Niskin Bottle Deployment

The Joides Resolution has a 5 liter and a 1 liter niskin bottle that can be deployed on the VIT frame. The bottles can be triggered at the same depth or at different depths. The set up for the bottles will depend largely on how the user wants to trigger the bottles. The set up described in this manual is applicable for triggering the large 5L bottle first then smaller 1L bottle, which can take place either at the same depth or at different depths. If the user wishes to trigger the smaller bottle first, an adaptation of this setup could be contrived.

Components:

Weighted visual indicator line
U-bolts, nyloks, washers
5L niskin bottle
1L niskin bottle
weak link. The weak links are designed to be strong enough to open the niskin bottle release pins then break as the beacon release continues turning. This is to ensure that no components on the beacon release are damaged.
beacon release spool and guide.

Figure x. trigger cord spool and guide on the beacon release

Figure x. trigger cord spool and guide on the beacon release

Secure the bottles to the VIT frame using U-bolts. The 5L bottle has a black plastic fitting that slides between the bottle and the U-bolt. The 1L bottle only uses the U-bolt. Put a large washer on the U-bolt then the nylok nut and tighten the U-bolts to secure the bottles to the VIT frame. When mounting the niskin bottles, be sure to orient them so that the discharge nozzle is on the bottom.

Figure x. Bottles mounted on VIT frame

Figure x. Bottles mounted on VIT frame

Figure x. Bottles mounted on VIT frame

Figure x. Bottles mounted on VIT frame

Before deploying the VIT, ensure that the top white vent cap is securely closed and that the discharge nozzles are closed (i.e. pulled outwards). Rotate the white disk on the discharge nozzles so they will not accidentally open (get pushed in).

Figure x. discharge nozzle pushed in (open)	Figure x. discharge nozzle pulled out (closed)

Figure x. discharge nozzle pushed in (open)	Figure x. discharge nozzle pulled out (closed)

Attach the spool to the beacon release. The spool only fits on one way so look between the two halves of the spool to see how to orient it on the beacon release.

Attach the release string guide to the beacon release. Not that the attachment bolts do not need to be threaded all the way in, just get it tight.

Both niksin bottles are triggered in a similar fashion with slight variations. The niskin bottles are set up in the open position by attaching the clear fishing line loops to the release pin. Pull open the upper cap and thread the fishing line through the loop weighted loop of the visual indicator line. Secure the loop of clear fishing line to the release pin. The open the release pin either push down on the trigger rod (1L bottle) or pull outwards (5L bottle). release the pin so that the fishing line is secured and the cap stays open. The lower cap has a metal clasp on the end of the fishing line. This clasp is clipped to the upper caps fishing line close to the release pin. With this setup, when the pin is opened, all lines are released, the caps will close, and the visual indicator line will drop into the camera field of view.

Figure x. 1L bottle trigger pin rigging. Note that the metal clasp for the bottom cap is attached above the weighted indicator line	Figure x. 5L bottle trigger pin rigging. Note that the metal clasp for the bottom cap is attached above the weighted indicator line

Figure x. 1L bottle trigger pin rigging. Note that the metal clasp for the bottom cap is attached above the weighted indicator line	Figure x. 5L bottle trigger pin rigging. Note that the metal clasp for the bottom cap is attached above the weighted indicator line

The bottles are triggered via the beacon release mechanism. A spool is attached to the beacon release with a string wrapped around it. When the beacon release is activated, the spool turns (counter clockwise if you are looking at the spool) which winds up the string. As the string becomes taught, it triggers the niskin bottles.

Before attaching the trigger cord to the weak links, rotate the beacon release so the the line dividing the two halves of the 3D printed drum is roughly in the middle of the guide slot and with the knot on the left side of the spool facing the bottles (figure 2) . This ensures that the proper initial tension will be in the trigger cord once it is rigged. If this step is omitted, there will be excess slack in the system and the beacon will have to be activate more times to take up this slack.

Figure x. rotating the spool for proper alignment prior to connecting trigger release cords to release pins

Figure x. rotating the spool for proper alignment prior to connecting trigger release cords to release pins

Insert the weak link into the trigger pin (5L bottle) or onto the top of the push rod (1L bottle)

Figure x.

Figure x.

Connect the trigger string to the weak link. For the 1L bottle, connect the string with the yellow thread to the weak link, it is critical that the trigger release cord passes under the upper square bracket on the bottle, and between the push rod and the bottle main chamber. This is because the 1L bottle is triggered via a downward pull on the push rod and rigging the trigger cord in this fashion ensures a downward pull. For the 5L bottle, connect the string with the red thread to the week link. Be careful when connecting to the weak link. Do not apply excessive force to the weak link or you may prematurely break/weaken it.