RCM Blue

A new rugged self-recording current meter with

Bluetooth for communications and data retrieval.
The instrument uses a true vector-averaging sensor
for measuring current speed and direction in salt or fresh
water, and a battery container with battery capacity up to
70Ah.
Features
• Internal data storage
• Configuration and data retrieval by use of Bluetooth
• Battery compartments with up to 70Ah
• External LED with color code reports status
• Software for configuration and retrieval of data and
USB to Bluetooth adapter included
• Unique ZPulse multi-frequency acoustic technology
improves data quality, sampling speed and reduces
power consumption
• Built-in solid state three axis compass and tilt sensor
with compensating algorithm
• Direct readout of engineering data
• Fast sampling rate
• Low power consumption
• Insensitive to fouling
• Low maintenance needs

The RCM Blue is a self-recording Current Meter which also Another great advantage is the ZPulse technology which
measures water temperature. improves the statistical precision. Complex acoustic
pulses comprising two distinct frequencies which are
The Doppler Current Sensor is an upgraded version of the combined into a single acoustic pulse. The ZPulse
proven SeaGuard ZPulse sensor. The instrument based DCS separates the received signal into different
configuration and data retrieval is done via Bluetooth frequency bands, one for each frequency in the transmitted
which eliminates the need to open the pressure case signal. Further it analyses the frequency shift using a high
for repeated deployments. speed Digital Signal Processor using an ARMA (Auto
Regressive Moving Average) based parametric model
The DCS sensors are based on the backscatter acoustic processing algorithm to find the Doppler shift frequencies.
Doppler principle. The DCS has two transducers on This multi-frequency technique reduces the required
each orthogonal axis. This enables the DCS to measure number of pings needed in order to achieve an acceptable
in both directions on each axis which makes it insensitive statistical error. The achieved measurement precision
to disturbance from vortex speeds around the sensor is proportional to the inverse of the square root of the
itself and the mooring line when the forward ping feature number of ping measurements in a measurement interval.
is enabled. One transducer on each axis transmits short The ZPulse DCS uses two frequencies and this gives
ultrasonic pulses simultaneously (50 to 600 pings in each a reduction by a factor square root of two compared
recording interval). The same transducers receive to a single frequency sensor. A single frequency sensor
backscattered signals from particles in the water. This needs twice the number of ping to achieve the same
gives an orthogonal x and y speed component which precision as the Zpulse DCS.
is tilt compensated to find the correct horizontal speed
components. The North and East speed components The instrument outputs Absolute Current Speed and
are calculated based on the x and y speed components Direction, Speed in east and north direction, Ping Count,
and the heading from the built-in solid state electronic and extensive readout of quality control parameters
compass. The sensor takes several of these two-component such as Single-ping Standard deviation, Heading, Tilt
measurements and finally calculates the averaged north in X- and Y-direction, and Signal Strength.
and east speed components and the vector averaged
absolute speed and direction.

D406 - February 2013

Specifications

Recording System: Internal data storage Optional Accessories:

Storage Capacity: Standard 1GB Mooring frame: In-line 4044/3824A
Battery: 2 batteries compartments Bottom 3448R
inside case Protecting Rods 3783
Alkaline 3988: 9V, 15Ah (nominal 12.5Ah; Battery/Power: Internal Lithium 3908
20W down to 6V at 4°C) Internal Alkaline 3988
or Lithium 3908: 7V, 35Ah Internal Battery Shell 4513
Recording Interval: 2s - 2h AC/DC adapter, lab. 4908
Depth Capacity: 300m Maintenance Kit 3813
Material and Finish: PUR, POM, PET, epoxy Tools kit 3986A
coated titanium Vane Plate 3781,3681
Platform Dimensions: H: 356mm OD: 139mm Hardcopy Documentation
Weight: In Air In Water 1)
Standard deviation based on 300 pings
7.0kg 1.7kg
Supply Voltage: 6– 30Volts Specifications subject to change without prior notice.
Operating Temperature: -5 to +50°C
Current Speed: (Vector averaged)
Range: 0 – 300cm/s
Resolution: 0.1mm/s
Mean Accuracy: ±0.15cm/s
Relative: ± 1% of reading Configuration and data retrieval
Statistic precision (std): 0.3cm/s (ZPulse mode), The instrument configuration and data retrieval
0.45cm/s1 procedures are accomplished by means of Aanderaa’s
Current Direction: Real Time Collector software. This package allows
Range: 0 – 360° magnetic the user to establish a secure connection with the
Resolution: 0.01° RCM Blue over the Bluetooth channel with the pur-
Accuracy: ±5° for 0-15° tilt pose of configuration and retrieval of the data stored
±7.5° for 15-35° tilt in the instrument.
Temperature:
Range: -5°C to +40°C Postprosessing software
Resolution: 0.01°C A basic version of a software called Data Studio is
Accuracy: 0.05°C provided with the instrument and allows basic data
Settling Time(63%): <3s quality control and plotting procedures as well as
Tilt: reviewing the configuration of the instrument during
Range: 0-50° the measurement session, and exporting the collected
Resolution: 0.01° data to various formats like Excel, Matlab etc.
Accuracy: ±1.5°
Compass:
Resolution: 0.01°
Accuracy: ±3°
Acoustics:
Frequency: 1.9 to 2.0 MHz
Power: 25 Watts in 1ms pulses
Beam angle (main lobe): 2°
Installation distance:
From surface: 0.75m
From bottom: 0.5m
Accessories Included: Data Studio Basic
AADI Real-Time Collector
The solid state sensor is well suited for monitoring low
Magnetic tip stylus + spare
USB to Bluetooth adapter current speeds due to no moving parts. Because the
Alkaline Battery 3988 sensor starts measuring in an area 0.4 to 1.0 meter
Empty Shell 4513 from the instrument, the effect of marine fouling and
Documentation on CD local turbulence is minimized.

Visit our Web site for the latest version Aanderaa Data Instruments AS
of this document and more information Sanddalsringen 5b, Postboks 103 Midtun,
www.aadi.no 5828 Bergen, Norway
Tel +47 55 60 48 00
Aanderaa is a trademark of Xylem Inc. or one of its subsidiaries.
© 2012 Xylem, Inc. D406 February 2013 Fax +47 55 60 48 01