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CTD 
SBE 911plus

Print version     Current Manual - SBE 9plus, 11plus V2, & 17plus V2 (for older manuals, click here)    Configuration options & accessories - SBE 9plus, 11plus V2, & 17plus V2

SBE 9plus CTD with optional dual T & C sensors
SBE 9plus Underwater Unit shown with optional dual T & C sensors

Sea-Bird's 911plus CTD is the primary oceanographic research tool chosen by the world's leading institutions.

 

 

SBE 11plus Deck Unit
SBE 11plus V2 Deck Unit

FEATURES

SYSTEM COMPONENTS

The 911plus CTD system includes:

For real-time data collection, an electro-mechanical seacable (single- or multi-conductor), a slip-ring equipped winch, and computer for data display and logging are typically supplied by the user. An optional SBE 17plus V2 SEARAM Recorder and Auto Fire Module provides in-situ recording and self-contained CTD operation, and can be user-programmed to trigger bottle closure on a Carousel Water Sampler, eliminating the need for the Deck Unit, conductive seacable, and slip-ring equipped winch.

SBE 9plus Underwater Unit

The standard SBE 9plus underwater unit has an aluminum housing rated to 6800 meters (22,300 ft), and is supplied with one conductivity and one temperature sensor (fitted with a TC Duct and constant-flow pump), and an internally mounted, temperature-compensated Paroscientific Digiquartz pressure sensor for 6800 meter (10,000 psia) full scale range. Input channels and bulkhead connectors are provided for an optional second (redundant) pair of temperature and conductivity sensors. Other standard features include an 8-channel, 12-bit A/D converter with differential inputs and low pass filters, and high-power capability for support of commonly used auxiliary sensors (e.g., SBE 43 dissolved oxygen, SBE 18 or SBE 27 pH, transmissometer, fluorometer, ambient light, altimeter), a modem channel for real-time water sampler control, and a port for connection of an optional bottom contact switch. Options include:

SBE 11plus V2 Deck Unit

SBE 11plus V2 Deck Unit includes RS-232 and IEEE-488 computer interfaces, a modem channel for real-time water sampler control (including water sampler control push buttons and status lights), NMEA 0183 interface for adding GPS position to CTD data, 12-bit A/D input channel for surface PAR sensor, switch-selectable 115/230 VAC operation, audio tape interface (data backup), LED readout for raw data, and audible bottom contact (or altimeter) alarm. The 11plus V2 also provides a remote pressure output (useful as an input signal for towed vehicle control) and a programmable serial ASCII data output containing up to seven variables in computed engineering units. Calibration coefficients are stored in EEPROM, and a separate microcontroller converts raw CTD data to temperature, depth, salinity, etc. The 11plus V2 is shipped in a free-standing cabinet  with a hardware kit for mounting in a standard 19-inch electronics rack.

SBE 17plus V2 SEARAM Memory and Auto Fire Module (see the SEARAM brochure for details)

The SEARAM provides battery power for the SBE 9plus CTD and SBE 32 Carousel Water Sampler, has memory for CTD data recording, and provides autonomous Carousel water sampler control (Auto-Fire). Each time the SEARAM's magnetic on/off switch is activated, date, time, and sequential cast number is recorded. The 16 Mbyte memory is sufficient for approximately 15 hours recording of C, T, and P at 24 Hz, and the SEARAM can average samples for longer recording endurance. The SEARAM can be programmed before deployment to decode pressure data from the 9plus and fire bottles at user-programmed depths, allowing autonomous water sampling and CTD recording without a conductive sea cable. Data upload requires about 12 minutes per Mbyte at 38,400 baud. The SEARAM includes a nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) rechargeable battery and a charger.

When the SBE 9plus is equipped with the SEARAM, the system is referred to as the 917plus.

SEASOFT

Supplied with each SBE 911plus, SEASOFT calculates a suite of seawater parameters, including salinity, density, buoyancy, sound velocity, etc., and fully supports auxiliary sensors for oxygen, light transmission, PAR, fluorescence, and many other variables. SEASOFT provides real-time plots or number readouts while saving raw data to a disk file from which an ASCII or binary intermediate file in engineering units may subsequently be made. Post-processing utilities provide bin averaging, wild point editing, filtering, time-aligning, and color video graphing / hard copy plotting of profiles, waterfall overlays, and density-contoured TS plots. When operating the 911plus with a water sampler, complete bottle housekeeping files based on firing confirmations are recorded. SEASOFT is upgraded frequently; new versions are supplied free to 911plus users and posted on our website for easy access by the user community.

SPECIFICATIONS

General

  Measurement Range Initial Accuracy Typical Stability Resolution at 24 Hz Time Response 1
Conductivity 0 - 7 S/m
(0 - 70 mmho/cm)
0.0003 S/m
(0.003 mmho/cm)
0.0003 S/m
(0.003 mmho/cm) per month
0.00004 S/m
(0.0004 mmho/cm)
0.065 second
Temperature -5 to +35 °C 0.001 °C 0.0002 °C per month 0.0002 °C 0.065 second
Pressure 0 to full scale -- 1400/2000/4200/6800/10,500 m
(2000/3000/6000/10,000/15,000 psia)
0.015% of full scale 0.018% of full scale per year 0.001% of full scale 0.015 second
A/D Inputs 0 to +5 volts 0.005 volts 0.001 volts per month 0.0012 volts 5.5 Hz 2-pole
Butterworth Low
 Pass Filter
           

Master Clock Error Contribution2:
   
Conductivity: 0.00005 S/m
     Temperature:  0.00016 °C
     Pressure: 0.3 dbar with 6800 m (10,000 psia) pressure sensor

1Single pole approximation including sensor and acquisition system contributions.
2 Based on five-year worst-case error budget including ambient temperature influence of 1 ppm total over -20 to +70 °C plus 1 ppm first year drift plus four additional year's drift at 0.3 ppm per year.

Mechanical

  Weight in air, kg (lbs) Weight in water, kg (lbs) Dimensions, mm (in.)
SBE 9plus with 
Aluminum housing
25 (55) 16 (35) 952 x 330 x 305 
(37.5 x 13 x 12)
SBE 9plus with 
Titanium housing
29 (65) 20 (45)
SBE 11plus 10 (23) Not applicable 132 x 432 x 432 
(5.2 x 17 x 17)
SBE 17plus with 
Aluminum housing
8 (18) 3.7 (8) 711 x 99
(28 x 3.9)
SBE 17plus with 
Titanium housing
12 (26) 7.3 (16)
       

Miscellaneous

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

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Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Last Modified:23-Feb-2011

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