Common Tools Required for Deployment and Maintenance
During a buoy deployment or maintenance, the tools required will vary based on the buoy accessories purchased with the order, including beacons, sensors, and sensor mounts. However, a host of tools will be necessary across nearly all data buoy platforms. Any technician responsible for a buoy deployment or maintenance should bring the following tools to the field.
Common Tools Across All CB-Series Buoy Platforms
| Tool | Use | Associated Links |
| 5/16″ Allen wrench | Used to remove the top cover of sensor deployment pipes. | Remove a buoy deployment pipe cover |
| Pair of 1-1/8″ or crescent wrenches | Used to tighten the castle nut on cages, ballast weights and CB-CCA Anti-Rotation Collars. | CB-CCA Quick Start Guide CB-Series Ballast Weight |
| 4-mm Allen wrench | Used to install and replace sacrificial zinc anodes. | Use of Sacrificial Anodes on CB-Series Data Buoys |
| Digital voltmeter/multimeter | Used to check the charge on the internal batteries and to test the solar tower. | Check Buoy Battery Voltage, Test a CB-Series Solar Tower |
| 9/16″ socket wrench | Used to remove the top white plate to install top-side sensor mounts and to remove the buoy plate for desiccant and battery replacements. | Replace a Desiccant in the Buoy Data Well |
| 10-mm socket wrench with extension | Used to remove the solar regulator for internal battery replacements. | Replace a Buoy Battery |
| Pack of zip ties | Zip ties are a useful tool for securing sensor cables and providing security around components that may come loose due to movement and vibration (i.e., cotter pin on instrument cage, shackle pin on mooring lines). | — |
| Cable armor/electrical tape | Apply cable armor or electrical tape on sensor cables in areas where the cable will constantly rub against abrasive surfaces (e.g., within the deployment pipe, near the instrument cage or mooring line). Over time, a cable can be damaged or cut due to the constant abrasion. | — |
| O-ring grease and lint-free wipes | It is advised to pack multiple tubes of O-ring grease to apply onto all sensor plugs. Ensure to wipe down with lint-free wipes to remove all debris from the O-ring. If a battery or desiccant replacement is necessary, it is best to wipe down the data well O-ring with a lint-free cloth and then apply an even amount of O-ring grease before reinstalling the data logger. | — |
Tools for NexSens X2-CB/X2-CBMC Data Loggers
| Tool | Use | Associated Links |
| UW6-USB-485P Direct Communication Cable | Directly communicate with an X2-CB/X2-CBMC series data logger using the CONNECT software. | X2-CB (Cellular), X2-CB (Iridium) |
| Field laptop loaded with the CONNECT software. | CONNECT is a software utility that enables users to interface directly with any NexSens X2-Series data logger using a UW6-USB-485P cable. Note: The UW6-USB-485P cable must be plugged into the field laptop while it has internet connection for the USB drivers to install properly. | CONNECT Software Download CONNECT Software User Guide |
Tools for Top-Side Sensor Mounts
| Tool | Use | Associated Links |
| 3/4″ socket wrench | Used to install the extension mount for many top-side sensors on CB-150, CB-250 & CB-450 buoy models. | Airmar Weather Station Mount, Gill Weather Station Mount, Li-COR PAR Sensor Mount, Lufft Weather Station Mount |
| Pair of 7/16″ socket wrenches | Used to install the M550 beacon, M650 beacon, and CB-RR Radar Reflector on CB-650 and larger buoy models. | M550 Solar Marine Light M650 Solar Marine Light CB-RR Radar Reflector |
| Philips head screwdriver | Used to complete mounting of Gill Maximet Weather Station. | Gill Weather Station Mount |
| 13-mm wrench or hex driver | Used to mount the CMB1 bracket for a Kipp & Zonen Radiometer on CB-650 and larger buoy models. | Kipp & Zonen CMB1 Buoy Mount |
Tools for Bottom-Side Sensor Mounts
| Tool | Use | Associated Links |
| 9/16″ socket wrench | Used to install a Nortek Aquadopp Current Profiler and EXO-series sondes in custom NexSens mounts. | Aquadopp ADCP Buoy Mount Aquadopp Current Profiler Mooring Cage EXO Sonde Mooring Cage |
| 3/16″ Allen wrench | Used to install Thermistor string clamps (TS-clamps) for NexSens temperature strings and the Nortek Signature 1000 in a custom NexSens cage. | Thermistor String Mooring Clamp Kit (TS-Clamp) Signature 1000 Cage |
| 2.5-mm Allen wrench | Used for the first step in the PAR-Arm Mounting Guide. Other tools include: Philips-head screwdriver, Flat-head screwdriver, 3/8″ socket wrench, 7/16″ socket wrench, and 9/16″ socket wrench | Underwater PAR Sensor Mount |