Laboratory instrumentation and software
Wave gauges
Key features
Extremely linear output
No hysterisis
Reliable, proven design
Easily calibrated
USB plug-n-play connection
cables of any length
Designed for use with
HR DAQ data acquisition
and analysis software
The wave gauge is a simple and reliable device
for measuring rapidly changing water levels in
physical models. When combined with our HR DAQ
data acquisition and analysis software it provides
a first rate method of measuring wave height and
spectral wave energy in a flume or 3D basin.
Wave probe monitor
The wave probe monitors are supplied in cases
that can accommodate either four or eight
monitors. These cases include the power supply
for the modules, the input connections for the
wave probes and the output connections directly
to a computer or data acquisition card.
The cases can be supplied with a plug-n-play USB
output so that they can be connected directly to
either a desktop or laptop computer without the
need for any additional analogue input cards.
The four-channel cases can also be supplied
with four additional analogue input sockets to
enable other instruments with voltage outputs
to be connected directly to the computer.
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Principle of operation Wave probes

The wave probe operates by measuring the The wave probes comprise two parallel stainless
current that flows between two stainless steel steel rods with a plastic head and foot. The head
wires that are immersed in water. This current is fixed to the calibration stem and a mounting
is converted to an output voltage that is directly block is supplied that allows the calibration stem
proportional to the immersed depth. to be fixed to any vertical surface. The standard
probe lengths are 300, 600 and 900mm, although
Each wave probe monitor card contains the probes up to 2m in length can be supplied.
energising and sensing circuits for the operation of
one wave probe. In addition to this, each monitor Wave probe cables and tripods
contains the circuits required to compensate
for the resistance of the cable that is connected Each wave gauge channel will require a cable
to the probe. Without this, the output of the linking the wave probe monitor to the wave probe.
wave probe monitor would be non-linear. We also have a selection of tripods available
for deployment of wave probe in basins.
In order to avoid polarisation effects at the probe
surface, a high frequency square wave voltage
is used to energise the probe. The oscillator that
produces this square wave may be set to one of six
different frequencies. This allows probes to be used
close together without causing any interference. Specifications
Wave probe monitors
The current in each probe is detected by measuring
the voltage drop across two resistors. Because Case configuration 4 or 8 monitors
the measured voltage is alternating, the signal
is fed to a precision rectifier to produce a DC
voltage proportional to the wave height. This Output signals:
signal feeds a small centre-zero balance indicator Front of monitors ±10V via BNC socket
and a BNC socket on the front of the panel. The Rear of case ±10V via 25 way D socket
signal is also fed to a preset gain stage that
may be set for a gain of between 0.5 and 10.
USB plug-n-play
Controls on the front of each wave probe module Gain 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.5,
enable the output signal to be set to zero for 2.55, 3.75, 6.0, 10.0
any given initial depth of probe immersion. This, Excitation frequency 4.6 kHz to 11.6 kHz
together with the gain adjustment, produces Filter band width -3dB at 20Hz
a full-scale output of ±10V for all waves.
Supply voltage 220 or 110V ±10%
40-60Hz
Calibration
An overall calibration from wave height to output
Case dimensions (mm)
voltage can be performed by measuring the change
in output voltage when the probe is raised or lowered 4 monitor 255 x 150 x 315
by a known amount in still water. This operation is 8 monitor 470 x 150 x 315
facilitated by means of a calibrated stem which is
attached to the wave probe and which has a series
of accurately spaced holes drilled along its length. Wave probes
Active length 300, 600, 900
Diameter - 300 mm 1.6 mm
Diameter - 600, 900 mm 6.0 mm

www.hrwallingford.com/equipment tel +44 (0)1491 835381 email equipment@hrwallingford.com