FIELD SERVICE BULLETIN NO. 6

SBE 9plus CTD Retrofit for Use with Alkaline-Powered Searam
August 2004

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All SBE 9plus CTDs that meet both of the following criteria are affected:

• SBE 9plus was shipped between September 1997 and April 2004, and
• SBE 9plus is used with an SBE 17plus Searam (any version).

In September 1997, a modification to the 9plus CTD changed how the negative supply is generated for the card file and telemetry. The original design used a Computer Products DC/DC converter with a clamped input for over-voltage protection. This change removed the DC/DC converter circuitry and placed a charge pump circuit on the CSAD board that could supply the -13.2 volts necessary for the CTD. This circuit used an LT1054, which is only rated for 16 volt operation.

Alkaline batteries in the Searam (1.5 volts/battery * 12 batteries = 18 volts) produce a voltage greater than the acceptable operation range of the LT1054 and will damage the 9plus. A 9plus built between September 1997 and April 2004 should not be used with a 17plus Searam that is powered by alkaline batteries, without first modifying the 9plus.

• Symptom of damage: If you previously deployed an affected 9plus with an alkaline-powered Searam, a symptom of the resulting damage is pressure sensor temperature output that remains constant at 0 counts. To check, view pressure sensor temperature in Seasave or output pressure sensor temperature in SBE Data Processing’s Data Conversion module. If the pressure temperature output is 0 counts, the resulting output in °C  is equal to AD590B (Digiquartz calibration coefficient found in the instrument .con file). For example, if AD590B = –9.8, the pressure sensor temperature output will remain constant at – 9.8 °C.

The use of Ni-Cad or NiMH batteries in the Searam is still acceptable, as the maximum voltage of these battery packs is only 14.4 volts (= 1.2 volts/battery * 12 batteries).
NOTE: All Searams sold during the period in question were shipped with Ni-Cad batteries installed. Damage to the 9plus will occur only if the Ni-Cad batteries are replaced with alkaline batteries.

In April 2004, the LT1054 on the 9plus CSAD board was replaced with an LTC1144, which has an operational voltage of 18 volts with 20 volt transient suppression. These CTDs are not affected by the problem described above.

Before proceeding, contact Sea-Bird, providing your 9plus’ serial number, to determine if your 9plus requires a retrofit.

For customers using a 9plus with CSAD board PN 801042 (Rev. 40904 or 40904A) with a Searam:

• For customers who have the proper facilities and feel comfortable opening the 9plus electronics chamber –
  Sea-Bird will supply and ship a new CSAD PN 801042 (Rev. 40904B) at no charge.
• For customers who do not want to open the 9plus – After consulting with Sea-Bird on schedule and shipping requirements, return the 9plus main housing to Sea-Bird for modification. Sea-Bird will perform the modification at no charge.

For customers using a 9plus with CSAD board PN 801042 (Rev. 40904 or 40904A) with the 11plus Deck Unit:
The 9plus used in this system configuration is not affected by the over-voltage problem, and does not need the modified CSAD board. However, when your 9plus is returned to Sea-Bird for calibration and/or repair, we will modify the 9plus to the current CSAD assembly at no charge to make the 9plus compatible with an alkaline-powered Searam in the future.

Sea-Bird Home     Phone: (+1) 425-643-9866     E-mail: seabird@seabird.com