TCM-1The 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).

tcm-1_data

 More Information

pdf Icon TCM-1 Product Data Sheet

pdf Icon Universal User Guide

pdf icon AN: Deploying the TCM-1 in an Inverted (Hanging) Orientation

pdf iconIEEE Published Paper: A Comparison of Tilt Current Meters and an Acoustic Doppler Current Meter in the Vineyard Sound, Massachusetts

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 ContentsTCM-1 Tilt Current Meter

  • 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.