Frequently asked questions

Seabed:

Yes.

Please send a support request to support@seabed.nl, including:

  • A description of the issue.
  • The serial number of the equipment.
  • Your TeamViewer ID and password.

Norbit Multibeams:

The default IP address for a NORBIT system is:

192.168.53.xx

where the last two digits (xx) correspond to the system’s serial number.

Check that there are no air bubbles attached to the Sound Velocity Probe (SVP), as these can significantly affect the measured sound velocity.

This usually indicates that the sonar is not receiving valid time synchronization.

Please verify that:

  • A valid PPS (Pulse Per Second) signal is connected.
  • A valid NMEA $GPZDA message is being transmitted at a baud rate between 4,800 and 115,200 baud.
  • The timing configuration is correct in the NORBIT WebUI.

You can access the WebUI at: 192.168.53.xx:8080

(where xx are the last two digits of the serial number).

Yes. NTP can be used as a timing source.

The timing settings can be configured through the NORBIT WebUI: 192.168.53.xx:8080

AML Underwater sensors:

We have found that some lower-cost USB cables do not reliably support charging. In addition, certain USB ports on computers do not provide sufficient power to charge the instrument.

Please try the following:

  • Use the original AML-supplied USB cable.
  • Use the AML power adapter (power brick) instead of a computer USB port.
  • If the issue persists, try a different USB cable or power adapter.

AML recommends the following calibration intervals:

  • All AML sensors (except the SVT): Every 12 months, or as required by your quality procedures.
  • AML SVT: Every 24 months.

Yes, both sensors use the same connector and pinout.

Please check the following:

  • Ensure the AML-3 is powered on.
  • Verify that your computers WiFi is available.
  • Windows Firewall may block the connection. When this occurs, the AML software may display an empty battery icon and question marks instead of the instrument files.

If necessary, temporarily disable the firewall or allow the AML software through the Windows Firewall.

AML Loggers with depth rating to 500m have integrated WiFi communication. AML selected WiFi because it has greater stability and greater range (up to 100m) than bluetooth. These instruments can connect to any hotspot WiFi available, and/or to an adhoc network via a USB WiFi adaptor, if preferred.

Correct maintenance prolongs the life of connectors. To facilitate proper care, a small tube of Molykote 44 Medium is provided with each new X2•Series instrument. Apply a layer of Molykote 44 grease to the female half of the connection. Use just enough to cover all of the holes. Press the shorting plug or cable down into the connector and wipe away any excess grease. The connector is now lubricated.

Perform this maintenance every week that the instrument is in use. After a connector is cleaned, reapply grease before use.

The X2change™ CT sensor outputs the data in two separate columns. To calculate salinity a pressure sensor needs to be installed. With those three parameters, the instrument could then output calculated salinity & density as a byproduct.

Since it is not being recorded directly, AML does not produce specifications for the calculated parameters.

If having trouble viewing logged data, please try syncing the instruments’ date/time in the instrument settings page in Sailfish.

Please check the Data Filter settings on the Sailfish Settings page.

The recommended defaults are: 0 to 90 mS/cm (Conductivity), 0 to 6000 dBar (Pressure), 0 to 6000 meters (Depth), -5 to 45 Celsius (Temperature), 1375 to 1625 m/s (Sound Velocity), 0 to 3000 NTU (Turbidity), 0 to 45 PSU (Salinity) and 1000 to 1200 kg/m3 (Density). If working outside of regular oceanographic conditions, modifications may have to be made accordingly.

In the Sailfish Settings, please enable “Offline Assist”.

When connected to the internet, Sailfish will automatically download GPS assisted data and send it to the connected instrument to reduce the GPS time to first fix.

Hemisphere positioning:

The default Wi-Fi password is:

HGNSS1234

Ocean Sonics Hydrophones:

You can connect using either:

  • Lucy II, or
  • The hydrophone’s WebUI.

To determine the hydrophone’s IP address, install Marco II. If the hydrophone is operating correctly, it should automatically appear in the Marco II discovery window.

The amount of data the hydrophone can record will depend on the size of the internal memory, older icListen units have a 256 GB memory and newer units have (the option) of 1 TB.  

The amount of time the hydrophone can record data is based on the sampling rates, type of data recorded, duty cycling, and the power supplied to the unit.  

With proper care, the icListen should be serviced by Ocean Sonics every 2 years. Servicing includes calibration and the option to replace batteries and memory. Regular servicing ensures the hydrophone continues to perform to the best standards.  The icListen should be cleaned with fresh water after each deployment, all cables should be lubricated, the icListen should be stored away from constant vibration or heat.  No internal maintenance is required by the user. Opening the icListen will void any warranty on the instrument.

Please see Maintenance and Storage…  

10+ hours. Please note it may take up to one hour of charge for the icListen to go above <5% but should increase more rapidly following this update.