Specifications

10
2.1 Consumables
2.1.1 Logger
Depending on the memory size typically the logger fills within four and a half months to two
years. When full the logger will continue logging by selectively overwriting data (RDT-files,
not SDT-files) using the smallest significant wave height as a selection criterion. To prevent
this, a filled logger flash card should either be replaced or its contents moved timely. For
example a 128 Mb logger flash card will store 4.7 months of north, west, vertical displacement
data before it starts to overwrite previously logged smallest significant wave height files. See
section 5.12 for further details.
2.1.2 Batteries
As a self-sufficient system Datawell buoys are equipped with batteries. All batteries used by
Datawell are made by Datacell SA. Table 2.2.1 lists the type, energy content and number of the
batteries per buoy model.
Table 2.2.1. Battery type, energy content and number per buoy model.
Buoy model Battery type Energy
content (Wh)
Number Total energy
content (Wh)
WR-SG 0.9 m RC25G* 250 26 6500
WR-SG 0.7 m RC25G* 250 13 3250
DWR-MkIII 0.9 m RC20B 200 45 9000
DWR-MkIII 0.7 m RC20B 200 15 3000
DWR-G 0.9 m RC25G* 250 65 16250
DWR-G 0.7 m RC25G* 250 32 8000
DWR-G 0.4 m RC25GS* 250 4 1000
DWR-G 0.4 m RC16R 160 4 640
*magnetic, not to be used in DWR-MkIII
All Waverider buoys are fitted with an onboard energy consumption meter that measures
the energy consumed from the batteries. By this means the operational life, the time left for the
buoy in operation before the batteries become exhausted, is determined. In case of a hybrid
buoy, the life time is calculated based on the batteries only.
The operational life can be obtained via a terminal request over the console, subsection
5.11.5, or from the system file transmitted via the HF radio link, subsection 5.7.3. The energy
consumption meter reading will not be affected when the buoy is temporarily not in operation.
Only after a user setbat command it will initiate a new count down. Table 2.2.2 lists the
operational life of the various standard buoy models.
Table 2.2.2. Operational life of standard buoys (minimum).
Buoy model
(standard)
Operational life
(years)
WR-SG 0.9 m 2.6
WR-SG 0.7 m 1.3
DWR-MkIII 0.9 m 3
DWR-MkIII 0.7 m 1
DWR-G 0.9 m 2
DWR-G 0.7 m 1
DWR-G 0.4 m 30 days