When the sampler mode is set to AquaMate, additional parameters become available in the Basics tab. These define how the module operates during sampling.
Basic Sensor Settings
- Sensor Read Interval (sec)
- Defines how often the connected sensors are read out.
- Example: a value of 60 means one sensor measurement per minute.
- Save Every Nth Reading
- Determines how many of the readouts are stored in memory or on the SD card.
- Example: if set to 5, only every 5th reading is saved, reducing data volume while still updating regularly.
- Sensor Read Time (sec)
- Specifies how long the system keeps the sensors powered during a readout cycle.
- Useful for sensors that require a warm-up or stabilization phase before providing accurate values.
Basic AquaMate Settings
- Max fill time per sample (sec)
- Defines the maximum time allowed to fill one syringe.
- Prevents endless pumping if no water is available or if the inlet is blocked.
- Flush System Time (sec)
- Sets the flushing duration before each sample.
- This ensures the system is purged and reduces cross-contamination.
- Fill Volume (ml)
- Only applicable in combination with the Pod “FlowControl”
- Target volume to be drawn into each syringe.
- The sampler stops filling once this volume is reached (within the max fill time).
- Installed Container
- Select the container type or syringe size in use.
- This allows SmartConfig to calculate correct fill levels and sampling capacity.
- Samples/Interval (s)
- Defines the interval between samples when running automated sequences.
- For example, setting 3600 seconds results in one sample per hour.
- Flow Reduction (ms)
This setting reduces the effective pump strength by cycling the output ON and OFF in pulses.- The pump is always switched ON for 50 ms, then OFF for the configured time (ms).
- A value of 0 disables Flow Reduction, and the pump runs continuously.
- Example: setting 200 ms means the pump is ON for 50 ms and OFF for 200 ms, repeating in cycles.
- Larger OFF-times result in slower, smoother pumping.
- Together with the Output Strength setting, Flow Reduction allows precise adjustment of flow rate for sensitive sampling tasks (e.g., filling syringes at low flow).
Note
Each setting should be adjusted according to the sampling environment (e.g., water quality, container size, sampling frequency).
Flowchart
The flowchart in the Basics tab visualizes the sampling sequence, showing the steps from flushing through filling and storage.