The post-cruise calibration contains important information for drift calculations. The post-cruise calibration is performed on the cell as we received it from you, and is an indicator of how much the sensor has drifted in the field. Information from the...
FAQs
What are Configuration Sheets, and where can I find them for my instrument?
Configuration Sheets detail instrument communication settings, system configuration (auxiliary sensors, which channels are set up for which sensors), and sensor calibration coefficients. Configuration sheets are provided with the instrument, in both paper form (may be...
What is Sea-Bird’s policy on upgrading instruments?
It is our policy to update firmware in instruments while they are here for calibration at no cost to the customer, but it is not our policy to routinely upgrade circuit cards. On some very old units that are being upgraded to support more external...
What do I need to send to Sea-Bird for calibration of my SBE 9plus, 25, or 25plus?
For calibration of the temperature and conductivity sensors, only the sensor modules need to be sent to Sea-Bird. It is not necessary to send the CTD main housing. See Shipping SBE 9plus, 25, and 25plus Temperature and Conductivity Sensors for details.It is...
Does Sea-Bird have any calibration/service centers outside of the United States?
Sea-Bird opened a calibration/service center in Kempten, Germany in 2011, providing duty-free servicing for EU customers. The dedicated technical support staff and calibration technicians were extensively trained by Sea-Bird experts. Calibration cross-referencing...
What is an Anti-Foulant Device? Does it affect the conductivity cell calibration? How often should I replace it? Does it require special handling?
The Anti-Foulant Device is an expendable device that is installed on each end of the conductivity cell, so that any water that enters the cell is treated. Anti-Foulant Devices are typically used with moored instruments (SBE 16, 16plus, 16plus-IM, 16plus V2, 16plus-IM...
Does it matter whether you use natural or artificial seawater for calibrations? Which does Sea-Bird use?
For SBE 4 conductivity calibrations, Sea-Bird uses natural seawater that has been carefully collected, stored, UV irradiated, and filtered. Artificial seawater is not adequate if calibration errors are to be kept below 0.010 psu. Note: SBE 4 is the...
Do you recommend a particular brand of alkaline D-cell batteries?
For Sea-Bird instruments that use alkaline D-cells, Sea-Bird uses Duracell MN 1300, LR20. While rare, we have seen a few problems with cheaper batteries over the years: they are more likely to leak, may vary in size (leading to loose batteries causing a bad power...
Why is Teflon tape used?
Adhesive Teflon tape (actually, UHMW tape — Ultra High Molecular Weight polyethylene) provides insulation to prevent damage due to contact of dissimilar metals. It is typically used by Sea-Bird on the inside of hose clamps used for mounting instruments, where U-bolts...
What do you recommend for cleaning barnacles off the exterior of the instrument?
Plug the ends of the conductivity cell to prevent the cleaning solution from getting into the cell. Then soak the entire instrument in white vinegar for a few minutes. After scraping off the barnacles and marine growth, rinse the instrument well with fresh...
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