Odom Digibar DB-1100 Sound Velocity Calibrator
Most hydrographic surveyors will agree that carrying out a bar check is not only a painstaking and time-consuming task, but is sometimes hazardous and impossible to complete due to wave action or currents. The ODOM Hydrographic Systems DIGIBAR DB-1100 is a cost effective, convenient, and accurate alternative to the “bar check” method of calibrating echo sounders that have a numeric or digital velocity of sound adjustment.
I purchased this unit recently from a local auction and don’t have the knowledge needed to test. It looks to be in good physical condition. I held the measure button in and after about 10 seconds, it read “error”. I repeated by putting the probe in a bucket of water with the same results. Due to the fact that the unit can’t be thoroughly tested, this unit is being sold "as-is".
The DIGIBAR unit consists of a 17 in, 3lb velocity probe attached by a 60-foot cable, to a waterproof, hand-held control unit powered by internal batteries. After lowering the probe into the water and pressing the measure button on the control unit, the velocity of sound is displayed in feet or meters per second on the liquid crystal display (LCD). Up to 200 readings at different depths can be stored and averaged at the push of a button.
The DIGIBAR probe uses a “sing-around” transducer to measure actual sound velocity in the water, thus all factors influencing salinity and temperature, are taken into account during the 15 to 20 second sampling period. Accuracy is ensured by the use of a crystal controlled microprocessor.
