Manual – Starflow QSD Model 6527B and 6537A
Unidata Manual - 6527B and 6537A Starflow QSD User Manual 17 01 2020.docx
Page 27
6.4 Tools – Starflow QSD
From the main SONIC page there is a “TOOLS” menu. Click this to enter the Sonic TOOLS menu.
This provides two options: Doppler Spectrum and Firmware Upgrade.
6.4.1 TOOLS – Doppler Spectrum
The
Doppler Spectrum
is a very useful tool for observing the performance of the QSD when
deployed in the field. To use this option the Starflow QSD must be powered from a good 12 Volts
source and the QSD must be in the location where it is to be operated. The Doppler Spectrum is able
to give a visual indication of what the Instrument can “See”.
It generates a graph that represents the flow of water passing over the instrument. The more “defined”
this graph is will determine the signal quality and the eventual quality of data. As discussed in earlier
sections of this manual, Starflow QSD performance can be influenced by particular water course
characteristics such as a rocky river bed, presence of standing waves and vortexes in the water.
There are many other factors that influence the operation of the QSD instrument and are too many to
list in this document. The Doppler Spectrum tool is useful to locate a suitable position for the
instrument and sometimes by moving the instrument by a metre either way can have a dramatic effect
on the performance of the instrument.
