Re: Aquadopp Profiler - Configuration command failure

Hello,

I was recently carrying out a number of test with the Aquadopp Profiler in which I was varying it's deployment configuration frequently, ie set up one deployment configuration with X settings, deploy the instrument using the 'start recorder data collection' command, then and after a period of 3/4 minutes stop the recorder deployment, change the deployment configuration file to Y settings and set the instrument recording once more. 

I was allowed to continue to do this for approx 25 different deployment configuration settings (over the period of approx 4 hours) before I received the following  communications failure warning  " Command failed! (Writeconfig) Acknowledge not received.  The configuration may be invalid. Please check your config parameters.  This could also be due to a low RTC battery condition.  Please recharge for 12 hours.).

The instrument was being powewred by battery during these tests.

Please could you tell me why this failure occurred and how I may take steps to prevent it happening again, if possible.

Kind regards,

Mairéad       

Dear Mairéad, have you tried to let the system sit for 12 hours and let the RTC battery recharge as the error message suggested?

- Atle Lohrmann

Dear Alte,

Yes, I have done this and the Aquadopp works OK after this 12 hour period.  

However, what I would like to know is why this failure occurred and how I may take steps to prevent it happening again, if possible?  These were only preliminary test which I carried out prior to a more extensive period of testing.  I am currently planning my programme of tests for my extended test and I would like to know if it a case that after every 4 hours (approx) I will need to charge my Aquadopp for a period of 12 hours or is there a way in which I could avoid this? i.e. if I have my Aquadopp plugged into a power supply as opposed to using a battery would this help?  

Kind regards,

Mairéad

Dear Mairéad,

The recharge of the RTC battery applies to early versions of the Aquadopp Current Meters/Profiler (revision number 1 in the hardware configuration of hdr-file). This process is only necessary if the instrument has been left without power for some time, typically when you first receive it or you have not used it for a while (leaving it without the internal battery connected). In that case you should connect the instrument to either the internal battery or external power for 12 hours to fully recharge the RTC battery. After that period you should not see any problems. If you connected/disconnected the battery during these tests I suggest that you repeat the test since the problem is likely to have disappeared.

Since it sounds as if you control the data collection through software anyway you can leave the battery connected all the time. The instrument will power down after 5 minutes in command mode to conserve power.

With the procedure you outline you should also be aware that you must erase the recorder after 31 files have been created, otherwise you will not be able to start data collection.

Best regards,

Sven Nylund