Aquatic & Fisheries DST Compass Logger Star-Oddi.com

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Small submersible compass logger with temperature and depth measurements

Overview:

Sensors: Compass, Temperature and Depth
Memory size:  128,000  measurements in total
Battery life: 3 years
Depth: Down to 3000m 

Application examples:
  • For analysing fish movements/direction over longer periods.
  • Finding pattern in fish behavior, diurnal/seasonal, for improving knowledge on the ocean resources.
  • Analysing directions of fishing equipments and other underwater equipment

Features

  • The DST compass in addition to measuring temperature and depth, it measures relative compass heading of the DST, with reference to the magnetic north.
  • The measuring parameters are measuring the magnetic field in two directions in the horizontal plane to give the compass heading in degrees (°).
  • Compass resolution is 2°.
  • The compass measurements have better than +/-25° accuracy, and are shown in degrees or as 4, 8 or 16 point compass directions.
  • The performance of the DST compass is optimum when positioned in a horizontal plane.
  • Marks on housing indicate the horizontal plane.
  • The DST compass allows the scientist to take frequent sampling of the direction, and use different sampling intervals.
The picture below shows an eight point measuring range of the sensor relative to the DST housing. In this position, the heading (nose of housing) shows west (270°).

 
The sensor can be used for analysing movements of marine animals as well as various underwater gear. For analysing fish movements, it is advised to fasten the tag at both ends to avoide limiting the movements of the tag.  For this application, Star-Oddi offers specially designed fastener kit where the DST compass is fastened to a plastic plate.  The performance of the DST compass is optimum when it is placed in the horizontal plane, the further the compass pitches and/or rolls from the horizontal plane the larger the error reading becomes.
    
Easy to use

DST compass logger is supported by the SeaStar software for Windows, and a communication box which connects it to a PC computer.  All communication and data transfer is wireless via the communication box.  DST is inserted into the box for establishing communication, using the SeaStar software.  Before use the user sets the sampling interval and start time of recordings.  After recapture of the logger, the data is retrieved using the communication box and SeaStar software.  The logger can be re-programmed and reused as long as the battery lasts. 
         

Read an article about the usage of DST compass on salmon migrating in sea. 
 
Technical Specifications - DST compass

Sensors Compass, temperature and depth (pressure)*
Size (diameter x length)
15 mm  x 46 mm
Weight (in air/in water)
19g / 12g
Memory 3*43K
Memory capacity
129,000 measurements in total
Memory Management
-Custom programming
-Primary and secondary parameter 
 
 
Memory type
Non-volatile EEPROM
Data retention
25 years
Resolution compass 2° 
Accuracy compass
 +/- 25°
Temperature range
-1°C to +40°C (30°F to 104°F)**
Resolution temperature
0.032°C (0.058°F)
Accuracy temperature
+/-0.1°C (0.18°F)
 
 
Resolution depth
0.03% of full scale (FS)
Accuracy depth
+/-0.4% of selected range
Response time temp. Time constant (63%) reached in 20 sec.
 
 
Clock
Real time clock.  Accuracy +/-1 min/month
Sampling interval
User defined, in sec./min./hour
First recording
User defined start date and time
Computer interface
RS-232C 9 pin serial or USB
Battery life
3 years****
Attachment hole
0.9 mm (in diameter)

* Temperature and/or depth measurements can be skipped, increasing the memory size.
**Outside ranges available upon request.
***Customer specified.
**** For sampling interval of 15 minutes or greater.
Specifications may change without notice.

Aquatic & Fisheries Research