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.
Operation
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 resulting orientation data is converted to current by applying calibration coefficients.
Specifications
See "TCM-1 Data Sheet" for more detailed specifications.
Data
Domino software for Windows is used to configure the TCM-1 for deployment and to process data and saved as text file (.csv).
More Information
AN: Deploying the TCM-1 in an Inverted (Hanging) Orientation
Pricing Request for Quote
Pricing depends on several factors, but is generally in the range of $1100-1500 each. For a quote based on your exact requirements, please contact us or by phone at 508-444-2616 or email: sales@lowellinstruments.com
Anti-Fouling Paint Option:
Depending on the deployment duration and fouling intensity of where you are working, we recommend applying anti-fouling paint to the meters. We can add it for you for a small fee.
We recommend ePaint EP2000 for clear tropical waters, which is relatively environmentally friendly. For turbid waters, we recommend Interlux Trilux 33 which contains a biocide.
Key Features & Benefits
- 300 meter depth rating
- 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
Package Contents
- MAT-1 Data Logger
- 46 cm (18") current meter housing
- Bronze "low-range" ballast washer and bolt
- Lithium battery (installed in data 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
Replacement Batteries and Accessories
See "Accessories" for a list of replacement batteries, tools and spare parts.