The Virtual HERMIT provided a reliable way to collect and manage groundwater data across a large area–when that capability hadn’t been an option before. Technology has come a long way since then, but our mission at In-Situ hasn’t changed: we create rugged, reliable instrumentation and software designed to simplify your work in the field. Today, you can collect the high-resolution aquifer test data you need by pairing the Level TROLL with VuLink telemetry and getting the added benefits of a simpler setup, real-time monitoring and flexible configurations. Whether you want to log data offline or receive updates remotely through HydroVu, this aquifer test solution delivers all the reliability of the HERMIT, without the hassle.

Here’s everything you’ll need:

  • Level TROLL for each of the wells you want to monitor.
  • VuLink telemetry devices. You can attach each Level TROLL to its own VuLink, or you can use a TROLL Net Hub to attach up to eight Level TROLLs to one VuLink.
  • Cables to connect your Level TROLLs to your VuLinks.
  • Download the VuSitu app to your mobile device. You’ll need this for instrument setup and for data retrieval if you choose to log your test offline.
  • If using VuLink, create a HydroVu account.

Set up your system

  1. If you don’t already have a HydroVu account, create one.
  2. Claim each VuLink to your HydroVu account.
  3. Download the VuSitu mobile app. Make sure to log into your HydroVu account when you first open the app. This enables VuSitu to automatically upload logs and other files to your HydroVu account for secure backup of all your data.
  4. Connect to your VuLinks with the VuSitu mobile app and add each Level TROLL instrument to the VuLink. Or configure the TROLL Net Hub to enable multiple Level TROLLs to connect to one telemetry device.
  5. Install the Level TROLLs in each monitoring well.
  6. Program internal logs on the Level TROLL 700s, scheduling reading frequency and log start time. (Level TROLL 700s can record up to four readings per second.)
  7. Make sure all logs are set to start simultaneously. Note: If you have scheduled a start on your Level TROLL, hitting start will manually override your scheduled start.
  8. Configure the VuLink read and upload frequency. VuLinks can record readings every minute and upload data to HydroVu every five minutes.
  9. Start your VuLinks.
  10. Start your aquifer test.

And you can always add water quality instrumentation to your test setup as well. Our water quality and level instruments are compatible with all the same cables and communication devices to streamline setup and use. And several of our Aqua TROLL multiparameter sondes fit easily within a two-inch well.

 

Which setup is right for you?

 

Aquifer Testing [wells close together]

 

If monitoring wells are close together, cables running from each Level TROLL 700 to a TROLL Net Hub would enable a single VuLink to push data from up to eight Level TROLL 700s up to HydroVu.

 

Aquifer testing [Wells Far Apart]

 

If wells are far apart, the amount of cable required to connect Level TROLLs to a TROLL Net Hub may be costly, or may result in a cumbersome and inconvenient setup. In these cases, renting or buying a VuLink for each well provides an easier alternative.

With these first two setups, you don’t need to remain in the field during your test. You can return to the office with the ability to monitor near-real-time data in HydroVu. Every five minutes, you’ll be able to check the status of your test down to one-minute resolution.

While VuLink and HydroVu give you continuous insight into your test–they’re not required. To record an aquifer test offline, follow all the same steps above, without the use of VuLink and HydroVu. After programming the Level TROLL logs and running the test, use VuSitu and a Wireless TROLL Com to connect to each Level TROLL and download the data. A HydroVu account does still help with offline testing. If you log into your HydroVu account from the VuSitu home screen before you download data from the Level TROLLs, VuSitu will send the data to your HydroVu account, making it immediately accessible and shareable from your HydroVu account. If your site is out of cell range, VuSitu will automatically upload your data to the cloud whenever your phone regains service. And VuSitu HydroVu Cloud Connection is free, so you don’t need a paid subscription to take advantage of this feature.

 

The benefits of simplified aquifer testing

High-Resolution Data Collection

The Level TROLL 700 can capture data at up to four readings per second (or every 250 milliseconds), ensuring you don’t miss critical changes in water level during your test. And you can program your Level TROLLs to record logarithmically. The logarithmic feature automatically adjusts the instrument’s recording rate, providing high-density data at the beginning of the test as conditions change rapidly, then recording at longer intervals as the system stabilizes. So, you can get all the detail you need without unnecessary information.

A Shared Ecosystem for Seamless Integration

All In-Situ instrumentation, telemetry, cables, communication devices and software are designed to work together for effortless setup. The components of our aquifer testing setup are programmed to easily discover each other and communicate smoothly so setup is straightforward and efficient. And when everything connects easily, you can customize configurations to fit the number and distance of wells at your test site–no complicated workarounds required.

Remote Monitoring Grants Peace of Mind

With VuLink and HydroVu, you don’t have to stay on site or travel back to check on your equipment. Remote monitoring allows you to track test progress from anywhere. Ensure your setup is working properly and watch the aquifer respond in real time.

Share Test Data in Real Time

Monitoring key test parameters remotely has another benefit as well–convenient data sharing in HydroVu. You can grant colleagues, project managers or clients access to test data so they can monitor key test parameters in real time. Keep everyone informed without the need for constant status updates or data transfers.

Easy Data Organization and Storage

With VuSitu HydroVu Cloud Connection, your data is automatically stored in HydroVu and accessible from any browser. Whether you need to send raw logs for analysis in your program of choice or share results with stakeholders, everything is securely and automatically stored in one central location–eliminating the risk of lost files and making collaboration easier than ever.

With the Level TROLL, VuLink and HydroVu, aquifer testing is simpler, smarter and more efficient than ever. This system is easy to configure and flexible to meet the needs of varied sites, providing high-resolution data, remote data access and effortless sharing at your fingertips.

By Annmarie Delfino

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