## Spotter Platform

### Spotter Buoy

Rapidly deploy the solar-powered Spotter buoy — either moored or free-drifting — to capture real-time data on waves, weather, and sea surface temperature.

[**Explore Configuration**](https://spotter-configurator.sofarocean.com/?solution=spotter-surface&source_page=spotter-surface)

### Sensor Specifications

[**Download the Spec Sheet**](https://5311899.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/5311899/Spec%20Sheets/Spotter%20Buoy_Spec%20Sheet.pdf)

**Dimensions**
- Width: 42 cm (16 in)
- Height: 31 cm (12.2 in)

**Weight**
- 7.45 kg (16 lb 7 oz)

**Connectivity**
- Satellite (Iridium SBD) and Cellular

**Primary Power Source**
- Solar-powered, 5 × 2 Watt, 6 Volt solar panels

**Battery**
- Rechargeable lithium-ion, 13,400 mAh capacity, 3.7 Volts

### Motion Sensing

**Motion Data Format**
- Easting (mm), northing, elevation, latitude, longitude

**Wave Frequency Range**
- 0.03 – 0.8 Hz (30 s – 1.25 s)

**Wave Direction Range**
- 0 – 360°

**Sampling Rate**
- 2.5 Hz

**Wave Displacement Accuracy**
- Approximately ±2 cm (accuracy depends on field of view, weather conditions, and GPS system status)

### Additional Onboard Sensors

**Sea Surface Temperature (SST)**
- Accuracy: ±0.1°C absolute
- Resolution: ±0.02°C
- Range: -5°C – 50°C

**Barometer**
- Accuracy: ±0.5 mbar at 25°C
- Range: 700 – 1100 mbar

### Data Outputs

**Standard Mode**
- [Significant Wave Height](/content/products/spotter/buoy/specs#/index.html)
- [Peak Period](/content/products/spotter/buoy/specs#/index.html)
- [Mean Period](/content/products/spotter/buoy/specs#/index.html)
- [Peak Direction](/content/products/spotter/buoy/specs#/index.html)
- [Mean Direction](/content/products/spotter/buoy/specs#/index.html)
- [Peak Directional Spread](/content/products/spotter/buoy/specs#/index.html)
- [Mean Directional Spread](/content/products/spotter/buoy/specs#/index.html)
- [Variance Density Spectrum](/content/products/spotter/buoy/specs#/index.html)
- **3D Displacement Time Series**
- **Geographical Coordinates** (lat, lon)

### Data Storage

**Onboard (SD Card)**
- Records time series of 3D displacement data, ships with 16GB SD card (supports up to 2TB, FAT32 format required)

**Cloud Storage (Online Dashboard)**
- Online account includes real-time and historical data outputs, Spotter configurations, alerts, maps, and two-way communication

### Misc. Specifications

**System Monitoring**
- Battery voltage, solar panel power, internal humidity

**Firmware Updates**
- USB-C and over-the-air updates (cellular only)

**Advised Mooring Depth**
- 5 - 300m

**Usability**
- Physical on/off switch, run/idle magnetic toggle, user LEDs, and integrated grab handles

**Visibility Light**
- 0.5s flash every 2.5s (configurable), minimum 1 mile visibility in normal conditions

## Measure the Surface

### Multi-Parameter Monitoring
Comprehensive measurements including waves, wind, sea surface temperature, and barometric pressure.

### Scalable
Significantly lower total cost of ownership vs. traditional platforms. Easily deploy a network to maximize spatial density.

### Rugged & Reliable
Engineered to operate continuously in harsh marine conditions, from polar ice to extreme heat.

[Explore Configuration](https://spotter-configurator.sofarocean.com/?solution=spotter-surface&source_page=spotter-surface)

## Data Access & Analysis

**Spotter Dashboard**  View real-time data and insights

**API Access**  Retrieve data programmatically with our secure API

**Onboard Storage**  Download data via SD card for offline analysis

**Transmission**  Satellite and cellular options