Diagram of a CetaBuoy
layer by layer
The radio, batteries, and electronics package are housed within the inner casing, with a ballast at the bottom for stability.
This inner casing is designed to be slid into the CetaBuoy intact, and can easily be removed for repairs, diagnostics, or enhancements to the electronics.
The CetaBuoy is designed to float upright with approximately 2 feet out of water and 8 feet underwater. The “wing” or wedge on the outer casing is foam-filled for buoyancy, and hydrodynamically designed to reduce drag in strong ocean currents, while minimizing kelp entanglement.
We have added a thin layer of solar paneling to the out-of-water portion of the buoy to supplement the battery power, and allow the buoys to stay in the water for longer periods without needing to be pulled for recharging.
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The Equipment
The current equipment and system can be broken down into 4 major components:
1. The CetaBuoys and Hydrophones
2. The Radio Repeater System
3. The Shore Controller and other interface tools
4. The web interface software
The CetaBuoys and Hydrophones The CetaBuoys (or "buoys" for short) are 10 feet long and 4 inches wide, with an outer shell of thick ABS plastic.
The outer layer of the buoy has a foil, or "wing" which provides a dramatic reduction in drag from the water. The wing is foam-filled for additional buoyancy, and has a thin layer of solar paneling on the area above water (the upper 3 - 4 feet), for battery support and additional power.
The solar paneling on the buoy will potentially allow it to remain in the water for the entire season without needing to be pulled for battery recharging.
more...
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Buoy Communication
Whale to Web communication
When the whale sings (or makes feeding or other calls) the sound is picked up by our hydrophone and transmitted by our CetaBuoy.
The signal is then picked up by the radio tower at Kahua Ranch and relayed to our server. The server, using satellite communications or direct internet links, broadcasts the sounds onto the internet.
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The Kahua Ranch
Repeater Site
Our new radio site
The historic Kahua Ranch has graciously allowed us to install a radio system on their grounds, 3800 feet above sea level.
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Future Models
Moving forward, Jupiter Research Foundation hopes to deploy multiple buoys in a number of interesting venues in order to expand our range of listening.
We have sufficient GPS capabilities within the buoys that we may test models which are allowed to float freely with the tides, allowing the collection of various oceanographic data.
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