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Rev. C • 10.2004
Grounding Problems
Tests in laboratory tanks can sometimes lead to grounding problems, which
show up as elevated noise levels, but only after the instrument is placed in the
water. You will not automatically see the increased noise level in your data if
your signal from the water is above the noise, but the increased noise level could
look like signal. One way to tell the noise level in the tank is to collect with the
transmitter out of the water but the receiver arms in the water.
You may be able to reduce your problems by coiling your power and data cable
into a tight bundle and raising the cable above the fl oor (i.e. placing it on a chair).
Also, feel free to call NORTEK for fur ther guidance. Keep in mind that ground-
ing problems occur around man-made structures, but is not normally a problem
in the fi eld. Grounding problems disappear when you disconnect the Vectrino
from the computer and from the external power supply. Collecting data to the
internal recorder using batteries can be an option to remove pos sible grounding
problems even in indoor environments.
Vibration in Mounting Fixture
Excessive mooring vibration can adversely affect your data. Vibra tion introduc-
es spurious velocities and interferes with the proper operation of the tilt sensor.
You may be able to detect intervals of excessive vibration by looking closely at
your data. If you discover that mooring vibration is a problem, you should try to
fi nd ways to reduce the vibration.
Initial Problems? Did You Check This?
Believe us, most initial problems can be traced to problems like:
• You have forgotten to power the sys tem.
• The DB-9 connector has fallen out of the computer.
• You are using the wrong serial port.
• Computers don’t always behave as they should and not all of them have
serial ports available. If one computer is giving you a problem, try another
one instead.
APPENDIX 1
Troubleshooting
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