Yes, vertical is usually preferable. In the presence of consistent currents and suspended sediment, we have seen instances where a horizontal conductivity cell is scoured by the abrasive effect of the flow. When scouring is particularly intense, the electrodes can be...
FAQs
What location information does the Thetis provide, and are there emergency position locator features for the Thetis?
All Thetis models include an integrated GPS system. GPS acquisition times are typically less than 2 minutes. The GPS is only activated if a break-away condition has been detected.There is an option to integrate an autonomous (self-contained and powered) Iridium...
How many/what kind of spares should I have on ship for my instrument?
Very few Sea-Bird instruments completely fail due to component malfunction or manufacturing defects. However, we see a reasonably large number that require repairs of some sort. Most of these are simply due to the user breaking the equipment through rough handling,...
What power system is used for the Thetis?
The Thetis system uses on board batteries (BlueFin Robotics, 1.5kW) for power.
How will my CTD be affected by adjacent objects?
Sea-Bird’s CTDs are not directly affected by adjacent objects, unlike some CTDs that shift their calibration due to proximity effects. However, the CTD can only measure the water it sees. There are 2 concerns to keep in mind when mounting the CTD:If the CTD is...
What is the profiling depth range limitation, and where has the Thetis been tested?
Our current depth operating specification for the Thetis Profiler is in water columns ranging from 5 to 100m in depth. The Thetis Profiler has been most rigorously testing in 50 m offshore of Newport, OR, though other systems have been deployed in several other...
What are the safety concerns/procedures if the instrument floods? Can the instrument explode?
While a CTD leak can result in a dangerous situation, it is not common. Pressure housings may flood under pressure due to dirty or damaged o-rings, or other failed seals, causing highly compressed air to be trapped inside. For example, a housing that floods at 5000...
Is it necessary to put my instrument in water to test it? Will I destroy the conductivity cell if I test it in air?
It is not necessary to put the instrument in water to test it. It will not hurt the conductivity cell to be in air.If there is a pump on the instrument, it should not be run for extended periods in air.Profiling instruments (SBE 9plus, 19, 19plus, 19plus V2, 25,...
What are the recommended practices for cleaning and lubricating winch cables?
This topic is covered in detail on the UNOLS (University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System) website; see http://www.unols.org/publications/winch_wire_handbook__3rd_ed/06_wire_rope_em_cable_lub.PDF.
What are the recommended practices for splicing cables?
Sea-Bird typically recommends using the Dam/Blok and EverGrip products from PMI Industries. DamBlok makes the electrical splice and EverGrip provides the strain relief on the cable. See an example of how these products can be used.For a quick electrical...
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Scripps Technical Forum | AC-S: The Telescope Into the Rainbow of Ocean Life
Scripps Technical Forum Time: Thursday, April 06, 2023 | 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM Location: Hydraulics Lab Mezzanine Sea-Bird Scientific is grateful for the opportunity to present at a Technical Forum to the Scripps Institute of Oceanography community. In this session,...
February 2023 Newsletter
Sea-Bird Scientific at Ocean Business 2023Sea-Bird Scientific is excited to announce our exhibition at the Ocean Business Conference in Southampton, United Kingdom from April 18 – 20, 2023. Don’t forget to stop by and see us at booth #L9.We are excited...
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