ECO BB
WET Labs manufactures a line of optical tools for determination of bio-optical and physical parameters within natural waters. These instruments are designed as a modular suite of sensors with special features for specific application support. The Environmental Characterization Optics (ECO) series incorporates a common set of options with a single basic design to make the sensors ideal for a wide variety of deployments. Features include:
- Compact size
- Integrated self-logging
- Configurable output
- High precision and stability
- Optional Integrated anti-fouling
MECHANICAL
Diameter | 6.3 cm (std) |
| Length | 12.7 cm (std) |
| Length | 17.68 (deep) |
| Weight in air | 0.4 kg (std) |
| Weight in air | 1.3 kg (deep) |
| Weight in water | 0.02 kg (std) |
| Weight in water | 0.75 kg (deep) |
| Pressure housing | Acetal copolymer (std) |
| Pressure housing | Titanium (deep) |
OPTICAL
| Wavelength | 470, 532, 650 nm |
| Sensitivity, 470 | 0.003 m-1 |
| Sensitivity, 532 | 0.003 m-1 |
| Sensitivity, 650 | 0.003 m-1 |
| Range | ~ 0-5 m-1 |
| Linearity | 99% R2 |
ELECTRICAL
| Digital output resolution | 12 bit |
| RS-232 output | 19200 baud |
| Analog outpout signal | 0-5 V |
| Internal data logging | optional |
| Internal batteries | optional |
| Connector | MCBH6MP |
| Input | 7-15 VDC |
| Current, typical | 50 mA |
| Current, sleep | 140 µA |
| Data memory | 108,000 samples |
| Sample rate | to 8 Hz |
| Anti-fouling Bio-wiper™ | optional |
| Bio-wiper™ cycle | 140 mA |
ENVIRONMENTAL
| Temperature range | 0-30 deg C |
| Depth rating | 600 m (standard) |
| Depth rating | 200 m (with optional bio-wiper) |
| Depth rating | 6000 m (deep) |
| Pressure/ Temperature sensor | optional |
Second-generation ECO sensor host software
Download ECOView 1.20e
ECOView120e.exe for Windows XP/Vista/7 
What should I use to lubricate bulkhead connectors?
WET Labs recommends keeping the connectors on your meter lubricated using a good quality silicone spray lubricant, such as 3M Silicone Spray or Loctite 8021 spray. These can be purchased at your local hardware store. Avoid silicone grease. It is messy and attracts contaminants.
Do not use WD-40. It will destroy connectors.
What is the fluorescent stick that came with my meter used for?
Checking Meter Output with the Fluorescent Stick
ECO meters ship with a stick of fluorescent material with which you can check your meter's output response.
- With the meter on and outputting data, hold the stick approximately 1/2-in (1 cm) from the lit detectors. Be careful to NOT touch the sensor face, as it scratches easily.
- Pivot the stick to parallel with the meter's optics; the output in the meter's "signal" column should increase to near maximum output as given on the meter's characterization or calibration sheet.
- As you move the stick away, the output will decrease.
Do you want WET Labs to review your data?
In order for data questions to be answered in an efficient manner, WET Labs requests:
- The serial number of the instrument data in question. The most current calibration information
can be verified and the instrument settings upon delivery can be checked.
- Description of the deployment configuration. Questions to consider:
- What are the current instrument settings?
- What is the instrument orientation?
- Are there possible obstructions?
- Is it being used in a mooring, a profiler, or being towed?
- What were the deployment date and geographical location?
- How far into the deployment was the problem seen?
- What power supply and cabling are being used?
- What was the instrument condition during the last field service or retrieval?
- Do you have any pictures?
- Raw data files of the physical data in question
- examples of good raw data.
- examples of questionable raw data .
- Information about how the raw data was processed.
What type of batteries are in ECO's?
- We recommend the use of Lithium batteries in all of our ECO battery units.
- There is a very significant battery life increase in comparison with Alkaline cells.
- We use Ultralife Lithium +9V batteries.
- Ultralife has 3 different part numbers (used with different sales packaging) for the long-life batteries we use in our ECO's:
- U9VL
- U9VLX
- U9VLBP
- Ultralife batteries have Aluminum/Mylar housing provding:
- Protection against humidity and heat from entering the battery. Humidity and heat reduce efficiency and shelf-life.
- Batteries that are much more leak-resistant.
- Ultralife batteries have a 7-10 year shelf-life.
- The batteries are customer replaceable with easy access to the battery pack.
- The battery pack has 6 batteries: 2 layers of 3 +9V Lithium cells.
What is the memory capability?
- Not included on the "RT" units!!
- The memory is stored in "Flash" memory, an integrated circuit chip on the electronic board set.
- There is no removable card, no upgrade in memory capacity.
- The total sample records available for a single channel ECO = 108,000.
- Typically, the ECO output is set to 1 sample/sec.
How do I protect my ECO from bio-fouling?
ECO instruments from WET Labs are designed for long term deployment capabilities with low power requirements, a large memory and an available Bio-wiper™. The Bio-wiper™ on the ECO was designed to protect the optical surface and has been very effective under most conditions.
If extra protection is required to prevent marine organisms from attaching to the instrument body near the optical head and interfering with the operation of the Bio-wiper™ we suggest using copper foil tape. The GoMOOS project developed a technique for their ECO sensors and WET Labs recommends this technique:
Apply electrical tape under the area where copper tape will be applied. This protects the meter from the significant adhesive residue of the copper foil tape.
Apply the copper tape to the prepped surfaces. There are different width copper foil tape options, with non-conductive adhesive, available from McMaster-Carr. NOTE: when applying the coper tape, the adhesive should not be touched. This will cause the tape to not stick to the electrical tape on the meter. When submerged in salt water, the copper will adhere more closely to the meter.
As long as the electrical tape is used, this technique does not violate the ECO warranty and WET Labs will service instruments that have had copper tape applied to them.
Important!
Do NOT apply copper tape directly to the meter. Its adhesive is extremely difficult to remove. Meters returned to WET Labs wrapped in copper tape without the electrical tape preparation will have additional service charges applied.
