I FOREWORD
This appendix describes the proper care of submersible connectors and cables installed in the
IDRONAUT OCEAN SEVEN 3xx series probes. The text refers to the XSG/RMG connector and to the
standard MCBH/MCIL one (detailed characteristics of these connectors can be found on www.impulse-
ent.com).
I.1 BULKHEAD CONNECTORS
Bulkhead connectors must be carefully inspected and cleaned: i) before every cruise, ii) during the cruise;
iii) as part of the yearly probe maintenance procedure.
Inspect connector pins for any possible sign of corrosion. The pins must be shiny and bright. In case of
any sign of corrosion on the pins, immediately check the associated dummy plug or the submersible
cable end. It may be possible that the corrosion is present in the cable end too.
Check the integrity of the connector plastic body for cracks or other flaws that may compromise the seal.
Clean the bulkhead connectors by removing all grease, dirtiness and any other contamination. It is
possible to use a soft tool or soft brush and alcohol.
In case of corrosion or damages to the pins or to the connector plastic body (see pictures) that may affect
the connector integrity, contact IDRONAUT to get assistance.
I.2 SUBMERSIBLE CABLES
Cable end connectors must be inspected and cleaned: i) before every cruise, ii) during the cruise; iii) as
part of the yearly probe maintenance procedure. Check that the cable end does not have any problems
that may compromise the seal when plugged on the bulkhead connector.
Clean cable end connectors by removing all grease, dirtiness, and any other contamination. It is possible
to use a soft tool or soft brush and alcohol. Cable end connectors may be greased before installing them
in the bulkhead connector (please see the dedicated section).
A slack, not well inserted or damaged cable end connector may cause the damaging of the bulkhead
connector and malfunctioning of the OCEAN SEVEN 3xx probe.
I.3 DUMMY PLUGS
The purpose of the dummy plug is to protect the connector contacts from being in contact with water
during the probe immersion. The dummy plug connector integrity is as important as the submersible
cable end connector. Always clean and inspect the dummy plug integrity: i) before every cruise, ii)
during the cruise; iii)as part of the yearly probe maintenance procedure.
Check that the dummy plug does not have any problems that may compromise the seal when plugged
on the bulkhead connector.
Clean dummy plug by removing all grease, dirtiness, and any other contamination. It is possible to use
a soft tool or soft brush and alcohol. Dummy plugs like connectors may be greased before installing
them in the bulkhead connector (please see the dedicated section).
A slack, not well inserted or damaged dummy plug may cause the damaging of the bulkhead connector
and malfunctioning of the OCEAN SEVEN 3xx probe. Always use the locking sleeve with dummy plug.
I.4 LOCKING SLEEVE
The purpose of the locking sleeve is to secure the cable end or dummy plug to the bulkhead connector,
thus preventing it from being accidentally disconnected. Locking sleeve does not help in any way to
improve the water tightness of connection.
When installing the locking sleeve, it is important to tighten it by hand (do not use a wrench tool). Over-
tightening the locking sleeve may break the threads. Furthermore, removing an over-tightened locking
sleeve may results in the unthread of the bulkhead connector from the probe top cover. A slack
connector will lead to a flooded probe. After immersing in seawater, always rinse the mated connection
with fresh water.
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