| Technologies | | Systems | | MET Data Systems |
The Blacknor Technology Tide and Wave Height Sensor has been used continuously throughout the world over the past 15 years in both offshore and coastal marine environments. The unit can now be supplied with a digital output, allowing easy interfacing with computer systems.
For normal operations, the Tide and Wave Height Sensor is mounted above the sea surface on a fixed platform. The unit is positioned pointing down towards the water surface. The sensor measures the distance between itself and the water surface, to provide tide and wave height data.
The sensor uses a pulsed laser to measure the distance to the nearest reflecting surface. On transmitting an infrared light pulse, the sensor measures the transit time taken for the pulse to be reflected back to the sensor. Since the velocity of the light is essentially constant and known, the measured transit time is directly proportional to the distance between the surface and the sensor.
A continuous voltage in the range 0-5v representing 0 - 50 meters, is output. The value of which is proportional to the measured distance.
The analogue output is suitable for driving chart recorders or gauge indicators
The tide and wave sensor can be supplied with an instrumentation multiplexer. The multiplexer digitizes the output from the sensor providing serial data. The digital output is a standard RS232 or RS422 serial format. Most computers running a terminal program can easily read the serial data.
The multiplexer can digitize eight sensors and monitor the state of 16 inputs. The data from the multiplexer unit is refreshed fifteen times a second.
The Met Data System combines the tide and wave sensor with an acoustic wind speed and direction sensor, a barometric pressure ,and a temperature sensor.
The three remaining analogue channels can be used for customer specific instruments.
A Met Data System designed for use on ocean instrumentation buoys also provides heading, pitch, roll and heave data.
The system can be supplied for use in hazardous areas, and as there are no moving parts no maintenance is required.
The system is supplied with software that calculates and displays the digital output from the multiplexer unit. The software is compatible with Microsoft Windows 98 NT and 2000. As seen in the screen capture, the software displays the distance from the unit to the surface (Drop), the depth, the tide height with reference to datum. Instantaneous wave height is displayed with maximum wave height and surge height being calculated over a user selectable time period. Wind speed and direction is also displayed. Date and time, derived from the PC is also displayed and recorded.
The displayed data can be archived automatically in ASCII format for later analysis and reference. The data can also be exported directly into Microsoft Excel. An Excel spreadsheet is configured to provide the data in tabulated format for cutting and pasting into the other spreadsheets, and in graphical format.
The data can also be saved to the computers hard drive. Custom configuration of both the multiplexer software and the display software can be undertaken to meet a customers individual requirements. As we continue to improve our products, specifications and descriptions may be subject to change without notice.
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