Print version Current manual - RS-232 or RS-485 (not available yet) (older manuals) Reference Sheet - RS-232 or RS-485 (not available yet) Configuration options & accessories
Plastic housing; titanium housing also available. |
SUMMARY
DESCRIPTION
The SBE 37-SMP-IDO MicroCAT is a high-accuracy conductivity and temperature (pressure optional) recorder with Serial interface, internal batteries, Memory, integral Pump, and Integrated Dissolved Oxygen sensor. The MicroCAT is designed for moorings or other long-duration, fixed-site deployments. Constructed of non-corroding materials to ensure long life with minimum maintenance, it is rated for operation to 350 meters (plastic ShallowCAT housing) or 7000 meters, or pressure sensor full-scale range.
Calibration coefficients are stored in EEPROM, allowing output of C, T, (optional) P, DO, and time in ASCII engineering units (decimal or XML; raw output available); salinity and sound velocity can also be output.
SENSORS
Temperature and Conductivity sensors are based on our field-proven SeaCAT and SeaCATplus. Electrical isolation of conductivity electronics eliminates any possibility of ground-loop noise. Our unique internal-field conductivity cell permits the use of expendable anti-foulant devices, for long-term bio-fouling protection. The aged and pressure-protected thermistor has a long history of exceptional accuracy and stability.
The IDO is a frequency-output version of our field-proven SBE 43 Dissolved Oxygen sensor, with the same performance specifications.
The optional strain-gauge pressure sensor is available in eight ranges, to a maximum depth of 7000 meters. Compensation of the temperature influence on pressure is performed by the MicroCAT’s CPU.
PUMP
The integral pump runs each time the MicroCAT samples, providing the following advantages:
With Adaptive Pump Control, the MicroCAT calculates the pumping time for best oxygen accuracy as a function of the previous sample's temperature and pressure (maximizing data quality while minimizing power consumption).
COMMUNICATIONS AND INTERFACING
The MicroCAT communicates via RS-232 or RS-485 serial interface:
RS-232 – Real-time data can be transmitted up to 1600 meters at 600 baud, simultaneous with recording. Data can be uploaded at up to 115.2K baud. The user can upgrade firmware through the external connector, without opening the housing.
RS-485 – Multiple MicroCATs can share a common 2-wire cable, minimizing cable complexity for C-T chains.
User-selectable operating modes include:
SOFTWARE
The MicroCAT is supplied with a powerful Windows software package, Seasoft© V2, which includes:
DATA STORAGE AND BATTERY ENDURANCE
Temperature and conductivity are stored 6 bytes/sample, time 4 bytes/sample, oxygen 3 bytes/sample, and optional pressure 5 bytes/sample; memory capacity is in excess of 444,000 samples (with pressure). The MicroCAT is powered by a 7.8 Amp-hour (nominal) battery pack consisting of twelve AA lithium cells (Saft LS14500) which, when removed from the MicroCAT, can be shipped via commercial aircraft. Battery endurance varies widely, depending on the sampling scheme and deployment pressure and temperature. Sampling every 10 minutes in water temperatures of approximately 10 C, the MicroCAT can be deployed for almost 6 months (24,000 samples); see the manual for example calculations.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measurement Range |
Initial Accuracy |
Typical Stability |
Resolution | |
Conductivity |
0
to 7 S/m (0 to 70 mS/cm) |
± 0.0003 S/m (0.003 mS/cm) |
0.0003 S/m (0.003 mS/cm) per month |
0.00001 S/m (0.0001 mS/cm) |
Temperature (°C) |
-5 to 45 |
± 0.002
(-5 to 35 °C); ± 0.01 (35 to 45 °C) |
0.0002 per month | 0.0001 |
Oxygen |
120% of surface saturation (all natural waters, fresh and salt) |
± 2% of saturation | 0.5% per 1000 hours | 0.035% of saturation |
Optional Pressure |
20 / 100 / 350 /
600 /
1000 / 2000 / 3500 / 7000 m (meters of deployment depth capability) |
± 0.1% of full scale range | 0.05% of full scale range per year | 0.002% of full scale range |
Clock Stability: 5 sec/month
Acquisition Time: 2.4 to 3.2 sec/sample, dependent on sampling mode and inclusion of pressure sensor (see manual)
Power Supply: 7.8 Amp-hour (nominal) battery pack, 257 KJoules (derated for calculations)
Optional External Power: 0.25 Amps at 9 - 24 VDC
Power Consumption (all with pressure) *:
Quiescent: 0.0004 Watts
CTD-DO Sample Acquisition
(excluding pump):
Real-time data enabled - 0.17 Watts
No real-time data - 0.155 Watts
CTD-DO Sample Waiting (not
sampling, pump running, excluding pump):
Real-time data enabled - 0.056 Watts if
receive line valid,
0.016 Watts if receive line not valid
No real-time data - 0.016 Watts
CTD-DO Between Samples:
Real-time data enabled - 0.056 Watts if
receive line valid
0.0004 Watts if receive line not valid
No real-time data - 0.0004 Watts
Pump: 0.12 Watts
Communications: 0.065 Watts
* Power consumption values are for RS-232 interface; for RS-485 interface, see RS-485 manual.
Housing, Depth Rating, Weight:
Housing Material | Depth Rating | Weight |
Plastic | 350 m (1150 ft) | 3.6 kg (8.0 lbs) in air, 1.6 kg (3.5 lbs) in water |
Titanium | 7000 m (23,000 feet) | 4.3 kg (9.5 lbs) in air, 2.3 kg (5.0 lbs) in water |
Dimensions
Connector (RS-232 shown. For RS-485: pin 2 is RS-485A, pin 3 is RS-485B):
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / LINKS:
Documentation -- manual, photos, technical papers, application notes, etc.
Sales Information -- options, accessories, cables, mount kits, spares, etc.
Software -- components of Seasoft V2
Links to Other Instruments of Interest
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Sea-Bird Home Phone: (+1) 425-643-9866 E-mail: seabird@seabird.com