Wave Staff XB

The OSSI010-025 Wave Staff XB is a water level sensor that combines a rugged, IP67 resistant to water submersion package, Xbee RF Module, low power microprocessor and Anti-aliasing sensing circuit. Months of operation with two Industry standard C size alkaline batteries. Sensor Staffs from 0.5 meters long to 20 meters long. The self-grounding Coaxial Rod and Cable Staffs eliminate the need for a separate water ground wire. Laptops and PCs can easily receive the Wave Staff XBÂ’s data with any one of several optional wireless Adaptors. Time stamped data can be used to synchronize up to 8 Wave Staff XBs. A new, easy to use, PC Interface Program is available to down load from our web site to configure, display, analyze and store the sensor data.

OSSI-010-025 Wave Staff XB – Product Description

The Ocean Sensor Systems OSSI-010-025 Wave Staff XB is a high-resolution, wireless instrument designed for direct-contact measurement of liquid surface height at sampling rates up to 32 Hz, ideal for waves, wakes, tides, and water level monitoring.

Measurement & Performance

Measurement Principle Capacitance sensing between sensor staff and water
Sampling Rate Up to 32 Hz
Staff Length Options 0.5 to 20 meters
Synchronization Time-stamped data for synchronizing up to 8 units for directional measurements
Operating Principle Measures capacitance changes as water level moves along the staff

Data Link & Communication

Wireless Protocol XBee wireless network
Adapter Options XStick USB Adapter (OSSI-581-016): 66 ft line-of-sight range
Waterproof XB to USB Adapter (OSSI-015-020/021): Up to 2-mile range with 5m cable
XBee RS232 Adapter (OSSI-581-020-A/W Pro): Up to 2-mile range
Computer Connection Windows USB to Serial Converter driver with User Interface Software (GUI)
Data Transmission Real-time data streaming to computer interface

Power & Battery

Power Source 2 C-size batteries
Battery Types Alkaline or Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH)
Voltage Range 1.8V (minimum) to 3.3V (maximum)
Battery Options Alkaline: Energizer EN93 (OSSI-591-014)
NiMH: Energizer NH35BP-2 (OSSI-591-015)
Battery Life Months of operation on two C-cell alkaline batteries

Construction & Deployment

Housing Waterproof housing with solid-state electronics
Staff Types Rod Staff or Cable Staff options
Mounting Vertical orientation with staff projecting downward into fluid
Environmental Protection No special protection needed from spray, rain, or sun
Clearance Requirements 5-6 inches from metallic/grounded surfaces; 4-5 feet from large obstructions
Mounting Hardware Available mounting kits (OSSI-015-018) with stanchions and brackets

Operation & Sampling Modes

Sampling Modes Continuous sampling or burst sampling with sleep mode
Self-Grounding Coaxial rod and cable staffs eliminate need for separate water ground wire
Fluid Compatibility Any fluid compatible with glass, PTFE, stainless steel, and ABS plastic
Measurement Range Must cover highest and lowest tide plus waves on the staff

Control & Interface

Interface Software Staff & Sonic Product Interface Program
Version Compatibility Version 2.00: Known bug in "Factory Values" calibration button
Version 2.01: No known software issues
Calibration Factory calibrated with restoration capability

Maintenance

Routine Maintenance Wipe off slime buildup with soap, water, and soft cloth
Battery Replacement Unscrew battery holder cap on top of electronics section
Staff Replacement Staff can be changed if damaged or different length needed
Internal Maintenance Minimal due to sealed solid-state electronics

Typical Applications

Wave Measurement Wave and wake characterization
Water Level Monitoring Tide, pond, tank, and pool level measurement
Directional Studies Multi-unit synchronized directional wave measurements
Research Coastal research, environmental monitoring, and laboratory studies
Key Advantage Wireless convenience with robust direct-contact sensing for long-term deployment

Software and Manuals

User Manual

User Guide

Datasheet

Pc Interface Software

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Wave Staff Comparison Table

Comparison of Wave Staff III, Wave Staff XB, and Standard Wave Staff models

Wave Staff III
OSSI-010-002
Generation
Third Generation
Sampling Rate
Up to 30 Hz
Accuracy
0.25% of full scale
Communication
Wired RS232
Power
5.5-40V DC external
Wave Staff XB
OSSI-010-025
Generation
Wireless XB Series
Sampling Rate
Up to 32 Hz
Accuracy
Not specified
Communication
Wireless XBee
Power
2 C-cell batteries
Wave Staff
OSSI-010-002F
Generation
Standard Series
Sampling Rate
Up to 100 Hz
Accuracy
Better than 1%
Communication
Wired RS232
Power
5.5-40V DC external

Product Overview

Feature Wave Staff III (OSSI-010-002) Wave Staff XB (OSSI-010-025) Wave Staff (OSSI-010-002F)
Product Generation Third Generation Wireless XB Series Standard Series
Product Overview
Wave Staff III OSSI-010-002
Third Generation
Wave Staff XB OSSI-010-025
Wireless XB Series
Wave Staff OSSI-010-002F
Standard Series

Measurement & Performance

Sampling Rate Up to 30 Hz Up to 32 Hz Up to 100 Hz
Accuracy 0.25% of full scale (20-80% range) Not specified Better than 1% of full scale
Measurement Principle Capacitance sensing Capacitance sensing Capacitance sensing
Measurement & Performance
Sampling Rate
Wave Staff III
Up to 30 Hz
Wave Staff XB
Up to 32 Hz
Wave Staff
Up to 100 Hz
Accuracy
Wave Staff III
0.25% of full scale
Wave Staff XB
Not specified
Wave Staff
Better than 1%
Measurement Principle
All Models
Capacitance sensing

Key Selection Guide:

  • Wave Staff III: Highest accuracy (0.25%), self-grounding options, ideal for precision applications
  • Wave Staff XB: Wireless operation, battery powered, perfect for remote or difficult-to-wire locations
  • Wave Staff: Highest sampling rate (100Hz), proven reliability, best for high-frequency wave measurements
  • All models feature: Interchangeable staffs, waterproof construction, capacitance-based measurement

 Future of Ocean Sensing

Contact

+1 954-827-0641

sales@oceansensorsystems.com

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