(16-19 December 2019, Southampton)
The OTE training workshop was split into two modules. For the first module we introduced the students to marine biogeochemistry on a global scale (numerical models) and the local scale (Southampton waters) and the need of in situ high resolution measurements was emphasised. The role/capabilities of NOCS/OTEG in this context was presented (vehicles/platforms/sensors) followed by a more detailed introduction of OTEGs nutrients sensors (microfluidics, state machine, wet chemistry, colorimetric detection). The students watched the deployment of OTEG sensors from the NOCS pontoon and took water samples which they then analysed in the lab using traditional methods and using the OTE’s autonomous sensors. The students had hands-on experience in calculating/pipetting a standard dilution series for calibration followed by reagent addition and a reduction step. The samples were then measured on the bench-top spectrophotometer. The students then analysed and compared data produced by the benchtop method vs the in situ sensor. The students were encouraged to put their data in context of the local biogeochemistry using auxiliary data collected at the pontoon by other sensors and tidal information. The second module was training power and communications integration of sensors with platforms. We covered practical cabling and deployment issues, as well as the theory behind serial data communications. The course also provided a practical soldering exercise, and looked at tools such as multimeters and oscilloscopes and how they can be used to troubleshoot problems.