Airmar EchoRange SS510

Knowledge Base

Airmar EchoRange SS510 X-Series Integration Guide


The Airmar EchoRange SS510 Smart Sensor provides precision distance-to-bottom measurements for bridge scour monitoring, sediment transfer studies and buoy-based water level detection. The EchoRange is compatible with NexSens X-Series data loggers via RS-485 sensor interface with NMEA0183 communication protocol.

An illustration depicting how a sensor can be integrated with a NexSens X3 data logger for remote, real-time data access. An Airmar EchoRange SS510 Smart Sonar Depth Sensor is illustrated on the right with a line pointing to the left where an X3 is transmitting data waves to a cloud above which has a line to a phone screen on the far left which displays depth data on the screen in the WQData LIVE mobile app view.

 

Sensor Setup

Before the sensor can be deployed, the proper NMEA0183 messages must be enabled. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to complete setup.

 

Connecting with X-Series Loggers

Next, the EchoRange will need to be connected to the X-Series logger through CONNECT software. If you have not yet done so, set up the project in WQData LIVE.

  1. Connect the sensor using the supplied cable to one of the open sensor ports on the logger and note the port number.
  2. Plug the X3 into the USB port of the computer and power it on with the AC power cable.
  3. Open CONNECT and select the SENSOR tab.
    Open CONNECT and select the SENSOR tab.
  4. Click Add and select Airmar from the Manufacturer drop-down. Then select the appropriate model.
  5. Choose either Continuous or Switch in the Power drop-down.
    1. Switch is recommended.
      AirmarSS510 sensor profile in NexSens CONNECT Software.
  6. Select Save Sensor Profile.
  7. Complete the setup for all other sensors, and then click Save.
  8. Name the Sensor Profile List and select Ok.
    Save Sensor Profile List.
  9. Complete system setup by clicking Deploy.
    CONNECT interface with a AirmarSS510 EchoRange sensor added.
  10. Confirm that data is being transferred to WQData LIVE at the next interval (default is 10 minutes).

 

Mounting

Deployment setups will vary based on the platform, application, and site location. For general buoy mounting instructions and shore-side mounting options, see below.

 

Buoy-Based Deployments

First, follow the appropriate User Guide in the Knowledge Base for buoy assembly. Then, use the NexSens Airmar SS510 Sonar Sensor Mount to attach the sensor to the buoy cage by following the steps below.

  1. Choose a location near the bottom of the cage to mount the Airmar SS510 sensor.
  2. Place the U-bolts onto an arm of the instrument cage and run them through the slots on the cage mount bracket.Place the U-bolts onto an arm of the instrument cage and run them through the slots on the cage mount bracket.
  3. Place the SS510 into the sensor mount bracket and tighten using the provided hardware.
    Place the SS510 into the sensor mount bracket and tighten using the provided hardware.
  4. Attach the sensor assembly to the mounting bracket.

Attach the sensor assembly to the mounting bracket.

 

Near-Shore Deployments

The EchoRange can be used on shore-side structures. The sonar transceiver emits a 9-degree cone-shaped signal and will require an extended mounting bracket to avoid signal interference with piers and pilings.

The Airmar SS510's sonar transceiver emits a 9-degree cone-shaped signal and will require an extended mounting bracket to avoid signal interference with piers and pilings.