Announcement Archive

This page archives old announcements when they are removed from the Announcements page:

Customer Satisfaction Survey (June 2010)
Do you have a few minutes to help us improve our products and support? Go to www.surveymonkey.com/s/Sea-Bird_Survey1 to take a short customer satisfaction survey.

Lithium Battery Regulation Updates
Significant changes to regulations for shipping lithium batteries were implemented January 1, 2013. If you are planning to ship an SBE 37 MicroCAT, SBE 39 Temperature Recorder, and/or SBE 44 Underwater Inductive Modem, see the latest version of your instrument manual for a summary of the changes.

Student Equipment Loan Program Award (December 2012)
Sea-Bird is pleased to announce that the Student Equipment Loan Program Award for 2013 went to Lydia Kapsenberg, a graduate student at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Lydia is deploying several SBE 37-SMP-IDO MicroCATs off the California coast to identify upwelling events, based on simultaneous and projected low pH, temperature, and dissolved oxygen corresponding with higher salinity.

Training Videos (August 2012)
Training videos are now available, covering O-ring, connector, and cable maintenance; SBE 32 Carousel Water Sampler maintenance; SBE 5T Pump maintenance; SBE 18 and 27 pH Sensor calibration; and SBE 16/19 SeaCAT maintenance.
(Note: These videos are accessed via YouTube. If your network does not allow you to access YouTube, or does not permit you to be redirected to another website, you can download the videos from our ftp site.)

Nutrient Workshops at NALMS Symposium and CERF 2013 (October 2013)
Join Sea-Bird Coastal in San Diego for nutrient monitoring workshops at the NALMS Symposium and CERF 2013! The workshops will be led by science and application specialists from Sea-Bird Coastal and will cover in situ nutrient monitoring and long-term water-quality monitoring. Key topics include capturing episodic data, and maximizing data quality and deployment duration in challenging environments. In addition to the workshops, Dr. Corey Koch, a senior scientist from Sea-Bird Coastal, will be presenting data from our long-term monitoring site in Yaquina Bay, Oregon as part of the session on managing nutrients in a changing world. The workshop at NALMS is Tuesday, October 29th. The workshop at CERF is Sunday, November 3rd. We hope to see you there! For more information, please contact info@sea-birdcoastal.com.

New SBE 37-SMP-ODO and 37-IMP-ODO MicroCATs (May 2012)
Sea-Bird is introducing the SBE 37-SMP-ODO and SBE 37-IMP-ODO MicroCATs, providing moored conductivity, temperature, pressure (optional), and optical dissolved oxygen measurements.

New SBE 25plus Sealogger CTD (February 2012)
Sea-Bird is introducing the SBE 25plus Sealogger CTD, a successor to the SBE 25 (field-proven since 1989).

Liquid Robotics PacX Challenge (January 2012)
On November 17th, 2011, Liquid Robotics launched four Wave Gliders on a record-breaking journey. The Wave Gliders are traveling together from San Francisco to Hawaii, and then taking separate routes across the Pacific, two to Japan and two to Australia. On their journey, the Wave Gliders will continuously transmit valuable data on salinity and water temperature, waves, weather, fluorescence, and dissolved oxygen, collecting approximately 2.25 million discrete data points. Each Wave Glider is equipped with a Sea-Bird Glider Payload CTD with SBE 43F Dissolved Oxygen Sensor. Follow the Wave Gliders and view the data at http://liquidr.com/pacx/pacific-crossing.html.

New SBE 63 Optical Dissolved Oxygen Sensor (November 2011)
Sea-Bird is introducing the SBE 63 Optical Dissolved Oxygen Sensor, an individually calibrated, high-accuracy DO sensor.

Virtual Water Quality Conference (September 2012)
Come learn about Sea-Bird's coastal monitoring work at the Virtual Water Quality Conference on October 24, 2012.

SBE 55 and SBE 32 Change Notice (July 2011)
A redesign of the latches on the SBE 55 ECO Water Sampler and SBE 32 Carousel Water Sampler (32, 32C, and 32SC) is being implemented, replacing the titanium side bars with plastic side bars. See the Change Notice for details.

New SBE 56 Temperature Logger (April 2011)
Sea-Bird is introducing the SBE 56 Temperature Logger, a low-cost, high-accuracy temperature and time logger that samples at a user-programmed interval ranging from 0.5 seconds to 9 hours.

New SBE 37 MicroCAT moored CTDs with Integrated Dissolved Oxygen (August 2010; link for 37-SIP-IDO added December 2010)
Sea-Bird is introducing MicroCATs with Integrated Dissolved Oxygen (IDO), joining more than 8000 MicroCATs deployed worldwide since 1997. The MicroCAT-IDO measures Temperature, Conductivity, Pressure (optional), and Dissolved Oxygen in a compact and economical package. The DO sensor is based on our field-proven SBE 43; Adaptive Pump Control calculates optimal pumping time for best DO accuracy. The MicroCAT-IDO is available in each of our MicroCAT families: 37-SMP-IDO, 37-SIP-IDO, and 37-IMP-IDO.

SBE 37 Pumped MicroCAT Change Notice (March 2011)
A redesign of the pump, housing, electronics, and battery pack is being implemented in SBE 37 Pumped MicroCATs (37-IMP, 37-SMP, 37-SIP). The redesign brings significant benefits without increasing the price. Sea-Bird will ship these instruments starting in April 2011. See the Change Notice for details.

• (April 19, 2011) New design implemented in 37-SMP brochure, RS-232 manual, and RS-232 reference sheet.
• (April 20, 2011) New design implemented in 37-IMP brochure, manual, and reference sheet.
• (June 7, 2011) New design implemented in 37-SIP brochure, RS-232 manual, and RS-232 reference sheet.

Satlantic Joins Sea-Bird Electronics and WET Labs in Sea-Bird Scientific (January 5, 2011)

Sea-Bird Scientifc and Satlantic Inc. announced today that Satlantic is joining Sea-Bird Electronics and WET Labs in Sea-Bird Scientific.

“Satlantic’s technology and products are a natural fit and will allow us to better offer complete solutions to our customers’ measurement needs” Sea-Bird’s President Norge Larson stated in making the announcement. “Satlantic joining Sea-Bird and WET Labs is combining the best in biogeochemical and physical oceanographic sensors.”

“We have worked closely with the Satlantic team for many years,” stated Casey Moore, President of WET Labs. “Our common customer base uses optics to measure and understand the ocean. That commonality has grown over the years as we have worked together in developing instruments and long-term monitoring systems. Our clients have seen the fruits of our joint efforts and we look forward to continuing, enhancing, and expanding those relationships.”

"This is a great opportunity," Marlon Lewis, President of Satlantic, said. "This step is the natural progression in our work to provide the best scientific solutions for clients. Joining together will provide immediate benefits for our clients, especially with respect to our ability to deliver comprehensive monitoring systems. I am particularly excited that we are joining together now, as our work with WET Labs and Sea-Bird Electronics to build integrated physical and biogeochemical sensors for a variety of platforms is really taking off."

Day-to-day operations at Satlantic will not change, however Lewis expects that the firms will work more closely on the collaborative efforts in which they are currently engaged. "Our overriding goal – to provide the marine sciences community with the highest quality products available – hasn't changed at all," Lewis said. "We see our companies joining together very much in line with this singular objective."

See Sea-Bird on Facebook (January 2011)
See Sea-Bird on Facebook for Sea-Bird news, blogs, videos, and photos.

New Glider Payload CTD Development Completed (April 2010)
Sea-Bird has finalized designs and prototyping of two different pumped CTDs for gliders; a Slocum-specific payload CTD, and a more generic Glider Payload CTD. A defining mechanical design criteria of the Slocum Glider Payload CTD was to provide a retrofit/replacement for CTDs on the global fleet of existing Slocum gliders. Both designs share many features, but there are also differences in packaging, sampling abilities and power consumption, and in their installation as described in their individual data sheets.

Argo Float Druck Pressure Sensor Micro-Leak Problem and Warranty Replacement (July 2009; updated March 2010)
Sea-Bird has been working to understand the details of a problem with the Druck pressure sensors used in SBE 41 and SBE 41CP CTDs on Argo floats.
- March 2010 Update -- posted Notice 2: Request for Help from the Argo Data Management Group.

Underwater Inductive Modem Module (UIMM) (February 2010)
Sea-Bird introduced Underwater Inductive Modem Module (UIMM), which provides a quick way for system integrators and instrument/sensor manufacturers to adapt new or pre-existing RS-232 instruments, such as acoustic current meters, Doppler profilers, optical sensors, etc., for integration with real-time moorings using Sea-Bird’s Inductive Modem (IM) telemetry.

WET Labs Acquisition (February 2010)
Sea-Bird is pleased to announce that on 2 February 2010 we acquired WET Labs, the premier manufacturer of oceanographic optics sensors that measure Inherent Optical Properties (e.g. fluorometers, transmissometers, scattering sensors, and spectrometers). WET Labs will remain located in Philomath, Oregon, and Bridgetown, Rhode Island, and the entire management team remains unchanged. This acquisition is part of our continuing focus to provide the highest quality instruments and measurements available to our oceanographic customers. We are very pleased that WET Labs has joined with us as partners in that effort.

Sea-Bird moved around the corner
Sea-Bird moved around the corner in January 2010. Our new address is:
     Sea-Bird Electronics, Inc.
     13431 NE 20th Street
     Bellevue, Washington 98005
     USA
Directions.

Absolute Salinity and TEOS-10: Sea-Bird's Implementation Plans (July 2009)
In June 2009, a new Thermodynamic Equation of State of Seawater, referred to as TEOS-10, was adopted by the Scientific Committee on Oceanic Research and the International Association of Physical Sciences of the Ocean Working Group 127. The new equation incorporates a more accurate representation of salinity known as Absolute Salinity. Application Note 90 discusses this new equation, and Sea-Bird's plans for implementation.

New Deployment Endurance Calculator (June 2009)
Our new Calculator determines deployment length for moored instruments, based on user-input deployment schemes, instrument power requirements, and battery capacity.

Attention MicroCAT and SBE 44 Users -- Change Notice (April 2008; revised September and December 2008, and November 2011)
Two important design changes are being implemented:
- The original MicroCAT battery pack (used in the SBE 37-SM, 37-SMP, 37-IM, and 37-IMP MicroCATs as well as the SBE 44 Underwater Inductive Modem) is being replaced with a new retrofit battery pack, and
- The electronics have been redesigned in new SBE 37-SM, 37-SMP, 37-IM, 37-IMP, 37-SI, and 37-SIP MicroCATs (firmware version 3.0 and higher).
These changes bring significant benefits without increasing prices for new instruments.
MicroCAT and SBE 44 Change Notice provides more details (Note: The new battery holder does not fit in the very earliest MicroCATs, manufactured in 1996 and 1997, and corresponding approximately to serial numbers < 150. Contact Sea-Bird if you need new batteries for one of these instruments.)
See Application Note 89: Retrofit Battery Pack for SBE 37 MicroCAT and SBE 44 Underwater Inductive Modem for instructions on installing the new battery pack.

New Glider Payload CTD (GPCTD) under Development (July 2008)
Sea-Bird is developing a new, low-power CTD for autonomous gliders, with the high accuracy necessary for research, updating ocean models, assessing sensor stability on moored observatories, and leveraging data collection opportunities from operational vehicle missions. GPCTD brochure/datasheet.

Sea-Bird provides Technical Support on CCGS Louis S. St. Laurent (July 2008)
Sea-Bird provided support for a 10-day cruise from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia to Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, with a science party from the Institute of Ocean Science (IOS).

Recent Field Service Bulletins
- SBE 37-SI/SIP MicroCAT Data Storage (September 2008): Firmware error related to storing data to FLASH memory; upload new firmware to correct error.
- Deck Unit / Interface Box Update for Newer NMEA Devices (August 2008): Firmware upgrade to accommodate newer NMEA devices.
- SBE 37 MicroCATs and 49 FastCATs with plastic housings (revised August 2008): Alert and handling precautions for MicroCATs and FastCATs with optional plastic housing.
- SBE 39 and 39-IM Leap Year Error (March 2008): Firmware error related to leap year; upload new firmware to correct error.
- Link to all Field Service Bulletins

Company Spotlight (March 2008)
See the Sea-Bird company spotlight, as published in Ocean News & Technology, Volume 14, Issue 2, March 2008.

New Version 2 (V2) SeaCATplus (March 2008)
The SBE 16plus V2, 16plus-IM V2, and 19plus V2 are the next generation SeaCATs, continuing to bring high accuracy and resolution, reliability, and ease-of-use to the wide range of research, monitoring, and engineering applications pioneered by their legendary predecessors. The V2 SeaCATs can acquire data from 6 auxiliary voltage sensors (vs 4) as well as from an RS-232 sensor, have a larger memory (64 Mbyte vs 8), and can provide XML output (in addition to raw and ASCII engineering unit formats). An optional Digiquartz pressure sensor (previously only available in the 16plus and 16plus-IM) is now also available in the 19plus V2. The instrument dimensions are identical to their predecessors, so no mounting modifications are required for substituting these CTDs on an existing system. And the old data output formats are still available, so any custom data processing software developed by a customer will be compatible with the new CTDs.

New Sea-Bird and WET Labs Co-Develop Water Quality Monitor (September 2007) Sea-Bird and WET Labs have combined CTD, Dissolved Oxygen, Chlorophyll, and Turbidity sensors with an innovative strategy of active and passive anti-fouling measures to create the WQM, a Water Quality Monitor for coastal and estuarine moorings that produces research-grade measurements for an entire season, without periodic cleaning or maintenance. The WQM consists of elements from Sea-Bird's pumped CTD and Dissolved Oxygen sensors and WET Labs' ECO series fluorometer and turbidity sensor, all of which are known for high accuracy and stability. Bio-fouling and sediment loads are the dominant factors that degrade and limit data quality from the WQM's sensors. These factors can overwhelm inadequately protected sensors and invalidate their data — often in just a few days. The WQM employs active flow control, passive flow restriction, light-blocking, active biocide injection, and passive fouling inhibitors to effectively and safely combat internal and external fouling. With fouling minimized, the superior inherent stability of the WQM sensors translates directly to superior long-term data quality. More details about Sea-Bird's development and testing of the WQM. The WQM is available only from WET Labs.

New SBE 55 ECO Water Sampler (April 2007) The ECO Sampler is the ideal small-boat water sampler for coastal, estuarine, and large lake ecological monitoring. The ECO Sampler is light and economical and can be integrated with an SBE 19, 19plus, 19plus V2, or 25 CTD, or SBE 50 Pressure Sensor (SBE 50 for autonomous operation only). It is available in a three-bottle or six-bottle configuration with 4-liter ECO sample bottles, uniquely designed for the ECO Sampler. The ECO Sampler can operate autonomously on internal batteries and be programmed to close bottles at selected depths, allowing deployment using non-electrical wire or line. It also can be used with an SBE 33 Carousel Deck Unit and an electro-mechanical cable and slip-ring equipped winch for real-time CTD data acquisition and water sampling operation.

SBE 55 ECO Water Sampler (photo by Paul deRoos)

Ocean Business 2009 -- March 31 - April 2, Southampton
Sea-Bird's training/demonstrations sessions:
31 March 10:00 -- Achieving the long-term accuracy & reduced sensor maintenance to make coastal observatories practical.
1 April 13:30 -- Inductive Modem Module (IMM), a core infrastructure component in real-time ocean observing systems.
2 April 10:00 -- State-of-the-art dissolved oxygen measurements using the SBE 43 sensor.

New Instruments with Plastic Housings (May 2007)
Sea-Bird has added plastic housing options for several instruments and sensors, saving money and weight.
- SBE 5M Miniature Submersible Pump is available with a 600-meter plastic housing in place of the standard 10,500-meter titanium housing.
- A new pump, the SBE 5P Plastic Submersible Pump, has the operational characteristics of the SBE 5T Titanium Submersible Pump, but with a 600-meter plastic housing.
- SBE 43 Dissolved Oxygen Sensor is available with a 600-meter plastic housing in place of the standard 7000-meter titanium housing.
- SBE 37 MicroCAT CTDs (37-SM, SMP, IM, IMP, SI, SIP) are available with the ShallowCAT housing, a 250-meter plastic housing in place of the standard 7000-meter titanium housing.
Titanium offers the best durability with the least amount of care, and is always a wise investment. But when budgets demand it, these plastic housing options let you put more instruments in the water for less money. Contact Sea-Bird for pricing information.

Plastic Shipping Cases Now Available (May 2007)
Optional plastic shipping cases are now available for a number of instruments. Click on photos below (not to scale) to get a quick peek at the cases; see the product configuration pages for the SBE 9plus, 19plus V2, 25, 37 (IMP, IM, SMP, SM, SIP, SI), 39, and 39-IM for details.

Hardigg case for SBE 9plus (shown in photo), 25, 19plus V2, or 19plus

Storm case for SBE 37 (IMP, IM, SMP, SM, SIP, SI)

Storm case for SBE 39 (shown in photo) or 39-IM

New Official Release of Seasave V7 (March 2007)
After 1 year of Beta testing, a Release version of Seasave V7 is now available to download from our FTP Site! Seasave V7 provides more robust data acquisition / increased stability, easier-to-use and more intuitive user interface, support for transmission of data over TCP/IP, and better graphics than the previous Windows version of Seasave (Seasave-Win32). And, you can try out the new software without overwriting the existing version of Seasave on your computer. Go to the Seasave V7 page for more details and download instructions.
Note: Sea-Bird will continue to provide both versions of Seasave (Seasave V7 and Seasave-Win32) on our FTP site and on the CD-ROMs we send out with instruments, and we will continue to provide customer support for both versions. However, new features and compatibility with new instruments will only be added to Seasave V7. We highly recommend that customers switch to Seasave V7.

Sea-Bird Software Compatibility with Microsoft Vista Operating System (March 2007)
Current indications are that Sea-Bird software is compatible with Vista, but testing is still on-going. However, we have discovered that the Help files included with the software are not compatible.
To open Sea-Bird's software Help files, a Windows Help program (WinHlp32.exe) must also be installed on your computer. WinHlp32.exe was automatically installed with the installation of Windows for all previous Windows releases. However, Microsoft has announced that it is no longer including WinHlp32.exe with Windows operating systems, starting with Windows Vista. To view the Sea-Bird software Help files on a computer with the Vista operating system, users must first download WinHlp32.exe from Microsoft's web site, and install it on their computer.
Note: Sea-Bird will update all of the software Help files to provide full compatibility with Vista (without the need for the WinHlp32.exe file installation) within the next few months. This announcement will be updated to keep you informed of the transition.
- April 9, 2007 -- Help files for Seasave V7 and SBE Data Processing version 7.12 and later are compatible with Vista as well as older operating systems. Download the latest software from our ftp site.
- July 9, 2007 -- Help files for Seaterm version 1.58 and later, SeatermAF version 1.20 and later, and Seaterm54 version 1.02 and later are compatible with Vista as well as older operating systems. Download the latest software from our ftp site.

Recent Field Service Bulletins
- Retrofit for SBE 39s with Firmware Version 2.0 through 2.2 (May 2007): Modification required to eliminate the potential for a short that can cause premature battery failure.
- Retrofit for MicroCATs with Integral Pumps (37-IMP, 37-SMP, 37-SIP) (December 2006): When deployed in very turbid waters, pumped MicroCATs oriented with the intake / exhaust plumbing in an upright U-shape can become clogged with sediment; this results in poor flushing, causing poor quality data. Sea-Bird now recommends that the MicroCAT be oriented with its intake / exhaust in an inverted U-shape. A minor design modification allows trapped air to escape; a retrofit kit allows the customer to easily implement the change.
- Retrofit for Support of SBE 39 Battery (December 2006): Retrofit kit provides better battery support (strong repetitive motions can cause the battery to vibrate; battery movement can crack PCB).

New SBE 5 Series Pumps with Plastic Housings (May 2007)
- The SBE 5M Miniature Submersible Pump is now available with a 600-meter plastic housing in place of the standard 10,500-meter titanium housing.
- A new pump, the SBE 5P Plastic Submersible Pump, has the operational characteristics of the SBE 5T Titanium Submersible Pump, but with a 600-meter plastic housing.
These plastic pumps save money and weight. Contact Sea-Bird for pricing information.

New SBE 43 Dissolved Oxygen Sensor with Plastic Housing Option (February 2007)
SBE 43 is now available with a 600-meter plastic housing in place of the standard 7000-meter titanium housing, saving money and weight. Contact Sea-Bird for pricing information.

New SBE 37 MicroCATs with ShallowCAT Plastic Housing Option (November 2006)
SBE 37 MicroCAT CTDs are now available with the ShallowCAT housing. ShallowCAT substitutes a 250-meter plastic housing for the standard 7000-meter titanium housing, saving money and weight. Titanium offers the best durability with the least amount of care, and is always a wise investment. But when budgets demand it, the ShallowCAT option lets you put more MicroCATs in the water for less money. See the MicroCAT data sheets (37-SM, SMP, IM, IMP, SI, SIP) for details; contact Sea-Bird for pricing information.

Sea-Bird adds another Oceanographer to Staff (September 2006)
We are pleased to welcome Dr. Carol Janzen to our Scientific staff. Carol earned her PhD in physical oceanography from the University of Delaware, and has over 20 years experience working on interdisciplinary observational studies in coastal and estuarine environments. She completed a Post-Doc position at the University of Wales, Bangor (U.K.), and most recently held a position as Assistant Research Scientist with the School of Marine Sciences at the University of Maine. Carol’s knowledge and use of Sea-Bird instruments began in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, when she was an oceanographer at the Washington State Department of Ecology.
Carol is applying much of her efforts in our Research and Development group, working on performance assessment for new sensors. Additionally, Carol is assisting our Customer Service group with analysis of customer data, and will bring her scientific experience to the support of our sales and marketing efforts.

Ocean Business 2007
Sea-Bird is exhibiting at Ocean Business 2007, March 27 - 29, in Southampton, UK. We are presenting a 1-hour training session on each of the following topics:
1. Using the new Inductive Modem Module in inductive moorings.
2. Correction of dynamic errors in profiling CTD measurements of conductivity and dissolved oxygen data quality using Seasoft data processing software.
3. Using field samples to determine dissolved oxygen and conductivity calibration adjustments
Please go to Ocean Business 2007 to register to attend.

New Beta Release of Seasave V7 (April 2006)
A Beta release of an entirely new version of Seasave is available for downloading from our ftp site. Seasave V7 provides more robust data acquisition / increased stability, easier-to-use and more intuitive user interface, support for transmission of data over TCP/IP, and better graphics. And, you can try out the new software without overwriting the existing version of Seasave on your computer. Go to the Seasave V7 page for more details and download instructions.

Bertinoro 2007
Our representative in Italy, Communication Technology, is hosting training in Bertinoro, Italy for users of Sea-Bird, RDI, and Benthos equipment (please go to Bertinoro 2007 to register to attend). Sea-Bird is presenting the following:

New SBE 52-MP Moored Profiler CTD and Dissolved Oxygen Sensor (December 2005)
The SBE 52-MP is a conductivity, temperature, depth (pressure) sensor (CTD), designed for mooring profiling applications in which the instrument makes vertical profile measurements from a device that travels vertically beneath a buoy, or from a buoyant sub-surface sensor package that is winched up and down from a bottom-mounted platform. The 52-MP incorporates pump-controlled, TC-ducted flow to minimize salinity spiking. On typically slow-moving packages (e.g., 20 - 50 cm/sec), its sampling rate of once per second provides good spatial resolution of oceanographic structures and gradients. The 52-MP can optionally be configured with a frequency output version of the SBE 43 Dissolved Oxygen Sensor.

New Software Utility for 37-IM and 37-IMP MicroCATs (August 2005)
A new software utility, Cnv37IMHex.exe, is now automatically installed when Seaterm is installed, in the same directory as Seaterm.

Uploading data from an inductive modem MicroCAT (SBE 37-IM or 37-IMP) takes a significant amount of time, because the MicroCAT communicates with the Surface Inductive Modem at 1200 baud. SBE 37-IM Format 0 to ASCII Converter (Cnv37IMHex.exe) quickly converts a hexadecimal file (#iiFormat=0) to one identical to data uploaded with #iiFormat=1 (ASCII engineering units), providing the benefits of a faster, hexadecimal upload with easy-to-use converted output. For a full memory of 185,000 samples of conductivity, temperature, pressure, and date and time, uploading in hex takes 10 hours vs. 23 hours for uploading in ASCII engineering units.

The installation software for Seaterm version 1.50 and later, with a modified date of 8/15/2005 and later, automatically installs CNV37IMHex.exe in the same directory as Seaterm. Go to the FTP Site to download the latest version of Seaterm and try out this software.

To use Cnv37IMHex.exe (see the 37-IM or 37-IMP MicroCAT manual for details on programming the MicroCAT and uploading data):
1. Send #iiFormat=0 (ii = MicroCAT ID) to your MicroCAT (set the format before or after the data is collected).
2. Upload the data.
3. Run Cnv37IMHex.exe. Select the input file, and click Convert File. The program appends _hta to the file name for the output file, to prevent overwriting the upload data file. For example, if your hex data file name is test.asc, the output file name will be test_hta.asc.

New SBE 53 BPR Bottom Pressure Recorder (May 2005)
The SBE 53 BPR measures full ocean depth water level with extremely high resolution, accuracy, and stability. The BPR combines a uniquely precise and stable time base with low power frequency acquisition circuitry, Paroscientific Digiquartz® pressure transducer, non-volatile 32 MB FLASH memory, and a precision thermometer to provide unprecedented bottom pressure recording capability. An optional conductivity sensor (SBE 4M) can be added to provide salinity data as well. The interval between each water level measurement and the duration of the integration period are user-programmable.

SBE 39-IM Temperature (optional Pressure) Recorder with Inductive Modem Interface (January 2005)
The SBE 39 family has grown, with the addition of a new version -- the SBE 39-IM combines the accuracy and performance of the SBE 39 with an inductive modem interface. The inductive modem uses a mooring cable as the communication link, permitting the 39-IM to be easily positioned at any depth without the use of cable connectors. The modem provides reliable, low-cost, real-time data transmission for up to 100 sensors -- all 39-IMs or a mix of 39-IMs and other IM instruments (SBE 16plus-IM, 37-IM, 37-IMP, 44).

SBE 26 Measures Record Wave During Hurricane Ivan (August 2005)
Scientists at the Naval Research Laboratory - Stennis Space Center (NRL-SSC) measured a record-size wave with the SBE 26 Seagauge Wave and Tide Recorder when the eye of Hurricane Ivan passed over NRL moorings in the Gulf of Mexico in September 2004.

SBE 26plus Seagauge Wave and Tide Recorder (December 2004)
Continued development of the SBE 26plus, which was first released in May 2004, has resulted in the following new features:
- Real-time output -- tide data, wave data, and/or wave statistics.
- Lower-price Druck strain gauge pressure sensor available as an option in place of Quartz pressure sensor -- generally intended for wave sampling applications.
Use the improved SBE 26plus with Seasoft for Waves for Windows, Version 1.07a or later (go to the FTP Site to download and try out the software).

Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) Battery Packs and Charger (September 2004)
The NiMH battery charger is an externally powered, microprocessor-controlled, intelligent, battery-conditioning charger. The NiMH charger / battery pack is superior to the Ni-Cad system, delivering almost twice the capacity and recharging in just 2 hours, compared to 15 hours for the Ni-Cad system. If handled and stored correctly, the NiMH battery pack should operate properly for approximately 5 years or 500 charge/discharge cycles.
The NiMH battery charger (PN 90504) and 12-cell battery pack (PN 801512) are now shipping as standard equipment with the SBE 17plus V2 Searam; the charger and 9-cell battery pack (PN 801511) are available as options with the SBE 19plus SeaCAT and SBE 25 Sealogger CTDs.
Download the NiMH manual for details.

Battery and Memory Budget Calculator for Moored Instruments (August 2004)
- The calculator is an aid for quickly determining the number of samples for a specified sample duration or rate, based on our conservative estimate of battery capacity and memory capacity.
- The calculator applies to the following instruments: SBE 16 (not current production), 16plus, 16plus-IM, 19plus (in moored mode), 37-IM, 37-IMP, 37-SM, 37-SMP, 39, 44.
- The calculator was developed in Microsoft Excel 2002. You must have Excel installed on your computer to run the calculator.
- Our best effort has been made to provide a useful deployment planning tool, while minimizing the risk of data loss due to overly optimistic battery capacity assumptions. Due to variations in components, instrumentation, production revisions, battery age or shelf life and general factors beyond our control, this calculator is for use at the end user's own risk. Instrument battery life may vary in any given environment.
- Go to the FTP Site to download and try out the calculator (SBE_Battery_Budget_Calculator_v1_082004.xls).

New Regulations on Wood Crates (April 2004)
In 2002, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations published "International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures, Publication #15, Guidelines for Regulating Wood Packaging Material in International Trade" (ISPM 15). The world community is moving towards implementing these regulations. Different countries have announced various dates through 2004 when they will start enforcing rules based on ISPM 15. The new regulations require that any wood packaging material be heat treated to the approved standard. Check your local laws for implementation dates of these regulations.
The American Lumber Standards Committee (ALSC) has developed a U.S. standard that meets or exceeds the requirements of ISPM 15 (International Standards for Phytosanitary Measure 15). Packaging that meets the requirements of ALSC is marked with the ALSC stamp on a minimum of two opposing faces of the completed packaging product.
Starting May 1, 2004, all packaging leaving Sea-Bird for international shipments of new products meets the new standards and is marked with the approved certification stamp. As inventories of existing non-heat-treated boxes are used up, Sea-Bird will switch to using approved, heat-treated packaging for all shipments using wood boxes.
Starting June 1, 2004, the United States started enforcing ISPM 15. If a customer tries to send in equipment for servicing, in a non-approved wood box, it may not be allowed into the U.S. If it does reach Sea-Bird, we will return the instrument in a new crate that meets the requirements of ISPM 15. We will charge for the replacement crate based on the dimensions of the crate we receive. See Shipping Instructions for Returning Goods to Sea-Bird for pricing information. See http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/swp/industry/index.html for a U.S. government website that provides details on U.S. and overseas regulations.

Electro Chem Lithium Batteries (February 2004)
Electro Chem lithium battery packs were previously available as options for the SBE 16, 16plus, 16plus-IM, and 26 (not 26plus). Sea-Bird is no longer able to ship assembled Electro Chem lithium battery packs, due to changes in U.S. DOT and IATA regulations. We are now selling a battery pack kit (which does not include the batteries); you can use the kit to build a battery pack with Electro Chem lithium cells that you purchase elsewhere (see WGT's website for purchasing information). See the SBE 16, 16plus, 16plus-IM, or 26 listing on our Spare Parts Kit page for a link to the battery pack kit instructions.

TS contour plots in SBE Data Processing (October 2003)
SBE Data Processing's SeaPlot module is now able to create temperature-salinity (TS) plots with density or thermosteric anomaly contours. This release completes the conversion of Seasoft-DOS to Windows. Go to the FTP Site to download and try out SBE Data Processing!

Seasoft for Waves for Windows (May 2003)
Seasoft for Waves is a Win 95/98/NT/2000/XP program for use with the SBE 26 Seagauge Wave and Tide Recorder. This release completes the conversion of Seasoft for Waves - DOS to Windows. Use Seasoft for Waves for:
1. Pre-deployment planning.
2. Communication with the SBE 26 to program for deployment.
3. Uploading of raw data from the SBE 26.
4. Separation of the raw data into separate wave and tide files.
5. Removal of barometric pressure from the tide data.
6. Calculation of wave statistics.
7. Calculation of surface wave time series and/or wave burst auto-spectrum statistics for each processed wave burst.
8. Plotting of data.
Items 1 through 4 have been available in (Windows) SeatermW since July 2002, but have now been incorporated in the complete package. Go to the FTP Site to download and try out Seasoft for Waves!

SBE 37-IMP and 37-SMP MicroCATs (April 2003)
The MicroCAT family of instruments continues to grow, with the addition of two new versions of the MicroCAT C-T (pressure optional) Recorder:
     - SBE 37-IMP combines the features of the SBE 37-IM (Inductive Modem) with an integral, internal pump.
     - SBE 37-SMP combines the features of the SBE 37-SM (Serial interface & Memory) with an integral, internal pump.
The pump comes on for 1/2 second each time the MicroCAT wakes up, providing:
     - improved conductivity response (pump flushes the previously sampled water from the conductivity cell and brings a new water sample quickly into the cell) 
     - improved fouling protection (water does not freely flow through the conductivity cell between samples, allowing the anti-foul concentration inside the cell to build up).
Operating modes and commands for the 37-IMP and 37-SMP are identical to those of the SBE 37-IM and 37-SM respectively.

SBE 45 MicroTSG Interface Box (March 2003)
Sea-Bird is offering an optional PN 90402 -- SBE 45 Power, Navigation, and Remote Temperature Interface Box. The AC- or DC-powered Interface Box:
- Provides isolated DC power and an optically isolated RS-232 interface for the SBE 45.
- Contains a NMEA 0183 port for appending navigation information from a NMEA navigation device to the data stream.
- Contains an RS-232 port for appending the output of an optional remote temperature sensor (SBE 38), allowing for measurement of sea surface temperature with minimal thermal contamination from the ships's hull.
- Outputs the data stream (SBE 45, NMEA navigation device, and SBE 38 data) to the computer over an RS-232 interface.
The SBE 45 and Interface Box are fully supported in our software -- Seaterm (terminal program), Seasave (real-time data acquisition software), and SBE Data Processing (data processing software). The SBE 45 now provides a complete thermosalinograph system in a compact form.

To Users of Sea-Bird Beckman Dissolved Oxygen Sensors (SBE 13B and 23B) (October 2002; revised February 2003)
Sea-Bird stopped selling SBE 13 and SBE 23 DO sensors in early 2001, but customers who bought such sensors in the past still look to us for replacement modules. For the Beckman version of these sensors, continuing availability of the replacement modules from their manufacturer is in doubt. As of February 2003, we do not have any replacement modules (PN 24015) left. Customers needing replacement modules will not be able to obtain them from Sea-Bird.

While we recommend that customers needing replacement modules buy a new SBE 43 DO Sensor instead, we realize that some will not have a budget allowing this. Those who work in shallow water (2000 meters or less) may find that conversion of their Beckman sensors to YSI types (SBE 13B to 13Y or SBE 23B to 23Y) by Sea-Bird will be a useful compromise. The price of conversion (including the appropriate plenum for pumped systems) is equal to the current price of the PN 24015 Beckman replacement module.

SeatermW -- Seasoft for Waves for Windows (July 2002)
SeatermW© is a WIN 95/98/NT/2000/XP program for use with the SBE 26 Seagauge Wave and Tide Recorder. Use SeatermW for pre-deployment planning, communication with the SBE 26 to program for deployment, uploading of raw data from the SBE 26, and separation of raw data into separate wave and tide files. SeatermW includes the functions incorporated in the WDisp, Plan26, and Term26 modules in Seasoft for Waves - DOS. Data uploaded with SeatermW can be processed with the processing modules (Merge26, Wave26, Report26, and Plot26) in Seasoft for Waves - DOS. Go to the FTP Site to download and try out SeatermW! (We are working on converting the rest of the DOS software to Windows -- watch for future announcements.)

Using USB Ports to Communicate with Sea-Bird Instruments (April 2002)
Application Note 68 provides recommendations for using Sea-Bird instruments with a computer that does not have an RS-232 port.

SBE 50: Digital Oceanographic Pressure Sensor (January 2002)
We are pleased to introduce the SBE 50, a high-accuracy, high-resolution (16 Hz sampling) pressure sensor intended for towed vehicle, ROV, AUV, or other autonomous profiling applications at depths up to 7000 meters.

SeaPlot for Win 95/98/NT/2000/XP (January 2002)
Our Windows data processing software, SBE Data Processing, now includes the SeaPlot module, previously available only in our DOS software. SeaPlot can be used to plot C, T, and P, as well as derived variables and data from auxiliary sensors, from any converted .cnv data file. SeaPlot can plot up to 5 variables on one plot, with a single X axis and up to 4 Y axes or a single Y axis and up to 4 X axes. Plots can be sent to a printer, saved to the clipboard for insertion in another program (such as Microsoft Word), or saved as graphic files in bitmap, metafile, or JPEG format. Go to the FTP Site to download the latest version of SBE Data Processing, and try out SeaPlot!

SBE 49: FastCAT CTD Sensor (August 2001)
We are pleased to introduce the SBE 49, an integrated CTD sensor intended for use as a modular component in towed vehicles, ROVs, AUVs, or other autonomous profiling platforms that can supply DC power and acquire serial data. FastCAT's pump-controlled, TC-ducted flow minimizes salinity spiking, and its 16 Hz sampling provides very high spatial resolution of oceanographic structures and gradients.

Sea-Bird Training (May 2001)
Sea-Bird now offers regularly scheduled 4-day training classes in Bellevue, Washington. We provide comprehensive, hands-on operator training on major Sea-Bird products. Visit Sea-Bird Training for more information.

SBE Data Processing© for Win 95/98/NT (April 2001)
After 6 months of Beta testing, a Release version of SBE Data Processing for Windows is now available to download from our FTP Site! SBE Data Processing consists of modular, menu-driven routines for converting, editing, and processing of oceanographic data acquired with Sea-Bird equipment. SBE Data Processing includes many, but not all, of the post-processing functions in the DOS-based Seasoft.

SBE 43: Dissolved Oxygen Sensor (March 2001)
We are pleased to introduce the SBE 43, a new dissolved oxygen sensor of our own design. After five years of development and two years of field trials, the SBE 43 is the world's finest profiling dissolved oxygen sensor. Check out the SBE 43 for more information!

SeaCATs: SBE 16plus and SBE 19plus (March 2001)
Sea-Bird is introducing our next generation SeaCATs. The SBE 16plus Conductivity & Temperature (pressure optional) Recorder and the SBE 19plus Profiler CTD bring numerous improvements in accuracy, resolution, reliability, and ease-of-use. Check out the SBE 16plus and SBE 19plus for more information!

SBE 48: Hull Temperature Sensor (November 2000)
The SBE 48 is a high-accuracy temperature recorder, designed for shipboard determination of sea surface temperature. Mounted with magnets just below the water line, the SBE 48's temperature sensor is in contact with the inside of the ship's hull. Check out the SBE 48 for more information!

SBE Data Processing© for Win 95/NT (October 2000)
A Beta version of SBE Data Processing for Windows is now available to download from our FTP Site! SBE Data Processing consists of modular, menu-driven routines for converting, editing, and processing of oceanographic data acquired with Sea-Bird equipment. SBE Data Processing includes many, but not all, of the post-processing functions in the DOS-based Seasoft. Visit our SBE Data Processing for Windows page for more information.

Druck Pressure Sensors for SBE 37 MicroCATs and SBE 39 (September 2000)
The SBE 37 MicroCAT (37-IM, 37-SM, and 37-SI) and the SBE 39 Temperature Recorder are all available with an optional pressure sensor. For all MicroCATs and SBE 39s ordered after September 1, 2000, Sea-Bird is using a pressure sensor developed by Druck, Inc. The pressure sensor has a superior new design that is entirely different from conventional 'silicon' types in which the deflection of a metallic diaphragm is detected by epoxy-bonded silicon strain gauges. The Druck sensor employs a micro-machined silicon diaphragm into which the strain elements are implanted using semiconductor fabrication techniques. Unlike metal diaphragms, silicon's crystal structure is perfectly elastic, so the sensor is essentially free of pressure hysteresis. Compensation of the temperature influence on pressure offset and scale is performed by the instrument (MicroCAT or SBE 39) CPU.

Print Versions of Specification Sheets (June 2000)
Many of Sea-Bird's specification sheets are now available in Adobe Acrobat .pdf form for downloading. These Acrobat documents are intended primarily for Sea-Bird representatives, who may want to print formatted specification sheets for customers.  Files can be opened if you have Acrobat Reader installed. See Instruments by Model Number to download files and/or to link to Adobe's website to download Acrobat Reader (available for free).

SBE 46: LCD Display Box (May 2000)
The SBE 46 is designed for indoor shipboard or laboratory display of up to four parameters obtained from an external instrument, without the need for a dedicated computer. Compatible with a number of Sea-Bird instruments, it provides power as well as an easy-to-read display. Check out the SBE 46 data sheet or call us for more information!

SeatermAF© for Win 95/NT (April 2000)
SeatermAF for Windows is now available to download from our FTP Site! SeatermAF is a terminal program for interfacing with Sea-Bird instruments that include Auto Fire capability for operating a carousel water sampler. SeatermAF can send commands to an instrument to provide status display, data acquisition setup, data retrieval, and diagnostic tests.

SBE 17plus V2: Searam Recorder & Auto Fire Module (April 2000)
The SBE 17plus has been redesigned, and is now the SBE 17plus V2. The Searam's newest feature, Auto-Fire capability, allows it to operate an SBE 32 Carousel water sampler. The Searam continues to provide battery power and memory (now 16 MB non-volatile FLASH RAM memory) to allow the SBE 9plus CTD underwater unit to be used in self-contained mode without a conducting sea-cable. Check out the SBE 17plus V2 data sheet or call us for more information!

Electronic Documentation -- Manuals and Reference Sheets (March 2000)
Electronic versions of manuals and reference sheets for many products are now available for downloading. Files are in Adobe Acrobat .pdf form, and can be opened if you have Acrobat Reader installed. See Instruments by Model Number to download files and/or to link to Adobe's website to download Acrobat Reader (available for free).

SBE 45: MicroTSG (Thermosalinograph) (February 2000)
The SBE 45 is an externally-powered, high accuracy instrument, designed for shipboard determination of sea surface conductivity and temperature. Check out the SBE 45 data sheet or call us for more information!

Seaterm© for Win 95/NT (January 2000)
Seaterm for Windows is now available to download from our FTP Site!! Seaterm is a terminal program for interfacing with a wide variety of Sea-Bird instruments. Seaterm can send commands to an instrument to provide status display, data acquisition setup, data retrieval, and diagnostic tests.

New MicroCAT Mechanical Design
As of December 1, 1999, all SBE 37 MicroCATs changed to a new, improved, mechanical design.

Inductive Modem System information
Written by Sea-Bird Electronics, this tutorial contains Principles of Inductive Coupling, Inductive Mooring Configurations, Inductive Modem System Components, Mooring Cable and Cable Fitting Resources, and OEM Components Available from Sea-Bird. Visit Real-Time Oceanography with Inductive Moorings for a comprehensive description of Inductive Mooring Technology.

Download Sea-Bird Website for Cruise Reference
The Sea-Bird website can now be downloaded from our FTP Site (mm-dd-yy_SBE_website.ZIP, where mm-dd-yy = month day year that file was created).  The file can be unzipped onto a local machine or a ZIP disk, for reference on your next cruise! The website ZIP file will be updated every month. Watch for ZIP update announcements on the Web Updates page.

Seasave for Win 95/NT
Seasave for Windows is now available to download from our FTP Site!

Sea-Bird Argo CTD Module
The SBE 41/41CP Argo CTD module is part of a growing family of CTD instruments being developed and engineered at Sea-Bird for modern autonomous platforms. Visit our Argo CTD page for the latest Sea-Bird CTD module information and for links to sites providing the latest profiling data from active floats.

SBE 39: Temperature & Pressure Recorder
The SBE 39 is a high-accuracy temperature and pressure (optional) recorder with internal battery and memory. It is intended for moorings or other long term fixed-site deployments at depths up to 10500 meters (34,400 ft), depending on housing option. Check out the SBE 39 data sheet or call us for more information!

Year 2000 Compatibility
For a discussion on the compatibility of Sea-Bird products with the year 2000, see Application Note 60.

Product Recall Notice: Opto-Isolated Junction Boxes
Please see notice under Technical Alerts regarding this potentially dangerous condition.

Last modified: 20-May-2014

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