Time Series Recording / Moored CTDs (Sonde) and Instruments --
SBE 16plus V2, 19plus V2, 37, 39, 56, 26plus, 53, & 54, & WQM

A CTD measures Conductivity, Temperature, and Depth. Despite the name, all CTDs actually measure pressure, which is not quite the same thing as depth. The relationship between pressure and depth is a complex one involving water density and compressibility as well as the strength of the local gravity field. The CTD data can be used to calculate salinity, density, sound velocity, and other parameters of interest. The term CTD is often used today to describe a package that includes the actual CTD as well as auxiliary sensors to measure other parameters (such as dissolved oxygen, pH, turbidity, fluorometer, etc.). The term Sonde is sometimes used as an alternative to CTD.

A Moored instrument measures water parameters in one location, over an extended period of time, providing a time series of data. To reduce costs, a Moored CTD may not include a pressure sensor, because the deployment depth is known (approximately); the pressure sensor is optional in Sea-Bird Moored CTDs. Sea-Bird also manufactures Moored temperature sensors (SBE 39 and SBE 56) as well as several instruments for high-accuracy pressure measurements (SBE 26plus wave and tide recorder, SBE 53 bottom pressure recorder, SBE 54 tsunami sensor).

Sea-Bird webinar -- Introduction to Sea-Bird, Long-Term Deployments with Moored CTDs, and CTD Profilers

Brochure/specifications - html or pdf    Manual - Current or All    Reference Sheet     Configuration options & accessories

The SBE 16plus V2 conductivity and temperature recorder is self-powered and self-contained, for depths up to 10,500 meters (34,400 ft). The 16plus V2 records data at programmable intervals in FLASH RAM and can be commanded to sample and output data for telemetry applications. The 16plus V2 includes six differentially amplified A/D input voltage channels and one RS-232 channel for auxiliary sensors. A standard RS-232 interface is used for programming, telemetry output, and data extraction.

SBE 16plus SeaCAT C-T (P optional) Recorder (not in production since 2008)     Manual - RS-232 or RS-485     Reference Sheet - RS-232 or RS-485

SBE 16 SeaCAT C-T (P optional) Recorder (not in production since 2001)     Manual

Brochure/specifications - html or pdf     Manual - Current or All       Reference Sheet     Configuration options & accessories

The SBE 16plus-IM V2 conductivity and temperature recorder is self-powered and self-contained, with an integral inductive modem for communication for depths up to 7000 meters (22,900 ft). The 16plus-IM records data at programmable intervals in FLASH RAM. The inductive modem uses a mooring cable as the communication link, permitting the 16plus-IM V2 to be easily positioned at any depth without the use of cable connectors. The 16plus-IM V2 includes six differentially amplified A/D input voltage channels and one RS-232 channel for auxiliary sensors. See Application Note 92 for a description of Inductive Modem telemetry.

SBE 16plus-IM SeaCAT C-T (P optional) Recorder (not in production since 2008)     Manual     Reference Sheet

Brochure/specifications - html or pdf     Manual - Current or All       Reference Sheet     Configuration options & accessories

While intended primarily for use as a profiling CTD (sampling at 4 Hz), the SBE 19plus V2 SeaCAT has dual mode programmability, providing moored time series recording with most of the features of the 16plus V2 SeaCAT. Switching modes just requires sending a few simple setup commands.

The SBE 19plus V2 is self-powered and self-contained, for depths up to 10,500 meters (34,400 ft). In moored mode, the 19plus V2 records data at programmable intervals in FLASH RAM and can be commanded to sample and output data for telemetry applications. The 19plus V2 includes six differentially amplified A/D input voltage channels and one RS-232 channel for auxiliary sensors. A standard RS-232 interface is used for programming, telemetry output, and data extraction.

SBE 19plus SeaCAT Profiler (not in production since 2008)     Manual     Reference Sheet

SBE 19 SeaCAT Profiler (not in production since 2001)     Manual - English or Spanish

Brochure/specifications - html or pdf     Manual - RS-232 (Current or All), RS-485 (Current or All)    Reference Sheet - RS-232 or RS-485     Configuration options & accessories

The SBE 37-SM is a high accuracy, conductivity and temperature recorder (pressure optional) with internal battery and memory. It is designed for moorings and other long-term fixed-site deployments at depths up to 7000 meters (23,000 ft). It includes a standard serial interface and non-volatile FLASH memory. Titanium and other non-corroding materials are used to minimize maintenance and ensure long-life. Compare features across MicroCAT product line.

Brochure/specifications - html or pdf     Manual - RS-232 (Current or All), RS-485 (Current or All), SDI-12 (Current or All)    Reference Sheet - RS-232, RS-485, SDI-12     Configuration options & accessories

The SBE 37-SMP combines the features of the 37-SM with an integral, internal pump. The pump provides improved conductivity response and fouling protection. Compare features across MicroCAT product line.