How do I calibrate the Cyclops using the Cyclops Explorer?

Cyclops calibration for Rhodamine WT with the Cyclops Explorer

How do I calibrate the Cyclops using the DataBank Datalogger?

Cyclops calibration for Rhodamine WT with the Databank

When should I use my Shade Cap?

We recommend use of the shade cap as it provides a fixed distance for sample measurement and minimizes affects from ambient light. The Shade Cap also offers protection for the optics and prevents damage from deploying, recovering, or transporting the instrument, in fast-flowing environments, and/or from bottoming out in shallow environments.

I notice that my Cyclops makes a rattling noise, is it OK or is there something wrong with it?

All Cyclops sensors have a desiccant pack that has small beads inside of it to prevent moisture from affecting the electronics. If you shake the Cyclops gently you can hear those tiny beads rattling in the pack. Please refer to the picture below

How can I power and collect data from the Cyclops?

Our Cyclops sensors are analog output fluorometers that output voltage only, data can be collected via any datalogger that accepts a 0-5 volt analog signal. We sell a DataBank Handheld Datalogger, compatible with our entire Cyclops line, for easy data collection in the field.

Cyclops sensors can be powered using any 3-15 volt power source. The analog sensors can output measurements as long as there is power supplied. The DataBank allows for continuous measurements at a maximum sample rate of 1 second.

Can the Cyclops be integrated into CTDs, ROVs, or AUVs?

Yes, the Cyclops can be integrated with any AUV, ROV or system that will accept a 0 to 5 VDC analog input and has a maximum depth rating of 600 meters. View our user's manual for more information on the Cyclops Submersible Sensors.

What preventative maintenance or care should always be done before deploying my Cyclops?

To protect your bulkhead connector from damage, a light coat of Silicone spray should be used on the rubber of the male pins of the bulkhead to aid in sealing. The manufacturer recommends 3M™ Silicone Lubricant Spray or Loctite 8021 spray. Note: You should avoid using silicone grease. DO NOT USE WD-40 - it will destroy the connectors.

What turbidity standards should I use for the Cyclops?

AMCO/GFS has turbidity standards for use with the Cyclops. Standards can be purchased directly from GFS Chemicals utilizing the information below.

Part Number 8506 - 10 NTU Standard for Turner Designs C series
Part Number 8507 - 100 NTU standard for Turner Designs C series
Part Number 8619 - 20 NTU Standard for Turner Designs C series
Part Number 8620 - 1000 NTU Standard for Turner Designs C series
Part Number 8621 - 3000 NTU Standard for Turner Designs C series

GFS Chemicals, Inc.
3041 Home Road
Powell, OH 43065

Phone: 877-534-0795 (U.S. and Canada)
Website: http://www.gfschemicals.com/statics/index.html

Could you provide us with some advice about the use of the x100 gain range?

The x100 gain is best for use with low concentrations. For example, a 2ppb concentration of Rhodamine WT will generate in the neighborhood of 1.3V in the x100. The entire range for the x100 scale is only 0-10ppb. This gives you 10 times better resolution than the medium scale and 100 times more resolution than the x1 scale. In the x100 scale, each mV is going to signify an incredibly small change in actual concentration. Keeping this in mind, it is typical to see micro noise in the x100 gain.

How do you best calibrate with a liquid?

Two things that can dramatically influence the calibration of the Cyclops are a reflective surface that is under the glass beaker and micro-bubbles on the optic surface of the Cyclops. A measurement in DI water that is < 200 mV is still ok to use as a blank. A 200mV measurement would still represent less than 4% of the high scale. The Cyclops should always be more than 3" away from the bottom of the beaker. You should not try to calibrate in a beaker with a diameter less than 5", unless you are calibrating with the shade cap on the Cyclops. The shade cap is designed as an optical “backstop” for the sensor, and can be used in a smaller volume of water.

If I want to tow a Cyclops through a Rhodamine plume, how fast will the sensor respond? What is the instrument response time?

If power is supplied to the Cyclops continually and it remains in the same gain, the data update rate for analog data output is 1 second. If a datalogger is being used to convert analog data to digital data, there may be a delay in the data update rate and during gain switching, if enabled, depending on the datalogger used.

How does the blue green algae sensor or the chlorophyll sensor eliminate the influence of turbidity?

The Cyclops uses high quality interference filters to eliminate light scatter which may be read as turbidity.

At what distance from the end of the sensor is the measurement taken?

The Cyclops can detect materials as far away as 3 inches from the sensor head, which is why Turner Designs recommends at least a 3 inch (7.62 cm) clearance from the optical head when taking measurements. An exception to this would be if you are using the shade cap, as the shade cap is designed as an optical “backstop” for the sensor.

What angle does the Cyclops need to be to take a measurement?

Keeping the instrument as close to vertical as possible is recommended.

How much liquid will the Cyclops flowthrough cap hold?

The Cyclops flowthrough cap will hold 5mL of fluid.

Where can I find information about the Cyclops applications and optical specifications?

Please refer to the Optical Specification Guide for the Cyclops.

Where can I find instructions on how to install the Cyclops Flow Through Cap?

Instructions are available at the links below:
Stainless Steel Cyclops
Plastic Cyclops

What is the recommended calibration standard for the deep UV and refined fuel sensors?

We recommend using 1-5 naphthalenedisulfonic acid disodium salt as a lab standard. Please refer to the application note on Detection of Refined Oils (Fuels) in Water.

1-5 naphthalenedisulfonic acid disodium salt can be purchased from: Sigma-Aldrich
Website: http://www.sigmaaldrich.com
View Product Listing

In order to prepare a standard, weigh out some of the standard (grams) and dissolve in a known volume of water (milliliters). Now you have a concentration of grams/milliliter. From there you can convert to micrograms/liter or ppb.

How can I set up Automatic gain control for the Cyclops?

Automatic gain control for the Cyclops can be controlled in various ways. If the Distributed Control Switch has logic controlled relay system it can be controlled as illustrated in the picture below. It is important to note that both legs of the relay should not be closed at the same time. Another option would be to integrate an analog multiplexer to handle the gain switching. Below is a link to some of the common HC4052 datasheets.
http://www.alldatasheet.com/view.jsp?Searchword=HC4052

Where can I find information about the Cyclops cables?

Please refer to the Cable Guide for the Cyclops.

What is the volume (size) of the area (or the control volume) that Cyclops takes the reading from?

We recommend at least a volume of 38 cubic inches for calibration to assure that light interference is minimized.

What can I use to calibrate my Cyclops?

Turner Designs sells liquid dye standards that can be used for calibration. Please refer to the following document for instructions and recommended part numbers.

Technical Note: Cyclops Calibration Using Turner Designs Liquid Dye Standards