User Manual for AML Oceanographic’s Micro SVT Sensor
4
1
INTRODUCTION
This manual describes the AML Oceanographic Micro SVT Sensor. If additional items
such as sensors or software are used in conjunction with the Micro SVT Sensor the
manuals for these items should also be consulted. Examples of additional manuals
commonly supplied are:
SmartTalk software manual
Transmissometer sensor manual
Dissolved oxygen sensor manual
This manual covers the standard specifications, operation, use, communication,
troubleshooting, and maintenance of the Micro SVT Sensor. In addition, appendices at
the back of the manual detail any unique configurations for the instrument. Unique
configurations include such things as calibration coefficients, additional sensors, custom
communication formats and custom wiring configurations. Also included in Appendix G
is a quick reference guide that describes the basic operating procedures on one sheet for
ease of use in the field.
1.1
THE INSTRUMENT
Figure 1.1: Micro SVT with optional 85ms temperature sensor
The standard Micro SVT Sensor is a two parameter, self contained, intelligent sensor. The
basic configuration includes the following:
sound velocity sensor and electronics
temperature sensor and electronics
communications electronics
data logger electronics
waterproof pressure case
connector cable
The exact configuration of the instrument is detailed in Appendix A.
The sound velocity sensor is a short path length, Time of Flight, proprietary design which
offers fast response times and extremely low thermal hysteresis. The signal conditioning
electronics feature thermal compensation, ratio metric A/D conversion to provide accurate
and stable operation over the operating range. The sound velocity sensor uses a dedicated
RISC microprocessor to control the sensor excitation and communicate with the data logger
electronics. The sound velocity sensor is capacitively coupled to the water to reduce noise.
The temperature sensor is a precision, aged thermistor within a Beryllium Copper (BeCu)
