Wave gauges

Key features
> Extremely linear output
> No hysterisis
> Reliable, proven design

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
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> Easily calibrated

> Can be used with
cables of any length
> USB plug-n-play
connection

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Wave probe monitor

Principle of operation

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 for a computer.

The wave probe operates by measuring the current

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are immersed in water. This current is converted to
an output voltage that is directly proportional to the
immersed depth.

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.

Each wave probe monitor card contains the

energising and sensing circuits for the operation of
one wave probe. In addition to this, each monitor
contains the circuits required to compensate for the
resistance of the cable that is connected to the probe.
Without this, the output of the wave probe monitor
would be non-linear.

The four-channel cases can also be supplied with four

additional input sockets to enable other instruments
with voltage outputs to be connected directly to the
computer.

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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.

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The current in each probe is detected by measuring

the voltage drop across two resistors. Because
the measured voltage is alternating, the signal is
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proportional to the wave height. This signal feeds
a small centre-zero balance indicator and a BNC
socket on the front of the panel. The signal is also fed
to a preset gain stage that may be set for a gain of
between 0.5 and 10.
Controls on the front of each wave probe module
enable the output signal to be set to zero for any
given initial depth of probe immersion. This, together
with the gain adjustment, produces a full-scale output
of 10V for all waves.

Calibration
An overall calibration from wave height to output
voltage can be performed by measuring the change
in output voltage when the probe is raised or lowered
by a known amount in still water. This operation is
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
The wave probes comprise two parallel stainless
steel rods with a plastic head and foot. The head is
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any vertical surface. The standard probe lengths are
300, 600 and 900mm, although probes up to 2m in
length can be supplied.

Wave probe cables

and tripods
Each wave gauge channel will require a cable linking
the wave probe monitor to the wave probe. We also
have a selection of tripods available for deployment of
wave probe in basins.

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Equipment for
physical modelling

Wave probe monitors

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4 or 8 monitors

Output signals:
Front of monitors

10V via BNC socket

Rear of case

10V via 25 way D socket

USB plug-n-play

Gain

0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.5, 2.55,

3.75, 6.0, 10.0

Excitation frequency

4.6 kHz to 11.6 kHz

Filter band width

-3dB at 20Hz

Supply voltage

220 or 110V 10% 4060Hz

Case dimensions (mm)

4 monitor

255 x 150 x 315

8 monitor

470 x 150 x 315

Using experience gained over the last 60 years,

scientists and engineers at HR Wallingford have
developed a range of state of the art physical
modelling technology. From wave generating
systems which simulate sea conditions to providing
instrumentation and software to gather and analyse
results, our comprehensive range of products is in
use in laboratories around the world.
We make our technology and expertise available
to other model users. And because all designs
have been rigorously proven on our own research
and commercial consultancy projects, you can
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requirements.

Wave probes
Active length

300, 600, 900

Diameter - 300 mm

1.6 mm

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Diameter - 600, 900 mm

6.0 mm

tel +44 (0)1491 835381

email equipment@hrwallingford.com