The HydroDAS is a revolutionary low-power submersible data-acquisition system with extremely versatile input and output options, large non-volatile memory, and programmable logging and control functions. It can distribute power to, and collect data from multiple analog and digital instruments. 

The HydroDAS is fully programmable through the HydroScript programming language to support autonomous logging and control. 

A long-cable option allows real-time systems with power and multiplexed data for up to 12 instruments transmitted over cables of 1000m or more.

The extensive interfacing capabilities and programmability of the HydroDAS make it a uniquely versatile tool for almost any oceanographic data collection application!

Instrument Connections

Connections to individual instruments are made either through one or two segmented connectors, which are divided into six four-pin "ports," or through up to twelve micro 8-pin connectors. Other configurations are available. The ports are configured at the factory to support the combination of input/output features you specify at the time of order (these choices can also be changed later). Standard four-pin ports normally include a ground pin, a switched power pin, and two data pins. The data pins may be assigned as RS232 transmit and receive, two analog inputs, logic-level digital inputs or outputs, frequency inputs, or a combination of these.

Autonomous Logging

In an autonomous logging application, HydroDAS is typically powered by batteries and runs a "script"-a program written in the HydroScript language-to control its inputs and outputs. The supplied PC software includes tools for writing and operating scripts. A simple script might periodically turn on the attached instruments, collect their data into files, then go into low-power sleep until the next collection. The PC tools automate the process of constructing simple scripts, so many applications can be accommodated without great knowledge of HydroScript. However much more elaborate scripts are possible, in which, for example, the collection schedule varies with time of day, and is different for different instruments. Given a sufficient source of power, HydroDAS can operate indefinitely in this mode. At the end of a deployment, its accumulated data can then be offloaded using the supplied PC software.

Real-time Data Integration

In a real-time application, HydroDAS is typically powered from the surface. Its optional deck unit sends power at high voltage to HydroDAS via a 2- to 4-conductor cable that may be up to 1000m long. HydroDAS collects data simultaneously from a number of instruments, and sends them at high baud rates to the surface over the same cable. On the surface, software on a PC can demultiplex the data into files and/or to multiple USB serial ports on the PC.

Combined Modes

Autonomous and real-time modes are not exclusive. For example, you can write a script that programs HydroDAS to wake periodically and send multiplexed data over a long cable link instead of logging it in its own memory.

Optional Features

• Serial digital expansion - Up to 11 general-purpose serial ports.
• Analog input expansion - 16 analog inputs with 0.3mV resolution over ±8V range.
• High-Voltage power supply - Increase power capacity over long cables with 60V or 300V power supply.
• RS485 host interface - For real-time operation over long cables
• 2-wire host interface - Special drivers allow combining high-voltage DC and 230kBaud serial data on one pair of wires 1km or more in length.

Input/Output 

Versatile Data Handling 

Host software  

HydroScript programming language  

• Simple syntax tailored to HydroDAS functions 
• Program simple or complex sequences of events 
• Events can be programmed for specific dates and times (tied to battery-backed real-time clock), or regular intervals from seconds to days 
• Full bi-directional communication with serial digital instruments at any standard baud rate 
• Averaging of analog data 
• Store data into named files for later retrieval 
• Redirect data from one serial port to another, or to host computer

• Oceanographic data collection.
• Environmental monitoring.
• Ship-based real-time collection.
• Moored long-term collection.