3.4.1.1.3. Sending commands to the ADCP

When troubleshoooting ADCP problems, you may be asked to send some commands to the instrument. These can be run with tk_terminal.py; you do not need BBTALK.

With the tk_terminal.py interface, you can send commands to the instrument by simply typing in the text box at the bottom of the window (the one that says Run next to it)

Most RDI ADCPs allow you to start figuring out the commands they know by typing a ? (question mark). If you type a ? you will see what kinds of commands they know.

For example, the diagnostic tests on the ocean surveyor are usually commands that start with “P”. You can send P? to see what they are.

Warning

DO NOT PING OCEAN SURVEYOR IN AIR

A similar approach works with a BB or Workhorse ADCP.

  • Type type ?,

  • look for a menu item for tests

  • and type that letter followed by ?.

  • NB150 is much more cryptic and you have to read the manual

Note

It is OK to ping fixed transducers in air, (BB300, NB150 or Workhorse)

sending ascii commands to ADCP