MIDAS WTR – Wave and Tide Recorder

The MIDAS WTR Wave Recorder uses the proven Linear

Wave Theory wave analysis method of measurement for
shallow water deployment (20m maximum water depth).
The MIDAS WTR benefits from Valeport’s latest sensor
measurement technology, together with 64 bit data
processing, and an improved range of sampling options.
Fast data upload, quick-change battery carousel and
intuitive operating software make the MIDAS WTR one of
the most versatile yet easy to use pressure based wave
recorders available.
Sensors
The MIDAS WTR is fitted with a choice of strain gauge or high Communications
accuracy piezo-resistive pressure sensors, and a fast response PRT The instrument will operate autonomously, with setup and data
temperature sensor as standard. Note that whilst the piezo-resistive extraction performed by direct communications with PC before
sensor offers a higher absolute accuracy, the quality of wave data and after deployment. It also operates in real time, with a choice
owes more to deployment location and sampling pattern than to of communication protocols for a variety of cable lengths, all fitted
sensor performance. Optional additional sensors include as standard and selected by pin choice on the output connector:
Conductivity and Turbidity. Standard
Sensor Type Range Accuracy Resolution RS232 Up to 200m cable, direct to serial port via USB
adaptor
Pressure Piezo- 100 dBar +/-0.01% 0.001%
(high accuracy) Resistive (90m water) RS485 Up to 1000m cable, addressable half duplex
Pressure Strain 50 dBar +/-0.04% 0.001% comms
(standard) Gauge (40m water) Optional FSK
Temperature PRT -5 to +35oC +/-0.01oC 0.005oC 2 wire power & communications up to 6000m of cable
Conductivity Inductive 0 – 80 mS/cm +/-0.01 mS/cm 0.004 mS/cm Baud Rate: 2400 - 115200 (FSK fixed at 38400, USB 460800)
(optional) Coils
Protocol: 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, No parity, No flow control
Turbidity Seapoint 0 – 2000 FTU +/-2% 0.005% Scale
(optional) STM Physical
Data Acquisition Materials: Acetal housing, optional stainless steel (316)
In order to correctly measure wave activity, Linear Wave Theory seabed deployment frame
requires a specific number of data points to be sampled over a Depth Rating: Housing rated to 500m
Note: pressure sensor may be less
period of time. These data points are then processed on board
Size: 300mmØ x 290mm deep
the instrument to generate an accurate summary of the wave
activity during the measured period. The MIDAS WTR therefore Weight: 12kg
operates in a strict pattern of “sample, process, sleep”, with the Frame 940 x 940 x 420mm x 35kg
user controlling the number of samples and the sampling rate, Memory
together with the duration of the sleep period. This may be The MIDAS WTR is fitted with 64Mb solid-state non-volatile FLASH
minimised for almost continuous sampling, but obviously at the memory. Total capacity depends on setup. User may save any or
expense of battery and memory usage. all of the following:
Sample Rate: 1, 2, 4 or 8Hz.  Raw sensor data from each burst
No of Powers of 2, 128 - 4096 (more samples = better  Summary statistics of wave burst
Samples: data)  Tide & additional sensor data
 Spectral analysis of wave burst.
Cycle Time: Minimum cycle time is nearest whole number of
If all data is saved, memory will typically record over 4000 data
minutes after processing has finished.
bursts. Sampling once per hour, this is over 5 months of data.
Delay Start: Instrument can be programmed to begin
sampling at a specific time. Ordering
Conditional: Wave Sampling only occurs if pressure activity 0730033 MIDAS WTR Wave Recorder, piezo-resistive type
exceeds a defined level. Supplied with:
 SubConn switch plug
Electrical  3m communications lead
Internal: 32 x D cells, 1.5V alkaline or 3.6V lithium  USB adaptor
 WaveLog Express software
External: 9 – 30V DC
 Manual, tool kit and transit case
Power: 0.7W (sampling), <1mW (sleeping)
0730034 MIDAS WTR Wave Recorder, strain gauge type
Battery Life: Depends on sampling setup, typically: Supplied with:
>2 months operation (alkaline)  SubConn switch plug
>5 months operation (lithium)  3m communications lead
Connector: SubConn Titanium MCBH10F  USB adaptor
 WaveLog Express software
Software  Manual, tool kit and transit case.
System is supplied with WaveLog Express Windows based PC 0730037 Stainless steel deployment cage
software, for instrument setup, data extraction and display. 0400011 Optional Conductivity sensor
WaveLog Express is license free. 0400021B Optional Turbidity sensor
0400021BI Turbidity sensor interface

Datasheet Reference: MIDAS WTR - May 2016

As part of our policy of continuing development, we reserve the right to alter at any time, without notice, all specification s, designs, prices and conditions of supply of all equipment