CTDs: Moving Platform SBE 21 SeaCAT Thermosalinograph

SBE 21 SeaCAT Thermosalinograph

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The externally powered SBE 21 accurately determines sea surface temperature and conductivity from underway vessels. Data is simultaneously stored in memory and output to a computer in real-time.

Typically mounted near the ship’s seawater intake, the SBE 21 connects to an AC-powered interface box near a computer. The interface box provides power and an isolated data interface, and contains a NMEA 0183 port for appending navigation data.

Memory capacity exceeds 10.6 million samples of temperature and conductivity; real-time output continues after the memory is full.

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I want to add an auxiliary sensor to my CTD (SBE 9plus, 16, 16plus, 16plus-IM, 16plus V2, 16plus-IM V2, 19, 19plus, 19plus V2, 21, 25, or 25plus). Assuming the auxiliary sensor is compatible with the instrument, what is the procedure?

Adding the sensor(s) is reasonably straightforward:

Mount the sensor; a poor mounting scheme can result in poor data.
Note: If the new sensor will be part of a pumped system, the existing plumbing must be modified; consult Sea-Bird for details.
Attach the new cable.
(not applicable to 9plus used with 11plus Deck Unit) Using the appropriate terminal program — Enable the channel(s) in the CTD, using the appropriate instrument command.
Using Seasave V7 or SBE Data Processing — Modify the CTD configuration (.con or .xmlcon) file to reflect the new sensor, and type in the calibration coefficients.

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