A Precise Instrument for Measuring Water Waves

A novel design of an electronic instrument used for measuring water waves is presented. The instrument, which operates in conjunction with a twin-wire conductance probe, effectively computes the conductance by analog division. Lead-wire voltage drops, which are largely responsible for distortion in wave peaks, are subtracted from the voltage-proportional input signal. In addition, the unit incorporates a front-panel control to compensate for changes in water conductivity. The instrument exhibits a linear calibration curve over a very large range, regardless of the length and size of the interconnecting cable.