This page contains some of the most common questions we get at JBS Instruments. Please feel free to contact us with your own.
This page last updated July 18, 2001
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Click here
for a special discussion of resetting problems
with the AquaCalc during measurements.
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AquaCalc Pro
AquaCalc 5000
Using meters
Measuring Problems
General
Q: How do I use the new Standard Rating Table No. 2 for AA and pygmy Current Meters with my AquaCalc?
Please click here to go to a special discussion of the new Standard Rating Tables for the Price AA and pygmy current meters.
Q: Why does the Basic version of the AquaCalc 5000 firmware have four user-defined / non-standard meter constants instead of five?
The Basic version of the AquaCalc 5000 firmware has a problem with two line segment meter rating curves. The
intercept value (the fifth constant) is a fixed value of 2.2 and cannot be changed by the user. This two-segment
feature was originally intended to be used only with ice-meters having a two-segment curve and a cross-over of 2.2. Please see the revised Basic firmware instructions for Using Non-Standard / User-Defined Meters for more information. You may contact Customer Support for information on an upgrade that will fix this problem.
Q: What meters can I use with the AquaCalc?
All meters that have mechanical or optical switches. This includes Standard Price AA, Pygmy using magnetic reed switches or cat whiskers, Gurley meters, using optical sensors, and Ott’s mechanical systems.
Q: How can I tell which firmware version I have in my AquaCalc?
The firmware version of your AquaCalc is displayed in the opening screens when the AquaCalc is first turned on. Please click here for more information and examples.
Q: Is the AquaCalc Year 2000 Compliant?
Yes. The AquaCalc is not dependent on the year value for any of its calculations and is therefore not affected
internally by the Y2K problem. The current date format of the AquaCalc output is MM/DD/YY and when the clock turns over at midnight on December 31, 1999 the AquaCalc date will be 01/01/00.
The AquCalc can be purchased with two different versions of firmware: The Basic (G) series, and the more
advanced Plus (H) (formerly known as the Professional Series). The Plus firmware sends a four-digit year date field
(i.e.: 12/31/1999) to the output file. The Basic Series (G) firmware sends a two digit year (i.e.: 12/31/99). Care
should be used in importing and post-processing of Basic Series firmware output using programs on your personal
computer. Processing of records once the data has been transferred to your computer platforms might involve
converting the two-digit year to a four-digit year. If you use the Office 97 version Microsoft Exceltm, you should not
have a problem. Excel automatically converts the two digit date of 01/01/00 to January 1, 2000.
These findings have been validated by the United States Geological Survey’s, Hydrological Instrumentation Facility.
If you have any question or comments about the AquaCalc and its date function please e-mail or call JBS Instruments at (916) 372-0534.
Q: Why can’t I make a velocity measurement? I can hear the signal using my headphones.
A: Check and test the AquaCalc’s meter cable connections. Are you trying to take a measurement in Station 1 position? The AquaCalc does not permit making a velocity measurement in Station 1.
Make sure that your measurement time is greater than zero. Very short measurement times (those less than 3 seconds) may measure so quickly that you can not see the display change.
Q: Will I lose my transect records when I replace the 9 volt battery?
A: No. As long as the 3 volt lithium backup battery is good, you will not lose stored data when you remove the 9 volt battery.
Q: How often do I need to replace the batteries?
A: The AquaCalc uses 2 batteries: A 9-volt, and a backup battery. The 9 volt battery should be replaced soon after
the “low battery” message appears in the display. This message first appears when voltage in the battery has
dropped to roughly 6.5 volts. The 3-volt lithium backup battery (coin cell) should be checked once a year. It needs to be replaced only if it tests less than 3 volts. Important: AquaCalc’s transect and measurement information stored
in memory will be lost when removing the 3-volt backup battery, unless a good 9-volt battery is installed and the unit is turned on before the backup-battery (coin cell) is removed!
Q: Why does AquaCalc reset the timer and counter during a measurement?
There are two primary reasons:
- The cat whisker hairs are dirty. When using a cat whisker be sure that the cat whisker is adjusted properly and free of oil and dirt. The proper adjustment of the cat whisker allows
contact to be made through 30 degrees of rotation (dwell).
- You are in a turbuleent flow condition. If the above doesn’t fix the problem, you may be trying to measure in a surging stream condition. If the AquaCalc sees rapid changes in the
velocity of the stream that exceed 50% of the previous cup rotation, it will reset itself in order to get a stable measurement. Move left or right to a new vertical distance and
measure again. This problem is more common with the Pygmy meter.
For more information on AquaCalc resetting problems
click here.
If you frequently perform measurements in turbulent flow conditions, you should consider updating your firmware EPROM to the latest version which has greatly improved turbulent flow handling capabilities.
Q: Why won’t my AquaCalc count when connected to an A of B reel, when I can hear the clicks with my headphones?
Your slip rings or brushes may be dirty. Clean the slip ring and carbon contact on the reel.
Q: What is the difference between the AquaCalc Advanced (Professional Series) and the Basic series of firmware.
The Advanced firmware (formerly know as the Professional Series) includes additional features not found in the Basic Series. Some of these include:
- Display of available memory
- Ability to add or delete a vertical measurement station anywhere in the cross-section.
- Ability to handle 5 point measurements including surface and bottom measurements, and accomodate wall measuremets.
- The hydrographer can enter estimated velocity and or estimated depths without performing a measurement.
- Includes more standard meter types including Ott meters.
- Can be used to perform ice measurements where ice is present.
- When performing 0.2, .06, or 0.8 measurements the AquaCalc will tell you wher to set you wading rod or cable for the appropriate depth.
- Now calculates and dsisplays total width, total area, wetted perimeter, hydraulic radius, total number of observations.
In addition, the Advanced (version H) firmware includes many additional features requested by the USGS’s HIF
program, designed to ensure the accuracy and integrity of measurements. This version produces warning flags
both on the display and in the output that identify if the wrong meter, suspension weight, or measurement was used for the stream conditions based on USGS measurement techniques guidelines.
Q: How does a station as defined in the AquaCalc 5000 differ from a traditional station?
The word “station” has a slightly different meaning when using an AquaCalc 5000 than you may be used to. A
traditional “station” (vertical) is a position in a stream cross-section identified by a distance. Several measurements (observations) can be made at different depths at that same distance.
In the AquaCalc 5000, a station is the same as an observation. So, in the AquaCalc you can have two “stations”,
each at a different depth, but both at the same distance. In the AquaCalc 5000, a station is an individual
measurement (observation) at a given distance and depth. Two measurements (0.2 and a 0.6) taken at a given distance are both defined as stations.
Q: Why can’t I perform a measurement in the first station?
To account for the Edge of Water, the AquaCalc 5000 will not measure at the first or the last vertical locations. This helps to define the edge-of water correctly.
Q: Why do I have a “CORRUPTED MEMORY” warning?
The most likely sources for this warning are:
- You have a low on board backup battery.
- The backup battery has been jarred loose.
- You have entered data after seeing a low 9 volt battery warning.
See the Trouble-shooting section of your manual for more details, or contact Support.
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