Gauselink GL08

Contents

Underwater Ultrasonic Sensor Module

Model: GL08

Manufacturer: Gauselink

1. Product Overview

The Gauselink GL08 Underwater Ultrasonic Sensor Module is designed for precise distance measurement and obstacle avoidance in aquatic environments. It features a short blind zone and a wide measurement range, making it suitable for various microcontroller peripherals.

This sensor is specifically designed for use in water and will not function in air.

Underwater ultrasonic sensor detecting a fish, illustrating distance measurement.
Figure 1: Underwater ultrasonic sensor in action, measuring distance.
Two images showing applications: obstacle avoidance in water with a cleaning robot and water depth measurement with an underwater drone.
Figure 2: Applications of the GL08 sensor in obstacle avoidance and water depth measurement.
Diagrams illustrating water depth measurement, water level measurement, and object distance measurement in water.
Figure 3: Measurement scenarios: Water Depth, Water Level, and Object Distance.

2. Specifications

The GL08 series offers various models with different output types and measurement ranges:

  • Product Name: Submarine Underwater Ultrasonic Sensor Module
  • Serial No.: GL08
  • Models, Range and Output Type:
    • GL081MT: 5 ~ 800cm, UART Controlled
    • GL081M4: 5 ~ 800cm, RS485
    • GL08BT: 8 ~ 800cm, UART Controlled
    • GL08B4: 8 ~ 800cm, RS485
  • Baud Rate: Max. 115200 bits/second (Adjustable)
  • Length of Cable: 500mm (19")
  • Protection Level of Housing: IP68 (Designed for underwater operation)
  • Max. Depth Underwater: 10 meters
  • Color of Housing: Grey
  • Working Media: Clean Water
  • Ambient Temperature: -15°C ~ 55°C

Detailed Parameters

Table of detailed parameters for GL081M4, GL081MT, GL08B4, GL08BT models, including measurement range, blind zone, output type, response time, working voltage, currents, accuracy, and detection angle.
Figure 4: Detailed technical specifications for GL08 models.

Remarks for Detailed Parameters:

  • (a) Sensor tested at 30cm below static water surface. Water temperature 20°C. No water flow. Object is flat and facing the sensor.
  • (b) Tested at Baud Rate 115200bps. Real-time value read.
  • (c) Tested at voltage 5V DC, cycle time 100ms.
  • (d) The same conditions with (a), except that the object is stainless steel tube ø4.2×100cm placed at 0.5m ahead. Angle grade is default Grade 4.

Temperature Compensation

The sensor incorporates a water temperature compensation function to account for the impact of varying temperature on sound velocity in water, ensuring consistent accuracy.

Diagram showing temperature compensation with a graph of ultrasound velocity in water versus water temperature.
Figure 5: Temperature compensation mechanism and its effect on ultrasound velocity.

3. Setup and Installation

Installation and wiring of the GL08 sensor module must be performed by qualified personnel to ensure proper function and safety.

Product Dimensions and Terminal Definition

Unit: mm

Technical drawing showing the dimensions of the sensor module in millimeters, including cable length and installation hole size. Also includes a wiring diagram for VCC, GND, RX/B, and TX/A.
Figure 6: Sensor dimensions and wiring diagram.
Table defining the color, number, name, and definition for each wire: Red (VCC), Black (GND), Yellow (RX/B), White (TX/A).
Figure 7: Wire color and function definitions.

Installation Demonstration

Video 1: Demonstrates the IP68 protection, installation nut with seal ring, and water depth measurement using the sensor.

4. Operating Instructions

4.1 UART Controlled Output

Communication Parameters:

  • Baud Rate: 115200 bps
  • Data bits: 8
  • Stop bit: 1
  • Verification: None

When the trigger input pin "RX" receives a trigger pulse with a falling edge or any serial port data, the module will be triggered to work once. The output pin "TX" will then output one measurement data. The trigger cycle (T₁) must be greater than 33ms (18ms + 15ms).

UART Ctrl Output Timing Diagram showing RX and TX signals with T1 and T2 timings.
Figure 8: UART Control Output Timing Diagram.

UART Output Format

Table detailing UART output frame data, description, and byte count, including Frame header, Data_H, Data_L, and SUM.
Figure 9: UART Output Frame Format.
UART output example showing frame header, Data_H, Data_L, SUM, and the calculation to convert to decimal distance.
Figure 10: UART Output Example and Distance Calculation.

Notes:

  • Sensors with UART output also support the Modbus protocol.
  • When the sensor is not in water (i.e., in air), the "distance value" will be 0xFFFD.

4.2 RS485 Output (Modbus RTU)

The protocol for sensors with RS485 output is Modbus RTU.

Communication Parameters:

  • Data bits: 8
  • Stop bit: 1
  • Parity Check: No
  • Default Baud Rate: 115200 bps
  • Protocol: Modbus-RTU
  • Verification: CRC-16/Modbus
  • Sensor Address: 0x01 (default, settable)
  • Read Code: 0x03
  • Write Code: 0x06

Modbus RTU Protocol Parameters and Format

Verification Method: CRC-16 (16 bits)
Address of Sensor as slave: 0x01 (default, changeable)

Table showing Modbus RTU communication format for Host Sends (TX, Read), Sensor (Slave) Replies, Host Sends (TX, Write), and Sensor (Slave) Replies, including byte counts for Slave Address, Function Code, Register Address, Number of Registers, Data, and CRC-16 Verification.
Figure 11: Modbus RTU Communication Format.

List of Registers

Table listing Modbus registers with Status, Address, Function, Data Type, and Explanation for Processed Value, Real-Time Value, Slave Address, Baud Rate, Detection Angle Grade, and Max. Range.
Figure 12: Modbus Register List.

Note: The command interval shall be longer than the register's response time to ensure the data frame is completely received.

Modbus Communication Examples

  • To read processed value:
    Host (TX): 01 03 01 00 00 01 85 F6
    Client (RX): 01 03 02 02 F2 38 A1
    Explanation: Address of sensor is 0x01. Processed distance value is 0x02F2, which is 754mm in decimal.
  • To read real-time value:
    Host (TX): 01 03 01 01 00 01 D4 36
    Client (RX): 01 03 02 02 EF F8 A8
    Explanation: Address of sensor is 0x01. Real-time distance value is 0x02EF, which is 751mm in decimal.
  • To change sensor/slave address:
    Host (TX): 01 06 02 00 00 05 48 71
    Client (RX): 01 06 02 00 00 05 48 71
    Explanation: Address of sensor is changed from 0x01 to 0x05.
  • To look up sensor address (if forgotten, with only 1 sensor connected):
    Host (TX): FF 03 02 00 00 01 90 6C
    The sensor replies:
    (RX): 01 03 02 00 01 79 84
    It shows the address of the sensor is 0x01. 0xFF is the broadcast address. The address change code 0x06 is useful when a host machine controls more than 1 sensor module and each sensor should be assigned a unique address.
  • To read/check the current Baud Rate:
    Host (TX): 01 03 02 01 00 01 D4 72
    Client (RX): 01 03 02 00 09 F8 45
    0x0009 indicates the current Baud Rate is 115200bps.
  • To set the Baud Rate at 2400bps:
    Host (TX): 01 06 02 01 00 01 99 B3
    Client (RX): 01 06 02 01 00 01 99 B3
Screenshot of a serial communication software showing RS485 output examples for reading processed value, real-time value, temperature, changing address, and checking baud rate and detection angle.
Figure 13: Communication Examples for RS485 Output.

5. Maintenance

  • Do not use the product in corrosive water, as this can damage the sensor.
  • If the product becomes deformed, damaged, or fails to operate properly, it should be replaced.

6. Troubleshooting

  • Inaccurate or No Readings:
    • Ensure the sensor is used in clean water.
    • Avoid measuring soft or irregular surfaces, as they may not generate a strong enough ultrasound echo for accurate detection.
    • Check for strong noise or water flow near the sensor, as these can interfere with signal transmission.
    • If multiple ultrasonic sensors are in use, ensure they are not working nearby at the same time to prevent ultrasound interference.
  • Sensor Not Functioning:
    • Verify that installation and wiring have been performed correctly by qualified personnel, following the diagrams in Section 3.
    • Check power supply and connections.
    • Ensure the sensor is not deformed or physically damaged.

7. User Tips

  • The Gauselink GL08 sensor is a cost-effective solution for various underwater distance and depth measurement applications.
  • For optimal performance, ensure the object being measured is flat and directly facing the sensor.
  • Consider the detection angle settings for specific applications to optimize performance.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the maximum measurement range of the GL08 sensor?
A: The maximum measurement range is 800cm (8 meters) for all GL08 models.
Q: Can this sensor be used to measure distances in the air?
A: No, this sensor is designed exclusively for underwater operation and will not provide accurate readings in air. When in air, the distance value will be 0xFFFD.
Q: What are the available output types for the GL08 sensor?
A: The GL08 series offers models with either UART Controlled output or RS485 output (Modbus RTU protocol).
Q: What should I do if the sensor is not providing any readings?
A: Please refer to the Troubleshooting section (Section 6) for common issues and solutions, including checking wiring, environmental conditions, and sensor integrity.

9. Manufacturer Information and Compliance

Manufacturer

Shenzhen Gauselin Technology Co., Ltd.
Address: No. 333, Qianhai Road, Nanshan, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
Email: gauselin@163.com

EU Representative

SUCCESS COURIER SL
Address: CALLE RIO TORMES NUM. 1, PLANTA 1, DERECHA, OFICINA 3, Fuenlabrada, Madrid, 28947 Spain
Email: successservice2@hotmail.com

Note: The EU representative acts for cross-border sellers and is not involved in the manufacture, import, or sale of the product. They are not responsible for after-sales services, product quality, or infringement issues.

Compliance

The GL08 sensor module complies with the following standards:

  • CE (Conformité Européenne)
  • RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) Compliant
CE and RoHS compliance logos.
Figure 14: CE and RoHS Compliance.

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