Specifications

104
5.12 Logger
All buoys are equipped with an internal data logger as a standard. Raw displacements
measurements, wave spectra and system files generated in the buoy are all logged without any
loss of data. In times of disturbed HF transmission or when, for the moment, you only receive
compressed wave spectra through satellite, you may rest assured that the full set of data is
secured on the logger. To diagnose buoy (dis-)functioning during testing or deployment also a
specific set of events are logged.
The logger uses type-I compact flash card modules for non-volatile data storage. It is
recommended that only industrial grade compact flash cards be used. For availability of these
cards, please contact Datawell sales.
5.12.1 Inserting and retrieving the logger flash card
As described in the Electronics unit section 5.11, the flash card must be inserted in the logger
slot in the electronics unit. While inserting, the card label should face the hatchcover connector.
To retrieve the logger flash card, push the spring clip for mechanic lock aside and eject the flash
card by pushing the button next to the flash card.
5.12.2 Deploying the logger
Flash cards newly delivered by Datawell will already be erased and formatted in the right way.
However, when you obtained your flash card locally or the flash card has been used before, be it
only for testing, preparation of the flash card is required.
Mainly, the flash card must be properly formatted and erased before installing it in the
logger. Without the correct file format system the buoy logger will not recognize the flash card.
Please carry out the following actions, assuming a Windows PC.
Check file format system
(1) Insert the flash card into a flashcard reader or use a PCMCIA adapter for a PCMCIA
slot.
(2) Locate the flash card (i.e. E:\), this can be done by clicking on “my computer”.
(3) Right-click your mouse on the flash card icon (mounted as a drive) and select
“properties”. Verify that the file system is “FAT” or “FAT16”. File systems such as
“FAT12” or “FAT32” or “NTFS” are not suitable.
Change file format system
(1) If the file system is anything other than “FAT” or “FAT16”, reformat the flash card.
(2) Right-click your mouse on the flash card drive and select “format”.
(3) Select “FAT” or “FAT16” and reformat your flash card.
Erase all files
(1) Delete all files present on the flash card.
(2) If you cannot delete all files, repair the disk using the chkdsk-command as described in
the subsection Retrieving logger files 5.12.3.
NOTE: When using some NT-based windows systems, i.e. windows 2000, you must use a
utility to dismount the volume from the system before removing the flash card from the reader.
Such a utility usually comes with the reader. To dismount the flashcard from a PCMCIA
adapter, click the standard “unplug or eject hardware” icon. The reason for this is that NT uses
write buffers that must be emptied.
The logger is automatically started when power is applied, either externally or from the
buoy batteries. After a 5 minute startup delay the logger is activated and the message “Logger
started” will be sent over the console. To test the logger, leave the unit running for 10 minutes
or so and send the stoplog command through the console. If the event log file and some
.RDT and .SDT files have been written (see below), the logger is OK.