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Summary of Contents for Sea-Bird Electronics SBE 49 FastCAT
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SBE 49 FastCAT Conductivity, Temperature, and Pressure Sensor with RS-232 Interface If deploying vertically, intended for deployment in orientation shown (sensors at top) for proper pump operation User’s Manual Sea-Bird Electronics, Inc. 1808 136 Place NE Bellevue, Washington 98005 USA...
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SEA-BIRD ELECTRONICS, INC. disclaims all product liability risks arising from the use or servicing of this system. SEA-BIRD ELECTRONICS, INC. has no way of controlling the use of this equipment or of choosing the personnel to operate it, and therefore cannot take steps to comply with laws pertaining to product liability, including laws which impose a duty to warn the user of any dangers involved in operating this equipment.
Table of Contents Table of Contents Section 1: Introduction ................ 5 About this Manual .....................5 How to Contact Sea-Bird ...................5 Quick Start ......................5 Unpacking FastCAT ..................6 Section 2: Description of FastCAT ............. 7 System Description ....................7 Specifications.....................9 Dimensions and End Cap Connector ...............10 Data I/O ......................11 Section 3: Power and Communications Test ........
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Table of Contents Section 6: Troubleshooting..............49 Problem 1: Unable to Communicate with FastCAT ........49 Problem 2: Unreasonable Data ................49 Problem 3: Salinity Lower than Expected ............50 Glossary ....................51 Appendix I: Functional Description and Circuitry......52 Sensors......................52 Sensor Interface ....................52 Appendix II: Electronics Disassembly/Reassembly ......
This section includes contact information, Quick Start procedure, and photos of a standard FastCAT shipment. About this Manual This manual is to be used with the SBE 49 FastCAT Profiler Conductivity, Temperature, and Pressure Sensor. It is organized to guide the user from installation through operation and data collection.
DB-25 connector) Spare o-ring and Conductivity cell Conductivity cell filling hardware kit (includes cleaning solution and storage kit tee exhaust for slow (Triton-X) profiling applications) SBE 49 FastCAT FastCAT User Manual Software, and Electronic Copies of Software Manuals and User Manual...
This section describes the functions and features of the SBE 49 FastCAT, including specifications, dimensions, connector, and communications. System Description The SBE 49 FastCAT is an integrated CTD sensor intended for towed vehicle, ROV, AUV, or other autonomous profiling applications in marine or fresh- If deploying vertically, water environments at depths up to 7000 meters (22,900 feet).
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Section 2: Description of FastCAT FastCAT options include: • Plastic housing for depths to 350 meters (1150 feet) in lieu of titanium housing • MCBH Micro wet-pluggable connector in lieu of XSG connector • Anti-foulant device fitting and expendable Anti-Foulant Devices for long deployments The FastCAT can be used with the SBE 36 CTD Deck Unit and Power Data Interface Module (PDIM) to provide power and real-time data handling...
Section 2: Description of FastCAT Dimensions and End Cap Connector FastCAT with straight exhaust (as shipped by Sea-Bird) FastCAT with tee exhaust for slow profiling applications (tee is in spare parts kit shipped with FastCAT, and is easily substituted in the field) Align with raised bump on connector...
Section 2: Description of FastCAT Data I/O The FastCAT receives setup instructions and outputs data and diagnostic information via a three-wire RS-232C link, and is factory-configured for 9600 baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, and no parity. FastCAT RS-232 levels are directly compatible with standard serial interface cards (IBM Asynchronous Communications Adapter or equal).
Section 3: Power and Communications Test Section 3: Power and Communications Test This section describes software installation and the pre-check procedure for preparing the FastCAT for deployment. The power and communications test will verify that the system works, prior to deployment. Software Installation Recommended minimum system requirements for running SEASOFT-Win32: Pentium 90 CPU, 64 Mbyte RAM, Windows 98 or later.
Section 3: Power and Communications Test Test 1. Double click on SeaTerm.exe. If this is the first time the program is used, Note: the setup dialog box may appear: See SEATERM’s help files for detailed information on the use of the program. SBE49 Select the instrument type (SBE 49) and the computer COM port for communication with the FastCAT.
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Section 3: Power and Communications Test Following are the Toolbar buttons applicable to the FastCAT: Toolbar Equivalent Description Button Command* Re-establish communications with FastCAT. Computer responds with Connect (press Enter key) S> prompt. Display instrument setup and status Status (configuration and setup parameters, whether FastCAT is sampling, etc.).
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Section 3: Power and Communications Test 3. In the Configure menu, select SBE 49. The dialog box looks like this: Interface for communication Computer COM port, baud rate, between computer and data bits, and parity for FastCAT communication between computer and FastCAT Note: Make the selections in the Configuration Options dialog box:...
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Section 3: Power and Communications Test 6. Display FastCAT status information by clicking Status on the Toolbar. The display looks like this: SBE 49 FastCAT V 1.2 SERIAL NO. 0055 number of scans to average = 1 pressure sensor = strain gauge, range = 1000.0...
Section 4: Deploying and Operating FastCAT Section 4: Deploying and Operating FastCAT This section includes discussions of: Note: • Sampling modes, including pump operation and example commands Help files contain detailed information on setup and use of • Real-time data corrections Sea-Bird software.
Section 4: Deploying and Operating FastCAT Polled Sampling On command (TS), the FastCAT takes one sample and transmits the data real-time. The pump does not turn on automatically for polled sampling (MINCONDFREQ= and PUMPDELAY= do not apply). To run the pump before taking a sample, send PUMPON to turn the pump on before sending TS.
Section 4: Deploying and Operating FastCAT Autonomous Sampling The FastCAT runs continuously, sampling data at 16 scans per second (16 Hz) and transmitting the data real-time. The FastCAT can be set to average up to 255 samples, transmitting only the averaged data. AUTORUN defines how autonomous sampling starts and stops: To Start Sampling To Stop Sampling...
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Section 4: Deploying and Operating FastCAT Example 1: Autonomous Sampling Setup for AUTORUN=N (user input in bold) Apply power and wake up FastCAT. Set up to average every 4 samples, and output data in raw hexadecimal format. Set up with a 60-second pump turn-on delay after pump enters water to ensure pump is primed before turning on.
Section 4: Deploying and Operating FastCAT Real-Time Data Corrections Typical post-processing of CTD data includes the following: • Aligning data − Data misalignment is caused by physical misalignment of sensors in depth, inherent time delay of sensor responses, and water transit time in a plumbing line.
Section 4: Deploying and Operating FastCAT Baud, Cable Length, and Data Transmission Rate Without a Sea-Bird Deck Unit The rate that real-time data can be transmitted from the FastCAT is dependent Notes: on the amount of data to be transmitted per scan and the serial data baud rate: •...
Section 4: Deploying and Operating FastCAT Power and Cable Length for FastCAT without Deck Unit There are two issues to consider: Note: • Limiting the IR loss during communication with the controller to 1 volt; Common wire resistances: higher IR loss will prevent the instrument from transmitting real-time data Gauge Resistance (ohms/foot) 0.0016...
Section 4: Deploying and Operating FastCAT Command Descriptions This section describes commands and provides sample outputs. See Appendix III: Command Summary for a summarized command list. When entering commands: • Input commands to the FastCAT in upper or lower case letters and register commands by pressing the Enter key.
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FastCAT does not perform real-time corrections. Example: Status (DS) command (user input in bold; command used to modify parameter in parentheses) S>DS SBE 49 FastCAT V 1.2 SERIAL NO. 0055 [NAVG=] number of scans to average = 1 [PRANGE=] pressure sensor = strain gauge, range = 1000.0...
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Section 4: Deploying and Operating FastCAT Setup Commands Notes: • The FastCAT’s baud rate (set with BAUD=x x= baud rate (1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, BAUD=) must be the same as 19200, or 38400). Default 9600. SEATERM’s baud rate (set in the Configure menu).
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Section 4: Deploying and Operating FastCAT Autonomous Sampling Commands Note: In SEATERM, to save real-time Autonomous sampling directs the FastCAT to sample data at 16 Hz and data to a file, click Capture on the Toolbar before beginning transmit the data real-time. The FastCAT can be set to average up to sampling.
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Section 4: Deploying and Operating FastCAT Autonomous Sampling Commands (continued) Notes: PROCESSREALTIME=x x= Y: Apply alignment, filtering, and • See Real-Time Data Corrections conductivity cell thermal mass corrections for detailed explanations of to real-time data. Only applies if PROCESSREALTIME=, OUTPUTFORMAT=1 or 3. Default. TADVANCE=, ALPHA=, and TAU=.
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Section 4: Deploying and Operating FastCAT Polled Sampling Commands PUMPON Turn pump on. Use this command: • Before sending TS to obtain pumped conductivity data, or • To test pump. PUMPOFF Turn pump off. Take 1 sample and transmit data. Testing Commands Note: Testing commands do not...
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Notes: • Dates shown are when Example: Display coefficients for FastCAT (user input in bold). calibrations were performed. S>dcal Calibration coefficients are SBE 49 FastCAT V 1.2 SERIAL NO. 0055 initially factory-set and should temperature: 26-apr-01 agree with Calibration Certificate TA0 = -3.178124e-06...
Section 4: Deploying and Operating FastCAT Data Output Formats Note: Output format is dependent on OUTPUTFORMAT (=0, 1, 2, or 3). Each line See Baud, Cable Length, and Data of data is ended with a carriage return and line feed. Transmission Rate for the interaction of output format, data transmission rate, baud rate, and...
Section 4: Deploying and Operating FastCAT OUTPUTFORMAT=2 (raw data in decimal) Data is output in the order listed, with a comma followed by a space between each parameter. Shown with each parameter are the number of digits and the placement of the decimal point. Leading zeros are suppressed, except for one zero to the left of the decimal point.
Section 4: Deploying and Operating FastCAT Optimizing Data Quality This section contains guidelines for obtaining the best quality data. Some of these guidelines may conflict with the goals of a particular application, but you should be aware of the tradeoffs of data quality vs. mission goals. FastCAT Orientation and Pump Use Vertical Orientation, Upcast Data Pump exhaust...
Section 4: Deploying and Operating FastCAT Positioning Relative to Other Instruments Position the FastCAT so that other instruments and hardware do not thermally contaminate the water that flows past the sensors. Profiling Speed A profiling speed of approximately 1 meter/second usually provides good quality data.
Section 4: Deploying and Operating FastCAT Setup for Deployment Program the FastCAT for the intended deployment using SEATERM (see Command Descriptions). • SEASAVE, our real-time data acquisition program, generates a data file Note: with data format and header information that is compatible with our See Acquiring and Processing SBE Data Processing post-processing software.
Section 4: Deploying and Operating FastCAT Deployment CAUTION: 1. Install the data I/O cable on the FastCAT end cap: Do not use WD-40 or other A. Lightly lubricate the inside of the cable connector with silicone petroleum-based lubricants, as they grease (DC-4 or equivalent).
Section 4: Deploying and Operating FastCAT Acquiring and Processing Data with SEASAVE and SBE Data Processing Notes: Verifying Contents of .con File • When we ship a new instrument, we include a .con file that reflects the SEASAVE, our real-time data acquisition and display program, and SBE Data current instrument configuration as Processing, our data processing software, require a .con file.
Section 4: Deploying and Operating FastCAT Acquiring Real-Time Data with SEASAVE 1. Start FastCAT sampling: • If AUTORUN=Y: Turn on power. FastCAT will start sampling and transmitting data to the computer. Note that the data will not appear in SEASAVE until you tell SEASAVE to start real-time data acquisition below.
Section 4: Deploying and Operating FastCAT 6. Click COMM Port Configuration. The dialog box looks like this: Computer port connected to: Baud rate for communication: • FastCAT, OR • Between FastCAT and computer (if • SBE 36 Deck Unit Serial FastCAT connected directly to computer) Data connector - must match baud set in FastCAT with...
Section 4: Deploying and Operating FastCAT Acquiring Real-Time Data with ROV, AUV, etc. for Processing by Sea-Bird Software Sea-Bird’s SBE Data Processing post-processing software typically converts a Note: FastCAT .hex file from SEASAVE to a .cnv file, and then uses the .cnv file in You can perform additional processing all additional processing steps.
Section 4: Deploying and Operating FastCAT Recovery Rinse the conductivity cell with fresh water. (See Section 5: Routine WARNING! Maintenance and Calibration for cell cleaning and storage.) Pressure housings may flood under pressure due to dirty or • Place Tygon tubing over the end of the T-C Duct. Pour the water damaged o-rings, or other failed through the Tygon, conductivity cell, and exhaust tubing with a syringe seals, causing highly compressed...
Section 5: Routine Maintenance and Calibration Section 5: Routine Maintenance and Calibration This section reviews corrosion precautions, connector mating and maintenance, conductivity cell storage and cleaning, pressure sensor maintenance, replacing optional AF24173 Anti-Foulant Devices, and sensor calibration. The accuracy of the FastCAT is sustained by the care and calibration of the sensors and by establishing proper handling practices.
Section 5: Routine Maintenance and Calibration Conductivity Cell Maintenance CAUTIONS: The FastCAT’s conductivity cell is shipped dry to prevent freezing • Do not put a brush or any object in shipping. Refer to Application Note 2D: Instructions for Care and inside the conductivity cell to Cleaning of Conductivity Cells for conductivity cell cleaning procedures dry it or clean it.
Section 5: Routine Maintenance and Calibration Replacing Optional Anti-Foulant Devices – Mechanical Design Change The standard T-C Duct also serves as the anti-foulant device intake fitting. In Dummy Anti-Foulant the standard configuration (no anti-foulant devices), the intake fitting is Device for shipped with a dummy anti-foulant device (inert plastic) installed to intake fitting reduce turbulence in the T-C Duct.
Section 5: Routine Maintenance and Calibration Replacing Optional Anti-Foulant Devices (SBE 49) As an option, the FastCAT is supplied with anti-foulant device fittings and Anti-Foulant Devices. The Anti-Foulant Devices are installed: AF24173 Anti-Foulant • in the T-C Duct assembly; Device •...
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Section 5: Routine Maintenance and Calibration Anti-Foulant Device in Pump Exhaust Tubing 1. Carefully cut the cable tie securing the Tygon tubing to the anti-foulant device cap. Slip the Tygon tubing off of the anti-foulant device cap. 2. Unscrew the cap with a socket wrench. 3.
Section 5: Routine Maintenance and Calibration Sensor Calibration Sea-Bird sensors are calibrated by subjecting them to known physical conditions and measuring the sensor responses. Coefficients are then computed, which may be used with appropriate algorithms to obtain engineering units. The conductivity, temperature, and pressure sensors Note: on the FastCAT are supplied fully calibrated, with coefficients stored in After recalibration, Sea-Bird enters...
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Section 5: Routine Maintenance and Calibration Pressure Sensor Calibration The FastCAT’s strain-gauge pressure sensor is capable of meeting the FastCAT’s error specification with some allowance for aging and ambient- temperature induced drift. Pressure sensors show most of their error as a linear offset from zero. A technique is provided below for making small corrections to the pressure sensor calibration using the offset (POFFSET=) calibration coefficient term by comparing FastCAT pressure output to readings from a barometer.
Section 6: Troubleshooting Section 6: Troubleshooting This section reviews common problems in operating the FastCAT, and provides the most likely causes and solutions. Problem 1: Unable to Communicate with FastCAT The S> prompt indicates that communications between the FastCAT and computer have been established.
Section 6: Troubleshooting Problem 3: Salinity Lower than Expected Cause/Solution 1: A fouled conductivity cell will report lower than correct salinity. Large errors in salinity indicate that the cell is extremely dirty, has something large lodged in it, or is broken. Proceed as follows: 1.
Glossary Glossary FastCAT – High-accuracy conductivity, temperature, and pressure sensor. Fouling – Biological growth in the conductivity cell during deployment. PCB – Printed Circuit Board. SBE Data Processing – Sea-Bird’s Win 95/98/NT/2000/XP data processing software, which calculates temperature, conductivity, and pressure; derives variables such as salinity and sound velocity;...
Appendix I: Functional Description and Circuitry Appendix I: Functional Description and Circuitry Sensors The SBE 49 embodies the same sensor elements (3-electrode, 2-terminal, borosilicate glass cell, and pressure-protected thermistor) previously employed in Sea-Bird’s modular SBE 3 and SBE 4 sensors and in the SEACAT and SEACATplus.
Appendix II: Electronics Disassembly/Reassembly Appendix II: Electronics Disassembly/Reassembly Disassembly 1. Remove the connector end cap: Remove screw Pry off end cap using A. Wipe the outside of the end cap and housing dry, being careful to (2 places) screwdriver in slots remove any water at the seam between them.
Appendix III: Command Summary Appendix III: Command Summary CATEGORY COMMAND DESCRIPTION Display status and setup parameters. Status x= baud rate (1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, BAUD=x or 38400). Default 9600. x=0: output raw data in Hex. x=1: output converted data in Hex. OUTPUTFORMAT=x x=2: output raw data in decimal.
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Appendix III: Command Summary CATEGORY COMMAND DESCRIPTION Display calibration coefficients; all coefficients and dates listed below are included in display. Use individual commands below DCAL to modify a particular coefficient or date. TCALDATE=S S=Temperature calibration date. TAO=F F=Temperature A0. TA1=F F=Temperature A1.
AF24173 Anti-Foulant Devices supplied for user replacement are supplied in polyethylene bags displaying the following label: AF24173 ANTI-FOULANT DEVICE FOR USE ONLY IN SEA-BIRD ELECTRONICS' CONDUCTIVITY SENSORS TO CONTROL THE GROWTH OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS WITHIN ELECTRONIC CONDUCTIVITY SENSORS. ACTIVE INGREDIENT: Bis(tributyltin) oxide…………..…………………………..
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Appendix IV: AF24173 Anti-Foulant Device AF24173 Anti-Foulant Device FOR USE ONLY IN SEA-BIRD ELECTRONICS’ CONDUCTIVITY SENSORS TO CONTROL THE GROWTH OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS WITHIN ELECTRONIC CONDUCTIVITY SENSORS. ACTIVE INGREDIENT: Bis(tributyltin) oxide…………..…………………………..53.0% OTHER INGREDIENTS: ………………………………..47.0% Total………………………………………………………..100.0% DANGER See Precautionary Statements for additional information.
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Do not use or store near heat or open flame. Avoid contact with acids and oxidizers. DIRECTIONS FOR USE It is a violation of Federal Law to use this product in a manner inconsistent with its labeling. For use only in Sea-Bird Electronics’ conductivity sensors. Read installation instructions in the applicable Conductivity Instrument Manual.
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PESTICIDE DISPOSAL: Pesticide that cannot be used according to label instructions must be disposed of according to Federal or approved State procedures under Subtitle C of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. CONTAINER DISPOSAL: Dispose of in a sanitary landfill or by other approved State and Local procedures. Sea-Bird Electronics/label revised 01-31-05...
Appendix V: Real-Time Data Correction Algorithms Appendix V: Real-Time Data Correction Algorithms Aligning, filtering, and correcting for conductivity cell thermal mass in post- Note: processing allows you to make adjustments to the measured data before Real-time processing calculating derived parameters. SBE Data Processing, part of our SEASOFT recommendations are summarized suite, can perform this processing on recorded data, if a complete C, T, and P in Real-Time Data Corrections...
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Appendix V: Real-Time Data Correction Algorithms The best diagnostic of proper alignment is the elimination of salinity spikes that coincide with very sharp temperature steps. Some experimentation with different advances is required to find the best alignment. To determine the best alignment for your FastCAT, plot 10 meters of uncorrected temperature and salinity data at a depth that contains a very sharp temperature step.
Appendix V: Real-Time Data Correction Algorithms Filtering Data Filtering smoothes the data, to match the temperature and conductivity sensor time constants. In post-processing, Sea-Bird recommends using a low-pass filter (Filter module in SBE Data Processing) on recorded FastCAT data, with a time constant of 0.085 seconds for both temperature and conductivity.
Appendix VI: Replacement Parts Appendix VI: Replacement Parts Part Quantity Part Application Description Number in FastCAT 4-pin RMG-4FS to 9-pin From FastCAT to computer/ 801385 DB-9S I/O cable with controller and power supply power leads, 2.4 m (8 ft)* 4-pin RMG-4FS dummy For storage when I/O cable 17046.1 plug with locking sleeve *...
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Appendix VI: Replacement Parts Continued from previous page Part Quantity Part Application Description Number in FastCAT Assorted o-rings and hardware, including: • 231408 Exhaust tee (for slow profiling applications) • 30132 Machine screw, 4-40 x ¾ FH SS (secure exhaust tee to sensor guard) •...
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