NexSens CB-150 Data Buoy User Manual
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NexSens CB-150 Data Buoy User Manual

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CB-150 Data Buoy
User Guide
Last Revision: 8 October 2021
Date Generated: 25 October 2021
Copyright © 2021 NexSens Technology, Inc.

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Summary of Contents for NexSens CB-150 Data Buoy

  • Page 1 CB-150 Data Buoy User Guide Last Revision: 8 October 2021 Date Generated: 25 October 2021 Copyright © 2021 NexSens Technology, Inc.

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    CB-150 Data Buoy Overview Key Components and Definitions Key Specifications CB-Series Data Buoy Planning & Precautions 2. Buoy Assembly Using NexSens Electronics in CB-Series Data Buoys Data Loggers Battery Packs Installing User-Supplied Electronics in CB-Series Data Buoys Common Accessories Securing Data Well Plate...
  • Page 3 Verify Battery Voltage of a CB-Series Buoy Replace a Battery in a CB-Series Data Buoy Battery Removal New Battery Installation Test a CB-Series Buoy Solar Tower Data Buoy Storage Requirements 5. Warranty...

  • Page 4: General

    1. General CB-150 Data Buoy Overview The CB-150 data buoy is a compact buoy platform designed for smaller water bodies, portable or short-term deployments, and applications requiring small, power-efficient sensors. It is ideal for deployment in lakes, rivers, coastal waters, harbors, estuaries, and other freshwater or marine environments.
  • Page 5 For users supplying their own electronics, the CB-150 is delivered as an open platform with empty data well or with battery only. A data well top plate can be supplied in one of three ways: 1. A standard CB-PTL Pass Through Lid for passing of instrument cables through gland fittings 2.

  • Page 6: Key Specifications

    Buoy Frame – The skeleton of the buoy is comprised of 316 stainless steel with topside lifting eyes subsurface mooring eyes for single and multi-point moorings. The frame supports attachment of instrument cage for secure connection of subsurface sensors and additional ballast weight stability.

  • Page 7: Cb-Series Data Buoy Planning & Precautions

    As a starting point, the mooring data buoys guide provides an overview of common mooring strategies. However, NexSens does not endorse any particular mooring strategy, and systems should be designed and executed based on careful consideration and local knowledge of the deployment site.
  • Page 8 Safe deployment – Above all else, safety is the most critical consideration to take during the planning of a buoy deployment. Any time a buoy system is deployed, there are countless hazards, including, but not limited to, working on/near water and lifting of heavy equipment. Important factors to consider for personnel safety are: Use of safety equipment (i.e., life jackets, gloves, steel toed boots, etc.,) Proper lifting and mooring techniques...

  • Page 9: Buoy Assembly

    CB-Series data buoys are delivered as complete, plug-and-play system packages with a NexSens data logger as the central component of the system. Data Loggers NexSens offers four different data logging systems for buoy deployment, all of which are based on the central processing unit of the X2 environmental data...

  • Page 10: Battery Packs

    These buoys have a data well for installation of battery packs, and the data logger serves as the top plate to provide a waterproof seal on the data well. NexSens offers two standard types of battery harnesses, which include sealed lead acid (SLA) batteries, solar regulator, mounting bracket and data logger connection cable pigtail (UW-6 connector): CB-A01-2 –...

  • Page 11: Installing User-Supplied Electronics In Cb-Series Data Buoys

    Installing User-Supplied Electronics in CB-Series Data Buoys NexSens CB-Series data buoys are flexible platforms that allow for use with both NexSens and user- supplied electronics. For those wishing to integrate their electronics, including batteries, data loggers, and modems, several accessories are available to facilitate installation inside the watertight data well located in the center of the buoy.

  • Page 12: Securing Data Well Plate

    Bulkhead cable assemblies – Ports on a CB-PTL may be interchanged with bulkhead cable assemblies for power, RF signals and sensor data cables. The following options are available: UW6-BULK – 6-pin power cables for connection of batteries, solar panels and regulator RF-BULK –...

  • Page 13: Cb-Ptl Bulkhead Connector Assembly Installation

    CB-PTL Bulkhead Connector Assembly Installation NexSens CB-Series buoy data wells capped with CB-PTL pass through lids may optionally have UW plug ports replaced with bulkhead cable connector assemblies. Connector Types The CB-PTL comes standard with a UW-6 power bulkhead cable assembly (UW6-BULK) pre-installed.
  • Page 14 2. Using the same tool, loosen the nut on the bulkhead cable and continue to unscrew by hand. Double check that all O-rings are present when doing so. Remove nut from bulkhead cable. 3. Feed the bulkhead cable through the open space created by removing the UW bulkhead plug. Once again, make sure the O-ring seals are present and free of debris.
  • Page 15 4. Tighten the nut first by hand, then with a final ¼ turn using the Allen wrench in the first step to secure in place, but do NOT overtighten. Tighten bulkhead cable assembly nut. 5. Once installed, the nut may be secured using Marine Goop or equivalent sealer to prevent the nut from slipping.

  • Page 16: Power Bulkhead Connector Assembly Wiring

    UW-6 Power Bulkhead Connector Assembly Wiring CB-Series Buoys without NexSens integrated electronics will ship with a solar tower and pass-through plate outfitted with a UW-6 power bulkhead connector (UW6-BULK) port. Information regarding the port pinout and different options for wiring power to user-supplied electronics is supplied below. For installation instructions, follow the guide here.

  • Page 17: Wiring Options

    Orange Solar Connector Jumps to Pin 3 ¹Molex connector is designed to interface with a NexSens CB-A01-2 or CB-A05-x battery harness. If this accessory was not ordered, connector can be cut off to wire to user-supplied components. ²The Red and Black flying lead wires are intended to supply power to user-supplied electronics.

  • Page 18: M550 Beacon For Cb-Series Data Buoys

    M550 Beacon for CB-Series Data Buoys NexSens M550 Solar Marine Light is a common accessory added to NexSens CB-Series data buoys up to and including the CB-450. Depending on the configuration, it has a 1-3 nautical mile range and is normally delivered with flange mount hardware, yellow color and default 15 flash/minute pattern (Model M550-F-Y).

  • Page 19: Operation

    Operation The M550 is controlled using an IR programmer that is normally provided with the beacon. programming remote. The IR programmer can be used to perform the following functions: Turn beacon on and off Check the battery pack charge status Change the flash pattern Change the flash intensity...

  • Page 20: Cb-Series Data Buoy Instrument Cage Installation

    CB-Series Data Buoy Instrument Cage Installation instrument cage attaches to the bottom of CB-Series buoys for water sensor deployments while simultaneously lowering the center of gravity and increasing stability. Model number CAGE is 39″ (99 cm) in length and is normally used with the CB-50, CB-150, CB-250 and CB-450 buoys.

  • Page 21: Cb-Cca Anti-Rotation Collar

    2. Tighten firmly with a pair of 1-1/8” wrenches such that the lock washer is flattened and the bolt hole is aligned with a notch on the castle nut. Secured cage. 3. Place the cotter pin through the bolt hole and bend the long leg of the pin. Cotter pin with bent leg for security.

  • Page 22: Use Of Sacrificial Anodes On Cb-Series Data Buoys

    Anodes sourced from NexSens are sized specifically for installation onto buoy frames and instrument cages using a pair of screws provided with the anode. They will typically need to be replaced approximately every 6 months, though this may vary depending on factors such as the temperature and salinity of the saltwater environment.

  • Page 23: Cb-Series Data Buoy Instrument Mounts

    Miscellaneous Mounts – Other mounting brackets: CB-150/CB-250/CB-450 Instrument Offset Mount Subsurface Mounts Data Logger Mounts – For mounting of NexSens X2-SDL data logger or SBP500 extra/reserve battery packs to instrument cage: X2-SDL Instrument Cage Mount Instrument Deployment Pipes – For instrument installation and topside access using buoy pass through ports: 912M –...
  • Page 24 916M – 6″ diameter for use with CB-950 buoy 918M – 8″ diameter for use with CB-1250 buoy 918M-PO4 – 8″ diameter for use HydroCycle PO4 sensor on CB-1250 buoy Click for product information instructions for use. Miscellaneous Instrument Mounts – Mounting hardware for some commonly used sensors: Airmar SS510 Sonar Sensor Mount MC-600 Instrument Mooring Clamp Underwater PAR Sensor Mounting Arm...

  • Page 25: Deployment

    Ballast weight may be needed to prevent overturning a CB-series buoy system and ensure stability in the water. The center of gravity of NexSens CB-Series buoys is near the water surface without instruments connected. Therefore, any top-side weight added above the water’s surface (e.g., sensors, sensor mounts) must be appropriately counterbalanced by ballast weight below the surface (e.g.,...

  • Page 26: Ballast Weight

    If needed, add ½ inch galvanized chain (~2.3lb/ft) to the bottom of the cage, or utilize NexSens 25lb. ballast weight that can be added to the cage in specific applications.
  • Page 27 NexSens CB-series buoy data wells are not rated for submersion, so proper ballast weight is critical to ensure that the buoy does not overturn, including when subjected to additional loading (e.g., high wind/waves, periodic snow/ice loads, etc.).

  • Page 28: Buoy Ballast Weights

    Important: To effectively provide adequate ballast weight, a variety of application-specific criteria (sensor weight and positioning, water level fluctuations, wave and current action, external loading, etc.) must be thoroughly reviewed prior to deployment. NexSens does not endorse using these specific ballast weights for all applications.

  • Page 29: Mooring Data Buoys

    CB-Series Data Buoy Ballast Weight & Stability Mooring Eye Lifting All NexSens CB-Series buoy models have three topside mooring eyes located around the solar tower. These are sufficiently strong that a buoy can be lifted from a single top-facing eye nut via crane or winch for removal or deployment when required.
  • Page 30 1. Catenary Moorings For shallow deployments with minimal wind, wave and current loading, most data buoys utilize catenary moorings. Shallow deployments can be designed with all chain or a combination of heavy bottom chain and light water column chain. Deeper water moorings may need to use a combination of chain and rope.
  • Page 31 Small-buoy catenary moorings Additional surface or subsurface floatation may be required for smaller buoyancy buoy applications where the floatation may not be adequate to support the mooring weight. Extra floatation can also free motion for wave measurement applications or offer additional resistance to horizontal loading. Example small-buoy catenary mooring with subsurface flotation.
  • Page 32 As wind, wave and current loads increase, the buoy is driven away from the anchor and mooring can be pulled taut resulting in the buoy listing to one side. Damage can result with topside equipment and solar panels becoming submerged. Additional surface or subsurface floatation may be required. Depiction of horizontal loading resulting in buoy listing to one side.
  • Page 33 2. Semi-taut two point moorings For calm, shallow water with limited horizontal loading, semi-taut two point moorings can be utilized. These moorings are useful for suspending sensor lines by pulling the mooring lines free and clear. Rough water, shifting bottom or horizontal loads can tangle two point moorings and lead to chafing and cable failure.
  • Page 34 3. Inverse-catenary (S-shape) moorings Inverse-catenary moorings are often referred to as S-shaped moorings. Floats and weights on the mooring lines create an S-shape, which provides spring action in the water column. Waves and water level changes are easily managed. This mooring type is most common on deep water deployments but has utility in shallow rough water applications.

  • Page 35: Troubleshooting And Maintenance

    The battery voltage of a CB-Series data buoy can be measured using a DC volt/multimeter on the UW- 6 (6-pin) SOLAR port on the data well top plate. This method works for both user-supplied battery systems with CB-PTL pass-through lid and NexSens-supplied CB-A01 and CB-A05 SLA battery systems.

  • Page 36: Replace A Battery In A Cb-Series Data Buoy

    A05 12V 28 A-Hr battery commonly equipped in harnesses with one to four A05 units (depending on buoy capacity) on NexSens CB-Series data buoys. A similar process may be followed to replace the A01 batteries of a CB-A01-2 battery harness in a CB-150 buoy.
  • Page 38 3. Remove the (8) bolts with lock washers from the buoy plate using a 9/16″ socket wrench. Remove lid to access the buoy data well. 4. Lift the buoy plate off of the data well. Disconnect the 6-pin UW-plug running between the solar regulator and the X2-CB and protect the connectors.

  • Page 39: New Battery Installation

    7. Using caution to avoid short-circuiting the battery terminals to the walls of the buoy well, use a 10mm socket wrench to remove the regulator’s ring terminals from the battery. Set aside the terminal bolts for use later. 8. Lift the regulator bracket off of the threaded rod and remove it from the data well. The battery should now be accessible.
  • Page 40 d. All batteries except the battery on top of the stack should have neoprene strips adhered in line with the terminals to maintain spacing as shown in the picture above. e. Lower the first battery into the bottom of the data well. Stack the second, then third and fourth batteries (if applicable), attaching the previous battery’s ring terminal cable to the corresponding battery terminal above it each time.
  • Page 41 Buoy Plate Re-installation Note: It is recommended that new desiccant be added at this point in the process. 1. Reconnect the solar plug to the receptacle at the bottom of the X2-CB. 2. Align the X2-CB or pass-through plate with the mounting holes on the buoy and verify that the large O-ring is in good condition, clear of debris and lightly greased.

  • Page 42: Test A Cb-Series Buoy Solar Tower

    Test a CB-Series Buoy Solar Tower This test process applies to all CB-Series buoy solar towers from the CB-150 up to the CB-1250. Pictures depict a CB-450 tower. 1. Remove the solar tower from the buoy (optional) and verify all panels are clear of debris. 2.
  • Page 43 Measuring DC Voltage on a CB-450 tower panel. 4. Repeat this process two more times, rotating the cardboard/cloth around until all three panels have been isolated and tested. 5. Switch the positive voltmeter lead over to the 10A port and change the setting to measure DC Amps.
  • Page 44 Measuring DC Amperage on a CB- 450 tower panel. 7. If one or more of the three panels show lower than expected voltage or current output, inspect the surface of panel for visible damage.

  • Page 45: Data Buoy Storage Requirements

    Data Buoy Storage Requirements The following practices should be carried out when storing a CB-Series buoy with an X2-CB data logger for an extended period of time: 1. Store the buoy in a dry environment that is kept above freezing. a.
  • Page 46 6. Top off the charge of the buoy batteries every 2-3 months by: a. Connecting a NexSens CB-Series Battery Float Charger Kit* b. Reconnecting the solar panel and moving the buoy outdoors into the sun.* NexSens CB-Series Battery Float Charger Kit *While charging, the data logger will be running.

  • Page 47: Warranty

    Limitation of Warranty This warranty is not applicable to any NexSens Technology, Inc. product damage or failure caused by failure to install, operate or use the product in accordance with NexSens Technology, Inc. written instructions; abuse or misuse of the product; failure to maintain the product in accordance with NexSens Technology, Inc.

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