Wave gauges are electronic circuit monitoring devices that detect sudden changes in water levels in oceans and seas. They measure the flow of water current passing between a pair of stainless steel electrodes mounted on a device immersed underwater to a certain depth or in buoys. Stainless steel codes, also known as sensors, convert the wave effect into an output voltage equal to the underwater depth of the codes and send them to devices on the shore for reading.
Instructions
1. Connect the remote computer to the Opto-Isolated Interface using a RS232-RS485 connection for multiple communications. The Opto-Isolated Interface is a device with multiple channels for controlling other circuits and electronic appliances remotely.
2. Attach the connecting cable from the Opto-Isolated Interface to the PIC Interface, which is the data acquisition interface. Ensure you are using a two-way connection to enable use of send and return signals to and from the control unit.
3. Link the PIC Interface to the analog signal processor using a two-way connecting cable. Let the connection hook up the devices in the following order: remote computer to Opto-Isolated Interface, then to the PIC Interface, then to the analog signal processor. The analog processor is a signal amplifier that provides information in the form of a continuous mathematical value with the aid of elements such as transistors, resistors, inductors and capacitors.
4. Measure a distance 3 feet from the top of the 5-foot aluminum rods and weld two triangular aluminum plates measuring 4 inches in height to these two points with the sharp point connecting to the aluminum pipe. Drill two holes each on these plates ensuring they conform to the second plate's holes. Fix two glass insulators to these plates and fasten them. Insert the two steel codes through the glass ensuring all these parts are parallel and fasten tightly ensuring the codes do not touch the glass and water movement is free.
5. Place an electronic box fitted with a DC converter circuit and digital-analogue communication device on top of the aluminum plate and fasten. Connect one electrode to the electronic box cable and another to the analogue signal processor, and then attach the long wave probe cable from the analogue processor to the electronic box.
6. Connect three independent DC-to-DC power supplies such that each one serves the digital circuits and the analog signal processor, and that the third connects to the digital signal isolation. This ensures there is no interference among the devices. Attach all the three to an AC power source.
7. Join one isolated DC-to-DC converter cable to the PIC interface using a single-send signal only. Install control and calibration software to the PIC Interface for better performance and hardware acquisition.
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