Wave Staff III
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Product Application
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Wave Staff III – Product Description
The Ocean Sensor Systems Wave Staff III is a high-resolution instrument designed to provide precise measurement of liquid surface height at data rates up to 30Hz. Ideal for waves, wakes, tides, and tank level monitoring with robust solid-state electronics in a waterproof housing.
Measurement & Performance
| Measurement Principle | Resistive sensing via conductive staff for direct fluid contact measurement |
|---|---|
| Resolution | High-resolution surface height measurement (0-4095 counts) |
| Sampling Rate | Up to 30 Hz |
| Accuracy | 0.25% of full scale (20-80% range); 0.1% with in-situ calibration |
| Synchronization | SYNC mode for multi-staff arrays; Free-run mode for continuous sampling |
Data Output & Communication
| Output Interfaces | RS232 serial data + 0-5 VDC analog output |
|---|---|
| Serial Communication | RS232 at 9600 baud (configurable), ASCII output |
| Analog Output | 0-5 VDC proportional to fluid level (when enabled) |
| Computer Connection | Direct to PC serial port (DB9 or DB25) or via optional Interface Board |
| Software | Staff & Sonic Product Interface Program for configuration and data display |
Power & Electrical
| Input Voltage Range | 5.5V to 40V DC |
|---|---|
| Low Power Option | 9V transistor radio battery provides several days of operation |
| Safety Recommendation | Keep supply voltage below 16V for reduced electrical hazard around water |
| Cable Color Code |
Red: Power + Red/Black: Ground Red/White: RS232 Transmit Red/Yellow: RS232 Receive Green: Analog Output |
Construction & Deployment
| Housing | 2" diameter black ABS plastic, waterproof |
|---|---|
| Staff Material | Blue PTFE-coated cable, interchangeable lengths |
| Mounting | Vertical orientation with electronics head above fluid |
| Tension System | Designed for 10-100 lbs tension via weight or spring/bungee |
| Clearance Requirements | Minimum 4-6 inches from metallic or grounded surfaces |
Configuration & Operation
| Operating Modes | Free-run (continuous) or SYNC (triggered) mode |
|---|---|
| Sample Rates | Programmable: 2, 5, 10, 20, 30 Hz |
| Temperature Output | Internal temperature sensor (units of 16*Celsius) |
| Programmable Alarms | Configurable switches for control applications |
| Default Configuration | Free-run, 10Hz, ASCII output, 9600 baud, analog output enabled |
Maintenance & Service
| Routine Maintenance | Wipe slime buildup from PTFE cable; check connections for corrosion |
|---|---|
| Cable Replacement | User-replaceable staff cable by unscrewing blue hand nut |
| Calibration | In-situ calibration recommended after installation for optimal accuracy |
| Interface Board | Optional Water Level Sensor Interface Board (OSSI-015-017) available |
| Technical Support | Available at 1-954-796-6583 or www.oceansensorsystems.com |
Typical Applications
| Wave & Wake Measurement | Open water wave monitoring and vessel wake analysis |
|---|---|
| Tide & Level Monitoring | Lake, pond, tank, and pool level measurement |
| Marine Applications | Vessel sinkage and trim measurement |
| Research & Laboratory | Wave flumes, basins, and experimental fluid dynamics |
| Control Systems | Programmable alarms for automated control applications |
Software and Manuals
User Manual
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User Guide
Guide
Pc Interface Software
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Wave Staff Comparison Table
Comparison of Wave Staff III, Wave Staff XB, and Standard Wave Staff models
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 |
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 |
Connectivity & Communication
| Primary Communication | Wired RS232 | Wireless XBee | Wired RS232 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wireless Options | Not available | XBee USB/RS232 Adapters (up to 2-mile range) | Not available |
| Analog Output | 0-5V DC (when enabled) | Not specified | 0-5V DC (improved SNR when RS232 off) |
Power System
| Power Requirements | 5.5-40V DC external | 2 C-cell batteries (1.8-3.3V) | 5.5-40V DC external |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Life | Days with 9V battery | Months of operation with sleep modes | Days with 9V battery |
| Safety Voltage | Recommended below 16V | N/A (battery powered) | Recommended below 16V |
Physical Design & Staff
| Staff Color | Blue PTFE | Teflon insulation (color not specified) | Yellow PTFE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grounding System | Self-grounding options (Int Gnd) | Self-grounding coaxial - no ground wire needed | External ground wire required |
| Staff Types | Coaxial Rod & Cable Staffs | Rod & Cable Staffs (0.5-20m) | Rod & Cable Staffs |
| Clearance Requirements | 6" (min 4") from metallic surfaces | 5-6" from metallic surfaces | 4" from metallic surfaces |
Installation & Mounting
| Tension Requirements | 10 lbs max (100 lbs design limit) | 2-4 lbs recommended (5 lbs max, 50 lbs design) | 5-10 lbs recommended (15 lbs max, 150 lbs design) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mounting Options | U-bolts, clamps, optional hardware kits | Clamps, stanchions, optional hardware kits | Clamps, stanchions, optional hardware kits |
| Housing | Waterproof, 2" diameter black plastic | Waterproof black electronics housing | Waterproof black electronics housing |
Configuration & Software
| Interface Software | Water Level Sensor Interface Software | Staff & Sonic Product Interface Program | Staff and Sonic Products Interface Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| Default Sample Rate | 10 Hz | Not specified | 20 Hz |
| Software Issues | No known issues | Version 2.00 has calibration bug | No known issues |
Maintenance & Calibration
| Maintenance | Wipe slime off blue PTFE staff | Wipe slime off case and staff | Wipe slime off yellow PTFE staff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Staff Replacement | Large blue hand nut (hand tight) | 4 screws, inline connector, cable grip | Cord grip cap and plastic insert |
| Calibration Required | After staff replacement | After staff replacement | After staff replacement |
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