Sea-Bird Electronics SBE 38, User Manual

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Locking Sleeve Installation
After the cable boot or dummy plug is mated to the bulkhead connector, install the locking sleeve. The locking
sleeve secures the cable or dummy plug to the bulkhead connector and prevents them it being inadvertently
removed. Important points regarding locking sleeves:
•
Tighten the locking sleeve by hand. Do not use a wrench or pliers to tighten the locking sleeve. Over-
tightening will gall the threads, which can bind the locking sleeve to the bulkhead connector. Attempting to
remove a tightly bound locking sleeve may instead result in the bulkhead connector actually unthreading from
the end cap. A loose bulkhead connector will lead to a flooded instrument.
Pay particular attention when
removing a locking sleeve to ensure the bulkhead connector is not loosened .
•
It is a common misconception that the locking sleeve provides watertight integrity. It does not, and continued
re-tightening of the locking sleeve will not fix a leaking connector .
•
As part of routine maintenance at the end of a day’s casts, remove the locking sleeve, slide it up the cable, and
rinse the connection (still mated) with fresh water. This will prevent premature cable failure.
Cold Weather Tips
In cold weather, the cable or dummy plug may be hard to install and remove.
Removing a Frozen Cable Boot or Dummy Plug:
1. Wrap the cable boot or dummy plug with a washrag or other cloth.
2. Pour hot water on the cloth and let it sit for a minute or two. The cable boot or dummy plug should thaw and
become flexible enough to be removed.
Installing a Standard XSG/AG Cable or Dummy Plug:
When possible, install cables and dummy plugs in warm environments. If not, warm the cable boot or dummy plug
sufficiently so it is flexible. A flexible cable boot or dummy plug will install properly.
Note about Wet-Pluggable (MCBH) Connectors:
As an option, Sea-Bird offers wet-pluggable (MCBH) connectors in place of the standard Impulse XSG/AG
connectors. Wet-pluggable connectors have a non-conducting guide pin to assist pin alignment and require less
force to mate, making them
easier to mate reliably under dark or cold conditions , compared to our standard
connectors. Wet-pluggable connectors may be mated in wet conditions; their pins do not need to be dried before
mating. By design, water on the connector pins is forced out as the connector is mated. However, they must not be
mated or un-mated while submerged. Like standard connectors, wet-pluggables need proper lubrication and require
care during use to avoid trapping water in sockets.
If desired, Sea-Bird can retrofit your existing instruments with wet-pluggable connectors; contact Sea-Bird for
pricing information.
Locking sleeve
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