Quick start guide

Tools needed

USB to MCIL-6-FS cable (provided)
MLM test loop (provided)
Computer with a USB port
Serial terminal

The deep-sleep feature will be disabled while the RBRCervata is connected to the computer USB port.

If you connect the USB cable while the data controller is in a deep-sleep state, it can take up to 15 seconds to boot and register on your computer.

Configuration

RBR configures each RBRcervata to work with a specific instrument. For details particular to your instrument or to change the configuration, please contact RBR.

To estimate power and telemetry requirements, use the RBRcervello Deployment Calculator.

Use your instruments or sub-surface modems (SSM) only with a properly configured data controller. Failure to do so will result in invalid data.

Before a deployment

Open the RBRcervata following the steps in Opening the RBRcervata.
Install fresh batteries (48 x D-cells) and desiccant following the steps in Hardware overview.
Connect the RBRcervata USB MCBH port to a computer via the provided USB to MCIL-6-FS cable.
Open a terminal on the corresponding communications port following the instructions in Using the USB port.
Press Enter and wait until you see the RBRcervello> prompt.
Type disable and press Enter. See disable for more information.
(Optional but recommended) Apply any pending software updates by following the instructions in Updating the instrument.
(Optional) Apply any pending configuration updates by following the instructions in Updating the instrument.

Update the firmware and configuration separately otherwise the configuration update may not be applied.

Test the MLM loop by following the instructions in MLM troubleshooting.
Type scrub-instrument and press Enter to erase any data that might be stored in the instrument(s). See scrub-instrument for more information.
Type scrub-controller and press Enter to erase any data that might be stored in the RBRcervata. See scrub-controller for more information.
Type set-cervello-clock YYYY-MM-DDTHH:MM:SS with the appropriate time in UTC and press Enter to synchronise the clock on the RBRcervata. See set-cervello-clock for more information.

If the RBRcervata establishes communications with an instrument within 24h of the RBRcervata clock being set, the RBRcervata will set the instrument clock to its own clock.

This allows the RBRcervata to update the clocks of instruments left logging while the RBRcervata is retrieved along with their data.

Type status and press Enter to verify that the instruments and the controller have the disabled status. See status for more information.
(Optional) Type enable and press Enter to begin the deployment and enable the instruments immediately. See enable for more information.
(Optional) Type status and press Enter to verify that the instruments and the controller have the logging status.
Disconnect the USB to MCIL cable from the RBRcervata.
Close the RBRcervata following the instructions in Closing the RBRCervata.

USB interface port

MLM port

Endcap alignment pin

After a deployment

After retrieving the RBRcervata

Connect the RBRcervata USB MCBH port to a computer via the provided USB to MCIL-6-FS cable.
Apply power using the USB to MCIL-6-FS cable as the battery pack might be depleted.
Open a terminal on the corresponding communications port following the instructions in Using the USB port.

Baud rate, the number of data/parity/stop bits, and flow control settings do not matter for USB communication devices.

Press Enter and wait until you see the RBRcervello> prompt.
Type disable and press Enter. See disable for more information.
Type set-cervello-clock YYYY-MM-DDTHH:MM:SS with the appropriate time in UTC and press Enter. This will allow for timestamp correction after retrieving the data. See set-cervello-clock for more information.

If the RBRcervata establishes communications with an instrument within 24h of the RBRcervata clock being set, the RBRcervata will set the instrument clock to its own clock.

This allows the RBRcervata to update the clocks of instruments left logging while the RBRcervata is retrieved along with their data.

Type status and press Enter to verify that the instruments (if any) have the stopped state and the controller has the disabled state.
Retrieve data via the USB port following the steps in Retrieving data.