Added flexibility with the Aquadopp

With the introduction of an interface to the Seabird SBE 37-SM and SI MicroCAT, the Aquadopp can now be delivered with synchronized CT(D) measurements both using the Valeport Model 620 and the Seabird SBE 37-SM and SI MicroCAT sensors. In addition, you may connect the D&A Instruments OBS-3 or the Seapoint STM turbidity sensors to the Aquadopp.

The Valeport Model 620 and the two turbidity sensors are analogue, and data from these are time-stamped and stored internally in the Aquadopp. These sensors can be used on-line. With the SBE 37 you can choose whether you want the Aquadopp to store the data (SBE 37-SI) or if the Microcat shall do this (SBE 37-SM). Observe that the MicroCAT CT(D) can be used in stand-alone applications only.

The above picture shows the SBE 37-SM and an OBS-3 sensor (lower right corner) connected to an Aquadopp. A similar type of cabling can be provided for the Valeport Model 620 and the Seapoint turbidity sensors.

Existing Aquadopps need a firmware upgrade to support the MicroCAT. You will also need a new version of the deployment software to be able to set up the Aquadopp correctly.

When used together with the Nortek Aquadopp, the MicroCAT is set up from a computer via standard RS-232 interface and then connected to the Aquadopp before deployment. By putting the MicroCAT in Serial Line Sync mode, sampling and data transmission will be triggered by a pulse from the Aquadopp on the serial line. This will cause a sleeping MicroCAT to wake up, sample, transmit data to the Aquadopp, and power off automatically.

The Valeport Model 620 and the two turbidity sensors are fully power-controlled by the Aquadopp, which wakes them up only when they need to be on. This greatly reduces the power consumption, and facilitates long deployments even with two external sensors connected to the Aquadopp.

More on the different sensors can be found on the manufacturers' own websites (see the Useful links column).