In-Situ Inc.
221 E Lincoln Ave.
Ft. Collins, CO 80524
970-498-1500
miniTROLL®

- Level
- Temperature
- Open channel flow (using pressure)
- Barometric Pressure (BaroTROLL® only)
How to Order
Brochure
Comparison Guide
Specifications
The Professional Standard for water level monitoring

The miniTROLL® is the world's most advanced data logging probe. It is completely self-contained and features an internal data logger with a pressure/level and a temperature sensor . It is used by water professiosnals around the world to collect real-time information for analysis of both short- and long-term water level trends.

miniTROLL® Versions
Advanced | Professional

Features:

  • Smallest diameter at only 0.72 inches (18.3mm)
  • Powerful onboard data logger - up to 1MB (440,000 data points)
  • Linear, linear average, logarithmic, and event logging modes
  • User-replaceable AA batteries - no need to return to the factory!
  • High quality vented Quick-Connect cable (FEP or Polyurethane) - Fully detachable!
  • Ultimate 4-way level compensation including auto barometric compensation
  • Vented cable, Direct-Read cables OR suspension by low-cost wire
  • Networking and telemetry capable
  • Accuracy certified to NIST-traceable standards
  • Multiple product versions - select the features you need 
  • Always upgradeable!
See why water professionals choose it short-term or long-term water monitoring!
All in one design
Rugged construction
Easiest to use
Extreme Accuracy
NIST-traceability
Long-lasting power
Quick-Connect cables and backshells
BaroTROLL®
Installation
Telemetry
Software / Handhelds Pocket PC's
Accessories
Multiple product versions
Did you know?
You can deploy the miniTROLL® with or without cable using a stainless steel backshell.

All-in-One Design
The miniTROLL® is the ultimate tool for short and long-term water level monitoring. It boasts the smallest diameter at only 18.3mm (0.72") and contains everything needed to monitor and record water level and temperature data!

- Smallest diameter at only 18.3mm (0.72")
- Rugged Industrial 316-Stainless Steel design
- Integrated Quick-Connect cable - fully detachable

EVERYTHING NEEDED IS IN ONE UNIT!]

Sensors
Data Logger
Clock
Power

Rugged Construction
The miniTROLL® is the ultimate tool for short and long-term water level monitoring. It boasts the smallest diameter at only 18.3mm (0.72") and contains everything needed to monitor and record water level and temperature data!

miniTROLL® System Components
The main body of the miniTROLL® has unique features not found with competitor products. We will break the probe into three areas:

1. Sensor/Analog Electronics (Front)
2. Digital Electronics (Middle)
3. Power Management/Battery Compartment/Connector (Back)

Electronics

Internal data logging
High accuracy real-time-clock
±2 min/year over the operating temperature range.
Field Upgradeable Product Upgrades
Networking and Smart Data Retrieval
File System allowing Multiple Test Storage

Powerful data logging with 1MB of memory
A powerful internal data logger is the key to real-time profiling and long-term monitoring.

Up to 16 tests scheduled to run or stored
Linear, Linear Average, Event and Log testing modes
0.5 second to 7 day user-selectable sampling rates
Downloads only new data
Non-volatile memory
Up to 220,000 data points (level & temperature) based on version

Comes standard with surge and lightening protection!

Sensors

Pressure/Level & Temperature sensors
Cavity less than 1 mm from the fluid ports to the surface of the pressure sensor
Factory serviceable nose and debris screen
Optional NPT Adapter
Easiest to use
In-Situ® instruments are famous for their ease-of-use and the miniTROLL® is no exception. With intuitive Windows®-based Win-Situ® software you will be able to operate the miniTROLL® right out of the box. We have designed the software to be intuitive, with Wizards to step you through every operation. The miniTROLL® puts our 25 years of experience into a field-proven tool, used by water professionals in virtually every profession.
User Replaceable Batteries! (No need to return to the factory)
Built-in Barometric Compensation options
More Options!!  - Gauged (vented) and Absolute (non-vented) options
Direct-Read and Wire Suspension Options
No need to merge data sets for temperature and pressure
Powerful and Easy to Use Software
Upgradable via the Internet
Version Upgradable - even downhole!
Water-tight Pocket PC and Windows® interface
24/7 Customer Service

Extreme Accuracy
Do you demand accuracy and precision?

All units pass extensive environmental testing
Temperature Accuracy: ± 0.25ºC over entire range
Resolution: 16-bit A-D converter
Pressure Accuracy: ±0.1% over full pressure and temperature range, or 0.05% @ 15°C
Level readings are compensated for:
Temperature from -5 to 50°C
Fluid Density
Gravitational Acceleration
Barometric pressure (with vented cable)

Sensor Options
Pressure Only
Temperature Only
Temperature and Pressure
Gauged or Absolute (Vented or Non-vented respectively
All probes are fully temperature compensated
15, 30, 100, 300 and 500-psi (0-351m, 0-1152 ft)

NIST-traceable
Our Customers and their clients demand accuracy and precision. The miniTROLL® has been extensively tested against competing units in every operating environment known. The result? The miniTROLL® is considerably more accurate. Our published specifications are very conservative and reflect our high regard for the integrity of data in all environmental conditions, not just the lab. We stand behind our accuracy by providing a calibration report with every miniTROLL®.

A discussion our competition would rather not have
Some competitors do not include an calibration report. Why? Their accuracy is simply an average of poor accuracy readings (see chart below). They can honestly say their Full Scale specification is good due to the "cancellation" of the negative and positive errors or an average of the pressure readings over temperature. You decide--have a look at a graph below that shows unbiased data from an environmental test between the miniTROLL® and a competitor. Even though the written specifications are similar, environmental testing shows there is a substantial difference. WHICH instrument would you trust with YOUR readings? In many cases the accuracy of our instruments will be much greater than our specifications, giving you assurance that you have chosen the right tool for the job.

Long-Lasting Power
User replaceable, commercially available AA batteries
Up to 2 years of power!
Internal and/or external power operation
Two additional patents pending
Quick-Connect Cables and Backshells

The miniTROLL® is exceptionally easy to use. It has been designed from the ground up with conveniences that you will appreciate.

Revolutionary Quick-Connect cables
Patented design (US Patent 6,305,944)

Quick-Connect Cable is offered in 3 types:

Polyethylene - non-vented (Black)
Polyurethane - vented (Yellow)
FEP (Teflon®) - vented (Blue)
Teflon®-coated stainless steel wire

    Sealed Backshells

    The miniTROLL® can also be suspended by low-cost wire using a non-vented backshell and battery retainer kit.

    BaroTROLL®
    "BaroTROLL®" is a low-cost barometric smart-probe that compensates for barometric pressure for non-vented units. This device complements the non-gauged (absolute) versions of the current In-Situ® TROLL® product line by allowing up-hole placement of an inexpensive barometric logger. Ambient barometric data compensation is easily achieved through a new 1-step software enhancement in the included Win-Situ® software.

    Low-cost
    100,000 data points
    Temperature compensated

    Installation
    Installation is easy--just place it in water!

    The miniTROLL® is easy to setup and install for:

    Long-term monitoring
    Short-term aquifer studies
    View data real-time!
    Download data with a PC, laptop or iPAQ Pocket PC
    OR, Transmit data by Telemetry!
    Win-Situ® Software
    Integrated graphing and reporting
    Powerful REAL-TIME display - graph or meter views
    Full support for TROLL® 9000 and miniTROLL®
    Instant "one-button" export to MS Excel®!
    New Quick-Calibration Wizard for TROLL® 9000
    View up to 4 graphs simultaneously - select primary and secondary axis
    Customize your view - zoom tool, full or split screen, unit selection and more!
    Included FREE with purchase of Multi-Parameter TROLL® 9000 or miniTROLL®

    Win-Situ® software screen shots -- Real-time "profiling" readings / Graph view
    Pocket-Situ -- Pocket PC Software from In-Situ®
    Say goodbye to that expensive and heavy handheld unit and say hello to new Pocket-Situ running on the RuggedReader®! View and download data real-time, start and stop logging operations or take voice notes, manage your schedule, save contacts, and more.

    Powerful instrument controller
    All of the features of Win-Situ®
    View data in Graph OR Meter format
    View data real-time!
    Download data, calibrate sensors, setup logging
    It's also a fully functional PDA
    Store contacts, make schedules
    Use Pocket Word, Excel®, play games, etc.

    Accessories
    In designing the MP TROLL® 9000, as well as in our ongoing product support, we incorporate a philosophy of providing features that our customers will use and appreciate. Our options simply give you the choice of the right tool for the job. The MP TROLL® 9000 is also field-upgradeable (even downhole!), should the job requirements change. Here are some of the many optional additions to your toolkit.

    Networking

    Multiple unit installations are a snap using T-Boxes or Quad-Boxes. Create networks of up to 32 TROLL
    ® 9000s. Saves money!
    External power

    Need more power? The miniTROLL® can be used with external power. In this case, the internal battery will be used as backup.

    Telemetry Systems
    Telemetry systems make long-distance communications easy. Modem, cellphone/modem and radio telemetry options are available with solar or line power.
    SDI-12

    Now available with optional SDI-12 output. Connects to popular 3rd-party data loggers.
    Reels, Well Docks and caps

    Reels are available in three sizes in steel or ABS plastic. Well Docks make well installations a snap. A real asset!
    Locking Well Caps

    Protect your investment with these rugged, lockable well caps. Caps are vented for your convenience. Try with well docks!
    Non-vented backshell
    Use the miniTROLL® with or without vented cable by attaching a stainless steel backshell.
    Desiccants
    High humidity? Try a MAXUM high-capacity desiccant. Screws right onto the cable!
    Cables

    Vented or non-vented Quick-Connect cables. Available in polyethylene, polyurethane or FEP (Teflon®).

    Excellent Value - Add the features Up, Try it Today!

    The answer is simple: The miniTROLL® combines powerful functionality and In-Situ® reliability with affordable versions. Sure, there are many competitive products. When you add up features & benefits, which unit comes out ahead? How important is your data?

    Affordable, Reliable and very Easy-to-use, the miniTROLL® is being used by water professionals to collect precise information for analysis of both short- and long-term water level trends.

    Versions
    Choose the version best suited to your needs.

    Level / Pressure Sensor

    X

    X

    Temperature Sensor

    X

    Barometric Pressure Sensor
    SDI-12 Communications

    Optional

    Optional

    Temperature compensation

    X

    X

    Barometric compensation

    X

    X

    Fluid density compensation

    X

    X

    Internal Data logging

    X

    X

    Memory (data points)

    80,000

    220,000

    Number of tests stored

    2

    16

    Linear tests

    X

    X

    Linear average tests

    X

    X

    Event tests

    X

    X

    Log tests

    X

    Min sampling rate (sec)

    0.5

    0.5

    SDI-12 Min samp. rate (sec)

    2

    2

    Telemetry capability

    X

    X

    Networking capability

    X

    Download speed

    2X

    3X

    Downloads only new data

    X

    X

    Upgradeable

    X

    Specifications

    General:
    Dimensions 18.3 mm (0.72 in) OD,
    295.9 mm (11.65 in) long
    18.3 mm (0.72 in) OD,
    197.4 mm (7.77 in) long
    Weight (includes backshell) 0.31 kg (0.68 lb) with batteries 0.22 kg (0.48 lb)
    Wetted materials 316 stainless steel, Viton®, FEP* or polyurethane (cable), both models
    Sensors: Pressure Sensor Temperature Sensor
    Operating principle integrated silicon strain-gauge pressure sensor silicon temperature sensor
    Ranges / Accuracies
    • 3.5 m, 11.5 ft (34.4 kPa, 5 psi) / ±0.1% over full temperature, 0.05% @ 15°C
    • 11 m, 35 ft (103.4 kPa, 15 psi) / ±0.1% over full temperature, 0.05% @ 15°C
    • 21 m, 69 ft (206.8 kPa, 30 psi) / ±0.1% over full temperature, 0.05% @ 15°C
    • 70 m, 231 ft (689.5 kPa, 100 psi) / ±0.1% over full temperature, 0.05% @ 15°C
    • 211 m, 692 ft (2068 kPa, 300 psi) / ±0.1% over full temperature
    • Higher ranges also available. Call for information.
    -5°C to 50°C (23°F to 122°F) / ±0.25°C
    Pressure rating 2x range/3x burst (11 m = 3x range/5x burst) NA
    Operating temperature -5°C to 50°C (23°F to 122°F) -5°C to 50°C (23°F to 122°F)
    Other:
    Measurement schedules - Linear (500 millisecond minimum)
    - Linear average
    - Logarithmic (300 millisecond minimum)
    - Event
    Resolution 16-bit A-D convertor: 0.00531% FS / 1 mm for a 21m (206.8 kPa/30 psi) sensor
    Processor Motorola HC11
    Real-time clock accuracy ±4 min/yr over operating temp. range: ±2 min/yr from 0°C to 40°C
    Memory 1 megabyte flash data storage= 220,000 pressure & temperature readings (440,000 total)
    Filter 316 stainless steel
    Desiccant 0.75 g silica gel
    Thermal stabilization time 30 min to 1hr to within 0.1% of full scale, 1.5 to 2 hr to within 0.05% of full scale
    Barometric equilibration time 5 min to within 0.05% of full scale for 304.8 m (1000 ft) of cable

    TERMS OF INTEREST
    Gauged (vented) Option. Automatically compensates for atmospheric changes:
    Vent to atmosphere. Why? - Forces on both sides of the pressure transducer are equalized, providing a more accurate reading relative to ambient atmospheric pressure.

    Compensate for Barometric Changes. Why? - As barometric pressure changes, water in an enclosed aquifer will rise and fall in response to the change. This phenomenon will introduce a margin of error in your readings if not compensated and primarily affects tests conducted in enclosed aquifers.

    All of the electronics and sensors are completely self contained in the Gauged miniTROLL® version. This configuration is exceptionally durable and made to withstand years of exposure to harsh downhole conditions. By using a tool with everything you need built in, it Increases Accuracy, and Reduces Time and Effort to merge barometric data reading corrections to get "True" water levels.

    Absolute (non-vented) Option:
    No Need to Compensate for barometric changes in some tests. Why? - When monitoring an open body of water, or a pressurized water column, there is no need to compensate for barometric pressure. In the open body of water, the affects of the change in barometric pressure are insignificant, relative to even the high accuracy recorded by the miniTROLL®. When monitoring a pressurized water column, changes to outside atmospheric pressure will usually be of no significance to your test.

    All of the electronics and sensors are completely self contained in the Absolute (non-vented) miniTROLL® version. The Absolute miniTROLL® may be suspended by either a stainless steel wire or direct-read cable option. This configuration is exceptionally durable and made to withstand years of exposure to harsh downhole conditions. By using a tool with everything you need built in, it Increases Accuracy and Reliability.

    Direct readings
    Don't need to remove unit from well to get readings. Why? - In many cases you will not want to disturb the transducer once you have started to take readings downhole. The Reliable, Watertight and Easy to Use direct-read cable option for the miniTROLL® allows you to see everything the miniTROLL® is detecting and recording with a simple twist of a connector at the wellhead. By utilizing the direct-read cable option to examine either real-time or recorded downhole data, your miniTROLL® will remain in the exact same place as when you first positioned it. Your data will be far more accurate. Here are some more reasons to use the simple direct-read option for the miniTROLL®:

    • Readings may be offset upon reinstallment
    • Unit may be contaminated and unwise to handle
    • More chances for unit to snag in well
    • Difficult to reposition
    • Easy to collect data
    • Can connect to telemetry systems / 3rd-party data loggers / Online / Automation

    Wire Suspension (non-direct reading)
    In some cases, you will want to suspend your Absolute (non-vented) miniTROLL® by a thin stainless steel wire. You will want to employ this method when:

    • Least Cost is an issue
    • Very High Security is an issue
    • Well contamination may prevent introduction of poly or FEP downhole cable.
    • Longer term monitoring is being employed
    • Atmospheric compensation is not an issue
    Need more information? Take a look at the spec sheets