Page 1
The user’s guide is an evolving document. If you find sections that are unclear, or missing information, please let us know. Check our website periodically for updates. WET Labs, Inc. P.O. Box 518 Philomath, OR 97370 541-929-5650 fax: 541-929-5277 www.wetlabs.com ECO VSF User’s Guide (VSF) Revision AN 14 Sept. 2011...
Page 3
To return the instrument, contact WET Labs for a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) and ship in the original container. WET Labs is not responsible for damage to instruments during the return shipment to the factory. WET Labs will supply all...
VSFB—Provides the capabilities of the VSF and self-recording with internal batteries for autonomous operation. VSFSB—Provides the capabilities of the VSF with an integrated anti-fouling Bio-wiper™ and self-recording with internal batteries for autonomous operation. Specifications subject to change without notice. ECO VSF User’s Guide (VSF) Revision AN 14 Sept. 2011...
Configurable WARNING If you are going to build or use a non-WET Labs-built cable, do not use the wire from pin 3 or the ECO meter will be damaged. Input power of 7–15 volts DC is applied to pin 4. The power supply current returns through the common ground pin.
Three pre-cut segments (7 inches) of 0.036-inch diameter monofilament for end flange Three pre-cut segments (0.25 inches) of 0.094-inch diameter white nylon bar stock for replacing the white plastic dowel pin ECO VSF User’s Guide (VSF) Revision AN 14 Sept. 2011...
Temperature (deg C) = (Output * Slope) + Intercept 1.3.6 Pressure Sensor ECO meters are optionally equipped with a strain gauge pressure sensor. The pressure sensor is calibrated at WET Labs and the calibration coefficients are supplied on the ECO VSF User’s Guide (VSF) Revision AN...
Page 11
5. Screw the Swagelock fitting into the end flange until finger tight. 6. Tighten it an additional 1/8 turn using a wrench only if necessary. 7. Wipe up any excess oil. ECO VSF User’s Guide (VSF) Revision AN 14 Sept. 2011...
The ECO VSF measures the optical scattering at 100, 125, and 150 degrees, thus providing the shape of the Volume Scattering Function (VSF) throughout its angular domain.
Connect the 6-socket connector on the test cable to the instrument to provide power to the LEDs and electronics (see Section 1 for a diagram of the pinouts of ECO VSF). Connect the battery leads on the test cable to the 9V battery supplied with the meter. Light should emanate from the meter.
Deployment The ECO VSF meter requires no pump to assure successful operation. Once power is supplied, the unit is ready for submersion and subsequent measurements. Some consideration should be given to the package orientation. Do not face the sensor directly into the sun or other bright lights.
Upkeep and Maintenance We highly recommend that ECO meters be returned to the factory annually for cleaning, calibration and standard maintenance. Contact WET Labs or visit our website for details on returning meters and shipping. After each cast or exposure of the instrument to natural water, flush with clean fresh water, paying careful attention to the sensor face.
Page 16
To gauge 0.03 in., fold a piece of paper in half, then in half again, then fold a third time, creasing the edges. It’s now 8 sheets and about 0.03 in. thick. ECO VSF User’s Guide (VSF) Revision AN 14 Sept. 2011...
Page 17
180 degrees to cover the optics after sampling. 14. If the wiper needs adjusting, loosen the screw, make any necessary adjustments, and repeat steps 9 through 13 to ensure the wiper is performing properly. ECO VSF User’s Guide (VSF) Revision AN 14 Sept. 2011...
WET Labs Inc. disclaims all product liability from the use or servicing of this equipment. WET Labs Inc. has no way of controlling the use of this equipment or of choosing qualified personnel to operate it, and therefore cannot take steps to comply with laws pertaining to product liability, including laws that impose a duty to warn the user of any dangers involved with the operation and maintenance of this equipment.
NOT pull too hard or far on the battery pack or it will come unplugged and the unit will need to be returned to WET Labs. 10. Gently pull the white cord at the loop to remove the battery pack from the pressure housing.
Rotate the vent plug to begin tightening the screw. Finish tightening using a screwdriver, being careful not to overtighten truss screw. Note A portion of the truss screw head has been removed to allow for venting in case of pressure buildup. ECO VSF User’s Guide (VSF) Revision AN 14 Sept. 2011...
Data Analysis Data from the ECO VSF represents raw output from the sensor. Applying linear scaling constants, this data can be expressed in meaningful forms of inverse meters for each of the respective angles. Data Corrections Attenuation coupling—Many scattering sensors require a subsequent attenuation correction for pathlength coupling of the transmitted and scattered light.
Determining other Angle-Specific Coefficients Other angular scattering coefficients can be determined through interpolation between the measured angles. At this time WET Labs offers no preference in the type of curve fit to use for deriving these coefficients. 5.2.1 Determining Backscattering Coefficient...
The total power consumption (voltage times current) must remain below 600 mW over the entire voltage range. Calibration Calibration of the ECO VSF involves the following steps. 1. Numerical determination of the volume weighted angular region for each scattering angle. ECO VSF User’s Guide (VSF) Revision AN 14 Sept.
Page 24
Weighting functions were determined in this manner for each source–detector pair (nominal angles of 100, 125, and 150 degrees) and are plotted in the figure below. ECO VSF User’s Guide (VSF) Revision AN 14 Sept. 2011...
Page 25
From the curves obtained with varying concentration we then calculate the absolute response of the instrument. These are the scaling coefficients supplied with each instrument. ECO VSF User’s Guide (VSF) Revision AN 14 Sept. 2011...
General Terminal Communications While WET Labs supplies a host software package for instrument configuration and data retrieval, the unit sensors can be controlled from a terminal emulator or customer-supplied interface software. This section outlines hardware requirements and low-level interface commands for this type of operations.
= measured volts dc (not used on VSF) Valid Column Descriptions are listed below. Date=x MM/DD/YY Time=x HH:MM:SS N/U=x The column is Not Used N/U=x The column is Not Used ECO VSF User’s Guide (VSF) Revision AN 14 Sept. 2011...
Page 30
WET Labs WEEE Policy In accordance with Directive 2002/96/EC and the Council of 27 January 2003, WET Labs policy regarding the collection and management of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) is published here and is available at www.wetlabs.com. A core component of our corporate vision is to accept responsibility for preserving our environment and we embrace the opportunity to work with our customers and the EU to reduce the environmental impact resulting from the continuous improvement of our products.
Page 31
M. Johnson Finalize pressure sensor and thermistor output 11/1/06 calculations (DCR 509) M. Johnson Delete reference to refilling pressure sensor, update 9/11/07 shipping requirements (DCR 531) M. Johnson, H. Van Zee ECO VSF User’s Guide (VSF) Revision AN 14 Sept. 2011...
Page 32
Change reference column to N/U M. Johnson, H. Van Zee 9/21/10 Change LED from 660 to 650 nm (DCR 691) H. Van Zee 9/14/11 Add WEEE Statement (DCN 775) H. Van Zee ECO VSF User’s Guide (VSF) Revision AN 14 Sept. 2011...
Need help?
Do you have a question about the ECO VSF and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers