LogDator gets Under-Water Network Logging Capability

Miami, FL, 2009-05-07 - The first SediMeter with network logging capability today left the Lindorm plant. The hardware is the same since the release in 2007, but by changing firmware and PC software the sediment monitoring instrument has now got several significant improvements. This includes an under-water network logger function.

The instrument consists of a patented sedimeter sensor that measures the level and character of the bottom of lakes, streams, and the sea. It is combined with the LogDator logger, which is also available separately. A novel feature in firmware rev. 2 is that the LogDator can act as an under-water logger, recording data from up to 254 other instruments: SediMeters, LogDators, and even third party sensors that support the open communication protocol.

Data from each slave is written to a separate file on a memory card. The slaves are responsible for both file content and file extension; the logger can be thought of as a disk driver that just writes the data to a file. The simple protocol makes it easy for others to create slaves or sensors that can be interfaced with the LogDator.

The network uses RS-485 at 9600 baud. This allows for over a kilometer long cables, using a readily available and relatively inexpensive type intended for Ethernet. RS-485 networks connect the units in a daisy chain from instrument to instrument. This means that a LogDator on a buoy or on land can collect data from many SediMeters connected along a single cable.

Another improvement is in the calibration. The instruments now report data in physical units: FBU (formazin backscatter units) for turbidity, Pa for pressure, lux for light, and as before ºC for temperature. User-friendly wizards are now provided in the PC software for estimating optimal coefficients and recalibrating the instruments. It is expected that local resellers will be able to perform calibrations.

Many minor improvements and features have also been incorporated. The battery drain when using memory cards has effectively been cut in half, and the battery drain when logging over an RS-485 network by an order of magnitude. For true under-water operation, logging can be started and stopped under water using a magnet. Moreover, a netwok can be hooked up under water (using under-water pluggable connectors), and network logging started. This may be useful in stituations where it is impossible to keep the logger over the water, e.g. under winter ice.

The new firmware revision 2 is accompanied by the new software version 2. As before it is capable of both post-processing and real-time monitoring, and it can act as a web server.

About Lindorm, Inc. - based in Miami, Florida, Lindorm develops and manufactures the SediMeter and LogDator, offers custom measurement solutions, and markets related products and services with focus on sediment monitoring and pollution mitigation in water.

Press Room

CEO Ulf Erlingsson, PhD
+1-305 888 0762
info@lindorm.com

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