-
OVERVIEW
The TCM-3 is a current meter that is designed to operate off the continental shelf in water up to 4500m depth. The TCM-3 is constructed from toughened syntactic foam with a titanium pressure housing and is easily deployed by small ROVs. The relatively low cost makes it feasible to accurately measure current in many locations simultaneously.
The core of the TCM-3 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 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 design is easy to deploy from a ROV
- Internal temperature sensor is 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
- Easy meter configuration and data conversion with Windows® software (free download).
Operation
The TCM-3 Tilt Current Meter measures current using the drag-tilt principle. The logger is buoyant and is typically attached to the bottom via a short flexible tether to a small lead or concrete anchor. Moving water tilts the logger in the direction of flow. The TCM-3 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 with the included software.
Package Contents
- TCM-3 Tilt Current Meter
- 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
-
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 >
-
SPECIFICATIONS
Range
Accuracy
Resolution
Speed (Recommended Range) 0-80 cm/s 3 cm/s + 3% of reading 0.1 cm/s Speed (Maximum Range) 0-120 cm/s Not Specified 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 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
Depth Rating 4500 m (14760 ft), tested to 6000m (19700 ft) Dimensions Flotation Diameter: 5.08 cm (2.00”)
Pressure Housing Diameter: 2.54 cm (1.00”)
Overall Length: 77.6 cm (30.6”)
Floatation Length: 60.9 cm (24.0”)Weight 1.29 Kg (2.84 lb) Construction Floatation: Toughened Syntactic Foam with Titanium pressure housing and Buna 90 Durometer 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-3 – Deep Water Tilt Current Meter
$9,621.00 ex GST
The TCM-3 is a current meter that is designed to operate off the continental shelf in water up to 4500m depth
