Aanderaa Documentation

Knowledge Base

Aanderaa Doppler Current Profiler X-Series Integration Guide


The Aanderaa Doppler Current Profiler Sensor (DCPS) is a medium-range, 600kHz current profiler for deployment on fixed or moving platforms. The DCPS is compatible with NexSens X-Series data loggers using RS-232 communication.
An illustration depicting how a sensor can be integrated with a NexSens X3 data logger for remote, real-time data access. An Aanderaa Doppler Current Profiler 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 velocity data on the screen in the WQData LIVE mobile app view.

Sensor Setup

Before the sensor can be deployed, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to complete setup. For pairing with NexSens X-Series data loggers, ensure the following settings are enabled in the Terminal Protocol:

  1. Enable Polled Mode
  2. Disable Text
  3. Enable Decimal format

Note: NexSens X-Series loggers support a maximum of 179 parameters per sensor and 200 parameters for the overall system, so users should take care not to exceed these limits. Using the default Simple Output, the sensor outputs 23 default parameters plus 5 parameters per cell. Therefore, the following calculation should be performed to ensure the system does not exceed the limit.

Total Parameters = 23 + (5 x Number of Cells)

 

Connecting with X-Series Loggers

Next, the Aandera DCPS will need to be set up for the X-Series logger using CONNECT software. Before proceeding, set up the project in WQData LIVE.

  1. Connect the DCPS 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 Aandera from the Manufacturer drop-down. Then select the appropriate model.
  5. Select the port number and Connection.
  6. Select either Continuous or Switch in the Power drop-down.
    1. Continuous is recommended.
  7. Set the Num Cell as needed. It must match the num cell set in the Aandera software.
    Aanderaa Doppler Current Profiler sensor profile in NexSens CONNECT Software.
  8. Select Save Sensor Profile.
  9. Complete the setup for all other sensors, and then click Save.
  10. Name the Sensor Profile List and select Ok.
    Save Sensor Profile List.
  11. Complete system setup by clicking Deploy.
    CONNECT interface with a Aanderaa Doppler Current Profiler added.
  12. 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, see below.

Buoy-Based Deployments

The Aandera DCPS arrives already in its harness and will simply need to be attached to the bottom of the NexSens buoy’s instrument cage using a shackle.
Attaching the Aandera mount to the bottom of a NexSens instrument cage using a shackle.