Sea-Bird Scientific SUNA V2 User manual

User manual
SUNA V2 (2k)
Submersible Ultraviolet Nitrate Analyzer
Document No. SUNASUNADeep
Release Date: 2022-05-24
Version: G
425-643-9866
seabird.com

Table of Contents
Section 1 SUNA quick start guide................................................................................................... 3
Section 2 Specifications.................................................................................................................... 5
2.1 Mechanical................................................................................................................................... 5
2.1.1 Bulkhead connector.............................................................................................................5
2.2 Electrical.......................................................................................................................................5
2.3 Optical.......................................................................................................................................... 5
2.4 Analytical...................................................................................................................................... 6
2.4.1 Nitrate measurement accuracy........................................................................................... 6
2.4.2 Nitrate measurement precision........................................................................................... 6
Section 3 Set up sensor and verify operation.............................................................................. 7
3.1 Install and start software.............................................................................................................. 7
3.2 Verify sensor operation................................................................................................................ 7
3.3 Operate wiper...............................................................................................................................7
3.4 Verify sensor collects data........................................................................................................... 8
3.4.1 Monitor data in spectra graph .............................................................................................9
3.4.2 Monitor data in time series graph........................................................................................ 9
3.4.3 Monitor data in absorbance graph.....................................................................................10
3.5 Verify sensor transmits data.......................................................................................................10
Section 4 Deployment and recovery.............................................................................................13
4.1 Deployment wizard.....................................................................................................................13
4.2 Recover sensor from deployment.............................................................................................. 13
Section 5 Transmit data................................................................................................................... 15
5.1 Export data to .csv or MS Excel format ..................................................................................... 15
5.2 Options to process data............................................................................................................. 16
5.2.1 Convert SUNA raw data.................................................................................................... 16
5.2.2 Show SUNA data.............................................................................................................. 16
5.2.3 Reprocess SUNA data...................................................................................................... 16
5.2.3.1 Nitrate reprocessing details...................................................................................... 17
5.3 Show data from multiple sensors............................................................................................... 19
Section 6 Maintenance..................................................................................................................... 21
6.1 Sensor maintenance.................................................................................................................. 21
6.2 Clean bulkhead connectors........................................................................................................21
6.3 Update reference spectrum........................................................................................................22
6.4 Compare reference spectrum files............................................................................................. 25
6.5 Update SUNA firmware.............................................................................................................. 25
Section 7 Reference..........................................................................................................................27
7.1 Communication.......................................................................................................................... 27
7.1.1 File types........................................................................................................................... 27
7.1.2 Continuous and fixed-time operation.................................................................................29
7.1.3 Logger-controlled operation.............................................................................................. 29
7.1.4 Periodic operation............................................................................................................. 30
7.1.5 Data acquisition monitor.................................................................................................... 30
7.1.6 Analog operation............................................................................................................... 31
7.2 Terminal program....................................................................................................................... 32
7.2.1 Input-output configuration values...................................................................................... 33
7.2.2 Data collection setup values..............................................................................................34
7.3 Theory of operation.................................................................................................................... 35
7.3.1 Background....................................................................................................................... 35
7.3.2 Description of nutrient units............................................................................................... 35
7.3.3 Nitrate concentration......................................................................................................... 35
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7.3.4 Description of adaptive sampling...................................................................................... 36
7.3.5 Sensor calibration from manufacturer............................................................................... 36
7.4 Interferences and mitigation....................................................................................................... 36
7.4.1 Uncharacterized species in sample...................................................................................36
7.4.2 Optically dense constituents..............................................................................................36
7.4.3 Identification of interfering species.................................................................................... 36
7.4.4 Sensor function................................................................................................................. 37
7.5 CDOM absorption...................................................................................................................... 37
7.6 Optional equipment.................................................................................................................... 38
7.6.1 Anti-fouling guard.............................................................................................................. 38
7.6.2 Flow cell............................................................................................................................ 39
Section 8 Software reference......................................................................................................... 41
8.1 Sensor dashboards.................................................................................................................... 41
8.2 UCI menu................................................................................................................................... 41
8.2.1 General tab........................................................................................................................41
8.2.2 Display tab.........................................................................................................................41
8.2.3 Message tab...................................................................................................................... 42
8.3 Sensor menu.............................................................................................................................. 43
8.3.1 SUNA................................................................................................................................ 43
8.4 Data menu..................................................................................................................................43
8.4.1 Show data from multiple sensors...................................................................................... 43
8.4.2 Export data to .csv or MS Excel format ............................................................................ 43
8.4.3 Show data from the sensor............................................................................................... 44
8.5 View menu................................................................................................................................. 44
8.6 Window and Help menus........................................................................................................... 44
8.7 Other general settings................................................................................................................ 45
Section 9 Troubleshooting..............................................................................................................47
Section 10 General information..................................................................................................... 49
10.1 Warranty...................................................................................................................................49
10.2 Service and support................................................................................................................. 49
10.3 China RoHS disclosure table................................................................................................... 49
Table of Contents
2

Section 1 SUNA quick start guide
This quick start guide gives the steps necessary to set up and make sure that the SUNA
sensor operates and collects data before it is deployed.
Delivered items—
• the SUNA sensor, either standard or "deep" rated, with optional wiper, if ordered (std.
depth only)
• dummy plug and lock collar
1. Install the manufacturer-supplied software on a PC. (Install and start software
on page 7)
2. Verify that the sensor operates and collects data: (Verify sensor operation
on page 7)
a. Connect the sensor to the PC and start the software.
b. Supply external power to the sensor.
c. Push Connect to start communication with the sensor.
d. Push Start to collect data.
e. Remove and replace the protective cover on the optical face several times to
change the value of the collected data.
f. Push Stop to stop data collection.
3. Verify that the sensor transmits data: (Verify sensor transmits data on page 10)
• Push Transmit Data in the dashboard and select "All Data" to transmit data
collected by the sensor to the PC.
• Open the file on the PC to look at the data.
4. Use the "Deployment Wizard" in the software to set up the sensor for a specific
deployment. (Deployment wizard on page 13)
5. If necessary, attach the sensor to the frame on which it will be deployed.
6. Make sure to do maintenance on the sensor at regular intervals. (Sensor
maintenance on page 21)
3

SUNA quick start guide
4

Section 2 Specifications
2.1 Mechanical
Rated depth 2000 m
Weight (in air) 1.8 kg
Pathlength 10 mm
Length 55.5 cm
Displacement 1384 cm³
Diameter 5.7 cm
Material anodized aluminum
Temperature range, operation 0–35 °C
Temperature range, dry storage -20–50 °C
2.1.1 Bulkhead connector
Contact Deep MCBH-8-MP
1 Voltage in 8–18 VDC
2 Ground
3 USB 5 V power
4 —
5 RS232 TX/USB D+
6 RS232 RX/USB D-
7 Analog V out
8 Analog current out
2.2 Electrical
Input 8–18 VDC
Current draw, maximum 1.5 A
Current draw, operation ~625 mA at 12 V (nominal)
Current draw, supervised low power (periodic mode) <30 µA
Current draw, processor low power (controlled mode) <3 mA
Current draw, standby ~20 mA at 12 V
Baud rate 57600 (9600, 19200, 38400, 115200 available)
Communication interface RS232 (USB optional)
Data storage 2 GB (optional)
2.3 Optical
Spectral range 190–370 nm
Light source UV deuterium lamp
Light source lifetime 900 hrs
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2.4 Analytical
This sensor is designed to measure the concentration of nitrate ions in water.
Measurements are in units of micro molar (µM). This is converted into mg/L. Note that
1 µM nitrogen = 0.014007 mg/L nitrogen.
2.4.1 Nitrate measurement accuracy
Table 1 10 mm pathlength
Concentration range Class-based fresh water Fresh water Seawater
Best 0.035 mgN/L (2.5 µM) 0.028 mgN/L (2 µM) 0.028 mgN/L (2 µM)
up to 1000 µM (14 mgN/L) 20% 10% 10%
up to 2000 µM (28 mgN/L) 25% 15% 15%
up to 3000 µM (42 mgN/L) 30% 20% 20%
up to 4000 µM (56 mgN/L) N/A N/A N/A
The specified accuracy is best accuracy or a percentage, whichever is more.
• A sensor-specific calibration uses extinction coefficients from the sensor itself.
• A class-based calibration uses extinction coefficients that are the average of many
sensors.
2.4.2 Nitrate measurement precision
Processing configuration Seawater or fresh water with T-S
correction
Seawater (0–40 psu)
Short-term precision (3 sigma) and limit of detection 0.3 µM (0.004 mgN/L) 2.4 µM (0.034 mgN/L)
Change ("drift") per hour of lamp time < 0.3 µM (< 0.004 mgN/L) < 1.0 µM (< 0.014 mgN/L)
Limit of quantification 1.0 µM (0.014 mgN/L) 8.0 µM (0.112 mgN/L)
Specifications
6

Section 3 Set up sensor and verify operation
3.1 Install and start software
Install the manufacturer-supplied software and make sure that the sensor is ready to test
for functionality before configuration and deployment. If the sensor is so equipped, install
the batteries if necessary. The manufacturer-supplied UCI software communicates with a
number of sensors. The sensors that are supported are listed in the Sensor menu of the
software.
1. Get the software from the manufacturer's website or the manufacturer-supplied USB
drive or CD.
2. Install the appropriate software.
a. For Windows®: Double-click on the file with ".exe" appended to the name.
b. For Mac OS X®: Double-click on the file with ".pkg" appended to the name. Make
sure that the default "Install for all users on this computer" is selected as the
destination for the installed software. If "Install for me only" or "Install on a
specific disk" is selected, the software will not connect to the sensor.
3. Push Run in the new window.
The setup wizard starts.
3.2 Verify sensor operation
WARNING
Sensors that use ultraviolet light sources (< 400 nm): Do not look directly at a UV light
source when it is on. It can cause damage to the eyes. Keep products that have UV
light sources away from children, pets, and other living organisms. Wear polycarbonate
UV-resistant safety glasses to protect the eyes when a UV light is on.
1. Connect the USB or RS232 cable to the PC.
For RS232: connect the power connectors on the cable to a 8–15 VDC power supply.
For USB: a DC power supply is only necessary for data collection. If the sensor is
equipped with internal memory, the file system will show as a USB mass storage
device on the PC.
2. If necessary, start the software.
3. RS232: turn on the power supply.
4. Push Connect in the Dashboard area or at the top of the UCI window.
5. If necessary, change the "Instrument Type" to the connected sensor.
6. Put a check in the "Try All Baud Rates" box.
The software automatically finds the correct baud rate.
7. If necessary, select the communication port.
8. Select the UCI menu, then Preferences.
9. Push OK.
3.3 Operate wiper
If the sensor is equipped with a wiper, make sure that the wiper operates correctly.
Push Check wiper to operate the wiper for one cycle.
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3.4 Verify sensor collects data
1. Push Start in the Dashboard.
The "Connection Mode" shows "Acquisition."
• Push OK so that the software is "Temporarily Enabling Transmit Real Time
Setting..." The software shows the data as it is collected in the Time Series tab.
• The Expected Data Start window shows "You will see data in approximately xxx
seconds" and shows the time left. This lets the sensor become stable before it
starts to collect data.
2. From the View menu, select the options to see the data:
•Real Time Data—Put a check in each box next to each parameter for which the
sensor will collect data.
•Data Collection—Push Start to save the collected data to the PC.
•Time Series, Spectra, and Total Absorbance graphs.
3. Put a check in the box next to any additional parameters, so that they will show in the
Time Series graph.
4. Look at the data in the Time Series graph. The user can look at data in real-time for
each sensor that has power supplied, is connected and is in communication with the
software.
• Put a check in the box next to "Time Axis" to push Zoom In and Zoom Out to
change the scale of time.
• Put a check in the box next to "Range Axis" to push Zoom In and Zoom Out to
change the scale of the data.
• To move the data in any direction, push the "Ctrl" key on the PC keyboard and
the left button of the mouse pointer at the same time.
Set up sensor and verify operation
8

• To select a specific part of the data to zoom in on, pull the mouse pointer
diagonally.
• Push Auto Range to see the data for each selected parameter. The software
adjusts the scale so that the data will always show.
• Push Default Ranges to go back to the manufacturer-set default scale for each
parameter.
• Put a check in the box next to "Show Data Points" to see the value of the
collected data when the mouse moves over each point.
• Push Select Sensors To Display to change the parameters to look at in the
Time Series graph.
5. Let the sensor or sensors collect data for approximately 5 minutes.
3.4.1 Monitor data in spectra graph
The Spectra graph shows both the dark and light data in raw counts.
The dark counts are from thermal noise. The light counts are the measured output minus
the dark counts.
The measured spectrum is always flat below 200 nm, and then has four or five peaks.
The peaks are approximately 25 nm apart in the lower wavelength range and up to 50 nm
apart in the upper range.
3.4.2 Monitor data in time series graph
The Time Series graph shows the nitrate concentration and any selected optional values.
Use this graph to replay data that is stored in the sensor.
Set up sensor and verify operation
9

1. Put a check in the box next to either or both the "Time Axis" or the "Range Axis" to
enable the Zoom In or Zoom Out options.
2. Push Select Sensors either in the Spectra graph or in the Real Time Display tab to
select the parameters to see on the graph.
3. Push Configure to put a limit on or to remove the limit to the "Graph History."
3.4.3 Monitor data in absorbance graph
The Total Absorbance graph shows the calculated absorbance from 210 to 370 nm. This
graph is an alternative to the Spectra graph. The absorbance graph should be flat when a
sample of DI water is collected. The absorbance increases as absorbing species such as
nitrate and bromide are added to samples.
If necessary, push Stop.
3.5 Verify sensor transmits data
NOTICE
Use only the batteries recommended by the manufacturer as replacements. Do not mix
chemistries, V-Ah, or new and used batteries.
If the sensor is equipped with internal memory, the collected data is saved in the sensor.
1. Push Transmit Files in the SUNA Dashboard area.
The files saved by the sensor show on the right side of the new File Manager
window.
Set up sensor and verify operation
10

2. Select one or more files to copy to the PC.
The manufacturer recommends that the user use a USB connection to move the files
because it is much faster.
3. Push the <- arrow to start the move.
The status shows at the bottom of the File Manager window.
4. Open the file on the PC to make sure it has all of the collected data.
Set up sensor and verify operation
11

Set up sensor and verify operation
12

Section 4 Deployment and recovery
4.1 Deployment wizard
The deployment wizard makes it easy to set up the sensor for a specific deployment.
1. Select the Operational Mode. Push Next.
• Continuous: sensor collects data continuously.
• Periodic: sensor collects data for a user-set time or number of samples at user-
set interval.
• Fixed time: sensor collects data for a user-set amount of time.
• Polled: sensor collects data as commanded by a controller.
• SDI-12: sensor collects data as commanded by a SDI-12 controller.
• APEX Float: (Deep SUNA only):sensor collects data as commanded by the
APEX float controller.
2. Select the General Settings.
a. Periodic mode: "Sample Interval" from 1 minute to 24 hours between each
sample collected. "Offset" is****
b. Select "Frame Based Operation" or "Time Based Operation."
c. Enter a value between 1–65535 for the "Frame Cycle."
d. Enter a value between 1–200 for the "Number of Measurements to Average."
e. If the sensor has a wiper: put a check in the box at "Wiper Settings" to enable the
wiper.
f. Select the "Level." "INFO" is the default. Refer to the Message tab on page 42
for details about the levels.
g. Push Next.
3. Select the Data Settings.
a. Select the "Transmitted Frame Format." FULL_ASCII" is the default.
b. Select the "File Creation Method." "By File Size" is the default. Refer to
Communication on page 27 for details.
The manufacturer recommends that the user selects
c. Push Next.
4. Select whether the sensor will be deployed in fresh water or seawater. Push Next.
5. Make a Deployment Report for a record of the settings stored in the sensor.
4.2 Recover sensor from deployment
WARNING
If the user thinks that a sensor has water in the pressure housing: Disconnect the
sensor from any power supply. Put on safety glasses and make sure that the sensor is
pointed away from the body and other people. In a well ventilated area, use the purge
port (if the sensor is so equipped), or very SLOWLY loosen the bulkhead connector to
let the pressure release.
Flush the sensor with clean fresh water after each deployment.
Attach the protective dummy plug and lock collar.
Do not leave the sensor in direct sunlight.
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Deployment and recovery
14

Section 5 Transmit data
1. Push Transmit Data in the Dashboard area.
The Transmit Data window shows.
• Information in the Memory Summary lets the user see the available data storage
in the sensor.
• "Bytes" is the amount of memory in use.
• "Samples" is the number of samples the sensor has collected and stored.
• "Free Samples" is the number of samples the sensor can store.
• "Sample Length" is sensor-specific and shows the length of each data record
that the sensor stores.
2. In the "Transmit Type" drop-down menu in the Data Transmit Options area, select
either "All Data" or "Block size (bytes)."
• "All Data": all data stored in the sensor is transmitted to the PC in both .csv
and .sbsdat file types.
• "Sample Number Range": a user-specified range of samples. Select the specific
samples in the Sample Number Range area.
3. In the Data Transmit area, the software automatically selects the fastest baud rate to
use to transmit data, which is 115200.
The software temporarily increases the sensor's baud rate to upload data more
quickly. After the transmission is complete, the software changes the baud rate to the
default for the connected sensor.
4. In the Output CSV Data File area, type a new file name or use the automatically
generated file name.
5. Optional: change the time stamp to UTC.
6. Push Transmit.
• The data is copied to the PC.
• The software uploads a raw .sbsdat file and automatically converts the data to a
readable .csv file type.
• The Transmit Progress window shows the status of the file transmission and
conversion.
• The default is a check in the boxes for "Show Data when Conversion Completed"
and "Close this Dialog when Conversion Completed."
5.1 Export data to .csv or MS Excel format
Data from the sensor can be saved to either a comma-separated (.csv) file or a
Microsoft® Excel file with a local or UTC time stamp. Use the software to transmit data
from the sensor and then export that data to a human-readable format.
1. From the Data menu, select Export Stored Data.
2. Push Browse to find the file to export.
3. Select the file from the list.
4. Push Open.
5. Push Next. Select the options for the file to export:
a. Select either "Excel Workbook" or "Comma Separated Values" in Export File
Format.
b. Select either the "UTC" or "Local" time stamp in Format Options.
6. Push Browse to select the directory in which the exported data will be saved.
7. Push Finish.
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5.2 Options to process data
Go to the Data menu to select how data is processed.
• Use Reprocess Data to apply a different calibration or other setting to saved data.
• Use Show Data From Sensorto show a graph of saved data.
• Use Convert APF Data to convert APF data from the from binary to full_ASCII so data
can be re-processed (2000 m sensor only.)
• Use Compare Calibration to compare two calibrations from the same sensor.
The SUNA uses the files below to process data:
• The .xml instrument package file. For Windows, this is C:\Users\%USERNAME\My
Documents\Sea-BirdScientific\SUNA. For Mac OS X, this is /Users/Home/Sea-
BirdScientific/SUNA.
• The raw data file to process.
• The calibration file for the sensor.
5.2.1 Convert SUNA raw data
The Convert SUNA raw data function has been replaced with "Transmit Data from
Sensor" in the software. Go to the Data menu and select Export Data to transmit the data
from the SUNA. Refer to Export data to .csv or MS Excel format on page 43 for details.
5.2.2 Show SUNA data
Use Show Data form Sensor to see the data that has been saved on the PC.
The SUNA uses the files below to process data:
• The .xml instrument package file. For Windows, this is C:\Users\%USERNAME\My
Documents\Sea-Bird-Scientific\SUNA. For Mac OS X, this is /Users/Home/Sea-Bird-
Scientific/SUNA.
• The raw data file to process.
• The calibration file for the sensor.
1. Push Show Data from Sensor.
2. If necessary, push Browse to find the .xml "Instrument Package File" that is saved on
the PC. A typical file is "SUNA_xxx_001.xml, where xxx is the serial number of the
sensor.
3. Push Browse to find the "SUNA Raw Data File" to see the data that is saved on the
PC.
4. Push Browse to find the current "SUNA Calibration File" on the PC. A typical file is
SUNA_xxxn.CAL, where xxx is the serial number of the sensor, and n is the
calibration version.
5. Push Finish.
The saved data shows in the Time Series tab.
5.2.3 Reprocess SUNA data
The user may find that it helps to use the Reprocess Data option under some conditions.
• The settings for the sensor were incorrect. Use the "Reprocess" option to correct for
this, such as when a sensor was deployed in seawater, but set up for fresh water.
• The data that is collected has changed over an extended deployment. Data is
processed with an updated reference spectrum file, and compared to the original
reference.
• Water temperature and salinity data are collected. These can be put together with the
spectral data from the sensor to get more accurate nitrate data (Sakamoto et al.
2009).
Transmit data
16

Note that the data files collected with SDI-12 (standard sensor) do not contain spectral
data and cannot be reprocessed.
1. If necessary, start the software and supply power to the sensor.
2. Go to the Data menu, then select SUNA, then Reprocess Data.
The Reprocessing Dashboard shows.
3. Push Browse to find the package file, the reference file, and the data file. All are
required to reprocess the data.
• "Instrument Package File" is an .xml file that describes the data from the sensor.
• "Calibration File" is for the reference spectrum and the extinction coefficients of
the chemical species. Use the calibration file that matches the time during which
data was collected. Calibration files are stored in the sensor unless the user
erases them.
• "Nitrate Data Files" will show in the dashboard and the user can select some or
all to process. Spectral data, which is recorded in full ASCII, full and reduced
binary, and APF frames, is required to process nitrate data. Use the reduced
binary and APF frames to reprocess data from seawater deployments. Note that
the APF frames only let the user reprocess data that was collected with the
"integration time adjustment" turned off.
4. The user can change the "Output Directory" if necessary.
5. The reprocess operation will be faster if there is no check in the "Graph Results" box.
6. Push Process Selected File(s).
The software starts to reprocess the data.
7. Open the files on the PC.
5.2.3.1 Nitrate reprocessing details
Settings in "Processing Settings" and the "Temperature & Salinity Correction" areas do
not show until selected by the user. The user can change these settings as necessary to
get better quality data.
Processing settings
Transmit data
17

• The default "Enable Raw Data Checksum Validation" is on, with a check in the box. If
it is turned off, raw data can be processed even when the checksum values have
changed after data is collected.
• The default "Fitting Range" is 216.5–240 nm. If the wavelength is shorter, seawater
typically causes extinction, and a poor signal-to-noise ratio. If the wavelength is
longer non-characterized materials can be absorbed, which causes a bias in the
processed concentrations.
• The default "Max Absorbance Threshold" is 1.3. The precision of the measured
absorbance starts to decline at this value. At 2.5 absorbance units, the precision is at
the "noise floor." The precision of the processed data is better when the low-quality
parts of the "fitting range" are not processed.
• The default Seawater Calibration has no check in the box at "Deployed in Fresh
Water." Put a check in this box if the sensor was calibrated for seawater but deployed
in fresh water. Data that was collected in seawater with a check in the "Deployed in
Fresh Water" box gives incorrect nitrate concentrations.
Temperature and salinity correction
Seawater has a temperature-dependent absorption rate. Make sure to consider this so
that imprecision does not affect the nitrate concentration that is measured. To mitigate
this effect, use the sample temperature and salinity values in the nitrate calculation in the
host software for post-processing. Note that spectra and related temperature and salinity
data is necessary. The temperature-salinity correction comes from MBARI (cf. Carole M.
Sakamoto, Kenneth S. Johnson, and Luke Coletti, Limnol. Oceanogr.: Methods 7, 2009.)
"Temperature and Salinity Correction" is available if the sensor is calibrated for seawater
and water temperature and salinity data ("T-S data") are collected. This data can come
from frames if the sensor operates in APF mode (SUNA V2 deep only), or from an
external file.
1. The default "Activate Temperature & Salinity Correction" has no check in the box. Put
a check in this box to add T-S data correction information.
2. Select either "CTD Data from SUNA APF Mode Frames" or "Data from External File"
to get T-S data from an external file. The required ASCII format is "YYYY-MM-DD
hh:mm:ss, Temperature (c), Salinity (PSU)" e.g. 2012-11-10 90:08:06,12.3,34.567.
3. Push Browse to find the file. For "External Files": at the bottom of the new window
choose either "Sea-Bird CNV Data File" or "CSV Data File" in the "Files of type:"
area. Push Open. A green check will show in the T-S Correction area of the software
when the data is loaded.
4. The data files must have the same time stamp if more than one is selected. If
necessary, put a value in the "Time Offset" area to align the time stamps.
Transmit data
18