autonomous operation.
Specifications subject to change without notice.

2 ECO VSF User’s Guide (VSF) Revision AN 14 Sept. 2011
1.1 Connectors
ECO VSF meters use a six-pin bulkhead connector. The pin functions for this connector are
shown in Figure 1. Table 1 summarizes pin functions for the bulkhead connectors.
Figure 1. ECO VSF connector schematic
Table 1. Pinout summary for ECO connectors
Pin
(or Socket)
Function
1 Ground
2 RS-232 (RX)
3 Reserved
4 V In
5 RS-232 (TX)
6 Configurable
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 volts DC 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 the ECO VSF, and also prevents internally
generated noise from coupling out on to the external power supply wire. Data is sent out pin
5.
1.1.1 ECO VSFB and VSFSB Connectors
ECO VSFB and VSFSB (units with internal batteries) have an second bulkhead connector
that comes with a jumper plug to supply power to the unit. The pin functions for this
connector are shown in Figure 2. Table 2 summarizes pin functions for the 3-socket
bulkhead connector.

ECO VSF User’s Guide (VSF) Revision AN 14 Sept. 2011 3
Figure 2. ECO VSFB and VSFSB connector schematic
Table 2. Pinout summary for ECO 3-socket connector
Pin (or Socket) Function
1 V in
2 N/C
3 Battery out
1.2 Delivered Items
The standard VSF delivery consists of the following:
 the instrument itself
 protective cover for optics
 dummy plug with lock collar
 this user’s guide
 ECOView user’s guide
 ECOView host program and device file (on CD)
 instrument-specific calibration sheet
 VSF(RT), VSF, VSFS: stainless steel mounting bracket and hardware (See Appendix A
for details)
 One 3/32-in. hex key for bio-wiper™ removal
 Three 4-40 x 3/8 in. 316 stainless steel replacement screws for bio-wiper™
 Internal battery units: six 9-V Lithium batteries (installed)
 spare parts kit (battery units only):
 Two end flange O-rings (size 224)
 Two vent plug O-rings (size 010)
 Two jacking screws for connector flange removal
 One 3/32-in. hex key for jacking screws
 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

4 ECO VSF User’s Guide (VSF) Revision AN 14 Sept. 2011
1.3 Optional Equipment
1.3.1 Test Cable
A test cable is supplied with each unit. This cable includes three legs:
1. A connector for providing power to the instrument from a user-supplied 9V battery.
2. A DB-9 serial interface connector.
3. A six-socket in-line connector for providing power and signal to the instrument.
1.3.2 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.
1.3.3 Bio-wiper™ and Copper Faceplate
The BBS and BBBS 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 opening and closing
depends on both temperature and depth.
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.
1.3.4 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.
1.3.5 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
1.3.6 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