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Generally, no more than one point moorings are necessary due to the structure of the deployment pipe. Tangling is not a factor as instruments are enclosed in the pipe and do not hang freely below the CB-40. And, since cages are not a possible added feature to the CB-40, one anchor line is sufficient unless conditions are unusually rough.

Buoy maintenance depends solely on the surrounding conditions. Water quality measurements could read inaccurately if the instrument pipe becomes clogged or covered with debris. High biological fouling will call for more frequent cleanings, typically in wastewater lagoons or bays with zebra mussels and barnacles present. We suggest to visit the buoy once a week or once a month at first, depending on local conditions, and assessing how often cleanings are necessary.

The CB-40 buoy is not designed for solar power or auxiliary battery packs. The compact, four inch diameter instrument tube holds any small sensors, some of which include integrated batteries and data logging capability. No real-time data telemetry is available for the CB-40 buoy due to the small size. Planning trips to the buoy will depend on maintenance demand and battery and data storage capability.

The CB-50 is light enough to ship in a box rather than on a pallet, which significantly reduces freight costs. It also deploys easily, as no large boat or crew is necessary. Once deployed, relocating the system is as easy as lifting the anchor, moving to the appropriate location, and dropping the anchor. Instead of using solar charging, the CB-50 buoy supports the X2-SDL Submersible Data Logger that is powered by sixteen user-replaceable D-cell alkaline batteries. When outfitted with wireless telemetry, the data logger transmits battery voltage as a diagnostic parameter to take the guesswork out of battery replacement frequcency (typically necessary every several months). The integrated X2-SDL submersible data logger is compatible with most water sensors on the market, making it a very flexible platform for short-term, portable, and even seasonal projects.

An instrument cage is an optional addition to the CB-50 buoy. No extra weight is needed if the system includes any instrument cage model (CAGE, CAGE-EXO, etc.). If the system does not include an instrument cage, at least 20-25 pounds of extra weight should be added to the buoy frame. NexSens offers an optional 25 lb. ballast weight (PN# BAL25) that can be integrated between the buoy frame and mooring eye.

While the CB-50 is designed for use with the X2-SDL Submersible Data Logger, the buoy has a 5.5" diameter hole in the center of the hull for user-integrated waterproof hardware. Upon request, NexSens can offer a size-compatible empty waterproof canister for integrating third-party electronics. For more information on custom electronics integration options, contact us at info@nexsens.com.

The CB-150 buoy platform is available with the optional X2-CB data logger. NexSens can provide a turnkey CB-150 system complete with an X2-CB wireless data logger, WQData LIVE web datacenter, met/water sensors, and mooring hardware. Alternatively, the CB-150 can be supplied as a floating 12 VDC power source for customer integrations. Each data buoy comes standard with a passthrough data well lid that accommodates cable runs into the watertight data well. The data well is a 10" diameter and will fit most data loggers and modems on the market. The CB-150 data buoy is flexible for any buoy project, from turnkey to DIY and anything in between.

Yes, it can be shipped internationally via UPS, FedEx, DHL, or customer-arranged freight carriers. The CB-150 is the largest size buoy that can be shipped in a cardboard box rather than on a pallet. It is possible to ship integrated buoy systems in separate boxes to keep shipping rates lower as long as each individual box does not exceed 150 pounds; however it is preferred to ship these turnkey systems on an export-approved pallet so that everything is assembled prior to shipment.

When purchased with the standard passthrough data well lid, six sensor ports are supplied for cable integration. When supplied with the X2-CB data logger, there are five integrated sensor ports. These can be expanded through 2-way and 4-way sensor splitters. In this case, the maximum number of sensors depends on the output of the sensors in use. The X2-CB data logger can accommodate up to three RS-232 sensors, up to ten SDI-12 sensors, and virtually an unlimited number of RS-485 Modbus RTU sensors.

Buoy stability is dependent on a number of factors including instruments attached, mooring design, water currents, and regional weather conditions. It is recommended to examine the buoy upon deployment, adding ballast weight and adjusting the mooring as needed. Given that each deployment is unique, be sure to communicate with NexSens application engineers for optimal stability.

Freezing and periodic maintenance are the two most common reasons to remove a buoy from the water. A large number of buoy deployments are seasonal, so customers will commonly remove the buoy in the fall and redeploy in the spring. For year-round buoy deployments, NexSens recommends pulling the buoy at least once for cleaning and maintenance inspection. The potential for large storms and river debris flows are also good reasons to pull a buoy in order to prevent any ensuing damage. NexSens recommends integrating a GPS in situations where debris loads or other circumstances have the potential to move the buoy, like in a river or coastal setting.

An anti-rotation collar is not necessary if the buoy is deployed on two point mooring and no instruments are attached to cage. Anti-rotation collars are recommended for single point moorings or when instruments are attached to the cage. This provides an added strength member and prevents the potential for cable tangling.

Sacrificial zinc anodes are recommended for any buoy deployed in saltwater or brackish conditions. Sacrificial anodes prolong the life of the buoy and protect the stainless steel hardware and instrument cage from corrosion. Both the buoy frame and the instrument cage should have a sacrificial anode attached (2 per buoy). Check the anodes during each maintenance visit and replace when necessary, which is typically six months to one year depending on conditions.

CB stands for "Coastal Buoy". The number 650 denotes net buoyancy, the buoyant capacity of the buoy after hardware is installed. A safety yellow hull is a standard international practice and requirement of the U.S. Coast Guard to signify research buoys.

Radar reflectors are important in high traffic waterways to alert boats and vessels. While the lid on top of the hull has some radar reflecting qualities, adding a radar reflector will ensure radar visibility at any time. It is recommended for any offshore buoy to be fitted with a radar reflector and navigation light.