User Guide

Knowledge Base

XB-200 Data Buoy Overview


The XB-200 data buoy is ideal for applications requiring portability and quick deployment, yet strong enough for rough water. The platform is suited for limnology research, dredge turbidity monitoring, temperature or dissolved oxygen profiling, fisheries and aquaculture monitoring, harmful algal bloom detection, and oil spill response. When configured with the NexSens X3 4G LTE cellular or Iridium satellite data logger, all electronics are mounted under the solar tower top plate for quick access and easy replacement. The buoy is also highly customizable with user-supplied electronics. It supports a wide variety of topside and subsurface sensors and measurement instruments.

XB-200 data buoy product page.

Figure 1: XB-200 data buoy.

 

Key Components

Buoy Hull

The hull is constructed of UV-stabilized, linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) and filled with lightweight, closed-cell polyurethane foam to keep the buoy afloat even if pierced or damaged. The buoy provides a net buoyancy of 200 lb (91 kg) and includes a stainless steel instrument cage for ballast weight and sensor mounting, and three 4″ pass-through ports to accommodate water monitoring sensors.

Figure 2: Pass-through ports on XB-200.

Figure 3: Instrument cage on XB-200.

 

Data Well

Two separate compartments in the data well can house batteries, measurement electronics, or telemetric equipment. The well height is 20.5″ (52.1 cm), with a 9.7″ (23.6 cm) diameter above the battery compartment.

Figure 4: Two 28 Ahr batteries installed.

Figure 5: Empty XB-200 battery well.

 

Solar Tower

The solar tower is also made of LLDPE and contains an array of (3) 15-watt solar panels wired in parallel to provide 45 watts of solar charging. Each solar panel is user-replaceable and contains a 2-pin connector that plugs into the middle solar hub on top of the buoy data well. A top plate made of Starboard marine plastic provides a mounting location for top-side sensors and a NexSens X3 Environmental Data Logger.

Figure 6: XB-200 solar tower.

Figure 7: XB-200 buoy with X3 Environmental Data Logger.

 

Key Specifications

  • 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: 67 lb. (30.4kg)
  • Net Buoyancy: 200 lb. (91kg)
  • 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