Announcement Archive

This page archives old announcements when they are removed from the Announcements page:

Ocean Business 2007
Sea-Bird is exhibiting at Ocean Business 2007, March 27 - 29, in Southampton, UK. We are presenting a 1-hour training session on each of the following topics:
1. Using the new Inductive Modem Module in inductive moorings (March 27, 11:30 am).
2. Correction of dynamic errors in profiling CTD measurements of conductivity and dissolved oxygen data quality using SEASOFT data processing software (March 28, 10:30 am).
3. Using field samples to determine dissolved oxygen and conductivity calibration adjustments (March 29, 10:30 am).
Please go to Ocean Business 2007 to register to attend.

New Beta Release of SEASAVE V7 (April 2006)
A Beta release of an entirely new version of SEASAVE is available for downloading from our ftp site. SEASAVE V7 provides more robust data acquisition / increased stability, easier-to-use and more intuitive user interface, support for transmission of data over TCP/IP, and better graphics. And, you can try out the new software without overwriting the existing version of SEASAVE on your computer. Go to the SEASAVE V7 page for more details and download instructions.

Bertinoro 2007
Our representative in Italy, Communication Technology, is hosting training in Bertinoro, Italy for users of Sea-Bird, RDI, and Benthos equipment (please go to Bertinoro 2007 to register to attend). Sea-Bird is presenting the following:

New SBE 52-MP Moored Profiler CTD and Dissolved Oxygen Sensor (December 2005)
The SBE 52-MP is a conductivity, temperature, depth (pressure) sensor (CTD), designed for mooring profiling applications in which the instrument makes vertical profile measurements from a device that travels vertically beneath a buoy, or from a buoyant sub-surface sensor package that is winched up and down from a bottom-mounted platform. The 52-MP incorporates pump-controlled, TC-ducted flow to minimize salinity spiking. On typically slow-moving packages (e.g., 20 - 50 cm/sec), its sampling rate of once per second provides good spatial resolution of oceanographic structures and gradients. The 52-MP can optionally be configured with a frequency output version of the SBE 43 Dissolved Oxygen Sensor.

New Software Utility for 37-IM and 37-IMP MicroCATs (August 2005)
A new software utility, Cnv37IMHex.exe, is now automatically installed when SEATERM is installed, in the same directory as SEATERM.

Uploading data from an inductive modem MicroCAT (SBE 37-IM or 37-IMP) takes a significant amount of time, because the MicroCAT communicates with the Surface Inductive Modem at 1200 baud. SBE 37-IM Format 0 to ASCII Converter (Cnv37IMHex.exe) quickly converts a hexadecimal file (#iiFormat=0) to one identical to data uploaded with #iiFormat=1 (ASCII engineering units), providing the benefits of a faster, hexadecimal upload with easy-to-use converted output. For a full memory of 185,000 samples of conductivity, temperature, pressure, and date and time, uploading in hex takes 10 hours vs. 23 hours for uploading in ASCII engineering units.

The installation software for SEATERM version 1.50 and later, with a modified date of 8/15/2005 and later, automatically installs CNV37IMHex.exe in the same directory as SEATERM. Go to the FTP Site to download the latest version of SEATERM and try out this software.

To use Cnv37IMHex.exe (see the 37-IM or 37-IMP MicroCAT manual for details on programming the MicroCAT and uploading data):
1. Send #iiFormat=0 (ii = MicroCAT ID) to your MicroCAT (set the format before or after the data is collected).
2. Upload the data.
3. Run Cnv37IMHex.exe. Select the input file, and click Convert File. The program appends _hta to the file name for the output file, to prevent overwriting the upload data file. For example, if your hex data file name is test.asc, the output file name will be test_hta.asc.

New SBE 53 BPR Bottom Pressure Recorder (May 2005)
The SBE 53 BPR measures full ocean depth water level with extremely high resolution, accuracy, and stability. The BPR combines a uniquely precise and stable time base with low power frequency acquisition circuitry, Paroscientific Digiquartz® pressure transducer, non-volatile 32 MB FLASH memory, and a precision thermometer to provide unprecedented bottom pressure recording capability. An optional conductivity sensor (SBE 4M) can be added to provide salinity data as well. The interval between each water level measurement and the duration of the integration period are user-programmable.

SBE 39-IM Temperature (optional Pressure) Recorder with Inductive Modem Interface (January 2005)
The SBE 39 family has grown, with the addition of a new version -- the SBE 39-IM combines the accuracy and performance of the SBE 39 with an inductive modem interface. The inductive modem uses a mooring cable as the communication link, permitting the 39-IM to be easily positioned at any depth without the use of cable connectors. The modem provides reliable, low-cost, real-time data transmission for up to 100 sensors -- all 39-IMs or a mix of 39-IMs and other IM instruments (SBE 16plus-IM, 37-IM, 37-IMP, 44).

SBE 26 Measures Record Wave During Hurricane Ivan (August 2005)
Scientists at the Naval Research Laboratory - Stennis Space Center (NRL-SSC) measured a record-size wave with the SBE 26 SEAGAUGE Wave and Tide Recorder when the eye of Hurricane Ivan passed over NRL moorings in the Gulf of Mexico in September 2004. For details, see the NRL press release.

SBE 26plus SEAGAUGE Wave and Tide Recorder (December 2004)
Continued development of the SBE 26plus, which was first released in May 2004, has resulted in the following new features:
- Real-time output -- tide data, wave data, and/or wave statistics.
- Lower-price Druck strain gauge pressure sensor available as an option in place of Quartz pressure sensor -- generally intended for wave sampling applications.
Use the improved SBE 26plus with SEASOFT for Waves for Windows, Version 1.07a or later (go to the FTP Site to download and try out the software).

Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) Battery Packs and Charger (September 2004)
The NiMH battery charger is an externally powered, microprocessor-controlled, intelligent, battery-conditioning charger. The NiMH charger / battery pack is superior to the Ni-Cad system, delivering almost twice the capacity and recharging in just 2 hours, compared to 15 hours for the Ni-Cad system. If handled and stored correctly, the NiMH battery pack should operate properly for approximately 5 years or 500 charge/discharge cycles.
The NiMH battery charger (PN 90504) and 12-cell battery pack (PN 801512) are now shipping as standard equipment with the SBE 17plus V2 SEARAM; the charger and 9-cell battery pack (PN 801511) are available as options with the SBE 19plus SEACAT and SBE 25 SEALOGGER CTDs.
Download the NiMH manual for details.

Battery and Memory Budget Calculator for Moored Instruments (August 2004)
- The calculator is an aid for quickly determining the number of samples for a specified sample duration or rate, based on our conservative estimate of battery capacity and memory capacity.
- The calculator applies to the following instruments: SBE 16 (not current production), 16plus, 16plus-IM, 19plus (in moored mode), 37-IM, 37-IMP, 37-SM, 37-SMP, 39, 44.
- The calculator was developed in Microsoft Excel 2002. You must have Excel installed on your computer to run the calculator.
- Our best effort has been made to provide a useful deployment planning tool, while minimizing the risk of data loss due to overly optimistic battery capacity assumptions. Due to variations in components, instrumentation, production revisions, battery age or shelf life and general factors beyond our control, this calculator is for use at the end user's own risk. Instrument battery life may vary in any given environment.
- Go to the FTP Site to download and try out the calculator (SBE_Battery_Budget_Calculator_v1_082004.xls).

New Regulations on Wood Crates (April 2004)
In 2002, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations published "International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures, Publication #15, Guidelines for Regulating Wood Packaging Material in International Trade" (ISPM 15). The world community is moving towards implementing these regulations. Different countries have announced various dates through 2004 when they will start enforcing rules based on ISPM 15. The new regulations require that any wood packaging material be heat treated to the approved standard. Check your local laws for implementation dates of these regulations.
The American Lumber Standards Committee (ALSC) has developed a U.S. standard that meets or exceeds the requirements of ISPM 15 (International Standards for Phytosanitary Measure 15). Packaging that meets the requirements of ALSC is marked with the ALSC stamp on a minimum of two opposing faces of the completed packaging product.
Starting May 1, 2004, all packaging leaving Sea-Bird for international shipments of new products meets the new standards and is marked with the approved certification stamp. As inventories of existing non-heat-treated boxes are used up, Sea-Bird will switch to using approved, heat-treated packaging for all shipments using wood boxes.
Starting June 1, 2004, the United States started enforcing ISPM 15. If a customer tries to send in equipment for servicing, in a non-approved wood box, it may not be allowed into the U.S. If it does reach Sea-Bird, we will return the instrument in a new crate that meets the requirements of ISPM 15. We will charge for the replacement crate based on the dimensions of the crate we receive. See Shipping Instructions for Returning Goods to Sea-Bird for pricing information. See http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/swp/industry/index.html for a U.S. government website that provides details on U.S. and overseas regulations.

Electro Chem Lithium Batteries (February 2004)
Electro Chem lithium battery packs were previously available as options for the SBE 16, 16plus, 16plus-IM, and 26 (not 26plus). Sea-Bird is no longer able to ship assembled Electro Chem lithium battery packs, due to changes in U.S. DOT and IATA regulations. We are now selling a battery pack kit (which does not include the batteries); you can use the kit to build a battery pack with Electro Chem lithium cells that you purchase elsewhere (see WGT's website for purchasing information). See the SBE 16, 16plus, 16plus-IM, or 26 listing on our Spare Parts Kit page for a link to the battery pack kit instructions.

TS contour plots in SBE Data Processing (October 2003)
SBE Data Processing's SeaPlot module is now able to create temperature-salinity (TS) plots with density or thermosteric anomaly contours. This release completes the conversion of SEASOFT-DOS to Windows. Go to the FTP Site to download and try out SBE Data Processing!

SEASOFT for Waves for Windows (May 2003)
SEASOFT for Waves is a Win 95/98/NT/2000/XP program for use with the SBE 26 SEAGAUGE Wave and Tide Recorder. This release completes the conversion of SEASOFT for Waves - DOS to Windows. Use SEASOFT for Waves for:
1. Pre-deployment planning.
2. Communication with the SBE 26 to program for deployment.
3. Uploading of raw data from the SBE 26.
4. Separation of the raw data into separate wave and tide files.
5. Removal of barometric pressure from the tide data.
6. Calculation of wave statistics.
7. Calculation of surface wave time series and/or wave burst auto-spectrum statistics for each processed wave burst.
8. Plotting of data.
Items 1 through 4 have been available in (Windows) SeatermW since July 2002, but have now been incorporated in the complete package. Go to the FTP Site to download and try out SEASOFT for Waves!

SBE 37-IMP and 37-SMP MicroCATs (April 2003)
The MicroCAT family of instruments continues to grow, with the addition of two new versions of the MicroCAT C-T (pressure optional) Recorder:
     - SBE 37-IMP combines the features of the SBE 37-IM (Inductive Modem) with an integral, internal pump.
     - SBE 37-SMP combines the features of the SBE 37-SM (Serial interface & Memory) with an integral, internal pump.
The pump comes on for 1/2 second each time the MicroCAT wakes up, providing:
     - improved conductivity response (pump flushes the previously sampled water from the conductivity cell and brings a new water sample quickly into the cell) 
     - improved anti-foul protection (water does not freely flow through the conductivity cell between samples, allowing the anti-foul concentration inside the cell to build up).
Operating modes and commands for the 37-IMP and 37-SMP are identical to those of the SBE 37-IM and 37-SM respectively.

SBE 45 MicroTSG Interface Box (March 2003)
Sea-Bird is offering an optional PN 90402 -- SBE 45 Power, Navigation, and Remote Temperature Interface Box. The AC- or DC-powered Interface Box:
- Provides isolated DC power and an optically isolated RS-232 interface for the SBE 45.
- Contains a NMEA 0183 port for appending navigation information from a NMEA navigation device to the data stream.
- Contains an RS-232 port for appending the output of an optional remote temperature sensor (SBE 38), allowing for measurement of sea surface temperature with minimal thermal contamination from the ships's hull.
- Outputs the data stream (SBE 45, NMEA navigation device, and SBE 38 data) to the computer over an RS-232 interface.
The SBE 45 and Interface Box are fully supported in our software -- SEATERM (terminal program), SEASAVE (real-time data acquisition software), and SBE Data Processing (data processing software). The SBE 45 now provides a complete thermosalinograph system in a compact form.

To Users of Sea-Bird Beckman Dissolved Oxygen Sensors (SBE 13B and 23B) (October 2002; revised February 2003)
Sea-Bird stopped selling SBE 13 and SBE 23 DO sensors in early 2001, but customers who bought such sensors in the past still look to us for replacement modules. For the Beckman version of these sensors, continuing availability of the replacement modules from their manufacturer is in doubt. As of February 2003, we do not have any replacement modules (PN 24015) left. Customers needing replacement modules will not be able to obtain them from Sea-Bird.

While we recommend that customers needing replacement modules buy a new SBE 43 DO Sensor instead, we realize that some will not have a budget allowing this. Those who work in shallow water (2000 meters or less) may find that conversion of their Beckman sensors to YSI types (SBE 13B to 13Y or SBE 23B to 23Y) by Sea-Bird will be a useful compromise. The price of conversion (including the appropriate plenum for pumped systems) is equal to the current price of the PN 24015 Beckman replacement module.

SeatermW -- SEASOFT for Waves for Windows (July 2002)
SeatermW© is a WIN 95/98/NT/2000/XP program for use with the SBE 26 SEAGAUGE Wave and Tide Recorder. Use SeatermW for pre-deployment planning, communication with the SBE 26 to program for deployment, uploading of raw data from the SBE 26, and separation of raw data into separate wave and tide files. SeatermW includes the functions incorporated in the WDisp, Plan26, and Term26 modules in SEASOFT for Waves - DOS. Data uploaded with SeatermW can be processed with the processing modules (Merge26, Wave26, Report26, and Plot26) in SEASOFT for Waves - DOS. Go to the FTP Site to download and try out SeatermW! (We are working on converting the rest of the DOS software to Windows -- watch for future announcements.)

Using USB Ports to Communicate with Sea-Bird Instruments (April 2002)
Application Note 68 provides recommendations for using Sea-Bird instruments with a computer that does not have an RS-232 port.

SBE 50: Digital Oceanographic Pressure Sensor (January 2002)
We are pleased to introduce the SBE 50, a high-accuracy, high-resolution (16 Hz sampling) pressure sensor intended for towed vehicle, ROV, AUV, or other autonomous profiling applications at depths up to 7000 meters.

SeaPlot for Win 95/98/NT/2000/XP (January 2002)
Our Windows data processing software, SBE Data Processing, now includes the SeaPlot module, previously available only in our DOS software. SeaPlot can be used to plot C, T, and P, as well as derived variables and data from auxiliary sensors, from any converted .cnv data file. SeaPlot can plot up to 5 variables on one plot, with a single X axis and up to 4 Y axes or a single Y axis and up to 4 X axes. Plots can be sent to a printer, saved to the clipboard for insertion in another program (such as Microsoft Word), or saved as graphic files in bitmap, metafile, or JPEG format. Go to the FTP Site to download the latest version of SBE Data Processing, and try out SeaPlot!

SBE 49: FastCAT CTD Sensor (August 2001)
We are pleased to introduce the SBE 49, an integrated CTD sensor intended for use as a modular component in towed vehicles, ROVs, AUVs, or other autonomous profiling platforms that can supply DC power and acquire serial data. FastCAT's pump-controlled, TC-ducted flow minimizes salinity spiking, and its 16 Hz sampling provides very high spatial resolution of oceanographic structures and gradients.

Sea-Bird Training (May 2001)
Sea-Bird now offers regularly scheduled 4-day training classes in Bellevue, Washington. We provide comprehensive, hands-on operator training on major Sea-Bird products. Visit Sea-Bird Training for more information.

SBE Data Processing© for Win 95/98/NT (April 2001)
After 6 months of Beta testing, a Release version of SBE Data Processing for Windows is now available to download from our FTP Site! SBE Data Processing consists of modular, menu-driven routines for converting, editing, and processing of oceanographic data acquired with Sea-Bird equipment. SBE Data Processing includes many, but not all, of the post-processing functions in the DOS-based SEASOFT.

SBE 43: Dissolved Oxygen Sensor (March 2001)
We are pleased to introduce the SBE 43, a new dissolved oxygen sensor of our own design. After five years of development and two years of field trials, the SBE 43 is the world's finest profiling dissolved oxygen sensor. Check out the SBE 43 for more information!

SEACATs: SBE 16plus and SBE 19plus (March 2001)
Sea-Bird is introducing our next generation SEACATs. The SBE 16plus Conductivity & Temperature (pressure optional) Recorder and the SBE 19plus Profiler CTD bring numerous improvements in accuracy, resolution, reliability, and ease-of-use. Check out the SBE 16plus and SBE 19plus for more information!

SBE 48: Hull Temperature Sensor (November 2000)
The SBE 48 is a high-accuracy temperature recorder, designed for shipboard determination of sea surface temperature. Mounted with magnets just below the water line, the SBE 48's temperature sensor is in contact with the inside of the ship's hull. Check out the SBE 48 for more information!

SBE Data Processing© for Win 95/NT (October 2000)
A Beta version of SBE Data Processing for Windows is now available to download from our FTP Site! SBE Data Processing consists of modular, menu-driven routines for converting, editing, and processing of oceanographic data acquired with Sea-Bird equipment. SBE Data Processing includes many, but not all, of the post-processing functions in the DOS-based SEASOFT. Visit our SBE Data Processing for Windows page for more information.

Druck Pressure Sensors for SBE 37 MicroCATs and SBE 39 (September 2000)
The SBE 37 MicroCAT (37-IM, 37-SM, and 37-SI) and the SBE 39 Temperature Recorder are all available with an optional pressure sensor. For all MicroCATs and SBE 39s ordered after September 1, 2000, Sea-Bird is using a pressure sensor developed by Druck, Inc. The pressure sensor has a superior new design that is entirely different from conventional 'silicon' types in which the deflection of a metallic diaphragm is detected by epoxy-bonded silicon strain gauges. The Druck sensor employs a micro-machined silicon diaphragm into which the strain elements are implanted using semiconductor fabrication techniques. Unlike metal diaphragms, silicon's crystal structure is perfectly elastic, so the sensor is essentially free of pressure hysteresis. Compensation of the temperature influence on pressure offset and scale is performed by the instrument (MicroCAT or SBE 39) CPU.

Print Versions of Specification Sheets (June 2000)
Many of Sea-Bird's specification sheets are now available in Adobe Acrobat .pdf form for downloading. These Acrobat documents are intended primarily for Sea-Bird representatives, who may want to print formatted specification sheets for customers.  Files can be opened if you have Acrobat Reader installed. See Instruments by Model Number to download files and/or to link to Adobe's website to download Acrobat Reader (available for free).

SBE 46: LCD Display Box (May 2000)
The SBE 46 is designed for indoor shipboard or laboratory display of up to four parameters obtained from an external instrument, without the need for a dedicated computer. Compatible with a number of Sea-Bird instruments, it provides power as well as an easy-to-read display. Check out the SBE 46 data sheet or call us for more information!

SeatermAF© for WIN95/NT (April 2000)
SeatermAF for Windows is now available to download from our FTP Site!! SeatermAF is a terminal program for interfacing with Sea-Bird instruments that include Auto Fire capability for operating a carousel water sampler. SeatermAF can send commands to an instrument to provide status display, data acquisition setup, data retrieval, and diagnostic tests.

SBE 17plus V2: SEARAM Recorder & Auto Fire Module (April 2000)
The SBE 17plus has been redesigned, and is now the SBE 17plus V2. The SEARAM's newest feature, Auto-Fire capability, allows it to operate an SBE 32 Carousel water sampler. The SEARAM continues to provide battery power and memory (now 16 MB non-volatile FLASH RAM memory) to allow the SBE 9plus CTD underwater unit to be used in self-contained mode without a conducting sea-cable. Check out the SBE 17plus V2 data sheet or call us for more information!

Electronic Documentation -- Manuals and Reference Sheets (March 2000)
Electronic versions of manuals and reference sheets for many products are now available for downloading. Files are in Adobe Acrobat .pdf form, and can be opened if you have Acrobat Reader installed. See Instruments by Model Number to download files and/or to link to Adobe's website to download Acrobat Reader (available for free).

SBE 45: MicroTSG (Thermosalinograph) (February 2000)
The SBE 45 is an externally-powered, high accuracy instrument, designed for shipboard determination of sea surface conductivity and temperature. Check out the SBE 45 data sheet or call us for more information!

SEATERM© for WIN95/NT (January 2000)
SEATERM for Windows is now available to download from our FTP Site!! SEATERM is a terminal program for interfacing with a wide variety of Sea-Bird instruments. SEATERM can send commands to an instrument to provide status display, data acquisition setup, data retrieval, and diagnostic tests.

New MicroCAT Mechanical Design
As of December 1, 1999, all SBE 37 MicroCATs changed to a new, improved, mechanical design.

Inductive Modem System information
Written by Sea-Bird Electronics, this tutorial contains Principles of Inductive Coupling, Inductive Mooring Configurations, Inductive Modem System Components, Mooring Cable and Cable Fitting Resources, and OEM Components Available from Sea-Bird. Visit Real-Time Oceanography with Inductive Moorings for a comprehensive description of Inductive Mooring Technology.

Download Sea-Bird Website for Cruise Reference
The Sea-Bird website can now be downloaded from our FTP Site (mm-dd-yy_SBE_website.ZIP, where mm-dd-yy = month day year that file was created).  The file can be unzipped onto a local machine or a ZIP disk, for reference on your next cruise! The website ZIP file will be updated every month. Watch for ZIP update announcements on the Web Updates page.

SEASAVE for WIN95/NT
SEASAVE for Windows is now available to download from our FTP Site!

Sea-Bird CTD Module for ALACE
The CTD module for ALACE is part of a growing family of CTD instruments being developed and engineered at Sea-Bird for modern autonomous platforms. Visit our ALACE page for the latest Sea-Bird CTD module information and for links to sites providing the latest profiling data from active floats.

SBE 39: Temperature & Pressure Recorder
The SBE 39 is a high-accuracy temperature and pressure (optional) recorder with internal battery and memory. It is intended for moorings or other long term fixed-site deployments at depths up to 10500 meters (34,400 ft), depending on housing option. Check out the SBE 39 data sheet or call us for more information!

Year 2000 Compatibility
For a discussion on the compatibility of Sea-Bird products with the year 2000, see Application Note 60.

Product Recall Notice: Opto-Isolated Junction Boxes
Please see notice under Technical Alerts regarding this potentially dangerous condition.

Last modified: 06-Apr-2007

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