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Sea-Bird Electronics SBE 38 User Manual

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SBE 38
Digital Thermometer
User Manual, Version 013
Sea-Bird Electronics, Inc.
13431 NE 20th Street
Bellevue, Washington 98005 USA
Tel: 425/643-9866
Fax:425/643-9954

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  • Page 1 SBE 38 Digital Thermometer User Manual, Version 013 Sea-Bird Electronics, Inc. 13431 NE 20th Street Bellevue, Washington 98005 USA Tel: 425/643-9866 Fax:425/643-9954...
  • Page 2 This page intentionally left blank.
  • Page 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS Manual Generation Date........................Limited Liability Statement......................Declaration of Conformity........................ SBE 38 Manual - Version 013......................SBE 38 Reference Sheet - Version 004.................... Calibration Certificates........................SBE 38 Specification Sheet......................Appnote 42ITS-90 Temperature Scale....................Appnote 56Interfacing to RS-485 Sensors..................
  • Page 4 Manual Generation Date: 26 August 2011...
  • Page 5 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.
  • Page 6 This page intentionally left blank.
  • Page 8 SBE 38 Digital Oceanographic Thermometer With RS-232 or optional RS-485 Interface Note: NEW ADDRESS as of January 2010 User’s Manual Sea-Bird Electronics, Inc. 13431 NE 20 Street Bellevue, Washington 98005 USA Telephone: +1 425-643-9866 Fax: +1 425-643-9954 E-mail: seabird@seabird.com Manual Version #013, 03-23-11 Firmware Version 1.4 and later...
  • Page 9 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.

  • Page 10: Table Of Contents

    Installing Software .....................9 Power and Communications Test ..............9 Test Setup ....................9 Test ......................10 Section 4: Deploying and Operating RS-232 SBE 38 ........13 Sampling Modes ....................13 Polled Sampling ..................13 Continuous Sampling ................14 Baud Rate, Cable Length, and Power .............. 15 Command Descriptions ..................

  • Page 11: Section 1: Introduction

    Universal Time) in winter and 0800 to 1700 Pacific Daylight Time (1500 to 0000 Universal Time) the rest of the year. Quick Start Follow these steps to get a Quick Start using the SBE 38 with a standard RS-232 interface. The manual provides step-by-step details for performing each task: Test Power and Communications (see Section 3: Preparing SBE 38 for Deployment).

  • Page 12: Unpacking Sbe 38

    Manual revision 013 Section 1: Introduction SBE 38 Unpacking SBE 38 Shown below is a typical SBE 38 shipment. SBE 38 I/O Cable with 9V battery snap connector and 9V battery SBE 38 Digital Oceanographic Thermometer Software, and Electronic Copies of...

  • Page 13: Section 2: Description Of Sbe 38

    (in °C or raw counts) via an RS-232 or optional RS-485 serial interface for display or logging by PC or data logger. The SBE 38’s measurement range is -5 to +35 °C. Absolute accuracy is better than 0.001 °C (1 mK) and resolution is approximately 0.00025 °C (0.25 mK).

  • Page 14: Specifications

    = (0.133 * NAvg) + 0.339 RS-232 (standard): Note: 8 – 15 VDC at 15 milliamps average If the SBE 38 is sampling data External Power and the voltage is less than RS-485 half-duplex (optional): 6.5 volts for 10 consecutive 8 –...

  • Page 15: Dimensions And End Cap Connector

    Manual revision 013 Section 2: Description of SBE 38 SBE 38 Dimensions and End Cap Connector The SBE 38 is available with a 4-pin XSG-4-BCL-HP-SS or optional MCBH-4MP (WB), TI (3/8” length base, ½-20 thread) (wet-pluggable) external connector. Signal Common...

  • Page 16: Section 3: Preparing Sbe 38 For Deployment

    If applicable, remove locking sleeve and dummy plug from bulkhead connector: A. By hand, unscrew the locking sleeve from the SBE 38’s bulkhead connector. If you must use a wrench or pliers, be careful not to loosen the bulkhead connector instead of the locking sleeve.

  • Page 17: Test

    Double click on SeaTerm.exe. If this is the first time the program is used, See SEATERM’s help files. the setup dialog box may appear: SBE 38 Select the instrument type (SBE 38) and the computer COM port for communication with the SBE 38. Click OK. The main screen looks like this: Menus...
  • Page 18 SBE 38. COM port can then be used by — another program. *See Command Descriptions in Section 4: Deploying and Operating RS-232 SBE 38. In the Configure menu, select SBE 38. The dialog box looks like this: Interface for communication between computer and Computer COM port, baud rate,...
  • Page 19 Automatically start sampling on power up Default interface is RS-232 Command the SBE 38 to take a sample by typing TS and pressing the Enter key. The display looks like this if the output format was set to converted data (Format=C) with 4 digits to the right of the decimal place (Digits=4): 23.7658...

  • Page 20: Section 4: Deploying And Operating Rs-232 Sbe 38

    Apply power and establish communications. Set up to average 4 measurements per sample and output converted data with 3 digits after decimal place. Command SBE 38 to take a sample and send data to computer. (Apply power and then click Connect on Toolbar.) S>NAVG=4...

  • Page 21: Continuous Sampling

    S>AUTORUN=Y S>DS (to verify setup) (Remove power.) To start sampling, apply power. SBE 38 begins sampling continuously, outputting real-time data. To stop sampling, remove power. To change setup: apply power, and then stop sampling by command. (Apply power) (Press Enter key to get S> prompt) S>STOP...

  • Page 22: Baud Rate, Cable Length, And Power

    Therefore, maximum cable length is 67 ohms / 0.0064 ohms/foot = 10417 feet = 3176 meters. Note that 3176 meters > 800 meters (maximum distance SBE 38 can transmit data at 1200 baud), so IR loss is not controlling factor for this example.
  • Page 23 Is this controlling factor for maximum cable length if wanting to transmit at 1200 baud? SBE 38’s input power specification is 8 – 15 volts. Therefore, a 0.5 volt IR drop (8.5 volts – 8 volts) would still provide enough power to SBE 38.

  • Page 24: Command Descriptions

    Appendix IV: RS-232 Command Summary for a summarized command list. When entering commands: • Input commands to the SBE 38 in upper or lower case letters and register commands by pressing the Enter key. • The SBE 38 sends ? CMD if an invalid command is entered.
  • Page 25 SBE 38 Sampling Commands Notes: • To capture real-time data to a file, These commands are used to request data from the SBE 38. do this before starting sampling: For all sampling commands: 1. Click Toolbar’s Capture button. Output format is determined by Format= and Digits=.

  • Page 26: Data Formats

    B. XSG Connector (shown in photo) - Install the cable connector, aligning the raised bump on the side of the connector with the large pin (pin 1 - ground) on the SBE 38. Remove any trapped air by I/O cable burping or gently squeezing the connector near the top and moving your fingers toward the end cap.

  • Page 27: Recovery

    Pressure housings may flood under pressure due to dirty Rinse the SBE 38 with fresh water, and dry thoroughly. or damaged o-rings, or other failed seals. When a sealed pressure housing floods at great depths and is...

  • Page 28: Section 5: Routine Maintenance And Calibration

    Corrosion Precautions All exposed materials are titanium or plastic. No corrosion precautions are required, but direct electrical connection of the SBE 38 housing to mooring or other dissimilar metal hardware should be avoided. Rinse the SBE 38 with fresh water after use and prior to storage.

  • Page 29: Sensor Calibration

    Coefficients are then computed, which may be used with appropriate algorithms to obtain engineering units. The temperature sensor on the SBE 38 is supplied fully calibrated, with coefficients printed on the Calibration Certificate (see back of manual).

  • Page 30: Glossary

    SBE Data Processing can be used to view and process the entire data stream, designed to work with a computer including data from the SBE 38, when the SBE 38 is integrated with one of running Windows 2000/XP. Extensive the following: testing has not shown any compatibility •...

  • Page 31: Appendix I: Functional Description

    NR = output from reference resistor NT = thermistor output The SBE 38’s output is computed from the raw count and the calibration coefficients that are stored in EEPROM. The number of acquisition cycles (raw counts) averaged per measurement is user-programmable (NAvg=;...

  • Page 32: Appendix Ii: Electronics Disassembly/Reassembly

    Manual revision 013 Appendix II: Electronics Disassembly/Reassembly SBE 38 Appendix II: Electronics Disassembly/Reassembly Remove the titanium end cap and electronics from the housing as follows: A. Wipe the outside of the end cap and housing dry, being careful to remove any water at the seam between them.

  • Page 33: Appendix Iii: Rs-485 Interface

    3 digits to the right of the decimal place. Command all SBE 38s to take a sample and hold data in buffer, and then command each SBE 38 to transmit data from buffer. Repeat sampling sequence a number of times.

  • Page 34: Command Descriptions

    S>#02DS (verify setup with status command for SBE 38 with ID=02) Example 2: Only 1 SBE 38 on 1 pair of wires, with ID=01 (user input in bold) S>#01IDREQ=N (command to not require ID prefix; note that #ii prefix is required) S>NAVG=40...

  • Page 35: All Other Commands

    All other commands (status, setup, sampling, and coefficients) are listed in Section 4: Deploying and Operating RS-232 SBE 38 and in Appendix IV: RS-232 Command Summary. Notes on use of these commands for an SBE 38 with RS-485 interface: Effect of IDReq=: •...

  • Page 36: Wiring

    Manual revision 013 Appendix III: RS-485 Interface SBE 38 Wiring When configured with the RS-485 interface, the SBE 38 can transmit data over Note: up to 1200 meters of 26 AWG twisted pair wire cable. See Power and Cable Length in...

  • Page 37: Appendix Iv: Rs-232 Command Summary

    RS-232 interface. Interface=x • See Command Descriptions x=485: RS-485 interface. in Section 4: Deploying and x= baud rate (1200, 2400, 4800, 9600). Operating RS-232 SBE 38 for Baud=x Default 9600. detailed information and x=C: Output converted data (°C). examples.

  • Page 38: Appendix V: Replacement Parts

    30931 Parker 2-214 N674-70 watertight seal 4-pin RMG-4FS to 9-pin DB-9S I/O cable 801376 From SBE 38 (XSG) to computer with battery snap, 2.4 m (8 ft) long 4-pin MCIL-4FS to From SBE 38 (wet-pluggable) to 9-pin DB-9S I/O cable...

  • Page 39: Appendix Vi: Manual Revision History

    Manual revision 013 Index SBE 38 Appendix VI: Manual Revision History Manual Date Description Version 03/03 Major rewrite: Remove DOS terminal program information and replace with SEATERM, add wet- pluggable connector option, correct calibration range to -1 to +32 (from -1 to +35 in old manual), correct calibration equation information.

  • Page 40: Index

    Get data · 27 System description · 6 Global commands · 27 Glossary · 23 Terminal program · 9 Testing · 9 ID commands · 27, 28 Thermistor · 24 Limited liability statement · 2 Unpacking SBE 38 · 5 Versions · 32...
  • Page 41 SBE 38 cannot sample continuously. For both polled and continuous sampling, the SBE 38 averages NAvg A/D cycles per sample. It outputs converted (°C) or raw (counts) data, depending on Format=. For converted data, number of digits after the decimal place is defined by Digits=.
  • Page 42 See RS-232 Commands above for status, setup, sampling, and coefficients commands. • If IDReq=Y, precede all above commands with #ii (ii = 0 – 99) to direct command to particular SBE 38. If #iiIDReq=N, do not precede above commands with #ii (applies only for a system with 1 SBE 38).
  • Page 43 CALIBRATION SHEETS SBE 38 Configuration - S/N 0639..................SBE 38 Pressure Test Certificate - S/N 0639................. SBE 38 Temperature Calibration - S/N 0639.................
  • Page 44 SBE38 Digital Oceanographic Thermometer Instrument Configuration: Serial Number 37SI64195-8524 Pressure Sensor None Firmware Version 3.0j Instrument Configuration: Memory 8192Kb Interface Type RS-232 Serial Number 3865557-0639 Conductivity Range 0-7 S/m Firmware Version Baud Rate 9600, 8 data bits, no parity Zero Conductivity 2491.031 Hz Interface Type RS-232...
  • Page 45 Sea-Bird Electronics, Inc. Phone: (425) 643-9866 13431 NE 20th St. Bellevue, Washington 98005 USA FAX: (425) 643-9954 Website: http://www.seabird.com Email: seabird@seabird.com SBE Pressure Test Certificate Test Date: 3/22/2011 Description SBE-38 Digital Thermometer Customer Name EMS/FRANCE Job Number: 65557 SBE Sensor Information:...
  • Page 46 0.02 26-Aug-11 0.00 0.01 0.00 -0.01 -0.02 Temperature, Degrees C...
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  • Page 48 [seconds] = (0.133 * NAvg) + 0.339 where NAvg is the number of acquisition cycles per sample. The SBE 38’s converted output is computed from the raw count and the calibration coefficients that are stored in EEPROM. Sea-Bird Electronics, Inc.
  • Page 49 Digital Oceanographic Thermometer CALIBRATION Pin Signal Common The SBE 38 is calibrated in Sea-Bird’s state-of-the-art calibration laboratory, which maintains RS-232 Receive or RS-485 A RS-232 Transmit or RS-485 B primary temperature standards (water triple point [TPW] and gallium melting point [GaMP]...

  • Page 50: Calibration Certificates

    Sea-Bird Electronics, Inc. Phone: (425) 643-9866 13431 NE 20 Street Fax: (425) 643-9954 Bellevue, WA 98005 E-mail: seabird@seabird.com Web: www.seabird.com APPLICATION NOTE NO. 42 Revised February 2010 ITS-90 TEMPERATURE SCALE Beginning in January 1995, Sea-Bird's temperature metrology laboratory (based upon water triple-point and gallium melt cell, SPRT, and ASL F18 Temperature Bridge) converted to ITS-90 (T90).
  • Page 51 Sea-Bird Electronics, Inc. Phone: (425) 643-9866 13431 NE 20 Street Fax: (425) 643-9954 Bellevue, WA 98005 E-mail: seabird@seabird.com Web: www.seabird.com Application Note 56 Revised February 2009 Interfacing to RS-485 Sensors A few Sea-Bird instruments use the RS-485 protocol for transmitting setup commands to the instrument and receiving data from the instrument.
  • Page 52 External RS-485/RS-232 Interface Converter An RS-485/RS-232 Interface Converter plugs into an RS-232 port on the PC, and allows an RS-485 device to be connected through the Converter. Sea-Bird tested a Converter from one manufacturer with our instruments, and verified compatibility: Black Box (www.blackbox.com) –...
  • Page 53 Phone: (425) 643-9866 Sea-Bird Electronics, Inc. 13431 NE 20 Street Fax: (425) 643-9954 Bellevue, WA 98005 E-mail: seabird@seabird.com Web: www.seabird.com APPLICATION NOTE NO. 57 Revised February 2010 Connector Care and Cable Installation This Application Note describes the proper care of connectors and installation of cables for Sea-Bird instruments.
  • Page 54 Using a tube of 100% silicone grease (Dow DC-4 or equivalent), grease the bulkhead connector and the cable boot or dummy plug. CAUTION: Do not use WD-40 or other petroleum-based lubricants, as they will damage the connectors. A. Squeeze the silicone grease -- approximately half the size of a pea -- onto the end of your finger.
  • Page 55 Locking Sleeve Installation After the cable boot or dummy plug is mated to the bulkhead connector, install the locking sleeve. The locking sleeve secures the cable or dummy plug to the bulkhead connector and prevents them it being inadvertently removed. Important points regarding locking sleeves: •...
  • Page 56 Sea-Bird Electronics, Inc. Phone: (425) 643-9866 13431 NE 20 Street Fax: (425) 643-9954 Bellevue, WA 98005 E-mail: seabird@seabird.com Web: www.seabird.com APPLICATION NOTE NO. 68 June 2009 Revised Using USB Ports to Communicate with Sea-Bird Instruments Most Sea-Bird instruments use the RS-232 protocol for transmitting setup commands to the instrument and receiving data from the instrument.
  • Page 57 Sea-Bird Electronics, Inc. Phone: (425) 643-9866 13431 NE 20 Street Fax: (425) 643-9954 Bellevue, WA 98005 E-mail: seabird@seabird.com Web: www.seabird.com APPLICATION NOTE NO. 71 Revised March 2008 Desiccant Use and Regeneration (drying) This application note applies to all Sea-Bird instruments intended for underwater use. The application note covers: •...
  • Page 58 Regeneration (drying) of Desiccant Replacement desiccant bags are available from Sea-Bird: • PN 60039 is a metal can containing 25 1-gram desiccant bags and 1 humidity indicator card. The 1-gram bags are used in our smaller diameter housings, such as the SBE 3 (plus, F, and S), 4 (M and C), 5T and 5P, 37 (-SI, -SIP, -SM, -SMP, -IM, and –IMP), 38, 39, 39-IM, 43, 44, 45, 48, 49, and 50.
  • Page 59 Sud-Chemie Performance Packaging 101 Christine Dr. Belen, New Mexico 87002 Phone: (505) 864-6691 ISO 9002 CERTIFIED Fax: (505) 864-9296 MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET – August 13, 2002 ® SORB-IT Packaged Desiccant SECTION I -- PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION Trade Name and Synonyms: Silica Gel, Synthetic Amorphous Silica, Silicon, Dioxide Chemical Family:...
  • Page 60 Sud-Chemie Performance Packaging 101 Christine Dr. Belen, New Mexico 87002 Phone: (505) 864-6691 ISO 9002 CERTIFIED Fax: (505) 864-9296 MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET – August 13, 2002 ® SORB-IT Packaged Desiccant SECTION IV -- FIRE EXPLOSION DATA Fire and Explosion Hazard - Negligible fire and explosion hazard when exposed to heat or flame by reaction with incompatible substances.
  • Page 61 Sud-Chemie Performance Packaging 101 Christine Dr. Belen, New Mexico 87002 Phone: (505) 864-6691 ISO 9002 CERTIFIED Fax: (505) 864-9296 MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET – August 13, 2002 ® SORB-IT Packaged Desiccant NOTE TO PHYSICIAN: This product is a desiccant and generates heat as it adsorbs water.
  • Page 62 Sud-Chemie Performance Packaging 101 Christine Dr. Belen, New Mexico 87002 Phone: (505) 864-6691 ISO 9002 CERTIFIED Fax: (505) 864-9296 MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET – August 13, 2002 ® SORB-IT Packaged Desiccant * No Information Available HMIS (Hazardous Materials Identification System) for this product is as follows: Health Hazard Flammability...

  • Page 65: Warranty

    Instruments found defective should be returned to the factory carefully packed, as the customer will be responsible for freight damage. 8. Incidental or consequential damages or costs incurred as a result of product malfunction are not the responsibility of SEA-BIRD ELECTRONICS, INC.

  • Page 66: Warranty

    WARRANTY ADMINISTRATION POLICY Sea-Bird Electronics, Inc. and its authorized representatives or resellers provide warranty support only to the original purchaser. Warranty claims, requests for information or other support, and orders for post-warranty repair and service, by end-users that did not purchase directly from Sea-Bird or an authorized representative or reseller, must be made through the original purchaser.

  • Page 67: Warranty

    (including, without limitation, damages for loss of business profits, business interruption, loss of business information, or any other pecuniary loss) arising out of the use of or inability to use this Sea-Bird Electronics product, even if Sea-Bird has been advised of the possibility of such damages.
  • Page 68 Sea-Bird Service Request Form To return instruments for calibration or other service, please provide the information below, so we can serve you better and prevent delays in the return of the instruments: 1. Get a Returned Material Authorization (RMA) number from Sea-Bird (seabird@seabird.com, phone [+1] 425-643-9866, fax [+1] 425-643-9954). Reference the RMA number on this form, on the outside shipping label for the instruments, and in all related correspondence.
  • Page 69 Include your RMA number in the e-mail. Option B. Ship via EXPRESS COURIER directly to Sea-Bird Electronics (see address above): If you choose this option, we recommend shipping via UPS, FedEx, or DHL. Their service is door-to-door, including customs clearance.

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