Wet Labs ac-9 Plus Owner's Manual

DH-4 Data Handler

User’s Guide

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.
PO Box 518
Philomath, OR 97370
[phone]
[e-mail]

DH-4 Revision E5 19 June 2006

Attention!

Return Policy for Instruments with Anti-fouling Treatment

WET Labs cannot accept instruments for servicing or repair that are treated with anti-fouling
compound(s). This includes but is not limited to tri-butyl tin (TBT), marine anti-fouling paint, ablative
coatings, etc.

Please ensure any anti-fouling treatment has been removed prior to returning instruments to
WET Labs for service or repair.

DH-4 Revision E5 19 June 2006

DH-4 Warranty

This unit is guaranteed against defects in materials and workmanship for one year from
the original date of purchase. Warranty is void if the factory determines the unit was
subjected to abuse or neglect beyond the normal wear and tear of field deployment, or
in the event the pressure housing has been opened by the customer.

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
replacement parts and labor and pay for return via 3rd day air shipping in honoring this
warranty.

Shipping Requirements for Warranty and Out-of-warranty Instruments

1. Please retain the original shipping material. We design the shipping container to meet

stringent shipping and insurance requirements, and to keep your meter functional.

2. To avoid additional repackaging charges, use the original box (or WET Labs-approved

container) with its custom-cut packing foam and anti-static bag to return the instrument.

• If using alternative container, use at least 2 in. of foam (NOT bubble wrap or

Styrofoam “peanuts”) to fully surround the instrument.

• Minimum repacking charge for ac meters: $50.00.

3. Clearly mark the RMA number on the outside of your shipping container and on all

packing lists.

4. Return instruments using 3rd day air shipping or better: do not ship via ground.

DH-4 Revision E5 19 June 2006

Table of Contents

1. Getting Started....................................................................................................... 1

1.1

Install Host Program ....................................................................................... 1

1.2

Verify Electrical Functionality .......................................................................... 1

1.3

Verify System Operation ................................................................................. 2

2. Setting Operational Modes ................................................................................... 7

2.1

Profiling Mode ................................................................................................. 8

2.2

Moored Mode ................................................................................................ 13

2.3

Real-time Mode ............................................................................................ 19

3. Reference: Status Displays................................................................................. 25

3.1

Setup Status ................................................................................................. 25

3.2

Host Status ................................................................................................... 25

3.3

Logger Port Setup ......................................................................................... 25

3.4

Logger Status ............................................................................................... 26

4. Reference: Pull-down Menus .............................................................................. 29

4.1

Files .............................................................................................................. 29

4.2

Modes ........................................................................................................... 29

4.3

Commands ................................................................................................... 29

4.4

Logger_Port .................................................................................................. 32

5. Reference: Window Tabs .................................................................................... 35

5.1

Port Setup ..................................................................................................... 35

5.2

Logger Control .............................................................................................. 41

5.3

Data Status ................................................................................................... 47

5.4

Upload Logger Data ...................................................................................... 48

5.5

Real Time Data ............................................................................................. 50

5.6

Recording: OFF/ON ...................................................................................... 51

5.7

PC-Logger .................................................................................................... 52

6. Hardware .............................................................................................................. 55

6.1

Specifications ................................................................................................ 55

6.2

Standard DH-4 Connector Configuration ....................................................... 56

6.3

Standard Data Format .................................................................................. 58

6.4

Maintenance ................................................................................................. 58

Appendix A: Configuration Worksheets ............................................................... 59

Sample Worksheet .................................................................................................... 59

Blank Custom Configuration Worksheet .................................................................... 62

Appendix B: Real-Time Data Format ................................................................... 64

Appendix C: File Handling .................................................................................... 65

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1. Getting Started

The Data Handler (DH-4) and its associated software,
WET Labs Host, controls four, six or eight input-output
ports for a variety of serial or analog instruments,
providing for the simultaneous collection, time stamping,
storage and merging of data streams from all of the ports.

Depending on the capabilities of the host computer, output
from one to all of the instruments can be viewed in real
time through the host software.

The DH-4 (data logger) is delivered with the following components:

• Test cable

• Dummy plugs with lock collar for each bulkhead connector

• This user’s guide

• Custom Configuration Sheet

• WET Labs Host software on CD

• WET Labs File Archive Processing (WAP) software on CD

• WAP User’s Guide

1.1 Install Host Program

Insert the WET Labs Host software CD into the host computer and copy the contents to a
desired location on the host computer. The WAP software may also be installed at this time.
Refer to the WAP User’s Guide for details on using this data processing software.

1.2 Verify Electrical Functionality

We recommend following the steps below to verify the system’s electrical functionality
when you first receive your DH-4. You will need the following items:

• A clean, solid lab table or work bench.

• A multimeter.

• The DH-4.

• Test cable (includes terminations for an RS-232 connection into a host computer,

power leads that connect to a power supply, and a connector to the DH-4).

• Any meter(s) that will be used with the DH-4.

• A 12–15 volt power supply.

• A computer with WL Host installed.

1.2.1 Check Test Cable Voltage:

1. Connect the power leads to a 12–15 volt power supply (safe operating range).

The black lead is the V+ lead. Use a multimeter to check the input power
before connecting the cable to the instrument.

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•

2. With the power supply turned on, touch the multimeter ground probe to socket 1

on the test cable connector. Connect the “hot” probe to pin 4 (the pin directly
opposite from pin 1). You should measure 12–15 volts across these two pins.

3. Turn the power supply off.

1.3 Verify System Operation

1. If necessary, attach the test cable power leads to a stable power source that supplies

12–15 VDC. Make sure the polarity is correct before switching on the power supply.

2. Connect the RS-232 connector to the desired serial port of the host PC.

Note that if your instrument is sending data in the RS-485 format, an RS-485 to RS­232 converter is required to allow proper operation.

WARNING!

Power input on this unit is diode-protected from reverse polarity power-up, but this is not

100 percent insurance against damaging the meter, nor will it protect it from over-voltage.

3. Plug the submerged (wet) end of the test cable into the DH-4.

Applying electrical grade silicone spray or an equivalent to the rubber base of the
instrument bulkhead connector makes the plug insertion easier and provides greater
assurance of a good seal. Do NOT use stopcock greases or products like WD-40.
These will cause de-lamination of the rubber from the metal surface of the bulkhead
connector. Use a connector lock ring if one is available.

Tips

Refer to the Custom Configuration Sheet that ships with your DH-4 for a
summary of factory configuration settings.

•

The Configuration Sheet in Appendix A refers to the example setup used in
this manual.

4. Ensure the DH-4 is connected to the host computer and power supply as above.

5. Connect any additional meter(s) to the DH-4. It may help to refer to the Custom

Configuration Sheet that ships with each DH-4: when possible, configurations
settings specific to your system are set at the factory and documented on the Custom
Configuration Sheet.

6. Start WET Labs Host program.

7. Turn on power to the DH-4.

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8. The first time WET Labs host is started, the

program screen will be mostly empty, with only a
Configure Host Port window appearing.

9. Input the COM port and the baud rate (default 9600). The red backgrounds will turn
white. Close the window. Both time indicators on the left of the window (Host
Status and Logger Status) will increment, indicating the DH-4 and PC are
communicating.

10. Go to the Modes pull-down menu and select Profile Logging.

11. Go to the now-visible

Port Setup

tab and press

Get Setup

to load the logger’s settings

into the Host program.

12. Review the Serial Port Type, associated Port Setup baud rate, Analog Ports, and
Pump Ports settings. These settings can also be found on the Custom Configuration
Sheet that ships with your data logger. See Reference section 5.1 for details about
Port Setup options.

Note

For purposes of illustration in this user’s guide, WET Labs Host software runs the following:

 Host Port: DH-4



Port 1: ac-s



Port 2: ECO VSFS, Volume Scattering Function Meter with Bio-wiper™



Port 3: CTD



Port 4: Pump



Port 5: ECO FLNTUS, fluorometer-turbidity sensor with Bio-wiper™

DH-4 Revision E5 19 June 2006 3

Port Setup tab settings

13. Select the Logger

Setup

tab to view the factory-set logger control settings. Refer

to section 5.2 for details on Logger Control configuration options.

Logger Control tab settings

14. To save these settings on the host computer: Select the Save Setup Files button
and in the resulting window, name the setup and click OK. This will allow you to
retrieve the factory settings in the future.

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•

15. There are two options to verify that the meters connected to DH-4 are functional
and communicating. Option 1 allows checking multiple meters. Option 2 tests
one meter at a time, but also provides baud rate information.

Option 1: test multiple meters

In the Logger Control tab select Begin
Sample. Sampling begins with the program
cycling through the preset sampling
parameters. For example, there will be 5
seconds for Delay Before Start and Pre-

Warm Up Flush, and 10 for Meter Warm­Up before the system begins active sampling

for 5 minutes.

Select the Data Status tab. The status of each port is displayed. Depending on
the operation the data logger is performing, either the Bytes/Second and/or the
File Size will increment. While the logger is performing a pre-sampling warm­up or flush operation, only the bytes/second will increase. When sampling
begins, the file size will increment as well.

Return to the Logger Control tab and select Stop.

• Option 2: test a single meter

Select Commands/Test One Logger Port

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a. Select the data port (and thus instrument) you

wish to test.

b. Select the instrument’s baud rate.
c. Select the host computer’s baud rate.
d. Select Start Test. The Real_Time Data window

appears, showing scrolling data.

e. Select Stop Test when communication is

verified.

16. To upload and save the test

run from above, select the
Upload Logger Data tab,
then Get DH-4 Directory.
Select a Run # to upload,
then select Upload Logger
Data. Choose a location to
store the data. The upload
status bar indicates file size
and status of upload progress.

17. Select Clear DH-4 Memory to erase the data from the DH-4.

18. Exit the program by selecting Exit under the File menu.

Tip:

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We highly recommend you experiment with changing and retrieving settings to get
a feel for the flexibility of the host software before deploying your system.

2. Setting Operational Modes

WET Labs Host can operate in several modes. Which you choose, of course, depends on
your application. This section describes setup for the three most frequently used modes of
operation:

1. Profile Logging Mode—typically used to assess a column of water, with the logger and

other instruments moving vertically through the column.

2. Moored Logging Mode—typically used for stationary deployments. WET Labs host

provides settings options for low power, or “sleep” intervals, as well as flushing options.
Data is stored at the logger.

3. Real Time Output—similar to profiling, but no data is stored to the logger; it is sent

directly to a host PC. Selecting the appropriate settings to save data in WET Labs Host
are critical in this mode.

Less frequently used, and requiring an advanced understanding of WET Labs Host software:

• Analog Output—Transmits ASCII data from analog meters in real time.

• Advanced Logging/Output—Used only for custom instrument configurations, or

when a combination of modes is required.

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2.1 Profiling Mode

This subsection details the steps and selections to execute a profile for the example system
listed below:

•

Host Port: DH-4

•

Port 1: ac-s

•

Port 2: ECO VSFS, Volume Scattering Function Meter with Bio-wiper™

•

Port 3: CTD

•

Port 4: Pump

•

Port 5: ECO FLNTUS, fluorometer-turbidity sensor with Bio-wiper™

When possible, configuration settings specific to your system are set at the factory. The
Custom Configuration Sheet that ships with your DH-4 represents a hard-copy summary of
the DH-4’s flash settings as they appear in the host program’s setup windows.

2.1.1 Changing or Verifying Configuration Settings

Supply power to the DH-4. Start the host program. Select COM port and baud rate
(default: 9600). Select Profile Logging from the Modes menu.

Port Setup tab:

1. Load configuration settings using one of the options below:

• To retrieve the DH-4’s current configuration, select Get Setup.

• To load configuration settings saved to the host PC, select Open Setup

File, select the desired file, then select Send Setup to send those settings
to the DH-4.

• To load factory default settings, go to the Commands pull-down menu, then

Access Factory Settings > Load Default Flash Setup. These are also

available on the Custom Configuration Sheet that ships with your DH-4.

2. If necessary, change the settings under the Serial Port Type, Port Setup,
and Analog Port options. Note that Setup Not Current will appear on a
yellow banner on the status portion of the host program window if any
settings are changed.

8 DH-4 Revision E5 19 June 2006

Tip

Sample Port Setup tab settings for profiling mode

Logger Control tab:

1. Check the Low Voltage Cut Off setting. Set to the highest value of the
minimum voltage requirement for all the meters being used. For example, if
you’re deploying an ac-9 (min. requirement 10.0 V), and an ECO fluorometer
(min. requirement 7.5 V), set the Low Voltage Cut Off to 10.0 V.

2. Check Analog/Data Rate setting. Set to the fastest meter’s data rate. For
example, if you’re deploying an ac-s (8 Hz), ac-9 (6 Hz), and an ECO
fluorometer (1 Hz), set the Sample Rate to 8 Hz.

If the logger is being used with meters whose total output is more than 1024 bytes of
data per sample, set the Analog/Data Rate higher than the meter data rate to prevent
data loss. For example, if the total output is 2500 bytes/second, set the logger to at
least 3 Hz.

Set the rate of data acquisition to the fastest
meter’s data rate.

ac-s meters:
ac-9 meters:

ECO meters:

Analog meters:

4 or 8 Hz
6 Hz
1 Hz
1 Hz

DH-4 Revision E5 19 June 2006 9

If your system uses analog meters:

Each analog bulkhead on the DH-4 can optionally support two analog channels.
Therefore, each analog bulkhead has two analog definitions in the DH-4 host
program. (Analog 1 and Analog 2 correlate with analog bulkhead 1, Analog 3 and
Analog 4 correlates to analog bulkhead 2, etc.)

To use both channels on a given bulkhead, there must be a Y cable that originates
from the DH-4 bulkhead and terminates at each of the supported instruments. If a
Y cable is not available, each analog port will only support one analog device at
the odd numbered Analog ID (Analog Bulkhead 1 = Analog 1, Analog Bulkhead
2 = Analog 3, etc.)

3. When the desired settings are input: Select Send Setup to send the configuration
settings to the DH-4’s flash memory. To save the configuration settings to the host
computer, select Save Setup File.

4. To begin sampling, select the Begin Sample button.

Sample Logger Control tab settings for profiling mode

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2.1.2 Tracking Incoming Data

Select the Data Status tab to display the current data status of all meters. Refer to
Reference section 5.3 for details of what each status line represents.

Viewing Data Status tab, profiling mode

To stop the sample, press Stop at the Logger Control tab.

2.1.3 Uploading Data

1. Go to the Port Setup tab and press Get Setup to ensure the most recent flash
settings are loaded.

2. Under the Logger Port Setup combo box, choose the fastest data rate that the host
cable and COM port can support. Three-meter cables can run at 115,200 baud.

3. Press Send Setup to send the baud rate change to the data logger. The logger will
change to the meter’s baud rate and the host program will follow suit. There will be a
brief pause as the logger and PC change their baud rates.

Occasionally, the logger and PC will lose track of each other while the baud rate
change is occurring. This will be indicated by a red background for baud rate. Press
Send Setup again. It may be necessary to toggle power to the data logger if re­sending the command doesn’t synchronize baud rates.

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Upload Logger Data in profiling mode

4. At the Upload Logger Data tab, select Get DH-4 Directory to retrieve all the DH-4
file information.

5. Select one or more of the runs that appear in the Data Logger Run Directory. In the
example above run 001 will be uploaded.

6. Select WL Archive from the combo box. This will create a data file that combines the
data from the selected files.

7. Select the runs to be uploaded, then select Upload Data to upload them. The status
section will update while uploading is occurring.

8. Selecting Cancel Upload will stop data upload. If multiple runs have been selected,
you will be prompted to cancel all uploads or individual run uploads.

2.1.4 Clearing DH-4 Memory

Caution!

Once “Clear DH-4 Memory” is pressed, the data is not retrievable.

WARNING!

Turning off the data logger while memory clearing is in progress

corrupted data logger file system.

To clear the DH-4 memory, select the Clear DH-4 Memory button in the Upload
Logger Data tab (above).

12 DH-4 Revision E5 19 June 2006

WILL

result in a

2.2 Moored Mode

This subsection details the steps and selections to execute a moored operation for the
example system listed below:

• Host Port: DH-4

• Port 1: ac-s

• Port 2: ECO VSFS, Volume Scattering Function Meter with Bio-wiper™

• Port 3: CTD

• Port 4: Pump

• Port 5: ECO FLNTUS, fluorometer-turbidity sensor with Bio-wiper™

When possible, configuration settings specific to your system are set at the factory. The
Custom Configuration Sheet that ships with your DH-4 represents a hard-copy summary of
the DH-4’s flash settings as they appear in the host program setup windows.

2.2.1 Moored Logging Configuration Settings

Supply power to the DH-4; start the WET Labs Host program. Select COM port and baud
rate (default: 9600). Select Moored Logging from the Modes menu.

Port Setup tab:

1. Load configuration settings using one of the options below:

• To retrieve the DH-4’s current configuration, select Get Setup.

• To load configuration settings saved to the host PC, select Open Setup

File, select the desired file, then select Send Setup to send those settings
to the DH-4.

• To load factory default settings, go to the Commands pull-down menu,

then Access Factory Settings > Load Default Flash Setup. Note that
these are also available on the Custom Configuration Sheet that ships with
your DH-4.

2. If necessary, change the settings under the Serial Port Type, Port Setup, Analog
Port options. Note that Setup Not Current will appear on a yellow banner on the
status portion of the host program window if any settings are changed.

3. Check the Once Per Hour checkbox to allow instruments with a high current
draw to run only during the first sample period after the beginning (“top”) of
the hour. This allows you to obtain several samples per hour from instruments
with lower current draws without the power penalty of instruments with a high
current draw.

DH-4 Revision E5 19 June 2006 13

Sample Port Setup settings for moored mode

Logger Control tab:

1. Check the Low Voltage Cut Off setting. Set to the highest value of the
minimum voltage requirement for all the meters being used. For example, if
you’re deploying an ac-9 (min. requirement 10.0 V), and an ECO fluorometer
(min. requirement 7.5 V), set the Low Voltage Cut Off to 10.0 V.

2. Check Analog/Data Rate setting. Set to the fastest meter’s data rate. For
example, if you’re deploying an ac-s (4 or 8 Hz), ac-9 (6 Hz), and an ECO
fluorometer (1 Hz), set the Sample Rate to 8 Hz.

If the logger is being used with meters whose total output is more than 1024
bytes of data per sample, set the Analog/Data Rate higher than the meter data
rate to prevent data loss. For example, if the total output is 2500 bytes/second,
set the logger to at least 3 Hz.

Tip

Set the rate of data acquisition to the fastest
meter’s data rate.

ac-s meters:
ac-9 meters:

ECO meters:

Analog meters:

If your system uses analog meters:

Each analog bulkhead on the DH-4 can optionally support two analog channels.
Therefore, each analog bulkhead has two analog definitions in the DH-4 host
program. (Analog 1 and Analog 2 correlate with analog bulkhead 1, Analog 3 and
Analog 4 correlates to analog bulkhead 2, etc.)

To use both channels on a given bulkhead, there must be a Y cable that originates
from the DH-4 bulkhead and terminates at each of the supported instruments. If a
Y cable is not available, each analog port will only support one analog device at
the odd numbered Analog ID (Analog Bulkhead 1 = Analog 1, Analog Bulkhead
2 = Analog 3, etc.)

4 or 8 Hz
6 Hz
1 Hz
1 Hz

14 DH-4 Revision E5 19 June 2006

3. Commands drop down menu:

Synchronize the DH-4 and
host PC clocks. Select

Synchronize Logger Time

then

Synchronize Time Now

,

.

Note

Turning on “Automatic Time Sync” will prevent you from seeing the DH-4 clock drift and should

not be used for moored applications.

4. When the desired settings are input: Select Send Setup to send the configuration
settings to the DH-4’s flash memory. To save the configuration settings to the host
computer, select Save Setup File.

5. To begin sampling, select the Begin Sample button.

Sample Logger Control settings for moored mode

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