OpenCTD sensor template

thingiverse

Conductivity, temperature, and depth (CTD) - these three measurements unlock ocean patterns hidden beneath the surface of the sea. The ocean is not uniform; it's filled with swirling eddies, temperature boundaries, layers of high and low salinity, changing densities, and other physical characteristics invisible to an observer floating on its surface. Scientists employ a CTD, an instrument that measures temperature, salinity, and depth down a water column at its core. The CTD is the workhorse of oceanographic research. CTDs are expensive, and this expense acts as a barrier-to-entry for researchers with limited budgets, scientists from developing nations, citizen oceanographers, and students of all levels interested in learning more about their local coasts and waterways. The OpenCTD is a low-cost, open-source CTD suitable for both educators and scientists. This platform is built using reasonably accessible parts and powered by an Arduino-based microcontroller. Source codes and building instructions are freely available. The device is sufficiently accurate for scientific research and can be constructed for approximately $300, effective to 200 meters depth. This baseplate is used to create both 2" and 3" OpenCTDs. Full project guides can be found at the Oceanography for Everyone Github Repository. Supporting more projects like this contributes to tools for ocean science and conservation by contributing to my Patreon account.