Where
do I get my application software?
See
our download page. All you will need is the free AquaSync applications
software for your Windows\Mobile device. Download the software and save
on your computer. Follow the instructions to install on your Windows
Mobile Device.
How can I analyse
my data easily?
Down
load our free AquaSoft excel spreadsheet which performs all the
calculations required to compensate the data from the AquaBat(s) for
atmospheric pressure variations, determine water level below ground
level and express level related to National Survey datum. Additionally,
AquaSoft allows you to compensate levels for other variables such as
local gravity (world location and elevation) and temperature related
density variations. AquaSoft requires Microsoft Excel to be installed
on your computer. Makes sure that your computer has permission to run
the AquaSoft macros!
Can I use the
AquaBat for monitoring brackish/sea water?
The
standard AquaBat main body is 316 stainless steel and will be
subject to corrosion eventually. Nevertheless, the main body is fully
encapsulated with sub sea grade encapsulate so even with corrosion of
the main body the unit should still operate correctly. We have
alternative models for extreme conditions so please contact us for
details of your problem.
How do I know if my
logger is logging?
Once you have set
the unit logging, the AquaSync software will show that you have
successfully started the logger. If you are unsure, when disconnected
from the logger, merely look at the end of the fibre optic cable. A
green light blinks every 30 seconds showing that the unit is operating.
How
do I know if my logger is logging?
Once you have set
the unit logging the AquaSync software will show that you have
successfully started the logger. If you are unsure, when disconnected
from the logger, merely look at the end of the fibre optic cable. A
green light blinks every 30 seconds showing that the unit is operating.
What
happens if I have a problem?
Call, Skype or
email us and we will talk you through the solution.
Why don’t
you use a vented cable to automatically compensate the AquaBat for
atmospheric pressure changes?
We
would never consider vented cables as a solution for long term
monitoring applications. Vented cables are susceptible to blockage from
moisture, kinking, algae and bacterial growth, rendering your sensor
and data useless no matter how you try to protect the system with
filters etc.
Do
I always have to use a AquaBat-bar for atmospheric
compensation?
No, but be aware
that atmospheric pressure variations do have a significant effect on
level data. If you are doing a permeability test or pump test
in a well of short duration you can probably ignore atmospheric
pressure variations. For long term, yes you need a AquaBat-bar.
Do
I need a AquaBat-bar for every AquaBat installation?
No.
Typically one AquaBat-bar is acceptable for AquaBat
installations contained within a 10 km radius of the AquaBat-bar.
However do be aware that the atmospheric pressure is important to the
level data and it would be sensible to allow for additional AquaBat-bar
units if the monitoring site is subject to theft or other possible
hazards (landslides or mechanical plant damage)
I
want to monitor a site that has stable water levels that sometimes is
greatly affected by rainfall/ pumping/construction events and I
don’t want a mass of data on unchanging conditions.?
Easy, set your
AquaBat to record at your minimum time period for stable readings, and
set a time rate for your high or low trigger points. Once these points
are reached, the AquaBat will go into the new logging strategy and
revert to the old strategy when levels are restored.
Why do you not have
standard logging models for pump tests?
The standard
test time schedule is the minimum required for level readings
and was determined from the past when level readings were taken
manually using Dipmeters. It is the early data that is particularly
important (and most frequently missed, chasing water levels down the
well with a Dipmeter!). Our recommendation is to set the AquaBat at
your fastest scan rate. After all, the data only takes up lines in
Excel. If you want to cut down on your recorded data, then set the
AquaBat to trigger to a longer interval, after a predetermined depth is
achieved.
How long does the
battery last in the AquaBat?
The battery will
last for up to 10 years but is dependent upon downloads and sampling
usage. See specifications for a guide.
How can I tell if
the AquaBat is working?
The AquaBat is
unique as it is possible to see with the un-aided
eye when the instrument is operating. Look into the
instrument through the fibre attachment hole when no fibre cable
attached, or at the end of the fibre cable. A a green flash of light
occurs when data is being sent.
When operating in
low power mode the green light pulse is every 30 seconds. When
downloading data the LED flash rate is much higher. No harm can come to
the device when examining for the data communications.
Can I look directly
at the light communications pulse with my eye?
Yes. Examination of
the green data pulse from the AquaBat is safe to the eye.
What size mounting
bolts are used to fit the head of the AquaBat to the body?
Use only stainless
steel M3 x 8 mm hex-hexagonal bolts to fit the head to the
body to secure the fibre cable.
What type of fibre
cable should be used with the AquaBat?
Use 2.2 mm PVC
jacket cable with 1 mm solid plastic core.
There are 2 main
types of cable available single mode and multi-mode. Use
single mode fibre for long distance connection to the header unit. Use
cheaper multi-mode cable when the deployment is under 50 m
AquaBat stock a
range fibre cable and this can be order from the on-line
shop.
My PDA/Mobile phone
won’t talk to the Bluetooth on the Header unit?
The PDA/Mobile
phone Bluetooth connection has to have a serial port assigned.
Typically for AquaBat Header with many different PDA/Phone suppliers
this is “Port 7”. Refer to your PDA or hands set
manual for details on this operation. An example of typical operation
is shown in the Header manual.
What is the maximum
length of cable that can be used with the AquaBat
Use only mono-mode
fibre for long distance deployments. Maximum distance is typically 200
m but this will vary depending upon the quality of the fibre cable
being used.
Can I fit the fibre
cable to AquaBat while the sensor is under water?
Yes. Cable can be
attached to the sensor while under water. The AquaBat is a totally
encapsulated device and does not depend upon any waterproof seals.
Water in the hole where the cable is attached will have negligible
effect on the instrument operations. The AquaBat uses light for data
communications and this will pass through any small amount of water in
the instrument communications port.
How often should I
replace the O-ring used to attached the cable to AquaBat?
We commend the o-ring
be swapped after long term deployments or when new cable is being
fitted.
Use BS 005 V 75
Viton 75 shore hardness o-rings. These are available from
the on-line shop.
I have deployed the
AquaBat with a data logger. How can a guarantee my data?
The AquaBat can
still operate as a stand-lone logger at the same time as
transmitting data for SDI-12 network operations. Set the
sample rate for the AquaBat to last for the duration of the deployment
and simply download the stored data should the surface data recorder or
communications systems fail
How do I prepare
new cable to fit the AquaBat?
Very easy. Simply
cut the cable to length and trip off 5 mm of sheathing from both ends
of the cable. Make sure that the ends of the cable are clean cut and
perfectly flat edge. The cleaner the cable end and the better the cut
the the higher the optical signal .
How do I safe guard
the fibre cable once the instrument is deployed?
Once the instrument
is deployed and being used for stand-alone long
term operation, simply fit the fibre end cap onto the end of the cable.
The fibre cap keeps end of the cable clean so it is ready for use when
a download is required.
Additional fibre
end caps are available from the on-line shop.
My AquaBat has been
deployed for some time and I want to download. What need I do to the
cable before downloading data?
Simply wash the end
of the cable going into the Header unit with fresh water or wipe with a
cloth. Make sure the end is as clean as possible for best results.