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The EXO1 Sonde uses two (2) D-cell alkaline batteries and the EXO2 Sonde uses four (4) D-cell alkaline batteries as the recommended power source. Alternatively, the sonde may use rechargeable NiMH D-cell batteries that you purchase. Ni-Cad rechargeable batteries and/or lithium cell batteries should not be used in an EXO sonde. These batteries can damage the sonde's electrical components over time and void its warranty. 

Titanium sensors stand up to higher pressures underwater, so the EXO sonde can go to 250-meter depths. The strength of titanium also allowed us to reduce the size of all sensors, giving the user room to add more sensors on a smaller-diameter instrument.

Finally, with titanium the EXO optical sensor is completely sealed, eliminating the wiper shaft as a possible leak area in need of repair. Therefore, repairs are likely less required and  lifetime ownership cost is improved.

Yes, EXO sondes are flexible and can sample and monitor both fresh and salt water with some minor exceptions. The sondes themselves are accommodating to both environments, but some varieties of sensors are compatible only with fresh water. ISE sensors that monitor Nitrate, Ammonium, and Chloride readings are the exception and should not be used in salt water upon their product release. (EXO's ISE sensor line has not yet been released for orders, and interested customers can expect their release in the near future.)

Overall, EXO sondes have a depth range of 0-250 meters, but it is important to clarify that a sonde will be configured for a particular depth range prior to shipment. Customers must select from the following ranges: No Depth, 0-10 meters, 0-100 meters, & 0-250 meters. When selecting the appropriate sonde, users should understand that sondes equipped with longer depth ranges have looser depth sensor accuracy specs than those with shorter ranges. Additionally, if a sonde is used in an inappropriate depth, the depth sensor will be damaged.

For specific depth sensor accuracy specifications, please refer to the EXO manual or EXO brochure.

The sampling rate for EXO sondes can be set to 4 Hz (4 times per second), demonstrating their enhanced sampling capabilities as compared to past generation equipment.

As a large number of sondes are used within a continuous monitoring environment, the EXO product line targeted biofouling issues head on. With the EXO2 sonde, users can utilize a new central wiper system that attaches directly to a universal sensor port. The addition of this external wiper can easily net users an additional 25% longer deployment in the field. Furthermore, the sondes themselves are crafted from the most durable of materials.

For more information on EXO's anti-fouling technologies and design, visit:

EXO Rugged Materials [PDF]
Estuaries EXO Antifouling Features [PDF]

With rapid advances in technology, it is important that the EXO line remain flexible to meet changes in communication ports. Thus, EXO sondes, like the 6-Series, require adapters for communication to a PC. This solution enables the platform to transcend current technologies and gives users the confidence that EXO sondes will remain up-to-date with advancements to communication port technologies in the years to come.

The EXO platform has several enhancements to the calibration process. These enhancements include smart sensor technology, allowing calibration data to be stored within the sensor itself rather than the sonde. This, along with the ability for EXO sensors to be interchanged using the sondes' universal ports, allows users to calibrate several sensors of one type simultaneously for use in multiple sondes. Ultimately, these changes save both time and money for users due to reduced reagent and labor cost.

For information on other improvements to the calibration process, read the EXO-Calibration-Features document.

Battery life is heavily dependent on temperature, sensor payload, and the utilized sampling interval. The EXO1 & EXO2 sondes can sample at 15-minute intervals for around 90 days at 20°C while using the following sensor configuration:

EXO1 Example: 
Temperature/Conductivity Sensor
pH/ORP Sensor
DO Sensor
Turbidity Sensor

EXO2 Example:

Temperature/Conductivity Sensor
pH/ORP Sensor
DO Sensor
Turbidity Sensor
fDOM Sensor
Total Algae
Anti-fouling Wiper

EXO sensors have accuracy specifications that match and surpass their 6-Series counterparts. Furthermore, EXO sensors have improved sensor response times. Customers currently using a 6-Series sonde can easily shift to an EXO product, knowing that their data will transition smoothly, provided that you use the correct calibration values.

For more information on comparing EXO sensors to the 6-Series, please refer to the EXO-6Series-Sensor-Comparison document for more information.

The EXO sondes have two methods to transfer data to a PC from a handheld or the sonde itself—by Bluetooth and by USB connection. Utilizing a USB, transferring 1000 data samples takes approximately 21.4 seconds to transfer from sonde to PC, while Bluetooth data transfer takes about 26.3 seconds.

The EXO1 sonde has a diameter of 4.70 cm (1.85 in), a length of 64.77 cm (25.50 in), and weighs approximately 1.42 kg (3.15 lbs.) with batteries and typical sensor payload.

The EXO2 sonde has a diameter of 7.62 cm (3.00 in), a length of 71.10 cm (28.00 in). It weighs approximately 3.60 kg (7.90 lbs.) with batteries and typical sensor payload.

Visit exowater.com/sondes to view interactive 3D models of the products, if you would like a visual perspective.

Communication with a submerged sonde requires a field cable. You cannot communicate with the EXO sondes with Bluetooth while underwater. To utilize Bluetooth, the black EXO label must be out of the water, as it contains the integral radio and antenna for Bluetooth to function properly. When out of the water, the Bluetooth technology has a nominal range of 10 meters (~30 feet).

SmartQC is a new feature of the KOR software that makes calibration simple. After calibrating a pH/ORP sensor, for example, the KOR software will provide a printable calibration summary form displaying information ranging from sonde/sensor ID numbers to pre/post-calibration values. On this summary, there is also a SmartQC score to determine the success of the calibration. This score is represented by a straightforward, color-coded system. For successful calibrations, a green checkmark will appear on the calibration summary form, while unsuccessful calibrations will receive a red X. Should a calibration fall slightly outside the appropriate score, SmartQC will identify the situation to users via a yellow, caution icon.

To successfully run KOR software, computers will require the following:

• Windows®XP (service pack 3) or newer Windows operating platform (Windows®7 recommended) 32-bit or 64bit
• Microsoft .NET (any version from 2.0 through 3.5 Service Pack 1)
• 500 MB of hard disk space (1 GB recommended)
• 2 GB of RAM (4 GB recommended)
• Screen with resolution of 1280x800 or greater
• Available USB 2.0 port
• Internet access for software updates
• Optional: Integral Bluetooth or USB dongle Bluetooth adapter

No, EXO data is recorded in a different file format, but you can still export the data to an outside program (Excel, etc.) to add it to your historical records. For more information about this topic, please refer to the EXO-6Series-Sensor-Comparison document.