Wave Staff Synchronizers

The OSSI-012-012C is specially designed to initiate the Wave Staffs to take synchronous samples of 2 to 6 staffs and combine the results to a single RS232 data stream at 38.4K baud. There is no need to pre-configure the Wave Staffs as they are automatically configured by the Synchronizer at power up time. Two or three Synchronizers may be linked together to simultaneously sample up to 12 to 18 Wave Staffs. The Synchronizers may be configured to free run or sample on command. The enclosure is a NEMA 4X type box.

Core Features

Centralized Array Control

Coordinates up to 18 staffs as one system from a single unit, eliminating complex individual sensor programming.

Plug-and-Play Synchronization

Automatically detects and configures all connected Wave Staffs at startup for immediate, perfectly synchronized sampling.

Wired Reliability & Power

Hardwired connection ensures continuous data flow and provides direct power to all sensors, ideal for long-term deployments.

Robust Field-Ready Enclosure

NEMA 4X/IP66 rated junction box protects electronics in harsh coastal and marine environments.

Product Application

Determine the product's adherence to your specifications.

Multi-point Wave Measurement

Simultaneous multi-sensor wave data collection

Lab Fluid Dynamics

Synchronized sensor research applications

Coastal & Offshore Research

Field studies in marine environments

Scale Model Testing

Laboratory wave tank experiments

Environmental Monitoring

Long-term ecological data gathering

Data Logger Integration

Compatible with logging systems

OSSI-012-012C Wave Staff Synchronizer – Product Description

The Ocean Sensor Systems OSSI-012-012C Wave Staff Synchronizer is a dedicated control unit designed to coordinate and sample data from 2 to 6 resistive Wave Staff sensors simultaneously, combining results into a single RS232 data stream.

Synchronization & Control

Channel Capacity	6 input channels per synchronizer unit
Synchronization	Automatically programs and synchronizes all connected Wave Staffs for simultaneous sampling
System Expansion	2-3 synchronizers can be linked together for arrays of 12-18 Wave Staffs
Configuration	No pre-configuration needed - automatically configures staffs at power-up
Sampling Modes	Free-run at programmable rates or sample on command

Data Link & Communication

Output Interface	Single RS232 serial data stream at 38.4K baud
Computer/Logger Connection	4-conductor cable via J7 connector (Power, Ground, Transmit, Receive)
Staff Communication	Communicates with individual Wave Staffs at 9.6K baud through connectors J1-J6
Linking Capability	J7 & J8 connectors for daisy-chaining multiple synchronizers
Data Format	Fixed length, comma-separated format displaying all 6 channels regardless of connected staffs

Power & Electrical Characteristics

Input Voltage Range	5.8V to 34V DC
Power Consumption	@12V: 21 mA (synchronizer only) @24V: 16 mA (synchronizer only)
Staff Power Output	4 Amp fused input voltage provided to each Wave Staff connector (J1-J6)
Operating Temperature	-10°C to +65°C
Total Power Calculation	Add power for each connected Wave Staff to synchronizer power consumption

Construction & Enclosure

Enclosure Type	NEMA 4X rated box with hinged screw cover lid
Protection Rating	IP66 - protected against powerful water jets and dust ingress
Cable Entry	Cord grip cable entries for secure field deployment
Dimensions (H×W×D)	6.10" × 6.10" × 4.13" (154.9mm × 154.9mm × 104.9mm)
Internal Dimensions	4.88" × 4.88" (124mm × 124mm)

Control & Configuration

Interface Software	Staff and Sonic Product Interface Program for configuration and data analysis
Direct Communication	Configurable via RS232 serial port using terminal programs (38400 baud, 8N1, no flow control)
Free-Run Frequencies	Programmable: 2, 5, 10, 20, or 30 Hz
Time Tagging	Programmable real-time clock output: None, Minute, Hour, or Day intervals
Power-up Sequence	6-second initialization delay for automatic staff configuration

Operation & Commands

Configuration Access	"st" command to enter configuration routine (wait 6 seconds after power-up)
Key Commands	m: Change run mode (freerun/command) f: Set sample frequency in Hz r: Read real-time clock s: Set real-time clock t: Set time tag frequency g: Exit configuration and initiate sampling
Wiring Requirements	Only 4 wires needed per staff: Power, Ground, Transmit, and Receive
Automatic Detection	Staffs can be connected to any of the 6 connectors (J1-J6) - automatically detected

Typical Applications

Wave Measurement Arrays	Multi-point wave height and directional wave measurement
Research Facilities	Wave flume and basin testing in research laboratories
Coastal Monitoring	Coastal and offshore wave research and environmental monitoring
Data Logging Integration	Integration with data logging systems for long-term field deployment
Key Advantage	Centralized synchronization solution for Wave Staff arrays ensuring precise time-aligned data acquisition

Software and Manuals

User Manual

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Pc Interface Software