ABSTRACT:An electronic controller was developed to facilitate water sampling at discrete stage heights in perennial mountain streams of southeast Oklahoma. The controller operates in conjunction with an automatic pumping sampler and a magnetic, relay transducer. In response to changes in stage, the transducer generates an electrical pulse when relays are closed by a magnetic float. The controller monitors these relay closures and signals the sampler to pump a single sample at each desired water level during both rising and falling stages. After a sample is taken, additional switch closures at that stage axe ignored until the relay immediately above or below is closed. Inadvertent switch closures caused by turbulent stage fluctuations are not translated to the sampler thus eliminating duplicate or multiple samples at a given stage. Field testing has proven this device to be a reliable component with a range of applications for improving water quality sampling systems. The controller features battery operation, low power consumption, circuit simplicity and can be easily constructed for less than $100, including parts and labor.
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