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NexSens Technology CB-950 User Manual

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CB-950 Data Buoy
User Guide
Last Revision: 28 April 2023
Date Generated: 28 April 2023
Copyright © 2023 NexSens Technology, Inc.

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Summary of Contents for NexSens Technology CB-950

  • Page 1 CB-950 Data Buoy User Guide Last Revision: 28 April 2023 Date Generated: 28 April 2023 Copyright © 2023 NexSens Technology, Inc.

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents 1. General CB-950 Data Buoy Overview Key Components and Definitions Key Specifications CB-Series Data Buoy Planning & Precautions Buoy sizing and power budget Buoy ballast Buoy mooring Electrical connections Safe deployment 2. Buoy Assembly Using NexSens Electronics in CB-Series Data Buoys...
  • Page 3 Zinc as Anode Material CB-Series Data Buoy Instrument Mounts Topside Buoy Instrument Mounts Subsurface Buoy Instrument Mounts 3. Deployment CB-Series Data Buoy Ballast Weight & Stability Top-Side Weight Ballast Weight Buoy Ballast Weights Mooring Data Buoys Buoy Ballast Mooring Eye Lifting Data Buoy Mooring Types CB-Series Data Buoy Deployment Tips NexSens CB-Series Data Buoys...

  • Page 4: General

    The waterproof compartment located in the center of the buoy hull for placement of system electronics such as batteries and data loggers. On the CB-950 model, the data well has a 10.3” (26.2 cm) diameter and 25.5″ (64.8 cm) height.
  • Page 5 SDI-12, RS-232 and RS-485 with the internal X2 electronics. For users supplying their own electronics, the CB-950 is delivered as an open platform with empty data well or with battery only. A data well top plate can be supplied in many configurations, for example: 1.

  • Page 6: Key Specifications

    Figure 5: CB-950 buoy frame with instrument cage. Key Specifications The key specifications of the CB-950 buoy are given below: Hull Outer Diameter: 42.0” (106.7cm) Hull Height: 26.0” (66.0cm) Data Well Inner Diameter: 10.3” (26.2cm) Data Well Height: 25.5″ (64.8cm) Pass-Through Hole Diameter: 6.0″...
  • Page 7 Solar Panels: 3x 46-watts Weight: 285 lb (129kg) Net Buoyancy: 950 lb (431kg) Hull Material: Cross-linked polyethylene foam with polyurea coating & stainless steel deck Hardware Material: 316 stainless steel Mooring Attachments: 3x 3/4” eye nuts...

  • Page 8: Cb-Series Data Buoy Planning & Precautions

    CB-Series Data Buoy Planning & Precautions Buoy deployments are usually complex operations that involve many elements including sensors, data loggers, mounting hardware, and mooring equipment. Careful planning and precautions are essential to the success of a buoy project, not only for system operation and data collection but also to ensure the safety of project personnel and minimize the risk of damage to expensive system components.

  • Page 9: Safe Deployment

    CB-Series data buoys contain a waterproof data well constructed of stainless steel where batteries are mounted. Whenever installing or maintaining battery systems, use caution to avoid short-circuiting of battery poles to the metal walls of the data well. Gloves and tools with rubber grips are recommended, and any exposed connections should always be covered with electrical tape or other suitable coverings.

  • Page 10: Buoy Assembly

    2. Buoy Assembly Using NexSens Electronics in CB-Series Data Buoys Although users may provide their own electronics, including data loggers, modems, and batteries, many 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...

  • Page 11: Battery Packs

    CB-A05-4 CB-A01-2 CB-A05-1 CB-A05-2 CB-A05-3 CB-150 CB-250 CB-450 CB-650 CB-950 CB-1250 NexSens battery harnesses are typically shipped pre-installed in CB-Series data buoys. However, in cases where batteries need to be installed or replaced, detailed instructions can be found here.

  • Page 12: Accessories

    CB-950 and CB-1250 buoys yellow For visibility on ship radar screens, Radar reflector for CB-Series data CB-RR mounts to CB-650, CB-950 and CB- buoys 1250 buoys For strengthening connection of Cage anti-rotation collar for CB- instrument cage on CB-150, CB-250...

  • Page 13: Custom Data Buoy Configuration Guide

    Custom Data Buoy Configuration Guide While many NexSens data buoys are delivered as turnkey systems featuring a NexSens X2- CB or X2-CBMC buoy-mounted data logger, they are also designed to support custom integration of user-supplied, third-party electronics. The CB-Series data buoys from the CB- 150 and larger are designed with an open data well in the center of the hull to facilitate such deployments.
  • Page 14 supplied electronics, and mounting options for specific sensor types are the main criteria used to determine which platform is best suited for a particular application. These factors are discussed in more detail in the following sections. Figure 2: Buoy hull X-ray view showing data well with battery harness, data well lid, and instrument pass-...
  • Page 15 CB-A05-2 CB-A05-3 CB-150 CB-250 CB-450 CB-650 CB-950 CB-1250 For additional relevant specifications and capacity information for the battery harnesses, CB-Series Buoy Battery Capacities. For user-supplied battery packs, there are two threaded hubs in the bottom of the data well spaced 7-¾” (19.7 cm) apart (note minor variation may be possible due to welding process).
  • Page 16 CB-250 19.5″ 49.5 cm CB-450 19.5″ 49.5 cm CB-650 21.5″ 54.6 cm CB-950 25.5″ 64.8 cm CB-1250 27.5″ 69.9 cm The drawing sets in the Knowledge Base show how much space remains in the data well of each buoy model with a battery harness installed. The below examples show a cutaway view of the data well of the CB-150 with CB-A01-2 and CB-A05-1 battery harnesses, respectively.
  • Page 17 4″ pass-through deployment pipe. holes. Some mounting hardware is designed for a specific buoy model. For example, the Nortek Aquadopp ADCP Buoy Mount fits only into the 6” pass-through port of the CB-950 or the 12” pass-through port of the CB-1250.

  • Page 18: Selecting A Data Well Lid

    A list of top-side and subsurface sensor mounting accessories is available here. In the design process, consider what instruments will be mounted onto the buoy and how well-suited the selected buoy is for accommodating them. Selecting a Data Well Lid Once the buoy platform is selected, the data well lid is the next component to determine.
  • Page 19 2. The CB-MCL wet-mate Marine Connector Lid incorporates all marine-grade wet- mate connectors and a 5 psi UW-PRV Pressure Relief Valve. It is ideal for harsher marine environments where occasional full buoy submersion is a concern. Contents and options: a. CB-MCL Solar Connector with UW6 Solar/COM port adapter¹ b.

  • Page 20: Selecting Accessories

    CB-950 and CB-1250 buoys yellow For visibility on ship radar screens, Radar reflector for CB-Series data CB-RR mounts to CB-650, CB-950 and CB- buoys 1250 buoys For strengthening connection of Cage anti-rotation collar for CB- instrument cage on CB-150, CB-250...

  • Page 21: 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 user-supplied electronics, several accessories are available to facilitate installation inside the watertight data well. Common Accessories Battery mounts –...
  • Page 22 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 (included) RF-BULK –...

  • Page 23: Securing Data Well Plate

    Additional information on the connector types and other custom options is available here. Securing Data Well Plate When re-installing the plate, first verify that the large O-ring is in good condition, clear of debris, and lightly greased. Align the plate with the bolt holes on the buoy and place the provided bolts with lock washer.

  • Page 24: Cb-Ptl Bulkhead Connector Assembly Installation

    CB-PTL Bulkhead Connector Assembly Installation NexSens CB-PTL Pass-Through Lid is used on NexSens CB-Series data buoys for custom integrations of user-supplied electronics. NexSens CB-Series data buoys with CB-PTL pass- through lids have optional bulkhead accessories for providing power, sensor connections, and telemetry to internal electronics.
  • Page 25 RF Bulkhead Connector Assembly Figure 3: RF Bulkhead Connector Assembly The RF bulkhead connector assembly (RF-BULK) allows third-party modems to be integrated inside CB-Series buoy data wells capped with CB-PTL pass-through lids. It consists of an N-style female connector integrated on the bulkhead for external antenna connection.

  • Page 26: Uw-6 Power Bulkhead Connector Assembly Wiring

    UW-6 Power Bulkhead Connector Assembly Wiring CB-Series Buoys supplied with a CB-PTL Pass-Through Lid for integration of user-supplied electronics include a UW-6 power bulkhead connector (UW6-BULK) port on the lid. The UW6-BULK connects to the solar tower on the outside of the buoy and has bare wires with Molex connector on the inside of the data well.

  • Page 27: Wiring Options

    UW6-Bulk Pin Molex Wire Flying Lead Wire Notes Color¹ Color² – – – – – Solar Connector Jumps to Pin 6 Black Black Yellow – 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.
  • Page 28 Solar Panel ONLY If the unregulated solar panel output is solely required to power instrumentation, connect: Molex Wire Electronics Connection Yellow Black...

  • Page 29: Cb-Mcl Bulkhead Connector Installation

    CB-MCL Bulkhead Connector Installation NexSens CB-MCL Wet-Mate Lid is used on NexSens CB-Series data buoys for custom integrations of user-supplied electronics with marine-grade connectors on the outside of the lid. MCBH wet-mate bulkhead connectors provide power and sensor connections, while an RF bulkhead adapter facilitates integration of telemetry modems installed in the data well.
  • Page 30 well. Installation instructions for an RF-BULK cable assembly can be found here. MCBH Bulkhead Connectors Figure 3: MCBH Male Figure 4: MCBH Female Bulkhead Connectors Bulkhead Connectors Wet mateable MCBH bulkhead connectors are used on the (5) holes on the CB-MCL for connection of sensors and other devices.

  • Page 31: M650 Beacon For Cb-Series Data Buoys

    NexSens M650 Solar Marine Light is a common accessory added to NexSens CB-650, CB-950 and CB-1250 data buoys. It has a 4 nautical mile range and is normally delivered with flange mount hardware, yellow color and default 15 flash/minute pattern (Model M650H-Y).

  • Page 32: Operation

    3. Align the (3) holes at the base of the marine light with the mounting points. Figure 3: M650 mounting alignment. 4. Place a bolt with a lock washer and flat washer into each mounting point. Tighten down with a 7/16” socket wrench. Figure 4: Securing the M650 solar marine light.
  • Page 33 The IR programmer and user interface can perform the following functions: Turn beacon on and off Check the battery pack charge status Change the flash pattern and intensity The M650 battery is user-replaceable. Reference the following article for more information: Replace battery...

  • Page 34: Cb-Series Data Buoy Instrument Cage Installation

    CB-250, and CB-450 buoys. It is an optional accessory for the CB-50 and comes standard with the others. Model number CAGE-L is 44″ (112 cm) in length and has a wider profile. It comes standard with CB-650, CB-950, and CB-1250 buoys. Figure 1: Model CAGE Figure 2: Model CAGE-L instrument cage.

  • Page 35: 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. Figure 4: Secured cage. 3. Place the cotter pin through the bolt hole and bend the long leg of the pin. Figure 5: Cotter pin with bent leg for security.

  • Page 36: Use Of Sacrificial Anodes On Cb-Series Data Buoys

    Use of Sacrificial Anodes on CB-Series Data Buoys Sacrificial zinc anodes are recommended for use on CB-Series data buoys any time they will be used in saltwater environments. This helps to prevent corrosion on the stainless steel frame, as zinc is a more active metal that will be consumed while protecting the stainless steel.
  • Page 37 frequent inspection and replacement of anodes as needed can extend the life of a data buoy significantly in saltwater. Sacrificial anodes are normally not necessary for buoys used in freshwater except in special circumstances. It is therefore generally recommended only to order anodes with buoys intended for use in brackish or saltwater.

  • Page 38: Cb-Series Data Buoy Instrument Mounts

    CB-Series Data Buoy Instrument Mounts CB-Series data buoys support a wide range of topside and subsurface instruments with uniquely designed buoy instrument mounts. Mounting accessories are available for many of the most commonly-used sensors and instruments. Click on each accessory name for product information and instructions for use.
  • Page 39 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...

  • Page 40: Deployment

    3. Deployment CB-Series Data Buoy Ballast Weight & Stability 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., instrument cage, chain, anchors, etc.).

  • Page 41: Top-Side Weight

    Top-Side Weight Top-side weight is any weight mounted on the buoy above the water surface or the buoy’s center of gravity. Weight located further from the buoy’s center of gravity will cause greater instability of the buoy. For example, suppose a weather sensor is mounted 36″ above the water surface (Figure 2).

  • Page 42: Ballast Weight

    Ballast Weight Ballast weight is any weight mounted on the buoy below the water surface or the buoy’s center of gravity. Contrary to top-side weight, a ballast weight added further below the surface (Figure 4) will provide a more significant stabilizing effect than the same size weight mounted closer to the surface (Figure 5).

  • Page 43: Buoy Ballast Weights

    CB-50. The large model instrument cage (26 lbs.) is included with the purchase of CB-650, CB-950, & CB-1250 buoy models. Typically, no additional ballast weight is necessary for the CB-25-SVS, CB-25, & CB-40 models as each buoy comes standard with either 1/2″...

  • Page 44: Mooring Data Buoys

    Additionally, the weight associated with biofouling growth can impact the buoy buoyancy and mooring performance. Minimum recommended ballast weights for NexSens Technology data buoys can be reviewed at the link below. NexSens Technology Buoy Ballast Weights More information on buoy ballast can also be found at the link below.
  • Page 45 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 46 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.
  • Page 47 Horizontal Loading 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.
  • Page 48 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 49 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 50: Cb-Series Data Buoy Deployment Tips

    CB-Series Data Buoy Deployment Tips NexSens Technology supplies mooring hardware to support user-designed systems but does not endorse any particular mooring strategy for any specific application and does not take responsibility for mooring performance or damage resulting from mooring failure.

  • Page 51: Buoy Deployments

    Note: Shackle sizes are dependent on the thickness of the bottom chain. Shackles shown in the images below are used for 1/2″ galvanized chain, which is standard in most applications. Figure 2: Shackle connections between the Figure 3: Shackle connections between the buoy tether line and marker buoy.

  • Page 52: Single-Point Mooring Buoy Deployments

    equipment (e.g., workboat, lifting rig for heavier systems, gloves, safety footwear, etc.) is essential to deploy any buoy system safely. Buoy systems are heavy, and personnel can quickly become entangled with mooring lines and anchors. Safety and flotation gear should be worn at all times when working on or near the water.

  • Page 53: Two-Point And Three-Point Mooring Buoy Deployments

    Figure 7: Single-point mooring system on CB- 450 data buoy. Two-Point and Three-Point Mooring Buoy Deployments 1. Connect all mooring components inside the boat. Stage the components so that they can be lifted over the side of the boat and laid out without becoming entangled. 2.

  • Page 54: Troubleshooting And Maintenance

    4. Troubleshooting and Maintenance General Data Buoy Maintenance The following practices should be carried out for general CB-Series data buoy maintenance during normal operation. As a general practice, measurement data should regularly be inspected, and Quick Alerts Alarms should be configured in WQData LIVE to detect any anomalies which may indicate that maintenance is required.
  • Page 55 Figure 2: NexSens A71 Desiccant Kit 3. Carefully clean the buoy and connected devices as needed. a. Clean off the solar panels with a soft towel using caution not to scratch the surface. Water is normally sufficient for this, but a mild cleaning agent may be used if necessary.

  • Page 56: Preparing For Re-Deployment

    Preparing for Re-deployment 1. Inspect sensor cables and calibrate instruments per manufacturer’s recommendations. a. Before disconnecting any sensor cables, it is recommended to remove power from the buoy by disconnecting the UW-6 pin plug from the SOLAR port on the data logger/data well lid.

  • Page 57: Verify Battery Voltage Of A Cb-Series Buoy

    Verify Battery Voltage of a CB-Series Buoy Use a DC volt/multimeter to verify the battery voltage of a CB-Series data buoy 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 58: Replace A Battery In A Cb-Series Data Buoy

    9/16″ socket wrench. b. For the CB-650, CB-950, and CB-1250: Remove the three clevis pins securing the solar panel tower legs to the buoy hubs and carefully lift upwards to detach the...

  • Page 59: Battery Removal

    Figure 1: Remove solar tower from CB-150/250/450 buoys. 3. Remove the (8) bolts with lock washers from the buoy plate using a 9/16″ socket wrench. Figure 2: X2-CB removal from CB-150/250/450 Figure 3: X2-CB removal from CB-650/950/1250 buoys. buoys. Battery Removal 1.
  • Page 60 Figure 4: Unplug X2-CB in CB-150/250/450 Figure 5: Unplug X2-CB in CB-650/950/1250 buoys. buoys. 2. Remove the foam coverings to expose the battery harness. 3. Remove the two nut, lock washer and flat washer pairs securing the regulator bracket to the battery mount posts (threaded rod). 4.

  • Page 61: New Battery Installation

    New Battery Installation [For systems with a single battery] 1. Lower the new battery into the data well. a. It may be necessary to adjust the foam for a proper fit. 2. Skip ahead to Step 3 “For All Systems” [Only for systems with 2 or more batteries] 1.

  • Page 62: Buoy Plate Re-Installation

    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. Figure 6: Re-connect the data well 6-pin cable connection.
  • Page 63 Figure 8: Bolt down the logger in a crisscross Figure 7: Bolt down the X2-CB/X2-CBMC. pattern. 4. Re-attach the buoy solar panel. 5. Using a voltmeter, measure the voltage between pins 3 (V+) and 4 (GND) of the X2-CB SOLAR port. This should read close to the voltage of the new battery (~12V to 15V). Figure 9: UW-6 SOLAR port receptacle pinout for X2-CB data loggers and CB-PTL pass-through lids.

  • Page 65: Test A Cb-Series Buoy Solar Tower

    9/16″ socket wrench. b. For the CB-650, CB-950, and CB-1250: Remove the three clevis pins securing the solar panel tower legs to the buoy hubs and carefully lift upwards to detach the assembly.
  • Page 66 CB-250 0.59-0.72 CB-450 0.59-0.72 CB-650 1.36-1.67 CB-950 2.00-2.40 CB-1250 2.59-3.17 7. If one or more of the three panels show lower than expected voltage or current output, inspect the surface of the panel for visible damage. 8. If a panel needs replacement contact NexSens and follow the link below:...

  • Page 67: Data Buoy Storage Requirements

    Data Buoy Storage Requirements The following buoy storage requirements are required when storing a CB-Series data buoy with an X2-CB data logger: Storage Requirements 1. Store the buoy in a dry environment that is kept above freezing. a. Cold or excessively fluctuating storage temperatures can weaken the PVC joints of the deployment pipes.

  • Page 68: Preparing For Re-Deployment

    Preparing for Re-Deployment 1. 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.* Figure 3: NexSens CB-Series Battery Float Charger Kit *While charging, the data logger will be running.

  • Page 69: 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.

  • Page 70: Service Request

    6. Service Request Service Request To return equipment for evaluation and repair, request Return Authorization (RA) at the following link: NexSens Return Authorization An email authorization receipt with reference number will be sent to print and include with your shipment. Products within the warranty period will be fixed at no charge.

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