After having planned the measurement campaign extensively and established a suitable deployment setup, it is time to prepare the instrument for deployment.
Instrument preparation
Before each deployment, there are three necessary steps that need to be carried out each time:
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Function test: It is recommended to carry out a function test to ensure that the instrument sensors work as expected. Specifically after prolonged storage periods, this can be extremely valuable.
Further information in this article: Function test
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Pressure offset: To ensure correct pressure readings, the instruments pressure offset should be adjusted to the local atmospheric pressure before each deployment.
Further information in this article: Pressure offset
- Compass calibration: To be able to receive correct heading/ directional estimates it is necessary to carry out a compass calibration before each deployment. If this step is skipped, the velocity accuracy can deteriorate significantly! To prepare for the calibration, assemble the instrument in its deployment setup (including frame, shackles, chains, etc) and insert batteries if used.
- Further information in this article: Compass calibration
💡 NOTE: While working in the software, we recommend to study the Help section. There, you can find descriptions for each section and parameter selectable as well as useful tips and tricks.
Starting the instrument
After testing and calibrating the instrument, the deployment configuration has to be uploaded and saved to the instrument, before the measurement is started. Once the deployment is started, and the software will indicate that the instrument is actively collecting data.
At this point you can close the software. Remember to ensure that power remains connected to the instrument, even if the connection to the computer is ended. If you have an optional battery canister and would like to deploy the instrument autonomously, you can disconnect the green cable and connect your external battery canister to it instead. The instrument will then wake up and proceed with data acquisition according to the configuration uploaded to it.
Batteries
The Gen1 Aquadopp can be operated either by using internal batteries or with an external battery canister. Various compatible battery options are available from Nortek.
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