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Water monitoring has long presented significant challenges due to complex underwater environments. Traditional measurement methods often prove time-consuming and labor-intensive, while frequently failing to guarantee data accuracy. The Onset CTD sensor, specifically designed for HOBO MX800 series water quality loggers, offers a sophisticated solution to these persistent issues.

The CTD (Conductivity, Temperature, Depth) sensor serves as an integrated water monitoring system, providing comprehensive data collection across various aquatic environments:

• Multi-parameter measurement: Simultaneously tracks conductivity, temperature, and depth while calculating derived parameters including specific conductivity, salinity, and total dissolved solids (TDS).
• Broad environmental compatibility: Maintains operational stability in both freshwater and saltwater conditions.
• Flexible connectivity: Compatible with fully submersible MX801 models or cable-connected MX802 models for convenient data retrieval without sensor removal.

The sensor distinguishes itself through three primary characteristics:

1. Precision Measurement Capabilities

• Four-electrode conductivity sensor with wide measurement range
• Ceramic pressure transducer for accurate shallow water depth measurement
• Rapid-response temperature sensor positioned near the sensor tip

2. Robust Construction

• Specially treated stainless steel housing resistant to saltwater corrosion
• Compact 1-inch diameter design suitable for confined spaces

3. Operational Efficiency

• Direct depth data acquisition without post-processing requirements
• Bluetooth wireless data transmission capability

• Conductivity measurement through current transmission and voltage analysis
• Temperature measurement via thermistor resistance analysis
• Depth calculation through hydrostatic pressure measurement
• Integrated algorithms for derived parameter computation

• River and lake water quality assessment
• Marine and estuarine ecosystem studies
• Groundwater resource evaluation
• Aquaculture environment optimization
• Industrial wastewater compliance monitoring

• Required measurement ranges
• Precision requirements
• Connection method preferences
• Environmental corrosion resistance needs