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OVERVIEW
The TCM-4 is a new current meter that is ideal for measuring water velocity in shallow coastal ponds, bays, rivers and tidal flats and other locations where the depth is too shallow for the TCM-1 current meter. The TCM-4 is only 10 inches (25 cm) long and is able to operate in less than one foot of water.
The TCM-4 Shallow Water 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-4 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.
Windows® software is used to configure the TCM-4 for deployment and to convert binary data to text files. The built-in MAT-1 data logger includes a USB communication interface, a microSD flash memory card, and a long-life lithium battery.
Key Features & Benefits
- Measures water velocity for a fraction of the cost of an acoustic meter
- Operates in as little as 28 cm (11 inches) of water
- Tilt compensated compass for bearing measurements
- Simple, rugged, low maintenance design
- User replaceable lithium battery allows continuous 1-minute current measurements for more than a year
- 8 GB memory card virtually eliminates memory concerns
- Temperature sensor accurate to +/-0.1C
- USB 2.0 with standard cable and drag and drop data file offload
Package Contents TCM-4 Shallow Water Tilt Current Meter
- TCM-4 Shallow Water Current Meter
- MAT-1 Data Logger (installed in meter)
- Lithium Battery (installed in logger)
- microSD Card (installed in logger)
- microSD-to-SD card Adaptor
- USB A to micro-B cable (3ft)
- Spare Endcap 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 (Recommended Range) 0-50 cm/s 3 cm/s + 3% of reading 0.1 cm/s Speed (Maximum Range) 0-75 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 -20 to -5, 30 to 50°C 0.2 °C <0.01 °C 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 Rate Current: 64 Hz to 1 sample per hour with typical settings of one 20 second burst @ 8 Hz per minute (12-month battery life)
Temperature: 1 Hz to 1 sample per hourMechanical
Depth Rating 30 m (100 ft) Dimensions Diameter: 2.54 cm (1.00”)
Length: 25.4 cm (10.0”)Weight 98 g (3.5 oz) Construction Housing: Carbon Fiber and Epoxy Laminate with PVC & PETG fittings, 316 Stainless Steel Screw and Buna and EPDM O-rings. Software
User Interface Windows® Compatible Software Download USB USB 2.0 compliant MSC and CDC Classes Firmware Field upgradable via USB cable
Lowell TCM-4 – Shallow Water Tilt Current Meter
$3,486.00 ex GST
The TCM-4 is a new current meter that is ideal for measuring water velocity in shallow coastal ponds, bays, rivers and tidal flats .
