SonTek/YSI Argonaut-XR Technical Manual - HydroScientific West

SonTek/YSI
3.2. ArgCheck System Diagnostics
ArgCheck is a diagnostic program used to verify Argonaut performance and to identify most
problems. This Windows-based version performs the same basic functions and purpose as the
DOS-based version that is described in Section 7.
• ArgCheck is the same diagnostic program used by SonTek technicians. It provides you
with a powerful tool for understanding and verifying system performance.
• The output of ArgCheck is a plot of signal strength versus range from the instrument. This
is used to determine the effective measurement range of the Argonaut and to look for
interference from boundaries and underwater structures. As such, you can use ArgCheck to
survey a deployment site.
• We recommend that you become familiar with ArgCheck and use it on a regular basis
during data collection. Using ArgCheck to test the Argonaut before every experiment can
identify problems that might otherwise be undetected, thereby reducing the potential for
lost or corrupted data.
To run ArgCheck:
• For ideal testing conditions, mount the Argonaut in the location you are planning to
conduct your experiment. Alternatively, mount the system in any open body of water for
general diagnostics.
• Connect the Argonaut to the PC and apply power to the system.
• Start ViewArgonaut (Start|Programs|SonTek Software|ViewArgonaut).
• Verify the communication parameters at the bottom of the ViewArgonaut menu.
• Click the ArgCheck button on the ViewArgonaut menu.
Upon execution, the software will do the following.
• Establish communication with the Argonaut and download system operation parameters.
• Start the special ArgCheck operating mode.
• Initialize a continually updating display of signal strength versus range from the
transducers. The display is updated about once every five seconds.
• See either Section 7 or the Argonaut Principles of Operation for information about the
signal strength profiles displayed by ArgCheck.
ArgCheck includes the ability to record the displayed data to a file.
• Recording data provides a record of system performance.
• SonTek customer support may request a recorded ArgCheck file. ArgCheck data is a very
effective way to evaluate system performance.
• To record data to an ASCII file:
○ Click File|Export Data.
○ Select a directory and specify a file name for the data. The software automatically adds
the extension .chk to the file.
○ Click OK to start recording. All profiles are written to the file until you stop ArgCheck.
• When sending data to SonTek for analysis, record at least 5 to 10 profiles for reference.
See Section 7 for a listing of the tabular output format, for a sample of program output, for
information about surveying a deployment site, and for information on system diagnostics.
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Argonaut Software Manual (March 1, 2001)