Analog Output

Principles of Operation:
Analog Output

Contents

  1. Aquadopp Current Meters
  2. Vector

Analog outputs in Aquadopps and Vectors simplify interfacing to a wide variety of data loggers and real-time data collection systems.

1. Aquadopp Current Meters  

Aquadopps can send out velocity and pressure signals as 0-5 VDC analog voltages. Here is what is required to enable analog outputs:

  1. A special wiring harness passes the analog voltages out to the external connector. The output wires include three signal wires and one ground wire (which is shared with the RS232 ground). The remaining wires are allocated to RS232 and power.
  2. Analog outputs in an Aquadopp require special firmware.
  3. An Aquadopp can send three velocity channels or two velocity channels plus pressure. The selection of output channel is controlled by firmware. The most common configuration combines the two velocities with pressure to measure directional wave data.
  4. Aquadopp software controls how the data are collected, including specifically:
    1. sample interval
    2. coordinate system (ENU, XYZ or beam)
  5. Aquadopp data output is normally limited to 1 Hz, but special firmware is available to output signals at 4 Hz.
  6. Once in analog output mode, you can remove and reapply power as desired. When you reapply power, the analog outputs resume. Allow a few seconds for the instrument to start up after you apply power.

2. Vector  

Vectors can send out only velocity signals as 0-5 VDC analog voltages. Here is what is required to enable analog outputs:

  1. A special wiring harness passes the analog voltages out to the external connector. The output wires include three signal wires and one ground wire (which is shared with the RS232 ground). The remaining wires are allocated to RS232 and power.
  2. Enable analog outputs in the Vector software's planning menu (Advanced Tab). The planning module controls data collection in the Vector the same, whether or not the analog outputs are enabled.
  3. Once in analog output mode, you can remove and reapply power as desired. When you reapply power, the analog outputs resume. Allow a few seconds for the instrument to start up after you apply power.