SBE SeaCAT 21 User Manual

SBE 21 SeaCAT Thermosalinograph

Conductivity and Temperature Recorder with RS-232 Interface

User’s Manual

Sea-Bird Electronics, Inc. 13431 NE 20 Bellevue, Washington 98005 USA Manual Version #027, 02/21/13 Telephone: 425-643-9866 SBE 21 Firmware 5.0a and later Fax: 425-643-9954 90488 Interface Box Firmware 3.1b and later E-mail: seabird@seabird.com Seasave V7 Version 7.22.4 and later Website: www.seabird.com SBE Data Processing Version 7.22.4 and later

Street

Limited Liability Statement

Extreme care should be exercised when using or servicing this equipment. It should be used or serviced only by personnel with knowledge of and training in the use and maintenance of oceanographic electronic equipment.

SEA-BIRD ELECTRONICS, INC. disclaims all product liability risks arising from the use or servicing of this system. SEA-BIRD ELECTRONICS, INC. has no way of controlling the use of this equipment or of choosing the personnel to operate it, and therefore cannot take steps to comply with laws pertaining to product liability, including laws which impose a duty to warn the user of any dangers involved in operating this equipment. Therefore, acceptance of this system by the customer shall be conclusively deemed to include a covenant by the customer to defend, indemnify, and hold SEA-BIRD ELECTRONICS, INC. harmless from all product liability claims arising from the use or servicing of this system.

Manual revision 027 Declaration of Conformity SBE 21

Declaration of Conformity

Manual revision 027 Table of Contents SBE 21

Limited Liability Statement ................................................................ 2

Declaration of Conformity .................................................................. 3

Table of Contents ................................................................................. 4

Section 1: Introduction ........................................................................ 6

About this Manual .............................................................................................6

Unpacking SBE 21 .............................................................................................7

Section 2: Description of SBE 21 ........................................................ 8

System Description ............................................................................................8

Specifications ................................................................................................... 10

Dimensions and Bulkhead Connectors ............................................................ 11

Data I/O ........................................................................................................... 12

Data Storage ..................................................................................................... 12

Remote Temperature Sensor (optional) ........................................................... 12

Section 3: Installing System .............................................................. 13

Installing Software ........................................................................................... 13

System Schematic and Installation Guidelines ................................................ 14

Mechanical Installation .................................................................................... 16

Electrical Installation ....................................................................................... 17

Section 4: Setting Up SBE 21 ............................................................ 19

Setting Communications Parameters in Interface Box..................................... 19

Power and Communications Test and SBE 21 Setup in Seaterm .................... 19

Command Descriptions .................................................................................... 24

Checking SBE 21 Configuration (.xmlcon or .con) File in Seasave ................ 39

Data Formats .................................................................................................... 41

Notes on SBE 38 Remote Temperature Data Format ............................... 42

Section 5: Setting Up NMEA Interface ............................................ 43

NMEA Operating Modes ................................................................................. 43

Setting Up and Testing NMEA ........................................................................ 44

Troubleshooting NMEA Interface ................................................................... 46

Setting Up SBE 21 Configuration (.xmlcon or .con) File ................................ 46

Section 6: Operating System ............................................................. 47

Acquiring Real-Time Data with Seasave ......................................................... 47

Uploading SBE 21 Data from Memory ........................................................... 50

Processing Data ................................................................................................ 53

Section 7: Routine Maintenance and Calibration ........................... 55

Corrosion Precautions ...................................................................................... 55

Removing Sensor/Electronics Module from SBE 21 Water Jacket ................. 55

Cleaning and Storage ....................................................................................... 56

Sensor Calibration ............................................................................................ 57

Section 8: Troubleshooting ................................................................ 58

Problem 1: Unable to Communicate with Interface Box ................................. 58

Problem 2: Unable to Communicate with SBE 21 ........................................... 58

Problem 3: Unable to View Data in Seasave

(Real-Time Data Acquisition program) ........................................................... 59

Problem 4: Scan Length Error in SBE Data Processing .................................. 59

Problem 5: No Data Recorded ......................................................................... 59

Problem 6: Nonsense or Unreasonable Data .................................................... 59

Problem 5: Salinity Lower than Expected ....................................................... 60

Problem 6: Program Corrupted ........................................................................ 60

Manual revision 027 Table of Contents SBE 21

Glossary .............................................................................................. 61

Appendix I: Functional Description ................................................. 62

Sensors ............................................................................................................. 62

Sensor Interface ............................................................................................... 62

Real-Time Clock .............................................................................................. 62

Power ............................................................................................................... 62

Appendix II: Electronics Disassembly/Reassembly ........................ 63

Appendix III: Command Summary ................................................. 65

Appendix IV: AF24173 Anti-Foulant Device .................................. 67

Appendix V: Replacement Parts ...................................................... 71

Appendix VI: Manual Revision History .......................................... 73

Index .................................................................................................... 75

Manual revision 027 Section 1: Introduction SBE 21

Section 1: Introduction

This section includes contact information and photos of a standard SBE 21 shipment.

About this Manual

This manual is to be used with the SBE 21 SeaCAT Thermosalinograph Conductivity and Temperature Recorder. It is organized to guide the user from installation through operation and data collection. We have included detailed specifications, command descriptions, maintenance and calibration information, and helpful notes throughout the manual.

Sea-Bird welcomes suggestions for new features and enhancements of our products and/or documentation. Please contact us with any comments or suggestions (seabird@seabird.com or 425-643-9866). Our business hours are Monday through Friday, 0800 to 1700 Pacific Standard Time (1600 to 0100 Universal Time) in winter and 0800 to 1700 Pacific Daylight Time (1500 to 0000 Universal Time) the rest of the year.

Manual revision 027 Section 1: Introduction SBE 21

SBE 21

Software, and Electronic Copies of

Grounding cable

I/O cable

Jackscrew kit

4-pin

Interface Box)

Unpacking SBE 21

SeaCAT/Sealogger

RS-232 and Navigation

PN 90488 –

Interface Box

NMEA Interface test cable

(Interface Box to NMEA device

simulation computer)

Shown below is a typical SBE 21 shipment.

I/O cable

(SBE 21 to Interface Box)

AC power cable for

Interface Box

(Interface Box to computer)

MS connector

assembly

(for SEACAT data

I/O connector on

50369 5-pin

MS connector

assembly

(for NMEA Input

connector on

Interface Box)

(from SBE 21)

4-pin RMG-4FS pigtail with

locking sleeve (from SBE 21

to Interface Box)

Cell cleaning solution

(Triton X-100)

Software Manuals and User Manual

Note:

Manual revision 027 Section 2: Description of SBE 21 SBE 21

Section 2: Description of SBE 21

This section describes the functions and features of the SBE 21, including specifications and dimensions.

System Description

The SBE 21 SeaCAT Thermosalinograph is an externally powered, highaccuracy, conductivity and temperature recorder, designed for shipboard determination of sea surface (pumped-water) conductivity and temperature. Data is simultaneously transmitted to a computer’s serial port and stored in 64 Mb FLASH RAM memory, allowing both real-time data acquisition and independent data logging. An internal lithium back-up battery in the SBE 21 supports the real-time clock when the main power supply is off.

The SBE 21 is connected by cable to PN 90488 - SeaCAT/Sealogger

Seasave 7.18 or later also supports acquisition of data from a NMEA device connected directly to the computer (instead of the interface box).

RS-232 and Navigation Interface Box. The Interface Box is AC-powered, provides isolated DC power and an optically-isolated RS-232 data interface for the SBE 21, and provides power and a NMEA 0183 receiver for a NMEA device (not supplied by Sea-Bird). The Interface Box appends NMEA information to the SBE 21 data stream.

The platinum-electrode glass conductivity cell’s unique internal-field geometry eliminates proximity effects. This feature is critically important in thermosalinographs, where the cell must operate in a water jacket’s confined volume. The internal-field cell also allows the use of expendable AF24173 Anti-Foulant Devices (supplied).

For corrosion resistance, only plastic, titanium, and the glass/platinum conductivity cell are exposed to seawater. Valves control seawater circulation and fresh water flushing. The sensor assembly is easily removed for cleaning and calibration.

The PVC base or back plate may be drilled for mounting to the ship. Seawater connections (for normal use) and fresh water connections (for cleaning) are PVC pipes with 1-inch (25.4 mm) U.S. standard NPT threads. Mating female fittings are provided, and can easily be adapted to locally available pipe sizes.

Communication with the SBE 21 is over an internal, 3-wire, RS-232C link, providing real-time data transmission. Commands can be sent to the SBE 21 to provide status display, data acquisition setup, data retrieval, and diagnostic tests. Output format is raw, hexadecimal data. The SBE 21 samples using one of the following user-programmable schemes:

• Continuously at 4 Hz: At pre-programmed 3- to 600-second intervals,

the SBE 21 averages all the data from within the sampling interval, stores the average in memory, and sends the average to the computer (through the Interface Box).

• At pre-programmed intervals: At pre-programmed 3- to 600-second

intervals, the SBE 21 takes one sample, stores the sample in memory, and sends the sample data to the computer (through the Interface Box).

A standard SBE 21 can record the output of an optional remote temperature sensor (SBE 38), allowing for the measurement of sea surface temperature with minimum thermal contamination from the ship’s hull. A stainless steel and plastic in-line pipe mount is available for safe below-waterline installation of the remote temperature sensor (see Section 3: Installing System).

Notes:

Manual revision 027 Section 2: Description of SBE 21 SBE 21

A standard SBE 21 is supplied with:

• Bulkhead connectors:

 one 4-pin I/O connector  one 6-pin connector for A/D inputs (four single-ended or

two differential channels – customer selects desired configuration at time of purchase)

 one 4-pin connector for remote temperature sensor  one 1-pin connector for ground to ship’s hull

• 64 Mbyte FLASH RAM memory

• Anti-foulant device attachments and expendable AF24173 Anti-Foulant

Devices on each end of the conductivity cell.

• PN 90488 – SeaCAT/Sealogger RS-232 and Navigation Interface Box,

providing power to the SBE 21, an optically isolated RS-232 interface, a NMEA 0183 input port for NMEA data, and power for a NMEA device.

SBE 21 options include:

• Remote temperature sensor (SBE 38) and mounting kit

• Auxiliary A/D sensors (mounts not supplied)

Future upgrades and enhancements to the SBE 21 firmware can be easily installed in the field through a computer serial port and the I/O connector on the SBE 21, without the need to return the SBE 21 to Sea-Bird.

The SBE 21 is supplied with a powerful Windows software package,

• Help files provide detailed information on the software.

• Separate software manuals contain detailed information on Seasave V7 and SBE Data Processing.

• Sea-Bird also supplies an older version of Seasave, SeasaveWin32. However, all Seasave instructions in this manual are written for Seasave V7. See Seasave-Win32’s manual and/or Help files if you prefer to use the older software.

• Sea-Bird supplies the current version of our software when you purchase an instrument. As software revisions occur, we post the revised software on our FTP site. See our website (www.seabird.com) for the latest software version number, a description of the software changes, and instructions for downloading the software from the FTP site.

Seasoft

• Seaterm –terminal program for easy communication and

• Seasave V7 –program for acquiring, converting, and displaying real-time

• SBE Data Processing - program for calculation and plotting of

V2, which includes:

data retrieval.

or archived raw data.

conductivity, temperature, data from auxiliary sensors, and derived variables such as salinity and sound velocity.

Manual revision 027 Section 2: Description of SBE 21 SBE 21

SBE 38 remote temperature 3

Specifications

Conductivity

(S/m)

Primary

Temperature

(°C)

SBE 38

Secondary

Temperature

(°C)

Measurement Range

Initial Accuracy

Resolution

Calibration

(measurement outside these ranges may be at slightly reduced accuracy due to extrapolation errors)

Memory

Data Storage

Real-Time Clock

Sample Rate

Materials

Recommended Flow Rate

0 to 7 -5 to +35 -5 to +35

0.001 0.01 0.001

0.0001 0.001 0.0003

0 to 7; physical calibration over

the range 2.6 to

+1 to +32 -1 to +32 6 S/m, plus zero conductivity (air)

64 Mbyte non-volatile FLASH memory

Recorded Parameter Bytes/sample temperature and conductivity 6 (3 each)

each external voltage 2

32,768 Hz TCXO accurate to ±1 minute/year

1 sample / 3 seconds to 1 sample / 600 seconds

Sample rate is incremented in 1-second steps

PVC housing, water jacket, piping, and valves; titanium end cap

1 liter/second (15.8 gallons/minute)

Auxiliary Voltage Sensors

Maximum Safe Operating Pressure

Input Power

Weight

Auxiliary power out:

up to 500 mA at 10.5 - 11 VDC

A/D resolution: 12 bits Input range: 0 - 5 VDC

34.5 decibars (50 psi)

SeaCAT/Sealogger RS-232 and Navigation Interface Box is included with standard SBE 21 order. If testing SBE 21 without Interface Box, provide 9-14 VDC power.

41 kg (90 lbs)

Manual revision 027 Section 2: Description of SBE 21 SBE 21

Dimensions and Bulkhead Connectors

Dimensions in millimeters (inches)

Manual revision 027 Section 2: Description of SBE 21 SBE 21

Example 1: no auxiliary sensors

Note:

Data I/O

The SBE 21 receives set-up instructions and outputs diagnostic information or previously recorded data via a three-wire RS-232C link, and is factoryconfigured for 4800 baud, 7 data bits, 1 stop bit, and even parity. SBE 21 RS-232 levels are directly compatible with standard serial interface cards (IBM Asynchronous Communications Adapter or equal). The communications baud rate can be changed using Baud= (see Command Descriptions in Section 4: Setting Up SBE 21).

Data Storage

The SBE 21 has a 64 Mbyte FLASH memory. See Specifications for storage space required for each parameter.

If FLASH memory is filled to capacity, sampling and transmission of real-time data continue, but excess data is not saved in memory.

The SBE 21 will not overwrite data stored in memory.

T & C = 6 bytes/sample Storage space ≈ 64,000,000 / 6 ≈ 10,666,666 samples

Example 2: 4 external voltages, SBE 38 remote temperature sensor T & C = 6 bytes/sample External voltages = 2 bytes/sample x 4 voltages = 8 bytes/sample SBE 38 = 3 bytes/sample Storage space ≈ 64,000,000 / (6 + 8 + 3) ≈ 3,764,705 samples

Remote Temperature Sensor (optional)

Sea-Bird software (Seasave realtime data acquisition and SBE Data Processing’s Data Conversion and Derive modules) uses the data from the SBE 21’s temperature sensor to calculate salinity, and then uses that salinity with the temperature from the remote temperature sensor to calculate density and sound velocity.

The SBE 21 can record the output of an external SBE 38 temperature sensor. Often, the SBE 21 is mounted in the interior of the vessel. In this configuration the recorded conductivity is correct, but the water temperature changed as it passed through the plumbing system. The SBE 38 can be placed in a location that provides more accurate measurement of the sea surface water temperature.

The ideal location for the SBE 38 is at the seawater intake (before the pump) near the bow of the ship. This minimizes contamination of the

surface temperature measurement by the ship’s own thermal mass.

To compute salinity, always use the data from the temperature sensor on the SBE 21, not from the SBE 38. Conductivity has a strong thermal

coefficient; therefore, it is critical to know the temperature of the water when the conductivity sensor samples it in order to compute salinity correctly. On a typical installation, there may be 20 to 30 meters of plumbing between the SBE 38 and the SBE 21. As the water flows through the pipes it changes temperature dramatically, making the data from the SBE 38 an inaccurate representation of the temperature when the water reaches the conductivity sensor. Use the SBE 38 only to report surface temperature, and to calculate density and sound velocity (density and sound velocity are a function of salinity and temperature).

Note that the SBE 38 can be added to the system at any time, and does not need to be part of the original order for the SBE 21. No modifications to the SBE 21 are required to integrate the SBE 38, other than programming the SBE 21 to accept the sensor signal and updating the configuration (.xmlcon or .con) file.

Notes:

Manual revision 027 Section 3: Installing System SBE 21

Section 3: Installing System

This section provides instructions for:

• Installing software

• Mounting and wiring the SBE 21 and Interface Box, including system

schematic and installation guidelines, mechanical installation, and electrical installation

Installing Software

Seasoft V2 was designed to work with a PC running Windows XP service

• Help files provide detailed information on the software. Separate software manuals on the CD-ROM contain detailed information on Seasave V7 and SBE Data Processing.

• It is possible to use the SBE 21 without the Seaterm terminal program by sending direct commands from a dumb terminal or terminal emulator, such as Windows HyperTerminal.

pack 2 or later, Windows Vista, or Windows 7.

If not already installed, install Sea-Bird software programs on your computer using the supplied software CD.

1. Insert the CD in your CD drive.

2. Install software: Double click on SeasoftV2.exe. Follow the dialog box

directions to install the software. The installation program allows you to install the desired components. Install all the components, or just install Seaterm (terminal program), Seasave V7 (real-time data acquisition), and SBE Data Processing (data processing).

The default location for the software is c:\Program Files\Sea-Bird. Within that folder is a sub-directory for each component.

Manual revision 027 Section 3: Installing System SBE 21

Valves are show in normal operating position.

Notes:

System Schematic and Installation Guidelines

• The SeaCAT/Sealogger RS-232 and Navigation Interface Box is included with a standard SBE 21 order. If testing the SBE 21 without the Interface Box, provide 9-14 VDC power.

• Seasave 7.18 or later also supports acquisition of data from a NMEA device connected directly to the computer (instead of the Interface Box).

Valves are open when handle is horizontal, closed when handle is vertical.

Sea-Bird does not provide detailed installation instructions for the SBE 21 and remote temperature sensor, given the unique nature of every ship and type of installation. The installation of the SBE 21 should be done by qualified shipfitters, with the oversight of a competent ship designer or naval architect.

Manual revision 027 Section 3: Installing System SBE 21

Consider the following:

• The SBE 21 can be mounted anywhere it will fit that is accessible for

maintenance and cleaning. For safety, mount the SBE 21 above the water line.  If the remote temperature sensor is not used, mount the SBE 21 as

close to the seawater intake as possible to avoid thermal contamination of long plumbing runs. Thermal contamination will not affect salinity accuracy, but the SBE 21 will report the temperature of the water when it reaches the instrument.

 If the remote temperature sensor is used, the SBE 21 can be mounted

in the ship’s lab or other convenient location.

 The maximum recommended cable length from the SBE 21 to the

Interface Box is 100 meters.

• Sea-Bird does not recommend or supply a pump. The pump should be

able to provide 1 liter/second (15.8 gallons/minute) flow. Pressure at the SBE 21 is limited to 34.5 decibars (50 psi).

• Bubbles in the plumbing of a flow-through system are a common problem

and will cause noisy salinity data. To minimize bubbles:  Place the pump below the water line to push rather than pull

the water.

 Locate the SBE 21’s hull intake as deep as possible, as far as possible

from bubble sources (bow wake, propeller, etc.)

• Depending on the chosen design of a permanent seawater supply

(including pump, intake fitting, pipes, etc.), a de-bubbling device may be needed to separate bubbles from the water before it enters the SBE 21. Note that a de-bubbler may cause additional temperature errors for the SBE 21’s primary temperature sensor; salinity accuracy (and accuracy of an optional remote temperature sensor) is not affected. Not all ships require de-bubblers, but many do for best quality salinity data. Large single point salinity spikes can be removed with the Wild Edit module in SBE Data Processing.

• Route cabling as cleanly as possible, avoiding sources of noise. Electric

motors are a particular problem. Avoid routing the cable next to generators and air conditioners. Cables longer than 3 meters should be installed inside an earthed metal conduit by a qualified electrician. This minimizes the potential for external signals to disrupt communication and ensures that high voltage lines (such as the sea cable) are sufficiently protected. Cables shorter than 3 meters can be used without shielding when installing or bench testing the instrument.

• If practical, mount the optional SBE 38 remote temperature sensor outside

the hull. However, the remote temperature sensor is usually mounted in the remote sensor mount kit, which has 1-inch pipe threads on each end; plumb the mount kit into your seawater system. Install the SBE 38 as close to the seawater intake as possible (before the pump), near the bow of the ship. Since the installation is below the water line, consult with your ship’s engineer / naval architect / shipyard regarding the actual installation. Sea-Bird cannot offer advice in this matter as each ship is different and plumbing regulations vary.

• The SBE 21 can record a maximum of four auxiliary voltages from

auxiliary sensors. However, Sea-Bird has not developed methods for the mechanical integration of these auxiliary sensors with the SBE 21. When integrating auxiliary sensors with the SBE 21, consider the following issues:  Install the sensors in a flow-through chamber that receives the

outflow from the SBE 21.

 Design the flow-through chamber so sensors can be removed and

replaced for service and calibration.

 Protect auxiliary sensors from bio-fouling.

Manual revision 027 Section 3: Installing System SBE 21

Fresh

Flushing

Storage, Cleaning, or

Sensor/Electronics Module

Out

Open

Closed

Fresh Water In

Closed

Open

Closed

Salt Water In

Open

Closed

Drain

Closed

Valves shown in Normal Use position

Base

Mechanical Installation

1. A new SBE 21 is shipped with AF24173 Anti-Foulant Devices

pre-installed. Verify that the Devices are installed (see Removing

Sensor/Electronics Module from SBE 21 Water Jacket in Section 7: Routine Maintenance and Calibration and Appendix IV: AF24173 Anti-Foulant Device).

2. Mount the SBE 21 at the desired location:

• Orient the SBE 21 with the bulkhead connectors at the top.

• Provide minimum top clearance of 559 mm (22 inches) for removal

of the sensor/electronics module from the water jacket.

• Drill the PVC base or back plate, and mount to the ship using

machine bolts.

3. Install the piping connections to the SBE 21. The connectors are

1-inch (25.4 mm) National (USA) threads. Female mating fittings suitable for connecting to PVC plastic pipe with glue are provided; they may be modified for use with existing piping. A. Connect the Out fitting to the shipboard drain or to the low pressure

side of salt water supply.

B. Connect the Fresh Water In fitting to the shipboard fresh

water supply.

C. Connect the Salt Water In fitting to the shipboard sea surface water

intake line.

D. Connect the Drain fitting to shipboard drain.

Backplate

4. Set the valves, as described in the following table. The valve is open when

the handle is horizontal and closed when the handle is vertical.

Valve

Normal

Use

Water

Removal of

Manual revision 027 Section 3: Installing System SBE 21

Note:

CAUTION:

Note:

Electrical Installation

Connecting SBE 21 to Interface Box

The Interface Box is included with a standard SBE 21 order. If testing the SBE 21 without the Interface Box, provide 9-14 VDC power.

Do not use WD-40 or other petroleum-based lubricants, as they will damage the connector.

Follow the procedure in Steps 2A through 2E for proper installation of all cables with similar connectors.

1. Locate the Interface Box near the computer.

• If the distance between the SBE 21 and Interface Box is longer than

the provided 10 meter I/O cable, cut the cable and splice it into the ship’s cable. The ship’s cable should have 3 conductors, preferably with at least 2 of the conductors shielded (RS-232 TX and RX) if engine ignition noise or other EM interference might be encountered. See drawing number 31063 for cable wiring details.

2. Connect the I/O cable to the SBE 21: A. By hand, unscrew the locking sleeve from the SBE 21’s I/O

(4-pin) connector. If you must use a wrench or pliers, be careful not to loosen the I/O connector instead of the locking sleeve.

B. Remove the dummy plug from the SBE 21’s I/O connector by pulling

the plug firmly away from the connector.

C. Lightly lubricate the inside of the 4-pin cable connector with silicone

grease (DC-4 or equivalent).

D. Install the 4-pin cable connector on the SBE 21, aligning the raised

bump on the side of the connector with the large pin on the SBE 21’s bulkhead connector. Remove any trapped air by burping or gently squeezing the connector near the top and moving your fingers toward the end cap.

E. Place the locking sleeve over the cable connector. Tighten the locking

sleeve finger tight only. Do not overtighten the locking sleeve, and do not use a wrench or pliers.

3. Connect the MS-style metal shell connector on the I/O cable to SBE 21 on the Interface Box.

Connecting SBE 21 to Ground and to Auxiliary Sensors

1. Connect the SBE 21’s 1-pin ground connector to ship’s ground.

2. (optional) Install the cable between the SBE 21 and optional SBE 38 Remote Temperature Sensor.

3. (optional) Install the cable(s) for optional auxiliary voltage sensors.

Manual revision 027 Section 3: Installing System SBE 21

Interface Box

Function

Pin A

Optional power return

Pin B

NMEA A (signal)

Pin C

NMEA B (signal return)

Pin D

No connection

Pin E

Optional +12 DC power out, up to 2 amps

Connecting Interface Box

1. Connect Serial on the Interface Box to the computer using the DB-9S to DB-9P cable.

2. Connect the Interface Box AC Input to a standard, 3-prong, grounded, AC outlet, using the UL/IEC-approved power cord (AC voltage between 85-270 VAC).

3. (optional) Connect a NMEA device to NMEA on the Interface Box with the 5-pin MS connector (MS3106A14S-5P). The connector pin designations are:

Manual revision 027 Section 4: Setting Up SBE 21 SBE 21

Notes:

SBE21

Notes:

Section 4: Setting Up SBE 21

This section describes:

• Setting communications parameters in the Interface Box

• Testing power and communications and setting up the SBE 21 in Seaterm

• Command descriptions

• Setting up the configuration (.xmlcon or .con) file in Seasave

• Data format

Setting Communications Parameters in Interface Box

The PN 90488 Interface Box is shipped with default communication settings

• Although baud rates may be set higher than the factory defaults, some users experience dropped characters with higher baud rates.

• The baud rate between the Interface Box and computer must be equal to or higher than the baud rate between the SBE 21 and Interface Box.

that are compatible with operation with the SBE 21:

• 9600 baud for Interface box to computer

• 4800 baud for SBE 21 to Interface Box

• 7 data bits, even parity (SBE 21 to Interface Box and Interface Box

to computer)

• 4800 baud for NMEA device to Interface Box

If you want to change these settings, or you are using an Interface Box that was set up for use with a different CTD, see the Interface Box manual for details on changing communication settings.

Power and Communications Test and SBE 21 Setup in Seaterm

1. Wire the SBE 21 to the Interface Box, wire the Interface Box to the

computer, and provide power to the Interface Box, as described in Electrical Installation in Section 3: Installing System.

• See Seaterm’s help files.

• It is possible to use the SBE 21

without Seaterm by sending direct commands from a dumb terminal or terminal emulator, such as Windows HyperTerminal.

2. Double click on SeaTerm.exe. If this is the first time the program is used,

the setup dialog box may appear:

Select the instrument type (SBE 21) and the computer COM port for communication with the SBE 21. Click OK.

Manual revision 027 Section 4: Setting Up SBE 21 SBE 21

Equivalent

Command*

Status

Display instrument setup and status (logging, samples in memory, etc.).

View data headers (header number, date and time, first and last sample, and sample interval).

Reset data pointers and cast numbers. This should be performed after existing data has been uploaded from SBE 21 and prior to recording new data.

Capture instrument responses on screen to file; may be useful for diagnostics. File has .cap extension. Press Capture again to turn off capture. Capture status displays in Status bar.

Upload data stored in memory, in format Sea-Bird’s post-processing software can use.

Stop logging by sending QL.

DD (use Upload key if

Perform one or more diagnostic tests on SBE 21. Test(s) accessed in this manner are

Stop

Interrupt and end current activity, such as uploading or diagnostic test.

(press Esc key or Ctrl C)

Free computer COM port used to communicate with SBE 21. COM port can then be used by

Note:

Status bar

Menus

Toolbar

Instrument

Capture to file status –

3. The main screen looks like this:

Command/Data Echo Area

Computer

There is at least one way, and as many as three ways, to enter a command:

• Manually type a command in Command/Data Echo Area

• Use a menu to automatically generate a command

• Use a Toolbar button to automatically generate a command

COM port

Instrument

EPROM version

Baud rate, data bits,

stop bits, and parity

• Menus – Contains tasks and frequently executed instrument

commands.

• Toolbar – Contains buttons for frequently executed tasks and

instrument commands. All tasks and commands accessed through the Toolbar are also available in the Menus. To display or hide the Toolbar, select View Toolbar in the View menu. Grayed out Toolbar buttons are not applicable.

• Command/Data Echo Area – Echoes a command executed using a

Menu or Toolbar button, as well as the instrument’s response. Additionally, a command can be manually typed in this area, from the available commands for the instrument. Note that the instrument must be awake for it to respond to a command (use Connect on the Toolbar to wake up the instrument).

• Status bar – Provides status information. To display or hide the Status

bar, select View Status bar in the View menu.

Following are the Toolbar buttons applicable to the SBE 21:

grayed out if not capturing

Toolbar Description

Connect Re-establish communications with SBE 21. (press Enter key)

Headers

Init Log

Capture

Upload

Diagnostics

Disconnect

New header is generated at start of logging and every subsequent 10,000 scans.

Uploaded data has .hex extension. Before using Upload:

• Configure upload and header parameters in Configure menu.

•

non-destructive –they do not write over any existing instrument settings.

another program.

*See Command Descriptions.

—

will be data processing

with SBE Data

Processing)

DS, FR, and VR

—

Manual revision 027 Section 4: Setting Up SBE 21 SBE 21

9600

Computer COM port (1 through 10 as

Interface Box.

Interface for

(RS-232).

Notes:

Note:

4. In the Configure menu, select SBE 21. The dialog box looks like this:

applicable), baud rate between Interface Box and computer (9600, documented on Configuration Sheet), data bits (7), and parity (even) for communication between computer and Interface Box. Baud rate, data bits, and parity must match settings in

communication between computer and Interface Box

When you click OK, Seaterm saves the Configuration Options settings to the SeaTerm.ini file in your Windows directory. SeaTerm.ini contains the last saved settings for each instrument. When you open Seaterm and select the desired instrument (SBE 19, 21, 25, etc.) in the Configure menu, the Configuration Options dialog box shows the last saved settings for that instrument.

Make the selections in the Configuration Options dialog box. Click OK to save the settings.

5. Turn on power to the Interface Box. The red PWR LED should light. The

display in Seaterm looks like this:

Interface box V 3.1b setup:

• See Section 5: Setting Up NMEA Interface for details on

the setup menu.

• If the SBE 21 is set up to automatically start sampling when power is applied (AutoRun=Y), the Interface Box setup is followed by hex data output from the SBE 21.

PC baud rate = 9600 SEACAT baud rate = 4800 7 data bits, even parity NMEA baud rate = 4800 start mode = Echo characters to and from the instrument NMEA message to decode = GGA, GLL, RMA, RMC, TRF, DBT, DPT Press @ to change the interface box setup

This shows that correct communications between the computer and Interface Box has been established. If the system does not respond

as shown:

• Verify the SBE 21 was selected in the Configure menu and the

settings were entered correctly in the dialog box.

• Check cabling between the computer and Interface Box.

Note:

Manual revision 027 Section 4: Setting Up SBE 21 SBE 21

6. If the start mode is not echo characters to and from the instrument:

type @ to access the setup menu. The display looks like this:

• The Interface Box must be in Mode 1 (echo characters to and from the instrument) when sending commands to the SBE 21.

• If you select option 4 (you have a NMEA depth device as well as a NMEA position device), the mode 2 description changes to:

2. Add Lat/Lon/Depth to the real-time HEX data from the instrument

Interface Box set up menu: Modes:

1. Echo characters to and from the instrument

2. Add Lat/Lon to the real-time HEX data from the instrument

3. Transmit Lat/Lon only Options:

4. Add NMEA Depth to the real-time HEX/Lat/Lon data

5. Do not add NMEA Depth to the real-time HEX/Lat/Lon data Communications:

6. Change communication settings and start mode

7. Display communication settings and start mode Diagnostics:

8. enable diagnostic level 1

9. enable diagnostic level 2

the current mode = 1. Echo characters to and from the instrument

enter 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9 followed by Enter, or press @ to exit the set up menu

selection =

Type 1 and press the Enter key. The display then shows the current mode as 1. Echo characters to and from the instrument, which is the mode required for communicating with the SBE 21 to set it up. Type @ to exit the setup menu.

7. Click Connect on the Toolbar or press the Enter key several times. If you

used Connect on the Toolbar, the display looks like this:

*ds

SC21, 4300, 5.0a, 0, 0, 6, N

This is a factory-diagnostic status command (*ds) and reply. The reply indicates instrument serial number [4300], firmware version [5.0a], number of samples in memory [0], number of headers in memory [0], number of bytes in each scan [6], and whether the SBE 21 is logging [L] or not logging [N].

If the system does not respond:

• Click Connect again or press the Enter key several times.

• Verify the correct instrument was selected in the Configure menu and

the settings were entered correctly in the Configuration Options dialog box. The baud rate is documented on the instrument Configuration Sheet.

• Check cabling between the computer, Interface Box, and

SBE 21.

8. Display SBE 21 status information by clicking Status on the Toolbar.

The display looks like this:

SEACAT THERMOSALINOGRAPH V5.0a SERIAL NO. 4300 12/15/2009 14:23:14 ioper = 50.7 ma, vmain = 11.4, vlith = 8.8 samples = 0, free = 10966357 sample interval = 5 seconds, no. of volts sampled = 0 output format = SBE21 start sampling when power on = no average data during sample interval = yes logging data = no voltage cutoff = 7.5 volts

Manual revision 027 Section 4: Setting Up SBE 21 SBE 21

9. If the status reply indicates that the SBE 21 is logging, command the

SBE 21 to stop logging by pressing the Enter key and sending QL. You may need to send QL several times before the SBE 21 responds.

logging stopped, stop command

10. Command the SBE 21 to take a sample by typing TS and pressing the

Enter key. The display looks like this (if output format=SBE 21, number of volts sampled=0, and no external temperature sensor):

78610428

where 7861 = raw Hex temperature data 0428 = raw Hex conductivity data See Data Formats to interpret the data and determine if they are reasonable (i.e., room temperature and zero conductivity if running in air, or expected temperature and conductivity for water).

11. Set up the SBE 21 as desired (see Command Descriptions).

12. Command the SBE 21 to go to sleep (quiescent state) by typing QS and

pressing the Enter key.

13. Turn off power to the Interface Box.

+ 53 hidden pages

SBE SeaCAT 21 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

SBE 21 SeaCAT Thermosalinograph

Limited Liability Statement

Declaration of Conformity

Table of Contents

Section 1: Introduction

About this Manual

Unpacking SBE 21

Section 2: Description of SBE 21

System Description

Specifications

Dimensions and Bulkhead Connectors

Data I/O

Data Storage

Remote Temperature Sensor (optional)

Section 3: Installing System

Installing Software

System Schematic and Installation Guidelines

Mechanical Installation

Electrical Installation

Connecting SBE 21 to Interface Box

Connecting SBE 21 to Ground and to Auxiliary Sensors

Connecting Interface Box

Section 4: Setting Up SBE 21

Setting Communications Parameters in Interface Box

Power and Communications Test and SBE 21 Setup in Seaterm