Issue 3, October 2006

VEMCO Data Acquisition Aids Researchers in Designing Studies and Arrays in Challenging Environments

To aid in the development and planning of acoustic telemetry studies, data acquisition systems are now available allowing VEMCO customers to gather location specific acoustic data for analysis by VEMCO technical staff.

Proper positioning and spacing of receivers is essential to ensuring a successful outcome of studies which use VEMCO products. VEMCO provides a number of tools to aid the researcher in designing a good plan. The information we provide in background papers on our web site, through our customer support line and at workshops held at various locations and times over the year will answer the majority of questions and apply to all but the most extreme situations.

However, there will always be special situations that this information does not adequately address. If, after reviewing the information referenced above, you feel you have one of these special situations, do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your planned study. We are committed to helping you achieve success with our equipment and will be pleased to provide useful tips about things to ensure and things to avoid; suggest testing you can perform with the equipment in your proposed location; and help interpret your test results.

In some situations, we will suggest that you borrow one of our data acquisition systems which will allow you to make measurements that can be sent to us for analysis of your specific acoustic conditions. The acquisition system is a modified VR100 which is used in conjunction with reference tags in an "enhanced range test". The system records data using your laptop computer with the receiver and tags in representative locations. The data is subsequently returned to VEMCO and allows us to accurately identify propagation anomalies and extraneous noise sources which may affect receiver performance. We will then make specific recommendations to you.

If you would like more information on the use of this equipment or wish to discuss booking a loan of this equipment please contact the VEMCO Support Group.