A CB-650 data buoy floating on the water. A CB-650 data buoy floating on the water.

CB-650 Data Buoy

The CB-650 offers a compact platform with convenient tower mounting for met sensors, navigation lights, and radar reflectors.

Features

Powerful



The platform integrates three 32-watt solar panels on the tower with space for up to three 28 A-Hr batteries in the data well.

CB-650 data buoy with instrument cage attached. CB-650 data buoy with instrument cage attached.

Powerful



The platform integrates three 32-watt solar panels on the tower with space for up to three 28 A-Hr batteries in the data well.

CB-650 data buoy with instrument cage attached. CB-650 data buoy with instrument cage attached.


Tower



The stainless steel tower includes a top mounting plate for solar marine lights and radar reflectors. Mounts are also available for weather sensors, video cameras and other topside instruments.

Close-up of the CB-650 data buoy hull and solar tower. Close-up of the CB-650 data buoy hull and solar tower.
Close-up of the CB-650 data buoy hull and solar tower. Close-up of the CB-650 data buoy hull and solar tower.

Tower



The stainless steel tower includes a top mounting plate for solar marine lights and radar reflectors. Mounts are also available for weather sensors, video cameras and other topside instruments.



Data Well



A 10-inch diameter by 22-inch tall data well provides a watertight housing for batteries, data loggers, sensors, and other hardware.

X-ray view of the NexSens CB-650 data buoy. X-ray view of the NexSens CB-650 data buoy.

Data Well



A 10-inch diameter by 22-inch tall data well provides a watertight housing for batteries, data loggers, sensors, and other hardware.

X-ray view of the NexSens CB-650 data buoy. X-ray view of the NexSens CB-650 data buoy.


Connections



The data well lid provides pass-through connections for sensors, power, venting, and more. When integrated with the optional NexSens X3 data logger, the system is truly plug-and-play.

Close-up of the CB-650 data buoy connections. Close-up of the CB-650 data buoy connections.
Close-up of the CB-650 data buoy connections. Close-up of the CB-650 data buoy connections.

Connections



The data well lid provides pass-through connections for sensors, power, venting, and more. When integrated with the optional NexSens X3 data logger, the system is truly plug-and-play.



Top-to-Bottom 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.

Close-up of the CB-650 data buoy hull from below. Close-up of the CB-650 data buoy hull from below.

Top-to-Bottom 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.

Close-up of the CB-650 data buoy hull from below. Close-up of the CB-650 data buoy hull from below.


Solar Beacon



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

Close-up of the CB-650 data buoy solar tower with a solar beacon installed. Close-up of the CB-650 data buoy solar tower with a solar beacon installed.
Close-up of the CB-650 data buoy solar tower with a solar beacon installed. Close-up of the CB-650 data buoy solar tower with a solar beacon installed.

Solar Beacon



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



Data Logging



The X3 data logger is easily integrated for turnkey systems. Alternatively, 3rd party data loggers can be integrated by the user inside the data well.

Close-up of the CB-650 data well. Close-up of the CB-650 data well.

Data Logging



The X3 data logger is easily integrated for turnkey systems. Alternatively, 3rd party data loggers can be integrated by the user inside the data well.

Close-up of the CB-650 data well. Close-up of the CB-650 data well.


Wireless Communications



Communication options using the X3 data logger include Wi-Fi, cellular, and Iridium satellite.

Close-up of the CB-650 data buoy with data waves. Close-up of the CB-650 data buoy with data waves.
Close-up of the CB-650 data buoy with data waves. Close-up of the CB-650 data buoy with data waves.

Wireless Communications



Communication options using the X3 data logger include Wi-Fi, 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-650 is designed for years of service.

CB-650 data buoy with instrument cage attached. CB-650 data buoy with instrument cage attached.

Built to Last



Constructed of cross-linked polyethylene foam with a heavy polymer skin and an indestructible stainless steel frame, the CB-650 is designed for years of service.

CB-650 data buoy with instrument cage attached. CB-650 data buoy with instrument cage attached.


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Tech Specs

Hull Outer Diameter: 38.0” (96.5cm)
Hull Height: 22.0” (55.9cm)
Data Well Inner Diameter: 10.3” (26.2cm)
Data Well Height: 21.5" (54.6cm)
Pass-Through Hole Diameter: 4.0" (10.2cm)
Tower Height: 35.0” (88.9cm)
Solar Panels: 3x 32-watts
Weight: 182 lb (83kg)
See Full Specs
Gross Buoyancy: 681 lb (309kg)
Net Buoyancy: 499 lb (226kg)
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

Do I need sacrificial anodes in any saltwater application?
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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.
Why is it called the CB-650 data buoy and why is it yellow?
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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.
What applications require a radar reflector?
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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.
What is the difference between the CB-650, -950 and -1250?
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In addition to buoyancy capability, the solar towers offer incrementally larger solar panels for projects with a heavier power load. The bigger the buoy, the more batteries can be stored in the data well for reserve power. The instrument hole diameters are 4 inches, 6 inches and 8 inches respectively in the three large buoy models.

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