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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 >
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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.
