Manual revision 005
Section 2: Description of SBE 63
SBE 63
7
Section 2: Description of SBE 63
This section describes the functions and features of the SBE 63, including
specifications and dimensions.
System Description
The SBE 63 is an easy-to-use, light, compact instrument ruggedly made of
titanium and other low-maintenance (plastic) materials, designed to be
incorporated into oceanographic sensing systems at depths up to 600 or
7000 meters (1960 or 23,000 feet). Commands sent to the SBE 63 provide
status display, data acquisition setup, and diagnostic tests. Its data is
telemetered by its internal, 3-wire, RS-232C interface. The SBE 63 has no
sample memory or internal batteries.
The SBE 63 samples in two modes:
•
Autonomous sampling
–The SBE 63 samples at pre-programmed
intervals of 1 to 32,767 seconds. It can be set to average up to
255 measurements per sample, and transmits the averaged data.
The SBE 63 can be programmed to begin autonomous sampling when
power is applied or on command.
•
Polled sampling
– On command, the SBE 63 takes one sample and
transmits the data.
The SBE 63 outputs raw or converted (ASCII engineering units) data in one of
a number of formats, for compatibility with existing CTDs.
Each SBE 63 is calibrated individually in a temperature-controlled bath.
Bath temperatures are varied at each of 4 oxygen values, providing a
comprehensive 24-point calibration. Two reference sensors in each bath are
standardized against Winkler titrations. Response time tests are conducted on
each sensor, using gas. Salinity and pressure impacts on sensor response are
each checked at two separate points.
The SBE 63 is designed for use in a CTD's pumped flow path. Water does not
freely flow through the plumbing between samples, allowing anti-foul
concentration inside the system to maintain saturation and eliminating
exposure of the sensor to light, maximizing bio-fouling protection. The
elapsed time between the CTD and associated oxygen measurement is easily
quantified, and corrected for in post-processing.
Configuration options:
•
With the optional sensor mount, the SBE 63 can be plugged into the
RS-232 auxiliary sensor connector of the SBE 16
plus
V2, 16
plus
-IM V2,
or 19
plus
V2 SeaCAT CTD. Configuration choices include a 600-meter
plastic housing or 7000-meter titanium housing, and an XSG or
wet-pluggable MCBH connector.
•
The SBE 63 with a 600-meter plastic or 7000-meter titanium housing can
be integrated into an SBE 37 MicroCAT (37-IMP-ODO, 37-SMP-ODO,
or 37-SIP-ODO).
•
On an SBE 41 (Argo float) CTD, the SBE 63 has a 7000-meter titanium
housing. The SBE 63 is physically integrated with the CTD; however,
electronic operation of the SBE 63 requires an RS-232 interface in the
float controller.
SBE 63 (plastic housing)
SBE 63 (titanium housing)
