Precision Measurement Engineering, Inc.
Precision Measurement Engineering, Inc.
This section presents the information required to begin profiling with the SCAMP, organized roughly in time-sequence. This component assumes that the SCAMP has already been calibrated and otherwise prepared for field use, or that it has been newly received from PME. This information is provided to get you up-and-going with as little reading as possible. The reader is encouraged to read this section completely, practice with the SCAMP, and then read the other sections.
The old saying "Practice makes perfect,"
applies especially to the SCAMP. The high resolution sensors used by the SCAMP are quite
fragile. Practice setting up and dismantling the SCAMP in your lab before attempting to
use it in a real situation. Choose only the best conditions for the first use of the
SCAMP. It is a lot like fishing... there is a technique to be learned that can't be taught
here in the manual.
PROFILING OVERVIEW
The SCAMP can be used to make profiles in the upward and downward direction as shown in the SCAMP Profiling Modes diagram. In downward mode, the floats are positioned against the drag unit and the nose weighted with lead ballast. The SCAMP is placed in the water with the sensors down and descends straight downwards. Data are recorded during the descent as shown in this sketch.
In upward mode, the floats are positioned against the SCAMP nose and an expendable weight (rock) is connected to the SCAMP's release screw by a short wire. The SCAMP is placed in the water with the sensors up and initially sinks. See the photo below.
The drag plate is hinged and allows the SCAMP to sink sideways as shown in the SCAMP Profiling Modes diagram. When the SCAMP reaches the bottom or a pre-programmed depth, the release is activated and the weight drops off. The SCAMP then ascends vertically through undisturbed water as it records the data.
In each direction, the SCAMP must be connected to the surface using its retrieval line.
STEPS FOR PROFILING
Before you begin to profile you will need to:
Next, the SCAMP must be set up for the appropriate mode and a profile taken (If the SCAMP has a fluorometer, then extra steps need to be followed regarding its assembly):
The resulting profile(s) should be reviewed and saved:
This profile should be reviewed to determine if SCAMP is properly set for current environmental conditions:
When these steps are completed, then future profiles can be obtained and stored in the same manner. Gradient gains should be reviewed from time to time as environmental conditions change.
When profiling is completed:
Profiling is now completed.