Valeport BFM 803 Current Meter
The Model 803 ROV Direct Reading Current Meter is a unique instrument, providing ROV pilots with relative water velocity data in real time.
Description
It may be fitted to ROVs to provide actual through the water speeds, or fitted to Tether Management Systems to give a measurement of local flow conditions. The selection of output options make interfacing easy, and data may be displayed using the software supplied. Available in both 500m acetal and 3000m titanium versions, the Model 803 is an extremely durable, reliable method of measuring current speeds in a wide variety of underwater vehicle applications.
This instrument is the result of combining Valeport’s proven current sensing technology with the knowledge and experience of some of the UK’s leading ROV manufacturers and operators. The concept is simple – the Model 803 consists of a Valeport 2 axis electromagnetic flow sensor, with processing electronics capable of giving a variety of output formats for easy interface to almost any system.
The sensor should be mounted in clear flow on the ROV or TMS. When power is applied to the sensor, it measures the water velocity in 2 axes across the sensor surface. This data is updated at 1 second intervals, to provide X and Y axis flow information: the X axis is flow across the vehicle, and the Y axis is flow into the vehicle.
This data can either be taken into a separate logging package, or displayed and logged to PC using the ROVLog Windows software provided. The Model 803 will appeal both to operators who wish to improve their existing vehicles, and to manufacturers who want to offer it as an additional parameter in the sensor package.
Key features
Real Time ′through the water′ Velocity for ROVs, AUVs and TMSs
Choice of output formats for easy integration
Range of packaging options to suit all needs
Latest electromagnetic sensor technology gives stable, accurate measurements
Titanium and polymer construction: Lightweight design has minimal effect on vehicle balance Up to 3000m depth rating
Technical information
Physical
Sensor: 11.5cm discus EM sensor, made from polyurethane with titanium mounting
Housing: Titanium – 4000m depth rating
Dimensions: 76mmØ x 350mm length
Weight: 3.5kg (in water)
Connector: 8 way SubConn BH8M
Performance
Units: Knots standard, option: m/s.
Range: ±10kts / ±5m/s
Accuracy: ±0.02kts / 0.01m/s + 1% reading
Resolution: 0.01kts / 0.001m/s
Power
7 – 29V DC, 2W nominal.
Output Formats
Default settings are applied for update rate and output format as standard. Changes can be made to these settings via a Terminal program
Digital:
RS232 or RS485 (internally set). 19200 baud (default), 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity bits.
String format:
kts: sxx.xxsyy.yy
m/s: sx.xxxsy.yyy
Where: s= sign, + or – xx.xx or x.xxx = speed on X axis yy.yy or y.yyy = speed on Y axis Analogue: -5 to +5V for each channel 0-5V or 0-10V (optional) also available
Update rate:
1Hz default.
