Oceanographic measurements with microprocessors

Author

Bucca, Paul J. ; Meredith, Roger W.

Author_Institution

US Naval Ocean Res. & Dev. Activity, NSTL, MS, USA

Volume

13

Issue

1

fYear

1988

fDate

1/1/1988 12:00:00 AM

Firstpage

2

Lastpage

4

Abstract

Two self-recording oceanographic data collection systems based on microprocessors are highlighted. Descriptions are given of the Ocean Data Equipment (ODEC) model 302A CSTD unit, which measures ocean conductivity, salinity, and temperature as a function of depth (from which acoustic sound speed is calculated), and the InterOcean Model S4 current meter, which measures ocean current speed and direction as a function of depth or time. Networked with the Apple Macintosh microcomputer, the acquisition, processing, and analysis of CSTD and current data become dependable and virtually automatic. Communication between the Macintosh and the oceanographic probes, as well as data processing, is accomplished with commercially available software. Ease of use is accomplished in both instruments through probe features and the Macintosh user interface. The components and interfacing of each system are detailed. Examples of output and field experiences with this instrumentation suite are provided

Keywords

Apple computers; acoustic wave velocity measurement; chemical variables measurement; computerised instrumentation; data acquisition; electrical conductivity measurement; flow measurement; microcomputer applications; oceanographic equipment; temperature measurement; 302A CSTD; Apple Macintosh microcomputer; InterOcean Model S4 current meter; ODEC; Ocean Data Equipment; acoustic sound speed; current direction; current speed; data acquisition; function of depth; ocean conductivity; oceanographic probes; salinity; self-recording oceanographic data collection systems; temperature; user interface; Acoustic measurements; Conductivity measurement; Current measurement; Instruments; Microprocessors; Oceans; Probes; Sea measurements; Time measurement; Velocity measurement;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Oceanic Engineering, IEEE Journal of

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

0364-9059

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/48.547

Filename

547