Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel
Related Manuals for Jasco AMAR G4 ACE
Summary of Contents for Jasco AMAR G4 ACE
- Page 1 AMAR G4 ACE User Manual Autonomous Multichannel Acoustic Recorder G4 Acetal Housing Operation and Maintenance Instructions AMARlink 4.4.3 2018 December 14 Document 01568 Version 2.0 ISO 9001 Certified...
-
Page 2: Table Of Contents
Contents AMAR G4 ACE User Manual Contents Contents ...................... i About the Estimated Lifetimes and Advanced Recording Duration tools ..20 Working with Recording Schedules on the Edit Schedule tab ....21 About this manual ..................iii Working with Recording Schedules offline with the Schedule Builder ... 22 Technical Support .................. -
Page 3: Contents
Contents AMAR G4 ACE User Manual Safely handling the AMAR and External Battery Packs after retrieval ... 41 Closing the pressure housing ..............56 Hazards associated with retrieving an AMAR or External Battery Pack ..41 Memory card removal and installation ............ 57 Safe Handling Procedure, Part A: Safety Check .......... -
Page 4: About This Manual
Thank you for purchasing an AMAR G4 (Autonomous Multichannel Acoustic Recorder Generation 4) manufactured by JASCO Applied Sciences. This manual instructs how to use the AMAR G4 ACE and its software, AMARlink. WARNING Read this manual before using the AMAR, especially Chapter... -
Page 5: Getting Started
With the AMAR G4, you must use AMARlink version 4.4.3 or higher. ✓ For fast, easy data transfers contact JASCO to learn about our Data Transfer System, which can simultaneously transfer 10 memory cards to 2 hard drives at fast transfer speeds. -
Page 6: Amar Overview
AMAR top endcap The Autonomous Multichannel Acoustic Recorder (AMAR) is a fully autonomous underwater sound and data recorder. The AMAR G4 ACE has data acquisition electronics, removable SD memory cards, and a 10 C-cell alkaline battery pack in a watertight pressure housing. -
Page 7: About The Magnetic Switches
About the magnetic switches Status switch to re-activate the LEDs to check the AMAR’s status The AMAR G4 ACE has three magnetic switches along the outside rim of the top endcap: (power): Switch to turn the AMAR on and off (see pages and 8) ▪... -
Page 8: About The Amar Memory
AMAR G4. Only the SD cards supplied by JASCO have been thoroughly tested for speed and reliability with the AMAR G4. Also, the cards must be formatted in a specific way. So only use the memory cards supplied by JASCO with your AMAR. -
Page 9: About The Leds On The Amar
1. Getting started AMAR G4 ACE User Manual About the LEDs on the AMAR There are 3 status LEDs on the top endcap of the AMAR. When the AMAR is powered on, these LEDs come on to indicate the status of the AMAR: Blue LED flashing: AMAR is transitioning between states (i.e.,... -
Page 10: About The External Battery Packs
1. Getting started AMAR G4 ACE User Manual About the External Battery Packs Each External Battery Pack contains 50 C-cell alkaline batteries. You connect the connector of the Battery Pack to the connector of the POWER OUT EXT POWER AMAR. Several External Battery Packs can be daisy-chained together by... -
Page 11: Stopping The Recording Schedule
1. Getting started AMAR G4 ACE User Manual Stopping the Recording Schedule After you turn on the AMAR, you can stop the Recording Schedule at any time. You must stop the Schedule if you want to connect to the AMAR with AMARlink or turn off the AMAR. -
Page 12: Turning Off The Amar
1. Getting started AMAR G4 ACE User Manual Turning off the AMAR Stop the Recording Schedule To turn off the AMAR, you must first stop the Recording Schedule. CAUTION Always stop the recording Schedule before turning off the AMAR. Factory testing has revealed that if the AMAR is sleeping and you... -
Page 13: Connecting To External Ac Power
1. Getting started AMAR G4 ACE User Manual Connecting to external AC power A 15 W AC power adapter is included with the AMAR to connect the AMAR to an external AC power outlet. The AC power adapter connects to the External Power Connector on the AMAR. -
Page 14: Configuring The Amar And Using Amarlink
2. Configuring the AMAR and using AMARlink AMAR G4 ACE User Manual Configuring the AMAR and using AMARlink AMARlink overview AMARlink is the software that accompanies the AMAR. With AMARlink, you can configure the AMAR, estimate the battery and memory lifetimes,... -
Page 15: Installing Amarlink
2. Configuring the AMAR and using AMARlink AMAR G4 ACE User Manual Installing AMARlink AMARlink is the software that accompanies the AMAR G3 and G4. You will use AMARlink to configure your AMAR to record data. With the AMAR G4, you must use AMARlink version 4.4.3 or higher. -
Page 16: Connecting To The Amar With Amarlink And Wi-Fi
2. Configuring the AMAR and using AMARlink AMAR G4 ACE User Manual Connecting to the AMAR with AMARlink and Wi-Fi When the AMAR is turned on and stopped, you can connect to it via Wi-Fi. To connect to an AMAR with AMARlink for the first time, you will add the AMAR to AMARlink and specify its IP address. - Page 17 2. Configuring the AMAR and using AMARlink AMAR G4 ACE User Manual If you are connecting to the AMAR for the first time, add the AMAR to AMARlink: a In AMARlink, choose File > Add AMAR, or on the Toolbar click...
-
Page 18: About Recording Schedules
2. Configuring the AMAR and using AMARlink AMAR G4 ACE User Manual About Recording Schedules The AMAR records data by executing a Recording Schedule. To configure how the AMAR will record data, you create or edit a Recording Schedule and then send that Schedule to the AMAR. -
Page 19: Configuring The Amar To Record Data
2. Configuring the AMAR and using AMARlink AMAR G4 ACE User Manual Configuring the AMAR to record data To configure the AMAR, you must first connect to the AMAR with AMARlink and Wi-Fi as instructed on page 12. Overview of configuring the AMAR on the Edit Schedule tab The AMAR records data by executing a Recording Schedule. -
Page 20: Creating A New Recording Schedule
2. Configuring the AMAR and using AMARlink AMAR G4 ACE User Manual Creating a new Recording Schedule To create a new Recording Schedule: In the Status pane, select the AMAR icon of the AMAR you want to work with. On the Edit Schedule tab, click New Schedule. -
Page 21: Adding An Entry To The Recording Schedule
2. Configuring the AMAR and using AMARlink AMAR G4 ACE User Manual Adding an Entry to the Recording Schedule You build a Recording Schedule by adding Entries to the Schedule. Each Entry is configured to either Record or Sleep. Add an Entry to the... -
Page 22: Configuring A Record Entry
2. Configuring the AMAR and using AMARlink AMAR G4 ACE User Manual Configuring a Record Entry When you add a new Record Entry to the Recording Schedule or when you edit an existing Record Entry, the Record Entry Configuration dialog box appears. In this dialog box, you configure how the AMAR will record data for the duration of the Record Entry. -
Page 23: Testing The Recording Schedule
2. Configuring the AMAR and using AMARlink AMAR G4 ACE User Manual Testing the Recording Schedule After you configure the AMAR to record, it is recommended that you do a test recording to make sure that you configured the AMAR correctly. Your test recording should be sufficiently long to span an entire iteration of the Recording Schedule so that each Entry is executed at least once. -
Page 24: About The Estimated Lifetimes And Advanced Recording Duration Tools
2. Configuring the AMAR and using AMARlink AMAR G4 ACE User Manual About the Estimated Lifetimes and Advanced Recording Duration tools As you build a Recording Schedule on the Edit Schedule tab, the Estimated Lifetimes section on the right shows two estimates of how long the AMAR can... -
Page 25: Working With Recording Schedules On The Edit Schedule Tab
2. Configuring the AMAR and using AMARlink AMAR G4 ACE User Manual Working with Recording Schedules on the Edit Schedule tab There are several buttons on the Edit Schedule tab for working with Recording Schedules: Save As button: click to save your Recording Schedule in AMARlink’s ▪... -
Page 26: Working With Recording Schedules Offline With The Schedule Builder
2. Configuring the AMAR and using AMARlink AMAR G4 ACE User Manual Working with Recording Schedules offline with the Schedule Builder AMARlink has a Schedule Builder tool (for advanced users) that lets you work with Recording Schedules when you are not connected to an AMAR. With the... -
Page 27: Working With Amars
2. Configuring the AMAR and using AMARlink AMAR G4 ACE User Manual Working with AMARs Adding an AMAR to AMARlink To work with a new AMAR in AMARlink, you must add the AMAR to AMARlink. For more comprehensive instructions on connecting to and configuring an... -
Page 28: Disconnecting An Amar From Amarlink
2. Configuring the AMAR and using AMARlink AMAR G4 ACE User Manual Disconnecting an AMAR from AMARlink AMARlink can only connect to 1 AMAR G4 at a time. So when you are finished working with an AMAR, you must disconnect it from AMARlink before you can start working with a different AMAR. -
Page 29: Refreshing The Network Connection To An Amar
2. Configuring the AMAR and using AMARlink AMAR G4 ACE User Manual Refreshing the network connection to an AMAR To make sure AMARlink is still connected to an AMAR, or to reconnect to an AMAR, you can refresh the Ethernet connection. -
Page 30: Properties And Advanced Configuration
2. Configuring the AMAR and using AMARlink AMAR G4 ACE User Manual Properties and advanced configuration You can see the AMAR’s system properties and access the Advanced Settings of the AMAR on the System Info tab of AMARlink. Viewing the System Info of the AMAR AMARlink’s System Info tab shows information about the AMAR that you select... -
Page 31: Network Settings
UTC. As with all RTCs, the AMAR’s internal clock drifts over AMAR G4. For more information, contact JASCO. time, by up to 500 ms per day. To synchronize the AMAR time with your computer’s clock: Make sure your computer’s clock is set to the correct time. -
Page 32: Upgrading The Amar Firmware
AMAR G4 ACE User Manual Upgrading the AMAR firmware Each new AMAR firmware version is released by JASCO as a compressed archive file with the .tar.gz file extension, e.g., 2018.02.27-1.3.3.tar.gz . This firmware upgrade file is used by AMARlink to upgrade the firmware of your AMAR. -
Page 33: Sensor Settings
Sensors tab unless advised to do so by JASCO Technical Support. Serial settings The Serial tab of the Advanced Settings dialog box is for advanced users only. Don’t use it unless advised to do so by JASCO Technical Support. www. hammacher.com Properties and advanced configuration... -
Page 34: Creating A Diagnostics File
2. Configuring the AMAR and using AMARlink AMAR G4 ACE User Manual Creating a diagnostics file If JASCO Technical Support is helping you with an issue, they may need you to create a diagnostics file for the AMAR. To create a diagnostics file:... -
Page 35: Deploying And Retrieving The Amar
3. Deploying and retrieving the AMAR AMAR G4 ACE User Manual Deploying and retrieving the AMAR Checklist for transporting and storing AMAR equipment Before transporting or storing the AMAR or related equipment (including External Battery Packs, and batteries), always do the following. The page numbers of the applicable instructions are given in parenthesis. -
Page 36: Storing, Transporting And Handling The Amar And Related Equipment
3. Deploying and retrieving the AMAR AMAR G4 ACE User Manual Storing, transporting and handling the AMAR and related equipment Always obey the following guidelines when storing, transporting or handling the AMAR or related equipment (including External Battery Packs, batteries, acoustic... - Page 37 3. Deploying and retrieving the AMAR AMAR G4 ACE User Manual Minimize shock and vibration to equipment and batteries by handling them ▪ with care and securing them from movement during transport. When loading or lifting equipment or mooring components: ▪...
-
Page 38: Checklist For Deploying The Amar
3. Deploying and retrieving the AMAR AMAR G4 ACE User Manual Checklist for deploying the AMAR For optimal performance, always do the following before deploying the AMAR. The page numbers of the applicable instructions are given in parenthesis. Maintain and service the AMAR: If the AMAR has been powered off for more than 6 months, replace the ... -
Page 39: Using The Pressure Relief Valve (Prv)
Using the pressure relief valve (PRV) About the pressure relief valve (PRV) The pressure housing of the AMAR G4 ACE has a pressure relief valve (PRV) on the bottom endcap. The PRV is a one-way air valve that lets pressurized gases vent through it. -
Page 40: Closing The Pressure Relief Valve And Setting The Venting Pressure Differential
3. Deploying and retrieving the AMAR AMAR G4 ACE User Manual Closing the pressure relief valve and setting the venting pressure differential The PRV vents pressurized gases when the difference in pressure between the inside and outside of the pressure housing increases above a set value, called the venting pressure differential. -
Page 41: Using The Underwater Connectors
Don’t expose connectors to heat or direct sunlight for long periods. If a connector becomes very dry, contact JASCO for assistance. To service the underwater connectors: Make sure each connector is free of unwanted material and excess grease. If necessary, clean it with spray-based contact cleaner (isopropyl alcohol). -
Page 42: Mounting Gti Hydrophones
3. Deploying and retrieving the AMAR AMAR G4 ACE User Manual Grease the connector with Molykote 44 Medium (Dow Corning): Recommended amount of grease a Apply a layer of grease equivalent to minimum 1/3 of socket depth to the female connector. -
Page 43: Inspecting The Amar Before Deployment
Before each deployment of an AMAR and any External Battery Packs, visually examine all external components of the pressure housings for signs of wear, corrosion, or damage. Replace them if necessary, or contact JASCO for assistance. These components include but are not limited to: ... -
Page 44: Checklist For Retrieving The Amar
Transferring data from 20 memory cards can take days. If you plan to redeploy the AMAR with a fast turnaround time, swap out the memory cards with a second set, or contact JASCO to learn about our Data Transfer System, which can simultaneously transfer 10 memory cards to 2 hard drives at fast transfer speeds. -
Page 45: Safely Handling The Amar And External Battery Packs After Retrieval
3. Deploying and retrieving the AMAR AMAR G4 ACE User Manual Safely handling the AMAR and External Battery Packs after retrieval Hazards associated with retrieving an AMAR or External Battery Pack CAUTION Because the AMAR pressure housings contain alkaline batteries... -
Page 46: Safe Handling Procedure, Part A: Safety Check
3. Deploying and retrieving the AMAR AMAR G4 ACE User Manual Safe Handling Procedure, Part A: Safety Check Immediately after you retrieve an AMAR or External Battery Pack, always do a safety check of each pressure housing. The following items are necessary to do a safety check of a pressure housing:... - Page 47 If you CANNOT fully insert the green part of the PRV probe into the PRV opening, then it is possible that the PRV is blocked and that there is dangerously high pressure buildup inside the housing. Contact JASCO for assistance. If necessary, go to Safe Handling Procedure, Part B: Releasing a pressure buildup below.
-
Page 48: Safe Handling Procedure, Part B: Releasing A Pressure Buildup
3. Deploying and retrieving the AMAR AMAR G4 ACE User Manual Safe Handling Procedure, Part B: Releasing a pressure buildup The following items are necessary to release a pressure buildup from a pressure housing: Personal protective equipment: ▪ Face shield PVC or nitrile gloves of 15 mils (0.015 in) or thicker... - Page 49 3. Deploying and retrieving the AMAR AMAR G4 ACE User Manual When you are sure that all internal pressure is released, then the Safe Handling Procedure is complete. But battery leakage and off-gassing are still a possible hazard. You may stop here or continue to...
-
Page 50: Downloading, Transferring, And Erasing Data
3 TB SATA drives, each of which can fit five 512 GB memory cards worth of data. ✓ For fast, easy data transfers contact JASCO to learn about our Data Transfer System, which can simultaneously transfer 10 memory cards to 2 hard drives at fast transfer speeds. -
Page 51: How Long Does It Take To Transfer Data
For faster, easier data transfers contact JASCO to learn about our Data Transfer System, which can simultaneously transfer 10 memory cards to 2 hard drives in about 9 to 10 h, with no manual interventions required. -
Page 52: Checklists For Transferring Data
4. Downloading, transferring, and erasing data AMAR G4 ACE User Manual Checklists for transferring data For optimal performance, complete all items of this checklist before you transfer data from the memory cards. The page numbers of the applicable instructions are given in parenthesis. -
Page 53: Downloading Small Amounts Of Data With Amarlink
4. Downloading, transferring, and erasing data AMAR G4 ACE User Manual Downloading small amounts of data with AMARlink When you’re connected to the AMAR over Wi-Fi, you can download selected files from AMARlink’s Download Data tab. The data transfer rate over Wi-Fi is slow, so downloading a lot of data this way is not recommended. -
Page 54: About The Download Manager
4. Downloading, transferring, and erasing data AMAR G4 ACE User Manual About the Download Manager Progress of current file The Download Manager tool shows a chronological list of your data downloads Show In Folder button being downloaded and lets you work with them. For each download, it shows the progress of the entire download and the progress of the current file being downloaded. -
Page 55: Erasing Data
When the erase is complete, the AMAR icon changes to green Formatting of the memory cards Do not reformat the memory cards unless instructed to do so by JASCO Technical Support. All SD memory cards supplied by JASCO have already been formatted correctly. -
Page 56: Maintaining And Servicing The Amar
5. Maintaining and servicing the AMAR AMAR G4 ACE User Manual Maintaining and servicing the AMAR Opening the pressure housing You open the pressure housing of an AMAR G4 or External Battery Pack by unscrewing and removing the top endcap assembly from the pressure housing cylinder. -
Page 57: O-Ring Servicing And Inspection
You have successfully opened the pressure housing. O-ring servicing and inspection Each endcap assembly of the AMAR G4 ACE has 2 O-rings. The O-rings are installed in seating grooves. The O-rings seal against the O-ring contact surface, which is the inner surface of the pressure housing cylinder. To operate correctly, the O-rings and the O-ring contact surface must be cleaned, inspected, and lubricated before you close the pressure housing. - Page 58 5. Maintaining and servicing the AMAR AMAR G4 ACE User Manual When to replace the O-rings: ▪ Every year, or sooner if the O-rings are damaged or worn. To service and inspect an O-ring: If the AMAR is on, turn it off as instructed on page 8. Open the AMAR pressure...
- Page 59 5. Maintaining and servicing the AMAR AMAR G4 ACE User Manual Lubricate each O-ring as follows: With gloved hands, put a small drop of lubricant between your thumb and index finger. Pull the O-ring between your thumb and finger to spread the lubricant lightly and evenly over its entire surface (a light coating of lubricant is sufficient—just enough that the O-ring is shiny).
-
Page 60: Closing The Pressure Housing
5. Maintaining and servicing the AMAR AMAR G4 ACE User Manual Closing the pressure housing The following items are necessary to close the pressure housing of an AMAR or External Battery Pack: PRV adjustment tool ▪ To close the pressure housing:... -
Page 61: Memory Card Removal And Installation
5. Maintaining and servicing the AMAR AMAR G4 ACE User Manual Memory card removal and installation The AMAR G4 has 20 SD memory card slots. The slots are numbered 1 through 20, from top (closest to the top endcap) to bottom. The memory cards are kept in place by a memory retaining rod. -
Page 62: Installing The Memory Cards
5. Maintaining and servicing the AMAR AMAR G4 ACE User Manual Installing the memory cards To install the memory cards on the top endcap assembly: Disable write protection on each memory card by sliding the lock up into the unlocked position. -
Page 63: Battery Replacement
5. Maintaining and servicing the AMAR AMAR G4 ACE User Manual Battery replacement NOTE When the AMAR is connected to both an internal battery and to AC power, the AMAR will consume power from the internal battery first. Removing the internal battery from the AMAR It is necessary to remove the internal battery from the AMAR when you want to replace it or when you want to remove the memory cards. -
Page 64: Installing An Internal Battery In The Amar
5. Maintaining and servicing the AMAR AMAR G4 ACE User Manual Installing an internal battery in the AMAR To install an internal battery on the top endcap assembly: If the AMAR is on, turn it off as instructed on page 8. Open the AMAR pressure... -
Page 65: Rtc Backup Battery Replacement
5. Maintaining and servicing the AMAR AMAR G4 ACE User Manual Install the fiberglass washer and the thumb nut onto the bottom of the endcap assembly. By hand, tighten the washer as much as possible. Connect the battery wire to the assembly, and make sure the locking tab on the connector is fully engaged. - Page 66 5. Maintaining and servicing the AMAR AMAR G4 ACE User Manual To replace the RTC backup battery in the AMAR G4 ACE: If the AMAR is on, turn it off as instructed on page 8. Open the AMAR pressure housing as instructed on page 52, and put the top endcap assembly on a grounded anti-static mat.
-
Page 67: Desiccant Pack Replacement
5. Maintaining and servicing the AMAR AMAR G4 ACE User Manual Desiccant pack replacement The AMAR pressure housing contains 2 small desiccant packs attached to the electronics chassis with a small cable tie. These desiccant packs remove excess moisture from the air inside the housing. The moisture is removed so that it doesn’t condense onto the circuit board and cause damage. -
Page 68: Troubleshooting
6. Troubleshooting AMAR G4 ACE User Manual Troubleshooting AMAR issues If you encounter an issue with the AMAR, like unexpected behaviour or trouble connecting with Wi-Fi or with AMARlink, then start by rebooting the AMAR and trying again. This may solve the problem entirely. If you continue to experience... -
Page 69: Glossary
Glossary AMAR G4 ACE User Manual Glossary alternating current. For example, from a wall power outlet. ESD protection Tools used to prevent ESD to sensitive electronics, like circuit boards. E.g., grounded anti-static mats and grounded, AMAR Autonomous Multichannel Acoustic Recorder. - Page 70 Glossary AMAR G4 ACE User Manual from popping out of their slots when the AMAR is subjected to cycle through the selected combination of Entries. Lets you shock or vibration. record data with different Record Entry Configurations. O-ring seating groove Groove in a top endcap that holds an O-ring.
Need help?
Do you have a question about the AMAR G4 ACE and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers