CB-650 Data Buoy CB-650 Data Buoy

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 Powerful

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.

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.

Powerful Powerful
Tower 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.

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.

Tower Tower
Data Well Data Well

Data Well

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

Data Well

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

Data Well Data Well
Connections Connections

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.

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.

Connections Connections
Top-to-Bottom Ports Top-to-Bottom Ports

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.

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.

Top-to-Bottom Ports Top-to-Bottom Ports
Solar Beacon Solar Beacon

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.

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.

Solar Beacon Solar Beacon
Data Logging Data Logging

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.

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.

Data Logging Data Logging
Wireless Communications Wireless Communications

Wireless Communications

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

Wireless Communications

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

Wireless Communications Wireless Communications
Built to Last Built to Last

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.

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.

Built to Last Built to Last

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: 215 lb (98kg)
View More
Gross Buoyancy: 650 lb (295kg)
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?
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?
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?
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?
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.

Get Started

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.

REQUEST A QUOTE

Case Studies

Stone Lab Buoy Tracks Algae Stone Lab Buoy Tracks Algae

Stone Lab Buoy Tracks Algae

Even before the Toledo Water Crisis, researchers at Stone Lab were concerned with the algae blooming in Lake Erie. With their location on the lake’s Gibraltar Island, it was easy for them to see the tides whipping up green stuff each day in the summer months. So long before the crisis, which took place in August 2014, scientists at the Ohio State University lab began working with engineers at NexSens Technology to devise a monitoring solution that would fit their needs. In addition, the platform would need to be versatile enough to meet the lab’s mission of education, research and outreach. Finding the right fit Stone Lab researchers eventually selected a NexSens CB-800 (now the CB-650) data buoy with an integrated cellular data logger, solar panels and rechargeable batteries. The platform was donated by Fondriest Environmental, NexSens’ exclusive distributor, and met their requirements for such a monitoring asset that would provide students and researchers with important algae data while also being highly visible to those boating by or visiting the lab.

Expanding Algal Bloom Monitoring Network Expanding Algal Bloom Monitoring Network

Expanding Algal Bloom Monitoring Network

Just one year after the Toledo water crisis of August 2014, federal, state and local agencies have stepped up to make sure that cities around Lake Erie’s western basin continue to have access to safe drinking water. Much of assuring that requires around-the-clock monitoring of water quality conditions there. Since the western basin is so large, not just one monitoring platform will do. Accordingly, researchers and water quality managers from different universities, cities and government agencies have launched more than a dozen data buoys, all armed with algae sensors, to do the job. One of the prominent agencies involved in the work is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. In the summer of 2015, scientists at the agency added four new platforms to the algal bloom monitoring network that has taken shape since the Toledo crisis. Three of these buoys were launched in the summer of 2015 near Maumee Bay and at other points off the shore of Michigan.

Great Lakes Buoy Networks Great Lakes Buoy Networks

Great Lakes Buoy Networks

The Great Lakes region is a dynamic ecosystem that supports millions of people, plants and animals. Key to maintaining its vitality is making sure the waterways that sit at its base remain clean and healthy. To do that, scientists and water managers need steady, reliable data. They often get this information from buoy networks. There are many different Great Lakes buoy networks out there, which are largely supported by government agencies and universities. Maintaining these networks, including servicing old buoys or launching new ones, is a big and important job. In one example of the ongoing work to support buoy networks, researchers with the University of Wisconsin launched two new monitoring buoys to track a variety of water quality parameters. The new platforms contribute data to the National Data Buoy Center,  Great Lakes Observing System (GLOS) and the University of Michigan’s Ocean Engineering Lab.