SonTek/YSI Argonaut-XR Technical Manual - HydroScientific West

7.3. Starting an Autonomous Deployment
Argonaut Operation Manual Firmware Version 7.9 (May 1, 2001)
SonTek/YSI
Autonomous deployments are started from the Argonaut direct command interface using a
terminal or terminal emulator. The Argonaut software includes a DOS based terminal emulator
called SonTerm (see Argonaut Software Manual). See Section 3 for details about the direct
command interface.
To start an autonomous deployment, establish direct communication with the Argonaut. There
are four Show commands that display all operating parameters.
• Show Conf - hardware configuration parameters
• Show System - system operating parameters
• Show Setup - data collection parameters
• Show Deploy - autonomous deployment parameters
If you verify the settings of the parameters shown by the four commands above, you can be
confident of a successful deployment. See §3.14 for sample outputs of the Show commands.
Below is a list of recommended steps when starting an autonomous deployment. These include
redundant checks to verify all aspects of Argonaut operation.
1. IMPORTANT: Always perform the deployment procedure with the Argonaut connected to
and operating from the power supply that will be used for deployment. Do not disconnect
power after initiating the deployment (§3.3).
2. Before deployment, perform a compass calibration if the system includes a compass/tilt
sensor (§4.4). If practical, this should be done with the system mounted in the deployment
frame with batteries and other instrumentation installed.
3. Record all communication with the Argonaut for future reference. This can be done using the
Alt+F option in SonTerm (see Argonaut Software Manual).
4. Send a BREAK to wake the system up and establish communication.
5. Send Show Conf; check parameters to see they match desired/expected settings.
6. Send Show System; check parameters to see that they match desired settings. Of particular
importance are the Argonaut date/time. Modify parameters as needed.
7. Send Show Setup; check parameters to see that they match desired settings. Of particular
importance are cell begin and end (XR and SL only), dynamic boundary adjustment (XR
only), averaging interval, and sample interval. Modify parameters as needed.
8. Send Show Deploy; check parameters to see that they match desired settings. Of particular
importance are deployment name, start date and time, and the timing parameters (averaging
interval, sample interval, and burst sampling parameters). Modify parameters as needed.
9. Send Save Setup to save all parameters (also done automatically by Deploy command).
10. Check compass operation (if installed) by sending Compass CONT. Rotate and tilt the
Argonaut to verify performance (§4.1). Press any key to stop output.
11. Check recorder status using the Dir command. Make sure there is sufficient space for the
data from this deployment. Format the recorder if necessary.
12. Verify settings in all four Show commands one final time.
13. Send the Deploy command to initiate the deployment. Watch for any error messages or for
any unexpected response. If practical, leave the computer connected to the Argonaut until the
first sample has been output.
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