Q&A

Inquiries regarding eXpendable systems

Please provide the following information when contacting us with inquiries.

• Type of probe used
• Serial number
• Converter/launcher configuration

The values indicated by the probe don't change even though it is in the water.

XBT probe: Ground connection issue

If the system is not correctly grounded, data may not be properly relayed between the XBT probe and the converter. This may cause issues such as probe values not changing or noise within the data. Even if measurement is performed, if the device is insufficiently grounded, data values may be unstable. Securely connect the converter’s ground terminal to a well-grounded object.

 

XCTD probe battery issue

The XCTD probe contains a battery. The XCTD is designed such that it does not consume battery power until measurement begins. However, the amount of charge in the internal battery may fall before use as a result of self-discharge or probe storage conditions. When measurement begins, the probe will turn on and begin consuming battery power. When canceling probe deployment, always click “Abort” before disconnecting the probe. If deployment is aborted, the probe will be turned off, reducing battery consumption.

 

XCTD probe battery capacity

When the XCTD probe is manufactured, it has a battery capacity of approximately 20 minutes. Battery charge will be consumed when measurement begins. Therefore, if the probe is deployed 15 minutes or more after starting measurement, even if there are no probe battery problems, the battery may run out before or during measurement. Please check the probe measurement time and the amount of remaining battery charge.

 

Battery self-discharge and XCTD probe storage conditions

The XCTD probe battery may experience significant self-discharge depending on its storage conditions. Normally, if stored at room temperature, the probe may be stored for approximately two years from the date of purchase. However, please be aware that the battery level may be low if the probe has been in storage for a long period of time or if it has been stored at temperatures that are far above or below room temperature.

There is noise in the measurement data.

Data value instability as the result of outside noise

The XBT/XCTD system performs measurement using weak electrical signals. In some usage environments, outside noise may cause the system to operate abnormally or produce unstable measurement data. If this occurs, please double-check the ground connection. Also, please note that wireless devices may be sources of electrical noise that affects the system.

 

Probe wire-related issue

If the probe wire is broken during measurement, the following problems may occur.

 

•  Values do not change at all beyond a certain depth
• Measurement values for depths beyond a certain depth are not shown on-screen
• There is noise in the measurement data

The probe is designed such that the wire is not broken by the force applied to the wire by the speed of the dropping probe or the speed of the boat. However, if other forces place stress on the wire, the probe wire may be severed.

 

The main causes for probe wires being severed include the following.

 

• The wire becomes entangled in the ship’s propeller
• The probe wire scrapes against the ship’s body
• The probe wire strikes an obstacle while dropping from its deployment point to the surface of the water

When deploying the probe, select a location and time where factors such as these will not affect the wire. Even if the wire is not severed, if it scrapes against the ship, etc., this may result in abnormal data measurements. In situations such as these, deploy the probe in a position in which the wire will not scrape against the ship.

 

Hand launcher connector problems

When measurement is being performed, probe signals are sent to the converter via the launcher. If there is a problem with the electrical signal route within the launcher, it may cause various problems, such as measurement being interrupted, noise appearing in the data, or measurement not beginning when the probe is deployed.

 

If the cable connector is broken or the connector terminal is damaged, the launcher will need to be repaired. The aforementioned problems may also occur even if there are no problems with these components. Please check the following as well.

 

１、Is the probe connection pin dirty?

The probe connection pin is the point where the probe signal terminal comes in direct contact with the launcher. If the probe connection pin is dirty, it may not be possible to establish a proper connection between the launcher and the probe. Wipe the probe connection pin clean and reconnect it to the probe.

 

２、Is there a probe connection pin connection issue?

The end of the probe is heavy, so the probe may not be mounted in the launcher correctly.

 

Probe mounted correctly

Probe not mounted correctly

 

If this occurs, mount the probe in the launcher with the two pointed downward.

 

Probe setting method

 

Values do not change at all beyond a certain depth.

Abnormal signal when the probe reaches the sea floor

If the probe reaches the sea floor before it completes measurement, it may produce abnormal values.

 

１、Values do not change at all beyond a certain depth.

２、An extremely large amount of noise is measured beyond a certain depth.

 

When the probe is deployed, it measures water temperatures and electrical conductivity values with the sensor at the front end of the probe. Depth, however, is measured by measuring the amount of time that has elapsed after the probe was detected to have entered the water. Therefore, if the probe reaches the sea floor, etc., it may no longer actually be dropping, but measurements will continue to be taken at the actual location of the probe.