User Guide

Knowledge Base

X3 Data Logger Buoy-Based Installation


All X3 Data Loggers ship with multiple mounting equipment sets compatible with NexSens CB-Series data buoys. One set provides mounting equipment for the smaller buoy ranges (CB-150 to CB-450), and the other is used for the larger buoy ranges (CB-650 to CB-1250).

Engravings next to the antenna ports display the antenna type (i.e., CELL or SAT). For proper communication, match the appropriate antenna with the corresponding engraved antenna port. To avoid damage, remove all antennas before installation. Programming and testing the system before installation and labeling the ports with the sensor locations are also recommended. Once that is complete, follow the installation processes below for the specific buoy model.

 

Small Buoy Mounting Instructions (CB-150 to CB-450)

Included equipment:
  • (4) 5/16-18 x 7/8″ Hex head cap screws
  • (4) 5/16″ Split lock washers
  • (4) 5/16″ Flat washers
Required Tools:
  • 9/16″ Socket or wrench
  1. Gather the CB-150-450 Mounting equipment. Use a 9/16″ socket or wrench to remove the white top plate from the buoy’s solar tower.

Figure 1: Solar tower top plate removal.

 

  1. Align the threaded slots on top of the logger with the (4) corresponding holes on the white plate.
    1. Attach the logger using the (4) hex head cap screws, lock washers, and flat washers.
    2. Tighten using a 9/16″ socket or wrench.

Figure 2: Data logger installation.

Figure 3: Hole locations for X3 logger mounting.

 

  1. Provide power to the middle 6-pin port on the data logger via the solar tower plug and connect the sensors to the outer 8-pin ports.
    1. Ensure the sensors are connected in the same configuration as they were programmed.

Figure 4: Connect sensors identically to initial programming.

Figure 5: Connect the solar tower cable to the middle 6-pin port.

 

  1. Reattach the plate and install the antenna.
    1. Install the antenna to the correctly labeled port (i.e., CELL or SAT).

Figure 6: Re-install the top white plate with the X3 data logger attached.

Figure 7: Install the antenna to the correctly labeled port (i.e., CELL or SAT).

 

 

Large Buoy Mounting Instructions (CB-650 to CB-1250)

Included equipment:
  • (3) 3/8-16 x 1″ Hex head cap screws
  • (3) 3/8″ Split lock washers
  • (3) 3/8″ Flat washers
  • (3) Isolation washers
Required Tools:
  • 9/16″ Socket or wrench
  1. Gather the CB-650-1250 Mounting equipment. Align the threaded inserts on the bottom of the data logger with the (3) black isolation washers and the smaller holes on the mount.
    1. The data logger ports should align with the large openings on the mount.
    2. Note: An intentional gap will exist between the mount and the data logger to avoid contact between the dissimilar metals.

Figure 8: Mount the data logger on the buoy tower.

 

  1. Insert the (3) hex head cap screws, lock washers, and flat washers into the threaded inserts on the logger.
    1. Tighten using a 9/16″ socket or wrench.

 

Figure 9: Data logger installation.

 

  1. Provide power to the middle 6-pin port on the data logger and connect the sensors to the outer 8-pin ports.
    1. Ensure the sensors are connected in the same configuration as they were programmed.
    2. For any connectors within or below the solar tower, it is best to tie a rope or string around each connector to pull them through the opening at the top of the solar tower.

Figure 10: Connect sensors identically to initial programming.

Figure 11: Connect the solar tower cable to the middle 6-pin port.

 

  1. Install the antenna to the correctly labeled port (i.e., CELL or SAT).
    1. Ensure the cellular antenna’s O-ring is seated correctly and the antenna is making solid contact with it.

Figure 12: Cellular antenna installation.

Figure 13: Satellite antenna installation.