Wave Staff III

The Wave Staff III is a fast capacitive type water level sensor with a self grounded coax staff.   It operates from 5.5 Volts to 40 Volts, has a sample rate up to 30Hz and outputs RS232 and 0 to 5 Volts.  See the Data Sheet for complete details and features.

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Core Features

Universal Fluid Compatibility

Measures any conductive liquid—fresh water, saltwater, or chemical solutions—without recalibration, thanks to its robust resistive sensing principle.

Dual Output Versatility

Provides both RS232 serial data and a 0-5V analog output simultaneously, offering maximum flexibility for connection to data loggers, PCs, or control systems.

Exceptional Deployment Robustness

Its tension-mounted, PTFE-coated cable and solid-state electronics withstand harsh marine environments, dynamic wave loading, and long-term immersion.

Advanced Array Synchronization

Operates in precise SYNC mode with a dedicated synchronizer unit, enabling phase-accurate wave direction measurements across arrays of multiple staffs.

Product Application

Determine the product's adherence to your specifications.

Open Water Waves

Measuring waves and wakes in oceans, lakes, and channels.

Vessel Sinkage & Trim

Measuring a boat's vertical displacement and angle in water.

Directional Wave Analysis

Multi-staff arrays to study wave speed and direction.

Water Level Monitoring

Tracking levels in reservoirs, lakes, ponds, and tidal areas.

Tank & Pool Control

Automated level management for industrial tanks and pools.

Tank & Basin Testing

High-resolution measurement in laboratory wave flumes and tanks.

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
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
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
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
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

Software and Manuals

User Manual

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Datasheet

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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
Product Overview
Product Generation
Wave Staff III: Third Generation
Wave Staff XB: Wireless XB Series
Wave Staff: 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
Capacitance sensing (all models)

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)
Connectivity & Communication
Primary Communication
Wave Staff III: Wired RS232
Wave Staff XB: Wireless XBee
Wave Staff: Wired RS232
Wireless Options
Wave Staff III: Not available
Wave Staff XB: XBee adapters (2-mile range)
Wave Staff: Not available
Analog Output
Wave Staff III: 0-5V DC
Wave Staff XB: Not specified
Wave Staff: 0-5V DC

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
Power System
Power Requirements
Wave Staff III: 5.5-40V DC external
Wave Staff XB: 2 C-cell batteries
Wave Staff: 5.5-40V DC external
Battery Life
Wave Staff III: Days
Wave Staff XB: Months
Wave Staff: Days
Safety Voltage
Wave Staff III: Below 16V
Wave Staff XB: N/A
Wave Staff: Below 16V

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

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+1 954-827-0641

sales@oceansensorsystems.com

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