The function test is a very effective way of verifying the various functions of the instrument. For a more detailed description and thorough function test please see the respective manual.

This FAQ will not address every step in detail, like how to connect to the instrument or set up a measurement.

This FAQ is a simplification of the function test and a quick walkthrough of the most vital parts of a function test, therefore it requires some existing knowledge about the instruments and the software.

For all instruments the function test is similar, they operate using the same principles. However the interface and other details are different.

Check and make sure the instrument firmware is updated and that you are using the latest compatible software. These can be found here.

If you are having issues connecting to your instrument please see the Troubleshooting Guide.

How to perform a function test:

Connect your instrument.

Start a measurement with the shortest possible measurement interval, usually 1 sec, so that you are able to see the measurements live instead of waiting for the averaged data.

Start an online measurement with the sampling rate as mentioned.

While the instrument is measuring and you can see the data live, look at and verify the following:
(for details please see the manual and video mentioned.)

For Midlife and Signature:

• Temperature and pressure sensors.
  See that the values are correct.
  
  
• Tilt.
  Tilt the instrument around 30 degrees slowly in all directions and verify.
  
  
• Compass.
  Turn the instrument a full rotation and see that the compass follows correctly. Remember there might be alot of magnetic influence present when performing the function test.
  
  
• Beams (noise floor and response).
  Let the instrument ping in air to see the noise floor, please see the manual for further information about the noise floor and specific numbers. Also remember that noisy environments might affect the noise floor.
  Test the response of the beams using a latex glove filled with water, touch each transducer with the glove and check the reaction.
  
  
• Recorder.
  Start a measurement that will be recorded to the recorder, let it record at least a full interval before you stop it, download and see that data was recorded properly.

For DVL:
(please see manual, as the DVL depends on other features than normal ADCPs)

• Temperature and pressure sensors.
• Beams (noise floor and response).