file: autoimet_prep.html
07 Jul 2004

AUTOIMET System Checkout and Preparation for Deployment

The AUTOIMET main CPU board (VMLOGR53) normally operates in RS232 mode.
See the AUTOIMET Functional Description for info on changing to RS485 operation as well as the following RS485 note.

Refer to AUTOIMET Commands for full command descriptions.


System Checkout

The following tests may be performed on the AUTOIMET system to confirm proper operation.

Startup and power consumption check

Status check

The AUTOIMET logger should be running (GO mode) for this check.

Data messages

The AUTOIMET logger should be running (GO mode) for these checks.

Configuration commands

The AUTOIMET logger must be stopped (STOP mode) for these checks.

Only one parameter on the AUTOIMET logger is configurable, the record interval. Additionally, the configuration/setup date which appears in the STAT command output may be set. All configuration commands, as well as the command to erase the FLASH memory card, are sub-commands under the UOK command. All configuration parameters are stored in EEPROM on the main CPU board. FLASH erasure will be discussed later in this document under Preparation for Deployment.

Always check the following (and set if necessary):

Test mode commands

The AUTOIMET logger must be stopped (STOP mode) for these checks.

There are currently only 2 functional test commands.

  1. Test the MET modules (TM command); see the SST & MET Module Command Sets for details of individual MET modules.

  2. Test the A/D module if installed (TA command); refer to the LOGRADIF commands document.

FLASH card commands

The AUTOIMET logger must be stopped (STOP mode) for these checks. See FB and FR commands for reference.

      Erasing the FLASH memory card


Preparation for Deployment

The following procedures are the minimum necessary tests and final prep for the AUTOIMET system. ALWAYS do at least these tests before deploying the AUTOIMET system with its MET modules!

These tests should be performed with a bench power supply set to 13.5 volts.


*** IMPORTANT NOTE!!! ***

If you perform these test on the deployment battery system just before disconnecting from the AUTOIMET console and deploying th system, you MUST SEND A GO COMMAND at the end of the tests to resume data acquisition and data logging. Or CYCLE BATTERY POWER by momentarily disconnecting the main system battery; this will cause the AUTOIMET logger to resume - REMEMBER, on power up, the AUTOIMET logger always comes up running.

Failure to do this will make you a VERY unhappy camper at system retrieval time!!!


The step-by-step...
  1. Make sure the MET modules are all attached, cables connected and tied down, as much as possible ready for deployment before starting this final check. If possible, use a test cable to provide power from an external supply.

  2. Setup per the AUTOIMET Operations document.

  3. Power up the AUTOIMET system and verify the sign-on message.

  4. Check that current consumption is approximately 30 MA at 13.5 VDC with a full suite of ASIMET modules; you'll probably see various peaks during the minute as individual MET modules do their thing, plus a burst of current at the start of each minute on the AUTOIMET logger clock as the MET modules are polled for new data.

  5. At least one minute after power-up (with the AUTOIMET logger running), send a STAT command.

  6. Look for reasonable response.

  7. Now send a STOP command to the AUTOIMET logger to allow access to the full command set; remember that you MUST send a GO command (or cycle power) at the end of the tests to resume acquisition and logging.

  8. Set your watch or clock to accurate UTC. Use the STAT command and type in a time a few seconds in advance of the actual time; i.e. at 14:25:00, type #CLOCK2002/01/15 14:25:15 where the 2002 is the year, 01 is the month, 15 is the day, 14 is the (UTC)hour, 25 is the minutes, and 15 is the seconds. DO NOT hit ENTER yet. The time is entered when you hit the ENTER key. Wait until the correct time and then hit ENTER.

  9. Send a STAT command and check the clock setting.

  10. Also in the STAT command response, confirm the averaging interval is correct (usually 60 seconds) and the FLASH card is recognized correctly.

  11. Erase the FLASH card! Even if the STAT command showed the card as empty, erase the FLASH card! Don't assume you know where the FLASH card has been. 20MB and 40MB cards are usually removed from the logger for reading data, and other systems with different record sizes will tag used records differently!!! A card used in another system may appear empty when it is NOT - bad data storage WILL result. See Erasing the FLASH memory card earlier in this document.

  12. Briefly test the MET modules (and A/D module if installed) per the Test mode commands earlier in this document.

  13. Power down and remove the bench supply and power/comms test cable. If already running on the system batteries, be ABSOLUTLEY SURE TO SEND A GO COMMAND to re-start data acquisition and logging!!!

  14. The AUTOIMET logger is ready to deploy - reconnect the main battery cables to start logging MET data.