Sea-Bird Scientific SBE 39plus-IM User manual

SBE39plus-IM
Temperature (P) Recorder
Temperature (pressure optional) Recorder with
Inductive Modem Interface
User Manual
Release Date: 06/01/2016
Manual version
Firmware version
s
Software version
•001
•
Acquisition 4.4.0 & later
•
IMM 1.10 & later
•
SIM 3.0a & later
•
Seaterm V2.6.0 & later
Shown with plastic housing
& external thermistor

2
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 001 Declaration of Conformity SBE 39plus-IM
3
Declaration of Conformity

Manual revision 001 Table of Contents SBE 39plus-IM
4
Table of Contents
Limited Liability Statement............................................................................2
Declaration of Conformity ..............................................................................3
Table of Contents.............................................................................................4
Section 1: Introduction....................................................................................6
About this Manual .............................................................................................6
Quick Start.........................................................................................................6
Unpacking SBE 39plus-IM................................................................................7
Shipping Precautions .........................................................................................8
Section 2: Description of SBE 39plus-IM.......................................................9
System Description............................................................................................9
Specifications...................................................................................................11
Dimensions ......................................................................................................12
Battery Pack Endurance...................................................................................13
Deployment Orientation...................................................................................15
Inductive Modem Module (IMM) or Surface Inductive Modem (SIM)..........16
Mooring Cable and Wiring Requirements.......................................................17
Section 3: Preparing SBE 39plus-IM for Deployment................................18
Software Installation........................................................................................18
Power and Communications Test and Setting SBE 39plus-IM IDs – Using IM
Communications and Inductive Modem Module (IMM).................................19
Test Setup with IMM................................................................................19
Setup of IMM for use with SBE 39plus-IM .............................................20
Test and Set SBE 39plus-IM ID Using 39plus-IM with IMM..................21
Power and Communications Test and Setting SBE 39plus-IM IDs –
Using Surface Inductive Modem (SIM)...........................................................26
Test Setup with SIM.................................................................................26
Test and Set SBE 39plus-IM ID Using 39plus-IM with SIM...................26
Power and Communications Test – Using USB Communications ..................32
Test Setup .................................................................................................32
Test ...........................................................................................................32
Section 4: Deploying and Operating SBE 39plus-IM..................................35
Operation Description......................................................................................35
Timeout Descriptions................................................................................36
Sampling Modes ..............................................................................................37
Polled Sampling........................................................................................37
Autonomous Sampling (Logging commands) ..........................................38
Combo Sampling......................................................................................39
Averaging Sampling .................................................................................40
Command Descriptions....................................................................................41
SIM Commands........................................................................................42
SBE 39plus-IM Integrated IMM Commands............................................43
SBE 39plus-IM Acquisition Microcontroller Commands ........................45
Data Formats....................................................................................................62
Setup for Deployment......................................................................................65
Attaching SBE 39plus-IM to Mooring Cable ..................................................66
SBE 39plus-IM without Optional Fairing / Net Fender............................66
SBE 39plus-IM with Optional Fairing / Net Fender.................................67
System Installation and Wiring........................................................................68
Installing Optional Inductive Cable Coupler (ICC)..................................68
Recovery..........................................................................................................69

Manual revision 001 Table of Contents SBE 39plus-IM
5
Uploading Data................................................................................................70
Uploading Data via USB and Viewing in Plot39 .....................................71
Upload Using IM Telemetry and Viewing in Plot39
(recommended only for uploading small amounts of data).......................73
Converting Uploaded .xml File to .cnv File for use in
SBE Data Processing................................................................................76
Section 5: Routine Maintenance and Calibration.......................................77
Corrosion Precautions......................................................................................77
Replacing AA Cells and Desiccant..................................................................77
O-Ring Maintenance........................................................................................78
Pressure Sensor (optional) Maintenance..........................................................78
Sensor Calibration............................................................................................79
Section 6: Troubleshooting............................................................................81
Problem 1: Unable to Communicate with 39plus-IM......................................81
Problem 2: No Data Recorded .........................................................................81
Problem 3: Unreasonable T or P Data..............................................................82
Glossary..........................................................................................................83
Appendix I: Functional Description.............................................................84
Sensors.............................................................................................................84
Sensor Interface ...............................................................................................84
Real-Time Clock..............................................................................................84
Memory............................................................................................................85
Appendix II: Command Summary...............................................................86
Appendix III: SIM Hookup and Configuration.........................................90
Power Connection............................................................................................90
Interface Option Connection (J1, J2, and J4) and
I/O Connector Wiring (JP2).............................................................................91
Inductive Mooring Cable Connection (JP4) ....................................................91
Normal Deployed Operation (J5).....................................................................91
Appendix IV: Old-Style Commands .............................................................92
Appendix V: USB Driver Installation..........................................................93
Installing Driver via Windows Update ............................................................93
Uninstalling and Reinstalling Driver ...............................................................94
Appendix VI: Replacement Parts.................................................................95
Appendix VII: Manual Revision History.....................................................96
Index................................................................................................................97

Manual revision 001 Section 1: Introduction SBE 39plus-IM
6
Section 1: Introduction
This section includes a Quick Start procedure, photos of a standard
SBE 39plus-IM shipment, and battery shipping precautions.
About this Manual
This manual is to be used with the SBE 39plus-IM Temperature (pressure
optional) 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 ([email protected] 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.
Quick Start
Follow these steps to get a Quick Start using the 39plus-IM.
The manual provides step-by-step details for performing each task:
1. Test Power and Communications and set 39plus-IM ID (Section 3:
Preparing SBE 39plus-IM for Deployment).
2. Deploy 39plus-IM (Section 4: Deploying and Operating SBE 39plus-IM):
A. Install new AA cells if necessary (see Replacing AA Cells and
Desiccant in Section 5: Routine Maintenance and Calibration).
B. Ensure all data has been uploaded, and then send #iiInitLogging to
make entire memory available for recording if desired.
C. Set date and time (#iiDateTime=).
D. Establish setup and sampling parameters.
E. Check status (#iiDS) and calibration coefficients (#iiDC) to
verify setup.
F. Autonomous sampling: Set 39plus-IM to start logging now
(#iiStartNow) or in the future (#iiStartDateTime= and #iiStartLater).
G. If deploying multiple IM instruments:
verify 39plus-IM set to Prompt ID.
H. Install new desiccant and close housing.
I. Install 39plus-IM on mooring cable.
J. Install Inductive Cable Coupler (optional) on mooring cable.
K. Wire system.

Manual revision 001 Section 1: Introduction SBE 39plus-IM
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Unpacking SBE 39plus-IM
A typical 39plus-IM shipment is shown below (one of several available
models is pictured).
Software, and Electronic Copies of
Software Manuals and User Manual
Surface Inductive Modem (SIM) PCB
(1 per mooring, optional)
I/O Cable
(included with SIM)
Inductive Cable Coupler (ICC)
(optional with SIM, 1 per mooring)
39plus-IM -
Plastic housing,
External thermistor
Note:
SBE 39plus-IM can be used with
SIM or with IMM; IMM not shown.
I/O cable for internal
USB connector
Spare parts kit – includes spare o-rings
and spare desiccant

Manual revision 001 Section 1: Introduction SBE 39plus-IM
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Shipping Precautions
For its main power supply, the SBE 39plus-IM uses four 3.6-volt AA lithium
cells (Saft LS14500). The SBE 39plus-IM was shipped from the factory with
the cells installed.
If the shipment does not meet the requirements below, the shipment is considered
Dangerous/Hazardous Goods, and must be shipped according to those rules.
1 SBE 39plus-IM
and associated
cells,
but no spares
1-10 SBE 39plus-IM
and associated cells,
plus up to 2 spare cell
sets/SBE 39plus-IM
2-10 SBE 39plus-IM
and associated
cells,
but no spares
Spares
(without SBE 39plus)
Note new rules as of
January 1, 2013
UN #
UN3091
UN3091
UN3091
Must be shipped as
Class 9 Dangerous Goods.
If re-shipping spares, you must
have your own Dangerous
Goods program.
Packing
Instruction (PI)
#
970 970 970
Passenger
Aircraft
Yes No Yes
Cargo Aircraft
Yes
Yes
Yes
Labeling
Requirement
- 1, 2 ** 1 **
Airway Bill
(AWB)
Requirement
No Yes * Yes *
* AWB must contain following information in Nature and Quantity of Goods Box: “Lithium Metal Batteries”, “Not Restricted”, “PI #”
** Labels are defined below:
If you will re-ship the SBE 39plus-IM after testing, pack the SBE 39plus-IM
and/or spare AA cells properly for shipment, apply appropriate labels, and
prepare appropriate shipping documentation.
Note:
Remove the AA cells before returning
the 39plus-IM to Sea-Bird. Do not
return the used cells to Sea-Bird when
shipping the 39plus-IM for calibration
or repair. All setup information is
preserved when the cells are removed.
DISCLAIMER / WARNING:
The shipping information provided in is a general overview of lithium cell shipping requirements; it does not provide complete
shipping information. The information is provided as a courtesy, to be used as a guideline to assist properly trained shippers.
These materials do not alter, satisfy, or influence any federal or state requirements. These materials are subject to change
due to changes in government regulations. Sea-Bird accepts no liability for loss or damage resulting from changes, errors,
omissions, or misinterpretations of these materials. See the current edition of the IATA Dangerous Good Regulations for
complete information on packaging, labeling, and shipping document requirements.
2
1
– Shipper must provide an
emergency phone number
xxx.xxxx.xxxx

Manual revision 001 Section 2: Description of SBE 39plus-IM SBE 39plus-IM
9
Section 2: Description of SBE 39plus-IM
This section describes the functions and features of the SBE 39plus-IM,
including specifications and dimensions, battery endurance, and mooring
requirements.
System Description
The SBE 39plus-IM is a high-accuracy temperature recorder (pressure
optional) with internal battery pack and non-volatile memory. It uses an
Inductive Modem (IM) to transmit data and receive commands over a plastic-
jacketed steel mooring cable (or other insulated conductor), using differential-
phase-shift-keyed (DPSK) telemetry. No electrical cables or connectors are
required. The 39plus-IM’s built-in inductive coupler (split toroid) and cable
clamp provide easy and secure attachment to the mooring cable. Designed for
moorings and other long-duration, fixed-site deployments, 39plus-IMs have
non-corroding plastic (600 meters) or titanium housings (10,500 meters).
The SBE 39plus-IM retains the temperature sensor used in the SBE 39plus
Temperature Recorder. The 39plus-IM’s thermistor has a long history of
exceptional accuracy and stability (typical drift is less than 0.002 °C per year).
Two temperature sensor configurations are offered:
•Ruggedized model with the thermistor embedded in the titanium end cap
(time constant approximately 25 seconds).
•(shown in photo) Model with external thermistor in a pressure-protected
sheath (time constant approximately 0.5 seconds) for use when fast
sampling is required.
The SBE 39plus-IM is available with no pressure sensor, or with a strain-
gauge pressure sensor in the following ranges: 20, 100, 350, 600, 1000, 2000,
3500, and 7000 meters. Compensation of the temperature influence on
pressure offset and scale is performed by the SBE 39plus-IM’s CPU.
Communicating with one or more 39plus-IMs requires the use of a Sea-Bird
Inductive Modem Module (IMM) or Surface Inductive Modem (SIM). These
devices provide a standard serial interface between the user’s computer or
other controlling device and up to 100 SBE 39plus-IMs (or other IM-
compatible instruments), coupled to a single cable. The user can communicate
with these devices via full-duplex RS-232C. Commands and data are
transmitted half-duplex between these devices and the 39plus-IM.
Commands can be sent to the 39plus-IM to provide status display, data
acquisition setup, data retrieval, and diagnostic tests. User-selectable
operating modes include:
•Polled sampling – On command, the 39plus-IM takes one sample and
transmits data.
•Autonomous sampling – At pre-programmed 5-second to 6-hour
intervals, the 39plus-IM wakes up, samples, stores data in memory, and
powers off (enters quiescent state).
•Combo sampling – Autonomous sampling is in progress, and the IMM or
SIM can request the transmission of the last stored data.
•Averaging sampling – Autonomous sampling is in progress, and the
IMM or SIM can request the transmission of the average of the individual
data samples acquired since its last request.
Notes:
•For detailed information on
inductive modem systems, see
Application Note 92: Real-Time
Oceanography with Inductive
Moorings on our website.
•Half-duplex communication is
one-direction at a time (i.e., you
cannot send commands and
receive data at the same time).
For example, if the IMM or SIM
commands a 39plus-IM to upload
data, nothing else can be done
while the data is being sent – the
data upload cannot be stopped,
and commands cannot be sent to
other IM instruments on the line.
SBE 39plus-IM with
external thermistor

Manual revision 001 Section 2: Description of SBE 39plus-IM SBE 39plus-IM
10
SBE 39plus-IM setup and data upload is via one of the following:
•IM telemetry without opening the housing - Baud rate between
39plus-IM and IMM or SIM is always 1200 baud; not recommended for
upload of large amounts of data.
•USB connector on electronics assembly (requires opening housing) -
Provides fast upload of large data sets.
Calibration coefficients stored in EEPROM allow the 39plus-IM to transmit
data in engineering units.
The 39plus-IM’s optional fairing / net fender provides protection from
snagging by nets and fishing lines.
Future upgrades and enhancements to the SBE 39plus-IM firmware can be
easily installed in the field through a computer serial port and the internal
USB connector inside the 39plus-IM, without the need to return the
39plus-IM to Sea-Bird.
Note: The firmware for the integrated IMM cannot be upgraded by the
customer.
The 39plus-IM is supplied with a powerful Windows software package,
Seasoft©V2, which includes:
•SeatermV2 - terminal program for easy communication and data
retrieval. SeatermV2 is a launcher, and launches the appropriate terminal
program for the selected instrument (SeatermIM for Inductive Modem
instruments such as this SBE 39plus-IM; SeatermUSB – SBE39plus-IM
for when communicating via the internal USB connector)
•Plot39 – Program specifically for plotting SBE 39plus-IM data.
•SBE Data Processing - SBE Data Processing includes many post-
processing modules; modules applicable to the SBE 39plus-IM are ASCII
Out (export files for other programs) and Sea Plot (plot data).
Notes:
•Help files provide detailed
information on the software.
•A separate software manual on
CD-ROM contains detailed
information on the setup and use
of SBE Data Processing.
•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
website. See our website for the
latest software version number, a
description of the software
changes, and instructions for
downloading the software.
SBE 39plus-IM with external
thermistor and optional fairing

Manual revision 001 Section 2: Description of SBE 39plus-IM SBE 39plus-IM
11
Specifications
Temperature (°C) Strain-Gauge Pressure (optional)
Measurement
Range -5 to +45 0 to full scale range: 20 / 100 / 350 /
600 / 1000 / 2000 / 3500 / 7000 m
Meters of deployment depth capability.
Initial Accuracy ± 0.002 (-5 to 35 °C)
± 0.01 (35 to 45 °C) ± 0.1% of full scale range
Typical Stability 0.0002 per month 0.05% of full scale range per year
Resolution 0.0001 0.002% of full scale range
Sensor
Calibration -1 to +32
Ambient pressure to full scale range
in 5 steps
Memory 64 Mbyte non-volatile FLASH memory
Data Storage
Temperature 3 bytes/sample, Time 4 bytes/sample,
Pressure (optional) 5 bytes/sample.
T, time 9,500,000 samples (12-sec interval for 2 years)
T, P, time 5,500,000 samples (7-sec interval for 2 years)
Real-Time Clock 32,768 Hz TCXO accurate to ±1 minute/year
Internal Battery
Pack
Four 3.6-volt, non-hazardous, AA lithium cells,
manufactured by Saft (LS14500) or Tadaran.
NOTE: Do not use AA alkaline batteries.
Sampling Speed User-programmable 5-sec to 6-hour intervals
Current
Consumption,
Sample Timing
Power
*
Autonomous
Sample
(mA-sec)
Polled
Sample
(mA-sec)
Transmit
(mA-sec/
character) **
T
only low 0.7 1.3 0.022
T, P low 0.84 1.3 0.022
T
only full 0.7 1.9 0.032
T, P full 0.84 1.9 0.032
* SetEnableFullPwrTX=Y for full power, =N for low power.
** Include spaces, carriage return, line feed in character count.
Quiescent Current: 60 µA
Current when awake but not sampling: 800 µA
Sample Time: 0.28 sec
Transmit time: 0.0085 sec/character
Battery Pack
Endurance
Usually limited by memory capacity (see Data Storage
above; see Battery Pack Endurance for examples).
Notes:
1. This endurance is achieved if 39plus-IM is deployed in recommended
orientation: thermistor end down or horizontal (see Deployment
Orientation in Section 2: Description of SBE 39plus-IM).
2. 39plus-IM stops sampling and does not overwrite data if memory is
full.
Housing,
Depth Rating PET plastic, 600 meters (1960 feet)
Titanium, 10,500 meters (34,400 feet)
Weight
(without
fairing/net fender)
Plastic housing, embedded thermistor:
In air: 1.1 kg (2.4 lbs); In water: 0.5 kg (1.1 lbs)
Titanium housing, embedded thermistor:
In air: 1.6 kg (3.6 lbs), In water: 1.0 kg (2.2 lbs)
Note:
If the 39plus-IM is logging data
and the battery pack voltage is
less than 5 volts for ten
consecutive scans, the 39plus-IM
halts logging and sets the logging
status to low battery.

Manual revision 001 Section 2: Description of SBE 39plus-IM SBE 39plus-IM
12
Dimensions

Manual revision 001 Section 2: Description of SBE 39plus-IM SBE 39plus-IM
13
Battery Pack Endurance
The SBE 39plus-IM battery pack nominal capacity is 5.2 Amp-hours.
For planning purposes, use a conservative value of 4.0 Amp-hours.
The battery pack capacity is achieved if the SBE 39plus-IM is deployed in the
recommended orientation: thermistor end down or horizontal. If
deployed vertically with thermistor end up, battery pack capacity may be
reduced by up to 40%. See Deployment Orientation below for details.
Total power consumption is the sum of:
•Power required for sampling.
•Power required for transmitting data.
•Power required when instrument is awake but not sampling – Each IM
instrument on the mooring draws this current while any of the IM
instruments are being queried to transmit data. Assuming the fastest
practical interrogation scheme (wake all IM instruments on mooring, send
GData, send !iiData to each IM instrument, and power off all IM
instruments, this current is drawn for approximately 1 second per IM
instrument on the mooring if the 39plus-IM is outputting data in
converted engineering units (OutputFormat=1).
•Quiescent current when asleep.
Battery pack endurance is highly dependent on the application. Examples are
shown below for three sampling schemes. As shown in the samples, for most
sampling schemes, the 39plus-IM deployment length will be dependent on the
memory capacity, not the battery capacity.
Notes:
•If the 39plus-IM is logging data and
the battery pack voltage is less than
5 volts for ten consecutive scans,
the 39plus-IM halts logging and sets
the logging status to low battery.
•See Specifications above for
power draws and data storage
limitations.
•Polled sampling is a very inefficient
use of the 39plus-IM’s battery pack
power; autonomous sampling is
much more efficient, as shown in the
examples below.
•Power required for transmitting data
and for when instrument is awake
but not sampling (other instruments
on IM line are transmitting data) is a
function of the time required for data
transmission. XML output
(OutputFormat=2) has many more
characters than OutputFormat=1,
resulting in a large increase in power
consumption.

Manual revision 001 Section 2: Description of SBE 39plus-IM SBE 39plus-IM
14
Example 1: Ten 39plus-IMs with pressure are deployed on a mooring, set up to sample autonomously every 5 sec
(720 samples/hour), with full power transmit setting (SetEnableFullPwrTX=Y), and average is requested by computer
every hour. It is set to #iiOutputFormat=1, resulting in conservatively 80 characters/sample (varies, depending on
sample number). How long can it be deployed?
Sampling current for 39plus-IM with pressure and full power = 0.84 mA-sec/sample = 0.00084 A-sec/sample
In 1 hour, sampling = 720 samples * 0.00084 A-sec/sample = 0.6048 A-sec/hour
Transmit current/sample = 0.032 mA-sec/character = 0.000032 A-sec/character
0.000032 A * 80 characters = 0.00256 A-sec/sample
In 1 hour, transmit = 1 query/hour * 0.00256 A-sec/sample = 0.00256 A-sec/hour
Awake current (awake but not sampling) = 800 μA = 0.8 mA = 0.0008 A
Awake current per query = 0.0008 A * 1 sec/IM to be queried * 9 other IMs on mooring = 0.0072 A-sec/query
In 1 hour, awake = 1 query/hour * 0.0072 A-sec/query = 0.0072 A-sec/hour
Quiescent current = 60 μA = 0.06 mA = 0.00006 A
In 1 hour, quiescent = 0.00006 A * (3600 sec/hour – 720 * 0.28 sec/sample – 9 sec awake) = 0.2034 A-sec/hour
In 1 hour, 39plus-IM takes 720 samples and transmits average to computer:
Current consumption / hour = 0.6048 + 0.00256 + 0.0072 + 0.2034= 0.8180 Amp-sec/hour
Capacity = (4.0 Amp-hours * 3600 sec/hour) / (0.8180 Amp-sec/hour) = 17603 hours = 733 days = 2.0 years
Total number of samples = 17603 hours * 720 samples/hour = 12,674,000 samples
However, memory can only hold approximately 5,500,000 samples; 39plus-IM will not overwrite data in memory.
Example 2: Same as Example 1, but average is requested by computer every minute. How long can it be deployed?
Sampling current for 39plus-IM with pressure and full power = 0.84 mA-sec/sample = 0.00084 A-sec/sample
In 1 hour, sampling = 720 samples * 0.00084 A-sec/sample = 0.6048 A-sec/hour
Transmit current/sample = 0.032 mA-sec/character = 0.000032 A-sec/character
0.000032 A * 80 characters = 0.00256 A-sec/sample
In 1 hour, transmit = 60 query/hour * 0.00256 A-sec/sample = 0.1536 A-sec/hour
Awake current (awake but not sampling) = 800 μA = 0.8 mA = 0.0008 A
Awake current per query = 0.0008 A * 1 sec/IM to be queried * 9 other IMs on mooring = 0.0072 A-sec/query
In 1 hour, awake = 60 query/hour * 0.0072 A-sec/query = 0.432 A-sec/hour
Quiescent current = 60 μA = 0.06 mA = 0.00006 A
In 1 hour, quiescent = 0.00006 A * (3600 sec/hour – 720 * 0.28 sec/sample – 60 x 9 sec awake) = 0.1715 A-sec/hour
In 1 hour, 39plus-IM takes 720 samples and transmits average to computer 60 times:
Current consumption / hour = 0.6048 + 0.1536 + 0.432 + 0.1715 = 1.3619 Amp-sec/hour
Capacity = (4.0 Amp-hours * 3600 sec/hour) / (1.3619 Amp-sec/hour) = 10573 hours = 440 days = 1.2 years
Total number of samples = 10573 hours * 720 samples/hour = 7,612,000 samples
However, memory can only hold approximately 5,500,000 samples; 39plus-IM will not overwrite data in memory.
Example 3: 39plus-IM without pressure is deployed on a mooring, with full power transmit setting
(SetEnableFullPwrTX=Y), and is poll sampled every minute (60 samples/hour). It is set to #iiOutputFormat=1,
resulting in conservatively 80 characters/sample. PwrOff is sent immediately after each sample. How long can it be
deployed?
Polled Sampling current for 39plus-IM without pressure, with full power = 1.9 mA-sec/sample = 0.0019 A-sec/sample
In 1 hour, sampling = 60 samples * 0.0019 A-sec/sample = 0.1140 A-sec/hour
Transmit current/sample = 0.032 mA-sec/character = 0.000032 A-sec/character
0.000032 A * 80 characters = 0.00256 A-sec/sample
In 1 hour, transmit = 60 query/hour * 0.00256 A-sec/sample = 0.1536 A-sec/hour
Awake current (awake but not sampling) = 800 μA = 0.8 mA = 0.0008 A
Awake current per query = 0.0008 A * 1 sec/IM to be queried * 9 other IMs on mooring = 0.0072 A-sec/query
In 1 hour, awake = 60 query/hour * 0.0072 A-sec/query = 0.432 A-sec/hour
Quiescent current = 60 μA = 0.06 mA = 0.00006 A
In 1 hour, quiescent = 0.00006 A * (3600 sec/hour – 60 * 0.28 sec/sample – 60 * 9 sec awake) = 0.1826 A-sec/hour
In 1 hour, 39plus-IM takes 60 samples and transmits each sample to computer:
Current consumption / hour = 0.1140 + 0.1536 + 0.432 + 0.1826 = 0.8822 Amp-sec/hour
Capacity = (4.0 Amp-hours * 3600 sec/hour) / (0.8822 Amp-sec/hour) = 16322 hours = 680 days = 1.8 years
Total number of samples = 16322 hours * 60 samples/hour = 979,000 samples
This shows that polled sampling is a very inefficient use of power.

Manual revision 001 Section 2: Description of SBE 39plus-IM SBE 39plus-IM
15
Deployment Orientation
The AA lithium cells that power the SBE 39plus-IM are affected by
deployment orientation. An SBE 39plus-IM deployed with the thermistor
end up (AA cell button end (+) down) exhibits reduced capacity; battery
pack endurance may be reduced by up to 40%. For most typical customer
applications, the battery pack endurance is sufficient, even with the potential
reduction. For example, the calculated endurance for a 39plus-IM with
pressure sensor and 5-second autonomous sample interval with average data
transmission once per hour is 12.6 million samples (see example calculation
above). With a potential 40% reduction in capacity, the SBE 39plus-IM could
be deployed for 7.5 million samples. The memory only holds 5.5 million
samples, so memory would still control the deployment length.
If you require the full battery pack capacity, Sea-Bird strongly
recommends that you deploy the SBE 39plus-IM in one of the following
orientations:
•Vertical, with the thermistor end down (cell button end (+) up)
•Horizontal
Recommended Orientations
(39plus shown; 39plus similar)
Thermistor end

Manual revision 001 Section 2: Description of SBE 39plus-IM SBE 39plus-IM
16
Inductive Modem Module (IMM) or Surface Inductive Modem (SIM)
An Inductive Modem Module or Surface Inductive Modem is required for
communication with the SBE 39plus-IM. These devices impress (modulate)
the mooring cable with a DPSK signal that is encoded with commands
received from the computer/controller. The encoded signals are demodulated
by 39plus-IMs coupled to the cable. Replies from 39plus-IMs are similarly
coupled to the cable and demodulated by these devices.
The SBE 39plus-IM requires a minimum of 20 ohms impedance.
Inductive Modem Module (IMM)
The IMM must be supplied with 7 to 24 volts DC power. The maximum
operating current is approximately 15 milliAmps.
The user’s computer or buoy controller is interfaced via RS-232 serial port to
the IMM. The standard interface protocol between the computer/controller and
IMM is 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, or 38400 baud (user-selectable);
8 data bits; no parity; RS-232C.
The DPSK communication link between the IMM and IM instrument(s) is
half-duplex, so talking and listening is sequential only. Although the data link
between the IMM and the user’s computer/controller is established at 1200,
2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, or 38400, the DPSK modem communication
between IMM and IM instruments always operates at 1200 baud.
See the IMM Manual for details.
Surface Inductive Modem (SIM)
The SIM must be supplied with 7 to 25 volts DC power. The maximum
operating current is approximately 30 milliAmps.
The user’s computer or buoy controller is interfaced via RS-232 serial port to
the SIM. The standard interface protocol between the computer/controller and
SIM is 1200, 2400, 4800, or 9600 baud (user-selectable); 8 data bits; no parity;
RS-232C; with echoing of characters.
The DPSK communication link between the SIM and IM instrument(s) is half-
duplex, so talking and listening is sequential only. Although the data link
between the SIM and the user’s computer/controller is established at 1200,
2400, 4800, or 9600 baud, the DPSK modem communication between SIM
and IM instruments always operates at 1200 baud.
Note:
The 39plus-IM includes an integrated
IMM in its housing. This section is
referring to the IMM or SIM that is
connected to the controller. These are
referred to as remote to differentiate
from the integrated IMM.

Manual revision 001 Section 2: Description of SBE 39plus-IM SBE 39plus-IM
17
Mooring Cable and Wiring Requirements
The standard 39plus-IM can mechanically accommodate mooring cables up to
16 mm (0.63 inches) in diameter. Clamps for specific diameters are available,
or can be supplied on a custom basis. Suitable mooring cables use steel wire
rope with a polypropylene or polyethylene-insulating jacket. The system
operates without data errors using up to 10,500 meters of 3 mm (0.12 inches)
or larger cable.
The mooring cable must provide connection to seawater ground below the
deepest IM instrument. Terminating the wire with a metallic eye or clevis
readily provides this connection.
The mooring cable must also provide for connection to the IMM or SIM.
•In a direct connection (typical cable-to-shore applications), the bottom end
of the wire is grounded to seawater, and the top end remains insulated to
the connection to the IMM or SIM. A second wire from the IMM or SIM
connects to seawater ground, completing the circuit.
•In typical surface buoys it is often preferable to connect the jacketed
mooring wire to the buoy with a length of chain, grounding the jacketed
wire to seawater at each end. An Inductive Cable Coupler (ICC) connects
the IMM or SIM to the jacketed wire above the uppermost IM instrument
and below the point where the wire is grounded.
Note:
For wiring, see applicable document:
•IMM manual. OR
•Appendix III: SIM Hookup and
Configuration.
Connection with
Inductive Cable Coupler (ICC)
Direct Connection

Manual revision 001 Section 3: Preparing SBE 39plus-IM for Deployment SBE 39plus-IM
18
Section 3:
Preparing SBE 39plus-IM for Deployment
This section describes software installation, the pre-check procedure for
preparing the 39plus-IM for deployment, and setting the 39plus-IM ID. Note
that procedures for communicating with and setting up the 39plus-IM are
provided using three methods:
•Inductive Modem communications when the 39plus-IM is being used with
an Inductive Modem Module (IMM).
•Inductive Modem communications when the 39plus-IM is being used with
a Surface Inductive Modem (SIM).
•USB communications (requires opening the 39plus-IM).
Software Installation
Seasoft V2 was designed to work with a PC running Windows XP service
pack 2 or later, Windows Vista, or Windows 7 (32-bit or 64-bit).
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
SeatermV2 (terminal program launcher for the 39plus-IM), Plot39
(plotting software), and SBE Data Processing (data processing).
3. Follow the dialog box directions to install the software.
The default location for the software is c:\Program Files\Sea-Bird. Within that
folder is a sub-directory for each program.
Notes:
•Help files provide detailed
information on the software.
A separate software manual
on the CD-ROM contains
detailed information on
SBE Data Processing.
•It is possible to use the 39plus-IM
without the SeatermV2 terminal
program by sending direct
commands from a dumb terminal or
terminal emulator, such as Windows
HyperTerminal.
•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 website. See our
website for the latest software
version number, a description of the
software changes, and instructions
for downloading the software.

Manual revision 001 Section 3: Preparing SBE 39plus-IM for Deployment SBE 39plus-IM
19
Power and Communications Test and Setting SBE 39plus-IM IDs –
Using IM Communications and Remote Inductive Modem Module (IMM)
The power and communications test will verify that the system works,
prior to deployment. This section covers use of the SBE 39plus-IM with an
Inductive Modem Module (IMM).
Test Setup with IMM
1. Loop insulated wire through the 39plus-IM’s modem coupling core to
simulate a mooring cable. Place the other end of the loop through the
IMM test coupler (supplied with the IMM) or the ICC. Connect the wire
ends from the IMM test coupler or ICC to the IMM’s mooring cable
terminals (J1) (see IMM Manual).
2. The 39plus-IM requires a minimum of 20 ohms impedance.
3. Connect the IMM to your computer’s serial port and to a 7 – 24 VDC
power supply using the cable supplied with the IMM. A maximum of
15 mA is required.
Note:
Sea-Bird ships the 39plus-IM with
four AA lithium cells installed. See
Replacing AA Cells and Desiccant in
Section 5: Routine Maintenance and
Calibration to replace the cells.
Insulated wire looped
through modem
coupling core
Modem
coupling core
Loop wire through
IMM test coupler
(shown) or ICC
IMM
To computer serial port
and power supply
Note:
If more than one IM instrument is
on-line when you set the ID, all IM
instruments will be set to the same
ID. The inductive modem receivers in
IM instruments are very sensitive;
two IM instruments that are side-by-
side will take the same ID, even if
one of them is not on the IM loop.
Therefore, separate IM instruments
by at least 2 meters when
setting IDs.

Manual revision 001 Section 3: Preparing SBE 39plus-IM for Deployment SBE 39plus-IM
20
Setup of IMM for use with SBE 39plus-IM
Sea-Bird recommends one of the following setups of the IMM for use with
the SBE 39plus-IM:
To make full use of IMM capabilities:
*Init
*Init (Resets IMM to factory default state [must be sent twice])
SetConfigType=2
SetEnableAutoIMFlag=0
SetEnableBackSpace=1
SetEnableBinaryData=0
SetEnableEcho=1
SetEnableHostFlagConfirm=0
SetEnableHostFlagTerm=0
SetEnableHostFlagWakeup=0
SetEnableHostPromptConfirm=0
SetEnableHostServeOnPwrUp=1
SetEnablePrompt=1
SetEnableHostWakeupCR=0
SetEnableSignalDetector=0
SetTermFromHost=36
SetTermToHost=13
To have the IMM emulate the SIM:
*Init
*Init (Resets IMM to factory default state [must be sent twice])
SetConfigType=1
SetEnableBinaryData=0
Verify that the IMM is set up as described by sending the GetCD command
before proceeding with the SBE 39plus-IM setup.
A script including one of the above setups should be included in the buoy
controller, to allow the IMM to be reset to the appropriate state if it
becomes corrupted.
Note:
See the IMM manual for complete
details on the use and setup of the
IMM.