XB-200 Data Buoy

The XB-200 is ideal for water monitoring applications requiring portability and quick deployment, yet strong enough for rough water.

Overview

Features

Versatile

The XB-200 is light enough to be deployed from most small boats, yet it offers adequate power and charging for rigorous instrument sampling and data transmission.

XB-200 data buoy with instrument cage attached.

Versatile

The XB-200 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.

Close up of the XB-200 data buoy hull and solar tower.

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.

Battery Well

An integrated battery well with watertight lid provides a housing for batteries, data loggers, sensors, and other hardware.

X-ray view of the NexSens XB-200 data buoy.

Battery Well

An integrated battery well with watertight lid provides a housing for batteries, data loggers, sensors, and other hardware.

Connections

The battery well lid provides waterproof connections for the solar panel input and 12VDC power out. When integrated with the optional NexSens X3 data logger, the system is truly plug-and-play.

Connections

The battery well lid provides waterproof connections for the solar panel input and 12VDC power out. When integrated with the optional NexSens X3 data logger, the system is truly plug-and-play.

Pass-Through Holes

Three 4-inch pass-through holes allow for sensors to be mounted or suspended underwater while securely routing the cable.

Close up of the XB-200 data buoy hull from below.

Pass-Through Holes

Three 4-inch pass-through holes allow for sensors to be mounted or suspended underwater while securely routing the cable.

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.

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 X3 data logger securely mounts under the solar lid for turnkey systems. Alternatively, 3rd party data loggers can be integrated by the user inside the battery well.

X-ray view of the NexSens XB-200 solar tower with an X3 data logger installed.

Data Logging

The X3 data logger securely mounts under the solar lid for turnkey systems. Alternatively, 3rd party data loggers can be integrated by the user inside the battery well.

Wireless Communications

Communication options using the X3 data logger include Wi-Fi, 4G LTE cellular, and Iridium satellite.

Close up of the XB-200 data buoy with data waves.

Wireless Communications

Communication options using the X3 data logger include Wi-Fi, 4G LTE cellular, and Iridium satellite.

Built to Last

The outer shell is manufactured from UV stabilized, LLDPE plastic and the hull is filled with closed-cell polyurethane foam. This combination provides the flexibility and toughness needed for harsh marine environments, intense sunlight, and polluted waters.

Built to Last

Configuring a Data Buoy

Documents

Data Sheet

Drawing

Customization

Bid Specs

Knowledge Base

Purchase in the USA

Visit our US distributor, Fondriest Environmental, to purchase online.

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Purchase Internationally

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Contact a NexSens Applications Scientist

Need help designing an Environmental IoT system? NexSens applications scientists will help you design the perfect monitoring system to meet field conditions and monitoring needs.

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Tech Specs

Hull Outer Diameter: 30.0” (76.2cm)
Hull Height: 22.0” (55.8cm)
Battery Well Inner Diameter: 9.7” (23.6cm) above battery
Battery Well Height: 20.5" (52.1cm)
Pass-Through Hole Diameter: 4.0" (10.2cm)
Tower Height: 20.0” (50.8cm)
Solar Panels: 3x 15-watts
Weight: 70 lb. (32kg)

See Full Specs

Gross Buoyancy: 334 lb. (152kg)
Net Buoyancy: 264 lb. (120kg)
Hull Material: UV stabilized, linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) with closed-cell polyurethane foam fill
Hardware Material: 316 stainless steel
Mooring Attachments: 2x 5/8” eye nuts

Q&A

How is the X3 data logger mounted on the XB-200?

The X3 data logger is secured under the solar tower top plate using four screws. To access the X3 data logger, the user can simply remove the three screws on the solar tower top plate and lift the entire plate/data logger assembly off the tower.

What sensors are compatible with the XB-200 data buoy?

Common sensors include wave sensors, doppler current profilers, multi-parameter water quality sondes, weather stations, and temperature strings. As long as the sensor can operate on 12VDC power and output data via SDI-12, RS-485, or RS-232, then it's likely compatible.

What is the effective charging from the three 15-watt solar panels?

Given the solar panel orientation on the XB-200 data buoy, only 1-2 panels will be facing the sun at any given time. Internal testing shows that the overall charging efficiency is ~50% or equivalent to ~22.5-watts (15-watts x 3 x 50%). For turnkey systems, NexSens application engineers can perform a power budget to objectively confirm that the system will have adequate power given the power demands, deployment location, and time of the year that the buoy will be deployed.

Can I install my own data logger in the XB-200 data buoy?

Yes, customers are welcome to install their own electronics on the XB-200 buoy platform. The center well includes space above the battery assembly for mounting a data logger and other electronics.