River monitoring buoy

Lake monitoring buoy

Limnology buoy

Source water monitoring

CB-450 Data Buoy

The CB-450 data buoy is ideally suited for dredge turbidity monitoring, temperature profiling, dissolved oxygen monitoring, limnology research, and weather monitoring on inland lakes.

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Features

Versatile

The CB-450 is light enough to be deployed from most small boats, yet it offers adequate power and charging for rigorous instrument sampling and data transmission.

Self-Powered

Three integrated 15-watt solar panels are angled and evenly spaced around the buoy to capture sunlight from any direction and provide adequate battery charging.

Data Well

A 10-inch diameter by 19.5-inch tall data well provides a watertight housing for batteries, data loggers, sensors, and other hardware.

Connections

The data well lid provides pass-through connections for sensors, power, venting, and more. When integrated with the optional NexSens X2-CB data logger, the system is truly plug-and-play.

Pass-Through Ports

Three 4-inch pass-through ports allow for sensors to be mounted underwater while securely routing the cable. Instrument deployment pipes and custom sensor mounts attach to 4-inch NPT bottom threads.

Solar Beacon

The optional solar marine light has a one to three nautical mile range and securely mounts to the buoy top plate for maximum visibility.

Data Logging

The X2-CB data logger replaces the standard pass-through data well lid for turnkey systems. Alternatively, 3rd party data loggers can be integrated by the user inside the data well.

Wireless Communications

Communication options using the X2-CB data logger include Wi-Fi, radio-to-shore, cellular, and Iridium satellite.

Built to Last

Constructed of cross-linked polyethylene foam with a heavy polymer skin and an indestructible stainless steel frame, the CB-450 is designed for years of service.

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Tech Specs

Hull Outer Diameter: 34.0” (86.4cm)
Hull Height: 20.0” (50.8cm)
Data Well Inner Diameter: 10.3” (26.2cm)
Data Well Height: 19.5" (49.5cm)
Pass-Through Hole Diameter: 4.0" (10.2cm)
Tower Height: 20.0” (50.80cm)
Solar Panels: 3x 15-watts
Weight: 130 lb (59kg)
Net Buoyancy: 450 lb (204kg)
Hull Material: Cross-linked polyethylene foam with polyurea coating & stainless steel deck
Hardware Material: 316 stainless steel
Mooring Attachments: 3x 3/4” eyenuts

Q&A

How can I ensure buoy stability?

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.

Under what conditions would I need to remove the CB-450 data buoy?

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.

How do I know if I need an anti-rotation collar on the instrument cage?

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.

Case Studies

Sturdy Little Buoy, Tremendous Predictive Power

Two solitary data buoys floating off the storm-tossed Lake Superior shore near Munising and Granite Island were sudden stars in 2017. That October, they captured the largest waves ever measured on the Great Lakes—each 28.8-foot high—during a storm that claimed the lives of two people swept off rocks. This attention-getting event shows how buoy data help managers and the public comprehend the otherwise unimaginable force of a wild Lake Superior […]

Protecting Ohio River Wildlife

A complex series of locks and dams up and down the Ohio River enable interstate commerce, travel, and recreation. But maintaining a usable pathway for watercraft comes at a cost. The inevitable byproducts of disrupting the river’s natural systems are a threat to local wildlife. To combat this, the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) uses complex monitoring and response technology designed to minimize the negative impacts of dredging on […]

Submerged Sensors of Sebago Lake

Sebago Lake is the second largest lake in Maine—one of the only lakes in the nation with clean enough water for use by a drinking water facility without filtration requirements. Residents of the Greater Portland area are the beneficiaries, and they are invested in maintaining their lake's health. A joint project between the Portland Water District (PWD) and Saint Joseph’s College of Maine (SJC) assisted by the NexSens team submerged […]