TCM-1 Tilt Current Meter
The TCM-1 Tilt Current Meter measures current using the drag-tilt principle. The data logger is buoyant and is anchored to the bottom via a short flexible tether. Moving water tilts the data logger in the direction of flow. The TCM-1 contains a 3-axis accelerometer and 3-axis magnetometer for measuring tilt and bearing.
The Tilt Current Meter (TCM-1) records water velocity in an affordable, easy-to-use package. The TCM-1 is ideal for measuring water currents in a variety of coastal environments including tidal estuaries and reefs out to the edge of the continental shelf. The low cost of the TCM-1 makes it affordable to deploy meters in many locations simultaneously, thereby increasing spatial data density. The meter contains a 3-axis magnetometer, 3-axis accelerometer & a temperature sensor.
Lowell Instruments
East Falmouth, MA, US
Description
The Tilt Current Meter (TCM-1) records water velocity in an affordable, easy-to-use package. The TCM-1 is ideal for measuring water currents in a variety of coastal environments including tidal estuaries and reefs out to the edge of the continental shelf. The low cost of the TCM-1 makes it affordable to deploy meters in many locations simultaneously, thereby increasing spatial data density.
The TCM-1 measures current using the drag-tilt principle. The logger is buoyant and is secured by a flexible tether to an anchor, stake or tripod. Moving water tilts the logger in the direction of flow. A 3-axis magnetometer and a 3-axis accelerometer determine tilt and bearing. The meter also contains a thermistor for recording temperature.
The TCM-1 is field configurable for either low or high current range. The electronics are housed in a rugged PVC case with no external sensors. The TCM-1 is very easy to deploy and recover, even from small boats. The built-in data logger includes a USB communication interface, a microSD flash memory card, and a long-life lithium battery. Domino software for Windows is used to configure the TCM-1 for deployment and to process data
Specifications
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Physical Properties
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Housing material
Gray PVC housing with EPDM O-ring
Weight in air [kg]
0.34
Length [cm]
76
Operating temperature: min. [°C]
-5
Operating temperature: max. [°C]
50
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General
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Year of latest version
2014
Area of Application
Research, Consulting, Teaching
Field of Use
Fresh Water Lakes, Ponds & Streams, Saltwater Marshes, Irrigation & Aqueducts, Aquaculture, Hydrothermal Vents, Deep Ocean Trenches, Oceanographic Moorings, Lobster Traps
Languages Supported
English
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Operating properties
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Minimum operating depth {m}
1
Depth rating [m]
300
Output data format
CSV
Sampling rate
Current: 64 Hz to 1 sample per hour; Temperature: 1 Hz to 1 sample per hour; Burst Mode - Variable rate logging at user defined interval
Temperature Sensor — Resolution
<0.005°C
Temperature Sensor — Accuracy
0.1°C
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Other specifications
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Data storage
8 GB SD Card included
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Power supply and communication
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Output interface {eg. rs232}
USB
Power supply (internal/external with specs)
3.6 V, size “A”, User Replaceable Lithium Battery
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Hardware/software requirements
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RAM [GB]
1
HD [GB]
8
Operating System
Windows
Dedicated software
Y
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Sensor properties: current direction
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Type of sensor
Magnetometer
Range
0-360°
Accuracy
5°
Resolution
0.1°
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Sensor properties: current speed
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Type of sensor
Accelerometer
Range
0-40 cm/s or 0-80 cm/s
Accuracy
2 cm/s + 3% of reading
Resolution
0.1 cm/s
