Wave Logger III

The Wave Logger III is a self logging, self powered Wave Staff with a self grounded coax staff.   It combines the high performance Wave Staff circuit, a Compact Flash Card Data Logger, a rugged waterproof package and 4 C size Alkaline Batteries.  See the Data Sheet for complete details and features.

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Core Features

Autonomous Operation

Self-contained data logging

Robust Housing

All-weather environmental durability

Simple Power & Setup

Runs on standard C-cell batteries and features interchangeable staffs for flexible use.

Wired or Wireless Models

Available in both RS232 and RF versions to suit direct or remote data access.

Product Application

Determine the product's adherence to your specifications.

Coastal Wave Monitoring

Measures wave height, period, and energy to study shoreline erosion, validate weather models, and design coastal structures like breakwaters.

Industrial Tank Level

Precise liquid level tracking in industrial tanks and research pools.

Vessel Sinkage & Trim

Real-time measurement of boat displacement and hull orientation.

Water Level Measurement

Tracks tidal cycles, monitors reservoir and tank levels for resource management, and measures water fluctuations in industrial processes.

Environmental Level Monitoring

Deploys for extended periods to record seasonal water level changes in wetlands, rivers, and lakes for climate and ecological studies.

Remote Site Logging

Operates autonomously for months on batteries in rugged, off-grid locations where power and communication are unavailable.

OSSI-010-010 Wave Logger III – Product Description

The Ocean Sensor Systems OSSI-010-010 Wave Logger III is a high-resolution, self-contained instrument designed for direct-contact measurement of liquid surface height at sampling rates up to 30 Hz, ideal for waves, wakes, tides, and water level monitoring in lakes, ponds, tanks, and pools.

Measurement & Performance

Measurement Principle Conductive staff measuring liquid surface height via capacitance
Sampling Rate Up to 30 Hz
Output Range 0-4095 counts, convertible to millimeters
Accuracy 1% of full scale (better than 0.1% with in-situ calibration)
Staff Length Options Various lengths available; staffs are interchangeable

Data Logging & Communication

Primary Data Storage Internal logging to Compact Flash memory cards (64MB to 2GB)
Communication Interface Optional RS232 serial communication for real-time data and configuration
Wireless Option RF Modem available (models with date code after 8/31/09)
Computer Software Free Windows-based Graphical User Interface (GUI) for configuration, calibration, and data display
Data Format PC-readable format compatible with spreadsheet and analysis programs

Power & Battery

Power Source Internal battery pack of 4 common alkaline C-cells
Battery Replacement User-replaceable battery pack or individual C cells
Low Battery Threshold Replace when at or below 3.8 VDC
Battery Life Extended operation through configurable sampling modes

Construction & Deployment

Housing Waterproof black plastic housing with solid-state electronics
Materials Glass, PTFE, stainless steel, and ABS plastic compatible with most fluids
Mounting Two 10-24 (3/4” deep) mounting holes on base or clamps around housing
Orientation Vertical mounting with electronics head on top and staff projecting downward
Environmental Protection No special protection needed from spray, rain, or sun
Clearance Requirements Staff should be 4-6 inches from any metallic or grounded surface

Operation & Sampling Modes

Operation Start Automatic upon insertion of formatted CF card and battery connection
Sampling Modes Continuous sampling or configurable burst sampling
Status Indicator LED light (3 sec on = normal; rapid blink = CF card error; slow blink = safe to remove)
File Management Configurable new file intervals with daily file rotation capability

Control & Interface

Interface Software Wave Logger III Interface Software for configuration, calibration and data display
Configuration Options Sample rate, data format, start time, burst sampling, RF mode
Alternative Interface HyperTerminal or serial terminal programs (9600 baud, no flow control)
Calibration In-situ calibration procedure for optimal accuracy

Maintenance

Routine Maintenance Wipe slime buildup off yellow PTFE staff
Battery Maintenance Regularly check battery voltage and replace when needed
Staff Replacement Staff can be separated from electronics housing for replacement
Internal Maintenance None required due to sealed solid-state electronics

Typical Applications

Wave Measurement Ocean and lake wave monitoring and characterization
Water Level Monitoring Tide, pond, tank, and pool level measurement
Research Applications Ship wake studies, sinkage measurements, laboratory wave tank research
Environmental Monitoring Long-term water level monitoring in remote locations
Key Advantage Self-contained data logging with robust direct-contact sensing for reliable long-term deployment

Software and Manuals

User Manual

Download

Datasheet

Download

Pc Interface Software

Download

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Wave Logger III vs Wave Logger Comparison

Wave Logger III vs Wave Logger – Comparison Table

Key differences between the third-generation Wave Logger III and the earlier Wave Logger model

Wave Logger III
OSSI-010-010
3rd Gen
Key Feature
Self-grounding stud for simplified installation
Staff Color
Blue section
Grounding
Internal Ground options
Wave Logger
OSSI-010-004E/005xE
Earlier Gen
Key Feature
External grounding wire required
Staff Color
Yellow section
Grounding
External Ground primarily

Product Overview

Feature Wave Logger III (OSSI-010-010) Wave Logger (OSSI-010-004E/005xE)
Product Generation Third Generation NEW Earlier Generation
Product Overview
Product Generation
Wave Logger III
OSSI-010-010
Third Generation
Wave Logger
OSSI-010-004E/005xE
Earlier Generation

Grounding & Installation

Grounding System Self-grounding stud - simplified installation IMPROVED External grounding wire required - must connect ground stud to water with copper wire
Staff Grounding Types Internal Ground (Int Gnd) options available External Ground (Ext Gnd) primarily used
Grounding & Installation
Grounding System
Wave Logger III
Self-grounding stud - simplified installation
Wave Logger
External grounding wire required - must connect ground stud to water
Staff Grounding Types
Wave Logger III
Internal Ground (Int Gnd) options available
Wave Logger
External Ground (Ext Gnd) primarily used

Technical Specifications

Measurement Performance Up to 30Hz sampling rate Up to 30Hz sampling rate
Data Storage Compact Flash cards (64MB-2GB) Compact Flash cards (64MB-2GB)
Power System 4 C-cell alkaline batteries 4 C-cell alkaline batteries
Technical Specifications
Measurement Performance
Wave Logger III
Up to 30Hz sampling rate
Wave Logger
Up to 30Hz sampling rate
Data Storage
Wave Logger III
Compact Flash cards (64MB-2GB)
Wave Logger
Compact Flash cards (64MB-2GB)
Power System
Wave Logger III
4 C-cell alkaline batteries
Wave Logger
4 C-cell alkaline batteries

Design & Physical Features

Staff Mounting & Clearance Blue staff section - keep 4-6" from metallic surfaces Yellow staff section - keep at least 4" from metallic surfaces
Staff Types Coaxial Rod Staff & Coaxial Cable Staff options Rod and Cable Staff options
Waterproof Housing Yes - no special protection needed Yes - no special protection needed
Design & Physical Features
Staff Mounting & Clearance
Wave Logger III
Blue staff section - keep 4-6" from metallic surfaces
Wave Logger
Yellow staff section - keep at least 4" from metallic surfaces
Staff Types
Wave Logger III
Coaxial Rod & Cable Staff options
Wave Logger
Rod and Cable Staff options
Waterproof Housing
Wave Logger III
Yes - no special protection needed
Wave Logger
Yes - no special protection needed

Performance & Accuracy

Accuracy 1% full scale (0.1% with calibration) Better than 1% full scale (0.1% with calibration)
Calibration Procedure Simplified grounding with internal ground options EASIER External grounding required during calibration
Performance & Accuracy
Accuracy
Wave Logger III
1% full scale (0.1% with calibration)
Wave Logger
Better than 1% full scale (0.1% with calibration)
Calibration Procedure
Wave Logger III
Simplified grounding with internal ground options
Wave Logger
External grounding required during calibration

Software & Control

Software Compatibility Wave Logger III Interface Software Wave Staff/Logger Interface Software
Communication Options RS232 standard, RF optional RS232 standard, RF optional
Software & Control
Software Compatibility
Wave Logger III
Wave Logger III Interface Software
Wave Logger
Wave Staff/Logger Interface Software
Communication Options
Wave Logger III
RS232 standard, RF optional
Wave Logger
RS232 standard, RF optional

Maintenance & Service

Staff Interchangeability Yes - multiple lengths available Yes - multiple lengths available
Routine Maintenance Wipe slime buildup off yellow PTFE staff Wipe slime buildup off yellow PTFE staff
Maintenance & Service
Staff Interchangeability
Wave Logger III
Yes - multiple lengths available
Wave Logger
Yes - multiple lengths available
Routine Maintenance
Wave Logger III
Wipe slime buildup off yellow PTFE staff
Wave Logger
Wipe slime buildup off yellow PTFE staff

Key Improvements in Wave Logger III:

  • Enhanced Grounding: Self-grounding system eliminates need for external grounding wires
  • Improved Staff Design: Coaxial staff options with internal grounding provide better performance
  • Simplified Installation: Reduced setup complexity and hardware requirements
  • Updated Design: Blue staff section and refined mechanical design

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+1 954-827-0641

sales@oceansensorsystems.com

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