Valeport TideMaster - User Manual

TideMaster - Operating Manual
Document ID
MANUAL-1094978189-1 | issue 1.1
Date:
July 2021
This confidential document was prepared by the staff of Valeport Limited, the Company, and is the property
of the Company, which also owns the copyright therein. All rights conferred by the law of the copyright and
by virtue of international copyright conventions are reserved to the Company. This document must not be
copied, reprinted or reproduced in any material form, either wholly or in part, and the contents of this
document, and any method or technique available there from, must not be disclosed to any other person
whatsoever without the prior written consent of the Company.
© 2021 Valeport Ltd
Valeport Ltd
St Peter's Quay
Totnes TQ9 5EW
United Kingdom
Phone:
email:
Web:
+44 1803 869292
sales@valeport.co.uk
www.valeport.co.uk
As part of our policy of continuous development, we reserve the right to alter, without prior notice, all
specifications, designs, prices and conditions of supply for all our equipment

Summary

1 Introduction

1.1 Description

Describes the TideMaster tide gauge and its applications.

1.2 Features

Details the TideMaster's OLED display, Bluetooth, and memory capabilities.

1.3 Mounting Template

Provides a visual guide for mounting the device.

1.4 Specifications

Lists technical specs for pressure and radar sensors.

2 Installation

2.1 Equipment Supplied

Lists all components included with the TideMaster system.

2.2 Setting Up

Covers initial setup procedures for the unit and sensors.

2.2.1 TideMaster Logging Unit

Instructions for mounting the main logging unit.

2.2.2 Pressure Transducer

Guidance on installing the pressure sensor.

2.2.3 Shortening the Transducer Cable

Steps to safely shorten the transducer's signal cable.

2.3 VRS20 Radar Level Sensor

Installation details for the radar sensor.

2.3.1 Boom Mounting

Describes how to mount the radar sensor onto a boom.

2.3.2 Direct Mounting

Explains the process for directly mounting the radar sensor.

2.3.3 Levelling

Procedures for ensuring the radar sensor is level.

2.3.4 Wiring

Details on connecting the radar sensor's wiring.

2.3.4.1 Junction box

Wiring instructions for the radar sensor junction box.

2.4 Calibration

Procedures for calibrating the sensors.

2.4.1 Pressure Sensor

How to calibrate the pressure sensor.

2.4.2 VRS-20 Radar Level Sensor

Calibration for the radar sensor.

2.4.2.1 Working Range

Setting the operational working range of the radar.

3 Powering the Unit

3.1 Battery Warning

Important safety warnings regarding battery usage.

3.2 To Turn the TideMaster On

Step-by-step guide to powering on the device.

3.3 To Turn the TideMaster Off

Instructions for safely powering down the unit.

3.4 Changing Batteries

Procedure for replacing the unit's batteries.

3.5 Battery Life Scenarios

Analysis of battery life based on different usage scenarios.

3.5.1 Scenario A

Battery life estimates for Scenario A.

3.5.2 Scenario B

Battery life estimates for Scenario B.

3.5.3 Scenario C

Battery life estimates for Scenario C.

3.5.4 Scenario D

Battery life estimates for Scenario D.

6 Set Up

6.1 Interrupting TideMaster

How to interrupt the TideMaster's current operation.

6.2 Set Up TideMaster Using the Control Panel

Configuring the TideMaster via its on-board panel.

6.2.1 Instrument Set Up

Configuring sensor parameters and output units.

6.3 Set Up TideMaster Using TideMaster Express

Configuring the TideMaster using PC software.

6.3.1 Communicate

Establishing communication between PC and TideMaster.

6.3.2 Sampling Set Up

Configuring the data sampling modes and parameters.

7 Calibration

7.1 Pressure Sensor

Detailed procedure for calibrating the pressure sensor.

7.1.1 Pressure;Depth Relationship

Explains the formula for converting pressure to depth.

7.1.2 User Calibration

Setting up custom calibration parameters.

7.1.2.1 Gain Factor

Calculation and input of the Gain Factor.

7.1.2.2 Offset

Setting the Datum Offset for calibration.

7.1.3 Site Calibration

Performing calibration at the specific deployment site.

7.1.3.1 Fixed Transducer Method

Site calibration using a stationary transducer.

7.1.3.2 Moving Transducer Method

Site calibration using a movable transducer.

7.2 Radar Sensor

Calibration procedures for the radar level sensor.

7.2.1 Working Range

Defining the valid measurement range for the radar.

7.3 Using TideMaster Control Panel

Calibration steps using the unit's display and buttons.

7.3.1 Pressure Sensor Calibration

Calibrating the pressure sensor via the control panel.

7.3.2 Radar Sensor Calibration

Calibrating the radar sensor via the control panel.

8 Data Display in TideMaster Express

8.1 Real Time Data

How real-time data is transmitted and logged.

8.1.1 File Period

Configuring logging intervals for data files.

8.1.2 Daily File Location

Setting the directory for daily data storage.

8.1.3 Backup File Location

Specifying a location for data backups.

8.1.4 Remote Data File Location

Defining a shared location for remote data access.

8.1.5 Open Prediction File

Loading and using tidal prediction files.

8.2 Data Download

Instructions for retrieving logged data from the instrument.

8.3 Data Display - TideMaster Express

Overview of available data visualization types.

8.3.1 Simple Display

Shows the latest numerical reading for a selected parameter.

8.3.2 Scroll Display

Displays historical data in a tabular format.

8.3.3 Graph Display

Visualizes time-series data graphically.

8.3.4 Surge Graph Display

Compares observed and predicted tide data graphically.

8.3.5 Last Data Display

Shows the most recent readings from multiple sensors.

8.3.6 Wind Rose Display

Graphical representation of wind speed and direction.

8.3.7 Prediction Files

Information on loading and using prediction data.

8.3.8 Preset Displays & Display Handling

How to save and load custom display configurations.

9 Data Requests and Output Formats

9.1 Stop Command

Command to halt the instrument's current operation.

9.2 Run Commands

Commands to initiate specific measurement modes.

9.3 Logger Control

Commands for managing logged data and settings.

9.4 Data Formats

Details on the structure and content of data files.

9.4.1 Logged Data (Pressure Tide & Met)

Format for data logged with pressure, tide, and met sensors.

9.4.2 Logged Data (Pressure Tide & CT)

Format for data logged with pressure, tide, and CT sensors.

9.4.3 Logged Data (Radar Tide and Met)

Format for data logged with radar, tide, and met sensors.

9.4.4 Logged data (Radar Tide and CT)

Format for data logged with radar, tide, and CT sensors.

9.4.5 Real Time Data

Formats used for transmitting data in real time.

9.4.5.1 NMEA

Description of the NMEA output format.

10 Wiring Information

10.1 Tide (Pressure)

Wiring diagram for the pressure sensor connection.

10.2 Tide (Radar)

Wiring diagram for the radar sensor connection.

10.3 WindSONIC

Wiring details for the WindSONIC sensor.

10.4 METPAK II

Wiring details for the METPAK II sensor.

10.5 MaxiMet

Wiring details for the MaxiMet sensor.

10.6 miniCT

Wiring details for the miniCT sensor.

10.7 3 m Y Lead (RS232)

Wiring information for the RS232 Y lead.

11 Declaration of Conformity - TideMaster

11.1 UKCA Certificate

Details regarding UKCA conformity.

11.2 EU CE Certificate

Details regarding EU CE conformity.

Valeport TideMaster Specifications

General

Type	Tide Gauge
Power Supply	Internal battery or external power
Operating Temperature	-10°C to +50°C
Storage Temperature	-20°C to +60°C
Ingress Protection	IP68
Resolution	0.001% FS
Communication	RS232, RS485, SDI-12
Material	Titanium