Chapter 9. Appendix 1: Deployment check-list

Project/cruise

Instrument Serial No.

Date and time of deployment.

Deployment location (lat, long)

Network code

Station code

Water depth

Name of duty engineer on duty filling out this form

1

Install the power cable connecting the battery to the sensor & digitiser canister

2

Ensure that the vent port screw is tightened and not loose.

3

Connect the GPS to the deck unit and turn the deck unit on.

4

Set the sample rate to the desired value.

5

Set the flash recording to WRITE ONCE.

6

Check the red sync messages on the digitiser status file

7

Erase FLASH memory on CD24 digitiser issuing the command ERASEFILE or RESET the flash pointer.

8

Check if the auto-levelling of gimbals is set at 50% (Control menu).

9

Check sensor and hydrophone signals.

10

Wait for GPS synchronisation (FLUSH-STATUS will help to have new o/s and drift info on the status file). Is the clock TRIMMED? (Digitiser icon will appear in purple on Scream!).

11

Plug the dummy cup for the 8-pin micro underwater connector (serial & GPS connector).

12

Check if all the underwater connectors locking sleeves are tight.

13

Check if the buoy release system is properly set.

14

Attach the OBS to the iXBlue acoustic release, winch it over the water's surface and lower it until it’s on the seafloor.

15

Release the OBS sending a RELEASE command to the iXBlue release.