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OVERVIEW
The TCM-1 tilt current meter is ideal for measuring water velocity from inland to the edge of the continental shelf. The simple design and lower cost of the TCM-1 make it feasible to measure current in many locations simultaneously.
The core of the TCM-1 is the MAT-1 Data Logger. The MAT-1 data logger was designed for NOAA and is ideally suited as the “brains” of a tilt current meter.
The TCM-1 is field configurable for either low or high current range by simply adding or removing a calibrated ballast. Housed rugged PVC, with no external sensors, the TCM-1 is easy to deploy and recover. The built-in data logger includes a USB communication interface, a microSD flash memory card, and a long-life lithium battery.
Key Features & Benefits
- Water velocity for a fraction of the cost of an acoustic meter
- Tilt compensated compass for bearing measurements
- Simple, rugged, low maintenance design
- Seaweed snag-resistant
- Change range in the field without software
- Temperature sensor accurate to +/-0.1C
- 8 GB memory card eliminates memory concerns
- Lithium battery allows continuous 4Hz sampling for more than 1 year
- USB 2.0 with standard cable and drag and drop data file offload
Operation
The TCM-1 Tilt Current Meter measures current using the drag-tilt principle. The logger is buoyant and is anchored to the bottom via a short flexible tether. Moving water tilts the logger in the direction of flow. The TCM-1 contains a 3-axis accelerometer and 3-axis magnetometer for measuring tilt and bearing. The resulting orientation data is converted to current by applying calibration coefficients.
Data
Windows® software is used to configure the TCM-1 for deployment and to process data and saved as text file (.csv).
Package Contents
- MAT-1 Data Logger
- 46 cm (18″) current meter housing
- Bronze “low-range” ballast washer and bolt
- Lithium battery (installed in logger)
- 8 GB microSD card (installed in data logger)
- 1 m (3 ft) USB A to micro-B Cable
- Spare O-ring (pre-lubricated)
- 30 cm (12″) lanyard
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SOFTWARE
Lowell data loggers and current meters require software for communicating with and converting the data from their hardware. There are currently two versions available for download:
Domino
Domino, our newest software, is recommended for operation of all TCM and MAT data loggers from Lowell Instruments LLC.
- Domino is faster and more capable than our legacy software (MAT Logger Commander).
- Domino is open source so as to maximize transparency and encourage collaboration.
- Domino is compatible with both Windows 10 and Mac OS (Beta Test).
- Domino has replaced MAT Logger Commander. Click below to download it.
GET DOMINO >
MAT Logger Commander
MAT Logger Commander is our legacy software and is no longer recommended for use by new users. We will continue to support it into 2021 for existing users.
GET MAT LOGGER COMMANDER >
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SPECIFICATIONS
Range
Accuracy
Resolution
Speed (low Range) 0-40 cm/s 2 cm/s + 3% of reading 0.1 cm/s Speed (High Range) 0-80 cm/s 3 cm/s + 3% of reading 0.1 cm/s Direction 0-360° 5° (for speed >5 cm/s) 0.1° Temperature -5 to 30 °C 0.1 °C <0.005 c=”” td=””> -20 to -5, 30 to 50°C 0.2 °C <0.01 c=”” td=””> Electronics
Memory 8 GB microSDHC flash card (standard) Communications Full speed USB micro-B port Battery Type 3.6 V, size “A”, user replaceable lithium (from Lowell Instruments) Battery Life Months to years depending on recording rates Internal Clock < 1 minute of error per month Operating Modes
Start and Stop Start and Stop at user defined times Burst Mode Variable rate logging at user defined interval Recording Mode Current: 64 Hz to 1 sample per hour
Temperature: 1 Hz to 1 sample per hourMechanical
Minimum Depth 76 cm (30”) Depth Rating 300 m (1000 ft) Dimensions Diameter: 2.7 cm (1.05”)
Length: 73 cm (28.75”) not including lanyardWeight 340 g (12 oz) Construction Gray PVC housing with EPDM O-ring Software
User Interface Windows® Compatible Software Download USB USB 2.0 compliant MSC and CDC Classes Firmware Field upgradable via USB cable
Lowell TCM-1 – Water Current Meter
$3,173.00 ex GST
The TCM-1 tilt current meter is ideal for measuring water velocity from inland to the edge of the continental shelf. The simple design and lower cost of the TCM-1 make it feasible to measure current in many locations simultaneously.
