FSI Frequently Asked Questions

Updated 3/23/10

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Current/Wave Meter
Help! I can't communicate with my 2D-ACM.
If the instrument has been programmed to operate in "interval" mode, the instrument may be in a low-power "sleep" state between intervals. The communications issue may be solved by cycling the kick-start switch several times before trying to communicate. If this still does not work, the power to the instrument will need to be turned off and back on again. This means opening the unit and disconnecting and re-connecting the battery if installed, even if the instrument is currently being powered by the test cable power supply.

When I unload the data from my 2D-ACM, the data is scrambled.
The scrambled data file may be caused by a conflict between the current configuration in the instrument and the configuration in ACMPro. If you have an instrument connected to your computer, and the configuration in ACMPro does not reflect how the attached instrument was originally programmed, the offloaded data may be unreadable. For example: if you offload a 2D-ACM with a CTD installed using ACMPro, and then, when completed, disconnect this 2D-ACM from the computer and connect a second 2D-ACM with a different configuration (for example, without a CTD) and do not perform the CHECK INSTRUMENT routine before offloading the memory, ACMPro will try to use the previous configuration as a format for this data offload, and the data will be unreadable. Using the terminal routine shown in the video on the FTP site will avoid this problem. Also, open a new session of ACMPro and CHECK INSTRUMENT every time an instrument is connected to the computer.

Log In Info for FTP site:
User Name: falmouth%01ec1cc
Password: RedSox05

ftp://ftp.falmouth.com/Videos/Hyperterminal 2DACM.avi

I have tried to update the time and date in my 2D-ACM, but the system won't store the new time/date. What is the matter?
2D-ACM time and date are stored in volatile memory powered by a coin-cell battery. If the coin-cell is bad, it is possible that the instrument will lose its constants, or will not save the time and date and so will not work in delayed start or interval mode. A good way to test this is set the time and date in the instrument, either through ACMPro or in a terminal program using the TIME and DATE commands and then cycling power to the 2D-ACM (if a main internal battery is installed be sure to cycle to disconnect/reconnect this to cycle power to the CPU. Now check the time and date in the 2D-ACM. If they are still correct, the coin-cell battery is OK. Contact FSI about how to replace the coin-cell battery.

My 2D-ACM accepts a time and date, but there are no system constants.
The constants can be reloaded from the CD-ROM that was supplied with the unit. Or contact FSI for the most recent list of constants (we will need to know the unit serial number). fsi@falmouth.com

Do you have a Quick Start guide for the 2D-ACM?.
We recommend the following videos to help get you started with deploying and configuring your 2D-ACM Current Meter. These videos can be found on Youtube at the following links:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbeYvUNGAc0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5e6_K1WrPz0

How deep can I deploy my FSI Wave Meter?
FSI Wave Meters use the PUV method of measurement, meaning that wave height and direction are calculated from pressure and horizontal velocity measurements. The depth of deployment is related to the period of the waves being measured. Following is a chart showing the minimum wave period that can be accurately measured at the corresponding depth.

Deployment Depth (M) Min. Wave Period (Sec.)

20 4.4

18 4.2

16 4.0

14 3.7

12 3.4

10 2.8

6 2.4

4 1.9

2 1.1

See the application note on Wave Post Processing for more information on how the FSI 3D Wave meter measures wave direction and height. Other considerations in mounting the wave meter are:

The maximum depth correction possible with an RPT-based (Resonant Silicon Pressure Transducer) wave meter is 31.63 meters; the 3D-WAVE meter will not provide accurate directional wave data if installed below this depth.

How can I determine the expected battery/memory life of my current meter?
FSI supplies a BatLife software program that calculates these parameters for a given configuration. You may download this from our FTP site at: ftp://ftp.falmouth.com/Software/BattLife/

Log In Info for FTP site:
User Name: falmouth%01ec1cc
Password: RedSox05

If my 2D-ACM data provides a current direction of 180.121 and speed of 10.034, what exactly does this mean?
Current direction (unlike wind) is measured in the direction to which it is flowing. In this case, the current is 10 cm/sec, and it is flowing to the South.

Does my current meter require calibration? If so, how often?
The initial current meter calibration comprises three aspects - tilt, compass, and velocity. FSI recommends that all three parameters be recalibrated after one year of use.

I want to add a Turbidity/Fluorometer/Oxygen sensor to my current meter. Can this option be retrofitted?
2D-ACM and 3D-ACM current meters include A/D inputs which accept signals from external sensors with 0-5V output. Integration of these sensors can typically be accomplished by adding a connector and internal wiring changes. For more information contact fsi@falmouth.com

CTDs

As of May 2009, the CTD product line has been sold to Teledyne-RDI. For technical information contact rdifs@teledyne.com. For new product information, visit http://www.rdinstruments.com/citadel.aspx

CTD FAQ Archive