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Universal User Guide
for
TCM-x Current Meters,
MAT-1 Data Logger
and
Domino Software
Lowell Instruments, LLC
82 Technology Park Dr.
East Falmouth, MA 02536
www.lowellinstruments.com
Phone: 508-444-2616
Email: support@lowellinstruments.com
Universal User Guide, Rev L, February 2022
© 2014-2022 Lowell Instruments, LLC
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Summary of Contents for Lowell TCM Series
- Page 1 Universal User Guide TCM-x Current Meters, MAT-1 Data Logger Domino Software Lowell Instruments, LLC 82 Technology Park Dr. East Falmouth, MA 02536 www.lowellinstruments.com Phone: 508-444-2616 Email: support@lowellinstruments.com Universal User Guide, Rev L, February 2022 © 2014-2022 Lowell Instruments, LLC...
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Page 2: Table Of Contents
Contents Contents ..........................2 Introduction ........................5 How to use this manual .......................5 Getting Started ....................... 6 Installing Software ......................6 Connect to the Logger ......................6 Create a Setup File ......................7 Save File on MAT-1 Logger drive ..................8 Communicating with the Logger ..................9 Check the Logger’s Status and Set the Clock ............... - Page 3 Presets ..........................32 Creating a Preset ....................... 34 Enabling and Disabling Logging Channels ................34 Recording Rate & Burst Mode .................... 34 Temperature ........................35 Start and Stop Times ......................35 Device Information ....................... 37 Device Status ........................37 Data and Clock Device Information ..................37 Device Information ......................
- Page 4 Resetting the device ......................55 10.3 Serial Number ........................55 10.4 Repair Policy ........................55 10.5 Returning Products to Lowell Instruments ................. 55 10.5.1 Return Shipping Address ........................55 11 Additional Information ....................57 11.1 Optional Accessories ......................57 11.2 Contact Information ......................
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Page 5: Introduction
1 Introduction Congratulations on your purchase of a TCM-x or MAT-1 from Lowell Instruments! We hope that your new device serves you well for many years. We have attempted to include the “right amount” of detail in this guide: not too much, not too little. But we also know that, even after a thorough reading, some things may not be clear. -
Page 6: Getting Started
2 Getting Started 2.1 Installing Software The MAT-1 Data Logger requires that our Domino software be installed to operate the logger. It is highly recommended that you install the software prior to connecting the logger to a USB port. Go to www.lowellinstruments.com/downloads to get the latest version of Domino and follow the software installation instructions. -
Page 7: Create A Setup File
2.3 Create a Setup File The logger uses a setup file to operate. The setup file is stored on the logger’s microSD card and contains the settings that the logger will use when it is instructed to start logging: enabled/disabled channels, recording intervals, start and stop times etc. -
Page 8: Save File On Mat-1 Logger Drive
Click “Save Setup File…,” and navigate to your logger’s USB drive. If you are using a microSD card supplied by Lowell Instruments, the drive will be labeled “MAT_LOGGER”. It is essential that the setup file be named “MAT.cfg” and be saved on the logger’s SD card. The logger will look for this file when you instruct the logger to start recording data (in the next step) and it will load the values that you saved in the file. -
Page 9: Communicating With The Logger
2.5 Communicating with the Logger When the logger connects for the first time it will be stopped. Navigate to the “Device” tab. The tab will show connection and device status. Connection status Logger is not collecting data. Universal User Guide, Rev L, February 2022... -
Page 10: Check The Logger's Status And Set The Clock
2.6 Check the Logger’s Status and Set the Clock The software should now be connected to the logger and will display sensor readings and logger information. Follow these steps to start the logger: 1. Set the logger’s clock by synchronizing it to the computer’s clock. 2. -
Page 11: Start The Logger
2.7 Start the Logger Click “Start Running” to command the logger to start recording measurements. The logger will pause for a moment and then start to record data according to the settings that were saved in the setup file on the microSD card. -
Page 12: Stop Logging And Saving Data
2.9 Stop Logging and Saving Data Reconnect the USB and wait for the software to automatically connect. Click “Stop Running.” Navigate to the MAT_LOGGER drive on your computer. The file name will have the serial number pre-pended to your deployment description. Copy the data file to a working folder on your computer. Tip: There are two reasons to copy your data file to a working folder rather than leaving it on the SD card. -
Page 13: Convert Data
2.10 Convert Data The MAT-1 logger stores data in a binary format that cannot be directly used by third-party tools; it must be converted to text first. Switch to the “Convert” tab. There are several format options but for this test simply click on “Add File”... - Page 14 With the file added, your screen should look like this. You can add multiple files to the conversion queue. When all the files you wish to convert have been added, click on “Convert” and the files will be converted. The files you wish to Press “Convert”...
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Page 15: View Data
2.11 View Data Domino by default will convert the binary file into two .csv files that can be easily opened with Microsoft Excel or a similar application. The files are saved in the same directory as the binary file that was converted. - Page 16 If you’ve made it this far, congratulations, you know the basics! This concludes the “Getting Started” section. The remaining sections of this guide contain additional detail about the logger and software. Universal User Guide, Rev L, February 2022...
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Page 17: Tcm Tilt Current Meters
3 TCM Tilt Current Meters (The following section applies only to TCM Current Meters. Users of the MAT-1 Data Logger for non- current related measurements may want to skip this section.) 3.1 Theory of Operation All TCM-x meters measure current using the drag-tilt principle. Typically, the logger is buoyant and is anchored to the bottom via a short flexible tether. -
Page 18: Typical Tilt Current Meter Settings
3.2 Typical Tilt Current Meter Settings The “brains” of the tilt current meter is the MAT-1 data logger. The MAT-1 has the ability to use a “burst mode” recording interval (see below). This figure highlights the three “burst mode” parameters that are saved to the MAT.cfg file and are used to configure the TCM for a wide range of environments. - Page 19 Burst Interval: This parameter sets the measurement interval. Each current measurement is comprised of a series (or a “burst”) of measurements. The Burst Interval is the length of time between the start of any two intervals. Typically, the Burst Interval is set between 1 and 5 minutes, providing high temporal resolution data that can be post-processed into longer intervals if desired.
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Page 20: Anchoring Guidelines
Table 1: Recommended settings for TCM-1 deployments in three typical environments. Configuration Temperature Burst Burst Burst Start Time Stop Notes (minute) Interval Rate Duration Time (minute) (Hz) (seconds) Typical On Next Until Suitable for most Minute Stopped environments, high temporal resolution with moderate filtering. - Page 21 5. The ideal anchor will have a 1/4 - 5/16” (6 - 8mm) hole through which the lanyard can be passed and knotted on the back side. This will ensure that the lanyard length is constant and symmetric regardless of current direction. Typical Anchor Configuration (Not to Scale) Figure-eight knot...
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Page 22: Other Deployment Considerations
Anchoring Methods to Avoid Long lanyards and asymmetric Vibration and strumming attachment methods Tip: It is easy to make a replacement/custom lanyard. Use 3/16” or 5mm nylon or nylon/polyester flexible braided line with optional 1/4” heat shrink tubing (with melt-glue). If durability is a concern, use a more abrasion resistant line, rather than a thicker, less flexible line. -
Page 23: Data Retrieval And Conversion
(fresh/salt). If the meter was deployed in a tidal estuary where the water type changes (with the tides) the file can be processed twice and the results compared. Contact Lowell Instruments if you have questions about selecting a calibration file. -
Page 24: Tcm-1 Tilt Current Meter
4 TCM-1 Tilt Current Meter This section is specific to the Model TCM-1 Tilt Current Meter and includes assembly, configuration, and hanging in an inverted position. 4.1 Assembling the Current Meter (TCM-1 Only) If you have the TCM-3, 4, or 5 those models have loggers built into the housing and do not require additional assembly. -
Page 25: Deploying In An Inverted Or Hanging Orientation (Tcm-1 Only)
4.3 Deploying in an Inverted or Hanging Orientation (TCM-1 Only) In some situations, it is desirable to mount the TCM-1 “inverted” or hanging, such as from a floating dock or fish pen. This section describes how to mount the meter in this “inverted” orientation. You will need the TCM-1 Inversion Kit and the bronze “low-range”... - Page 26 If the TCM will be mounted on a floating dock, mount the meter towards the middle of dock to minimize motion from waves and dock loading (Figure 3). 25 mm Figure 1A & 1B: Recommended mounting method using dimensional lumber. A hole is drilled through the end of the board with a second hole for the knot (left).
- Page 27 Best Good Figure 2A (top left): The recommended mounting method for an aluminum bracket is to drill through the bracket, deburr the hole and knot on the back side. Figure 2B (top right): If drilling through is not an option, tie the lanyard short and tight against the mounting point.
- Page 28 Ensure TCM is mounted to the float securely and the entire TCM will be continuously submerged for all conditions of waves and float loading. Position the TCM towards the middle of the float to minimize end motion. No underwater obstructions. Figure 3: Suggested mounting on a floating dock.
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Page 29: Data Post Processing
4.3.3 Data Post Processing Data conversion for the inverted logger is very similar to conversion of binary data from a bottom mounted TCM. The only difference is that you will select “3” ballast washers. The “inversion” is automatically applied by the software. Universal User Guide, Rev L, February 2022... -
Page 30: Logging Modes & Setup File
5 Logging Modes & Setup File The MAT-1 logger has several recording modes that allow you to customize the logger run for a specific application. These options are defined below. Preset Dropdown Menu Enable Channels and Specify Recording Intervals Deployment Description Set Start and Stop Times Operational Indicator Control Universal User Guide, Rev L, February 2022... -
Page 31: Deployment Description
5.1 Deployment Description This field is useful for labeling your deployments. The description will be combined with the logger’s serial number and file number to form a unique data file name. For example, if the description was Test and the logger serial number is 123456, the data file name will be 123456_Test_(0).lid. If the logger were stopped and restarted with the same MAT.cfg file, the new data file would be 123456_Test_(1).lid. -
Page 32: Presets
Firmware version 1.0.124 and below USB State Operating Mode Green LED Connected Stopped Waiting for start time Running Blinks at the same rate as the temperature interval Red LED The red LED indicates that there is a serious error, such as a failing battery or memory card error. Depending on the type of error and the firmware version, the LED may be on continuously or may be blinking, but either way, if the red LED is on the logger should be connected to a PC and the status message in the Device tab should be checked to determine the cause of the error. - Page 33 The table below describes these settings Configuration Temperature Burst Burst Burst Start Time Stop Notes (minute) Interval Rate Duration Time (minute) (Hz) (seconds) Typical On Next Until Suitable for most Minute Stopped environments, high temporal resolution with moderate filtering. 12 to 14 month typical battery life Swells...
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Page 34: Creating A Preset
5.4 Creating a Preset To customize the temperature, accelerometer/magnetometer, start and stop time settings, select New Preset from the dropdown menu. Once complete, enter in a description and select the Save icon so that your new preset can be used again in the future. 5.5 Enabling and Disabling Logging Channels The logger’s three sensors can be turned on or off... -
Page 35: Temperature
There are some limits to using burst mode. The total amount of data that is collected during a “Burst Interval” must not exceed 32K bytes. The software will issue a warning if this limit is reached. The typical solution is to reduce the burst duration, or to more closely match the temperature interval with the magnetometer &... - Page 36 If “Start Running” is clicked after the “Start Time” time has passed, the logger will immediately start collecting data and will display “Device Running.” If both the start and stop times are in the past with respect to the logger’s clock, it will not start and will display an error state.
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Page 37: Device Information
6 Device Information The Device screen displays information about the connected logger, broken into five sections. 6.1 Device Status The first section shows whether the logger is connected and its running status. Any error or information messages (such as delayed starts) will be displayed here. 6.2 Data and Clock Device Information This section displays information about the current state of the logger. -
Page 38: Device Information
6.3 Device Information These five fields include logger specific information: • Serial Number: This unique number matches the number on the case and can be used to identify the logger and data file. See “Serial Number” below for more information. •... -
Page 39: Convert Files
7 Convert Files The MAT-1 Logger records data in a binary file format. While the binary file is a simple and reliable format and conserves the logger’s battery life, it is not usable by common third-party tools such as spreadsheets or plotting packages. Domino is used to convert the binary file into a comma separated values text file (and other formats) that can be used by other software. -
Page 40: Output Type
7.1 Output Type There are six output types that are currently supported by Domino: Regardless of output type, if Burst Logging was used, then the user has the option of averaging the magnetometer and accelerometer values during each burst interval or converting each point separately without averaging. -
Page 41: Compass Heading
7.1.2 Compass Heading This output type converts the magnetometer and accelerometer data into compass heading from 0-360 degrees with the end cap end of the logger defining the “forward” direction (i.e. the end cap is pointing towards the front/bow of the vehicle/platform). The logger’s heading is relative to the Earth’s magnetic field and can be adjusted by entering a compass declination. -
Page 42: Current (Tilt Current Meter)
“TCM Current Meter” for details of using Lowell Instruments’ current meter). The software uses a calibration file to convert tilt and direction of tilt (bearing) to water speed and direction. Calibration files are specific to model numbers, ballast washers and water type (fresh/salt). -
Page 43: Cable Attitude (Tilt Current Meter)
When Burst Averaging is enabled (as recommended) the X, Y and Z vector components are averaged and then the speed and bearing is calculated. Current Output Column Headings: ISO 8601 Time Speed (cm/s) Bearing (degrees) Velocity-N (cm/s) Velocity-E (cm/s) Temperature Output Column Headings: ISO 8601 Time Temperature (C) 7.1.5 Cable Attitude (Tilt Current Meter) -
Page 44: Output Options
7.2 Output Options To the right of “Output Type,” there should be a button labeled “Options.” Clicking this will open a pop-up window, with the tabs “Output,” “Time,” and “Calibration Coefficients (Advanced).” 7.2.1 Output This tab gives several options: • Average Bursts: this averages the data from each burst, to avoid high frequency noise in the data measurements. -
Page 45: Calibration Coefficients - Advanced
Select “Use Factory Calibration Values” to use the coefficients that are stored in the binary data file or select “Use Custom Calibration File” to use an alternate set of coefficients. Contact Lowell Instruments for more information about creating custom sensor calibration files. -
Page 46: Sensor Information
~100 Gauss. Keep powerful “rare earth” magnets far away from the logger as they can induce a semi- permanent offset of several hundred mG. Loggers that have been subjected to a strong magnetic field will need to be recalibrated and/or degaussed (contact Lowell Instruments). Universal User Guide, Rev L, February 2022... -
Page 47: Accelerometer
8.3 Accelerometer The accelerometer is a three-axis micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) inertial sensor. The data can record for tilt-quasi-static orientation calculations as well as activity monitoring and recording “g- forces”. The accelerometer measures projections of the acceleration vector (a-g) onto the MAT-1 axes. Thus, the vector sum of the X, Y and Z axes will register a magnitude of approximately 1 g while at rest on the surface of the earth. -
Page 48: Logger Housing Care
One pre-lubricated spare O-ring is included with the logger. Additional replacement O-rings and lubricant may be purchased from Lowell Instruments. These materials are also available from many industrial supply houses. Contact us for the type for your device. The recommended lubricant is Dow Corning®... -
Page 49: Sd Card
Align notch automatically in “My Computer” in Windows. Cards that to the right were supplied by Lowell Instruments will be labeled with to insert the name “MAT_LOGGER” in Windows Explorer. On Macs, the drive will appear on the desktop, and can be accessed there or through Finder. -
Page 50: Card Type
FAT32 file system. But the logger has only been tested with a very small subset of the hundreds of brands and models of microSD cards. Testing at Lowell Instruments has shown that while a card may technically be functional, all cards are not equal. Even different model cards from the same “name brand”... -
Page 51: Battery Life
For example, faster and more expensive cards are not always better. Check with Lowell Instruments if you plan on using an alternate card for a critical deployment. -
Page 52: Replacing The Battery & Desiccant
The battery and desiccant packs are user replaceable but require disassembling the logger; therefore, it is not recommended that they be replaced in the field. Detailed instructions, replacement batteries, desiccant, and tool kits are available from Lowell Instruments. It is recommended that you replace the battery: •... -
Page 53: Trouble-Shooting The Logger And Software
10 Trouble-Shooting the Logger and Software Our goal is that you will not ever have any problems with a Lowell Instruments data logger, but if an issue does come up, the list below is a good place to start. Visit www.lowellinstruments.com/Support... -
Page 54: Firmware Updates
10.1 Firmware Updates The embedded software (firmware) that runs within the MAT-1 logger is upgradable via the USB cable. Lowell Instruments will periodically upgrade the firmware as new features are implemented or performance is improved. Check www.lowellinstruments.com/firmwareupdates for the latest information about firmware updates. -
Page 55: Resetting The Device
Lowell Instruments (at your expense) with your contact information, a brief description of the problem and your return shipping address. Lowell Instruments is not responsible for the loss of the package by any shipping company. Loggers must be clean and free of any hazardous substances before return. - Page 56 Universal User Guide, Rev L, February 2022...
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Page 57: Additional Information
East Falmouth, MA 02536 11.3 Disclaimer Lowell Instruments has made a good faith effort to make sure that the information in this user guide is accurate and complete. However, we are not perfect and this guide may contain errors. We also reserve the right to change the specifications and instructions at any time and without notice.
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