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Seabird Standard Operation Protocol

This page is specific to the SBE 19plus v2 instrument.

Software

All seabird software are available at https://software.seabird.com. The present workflow uses Seabird Seaterm v2.

Initialization

Prior to a survey, the following steps are needed to initialize the instrument:

  1. Plug Seabird Cord into the windows laptop (Mac does not work for the SBE). The CTD power cord is tied to the top square of the CTD structure. Twist off housing and pull plug apart. Plug male end coming from CTD into computer interface cord. Plug USB into computer.
  2. Open Seaterm V2 (should be located on desktop).
  3. Select C. SBE 19plus V2.
  4. When the CTD is connected you will get code in the “Serial Port” box and a list of tabs with commands in the “Send Commands” box on the left. The bottom row of the code will say <Executed/>. If nothing comes up see troubleshooting page at end of protocol.
  5. Periodically, the CTD will timeout and you will need to go to “Communications” and then select “Disconnect and reconnect”.
  6. Within the “Serial Port” box type “GetSD”. This will give you information on the CTD diagnostics and battery voltage.
  7. vMain must be > 12.4 volts for short days shallow drops (eg. 3 drops at 60m) or >12.8 volts for multiple deep drops (eg. 4 drops at 200m). Change batteries for the multi-day surveys. See change battery protocol for instructions.
  8. Type DS. (spits out similar info).
  9. On the left hand side, under the commands find and select General setup.
  10. Highlight Initialize logging. (This will delete any data stored on the seabird – make sure everything has been uploaded – check CTD-incoming folder)
  11. Hit execute twice.
  12. The CTD is ready for the next survey.
  13. Disconnect CTD from computer and spray the CTD male plug ends with “Underwater Connector Lubricant” and reconnect.

Download

  1. Plug Seabird Cord into the windows laptop (Mac does not work for the SBE).
  2. The CTD power cord is tied to the top square of the CTD structure. Twist off housing and pull plug apart. Plug male end coming from CTD into computer interface cord. Plug USB into computer.
  3. Open Seaterm V2 (should be located on desktop).
  4. Select “C. SBE 19plus V2”.
  5. When the CTD is connected you will get code in the “Serial Port” box and a list of tabs with commands in the “Send Commands” box on the left. The bottom row of the code will say “”. If nothing comes up see troubleshooting page at end of protocol.
  6. Periodically, the CTD will timeout and you will need to go to “Communications” and then select “Disconnect and reconnect”.
  7. Within the “Serial Port” box type “GetSD”. This will give you information on the CTD diagnostics and battery voltage. vMain must be > 12.4 volts for short days shallow drops (eg. 3 drops at 60m) or >12.8 volts for multiple deep drops (eg. 4 drops at 200m). Change batteries for the multi-day surveys. See change battery protocol for instructions.
  8. Type DS. (spits out similar info).
  9. On the left hand side, under the commands find and select General setup.
  10. Highlight Initialize logging. (This will delete any data stored on the seabird – make sure everything has been uploaded – check CTD-incoming folder)
  11. Hit execute twice.
  12. The CTD is ready for the next survey.
  13. Disconnect CTD from computer and spray the CTD male plug ends with “Underwater Connector Lubricant” and reconnect.