LX80-O

Oceanographic Radar Sensor

Geolux LX80-O oceanographic radar sensor stands out as a cutting-edge solution for measuring tidal sea levels and wave parameters from coastal and offshore structures. Its compact design makes installation easy, and the non-contact radar measurement ensures minimal maintenance since the instrument does not contact the water.

Unlike the standard LX80 sensor, which measures the distance to the water surface once per second, the oceanographic variant takes 10 measurements per second. The sampled 10 Hz waveform data can be transmitted in real-time and stored internally for up to six minutes. This stored data is analyzed within the instrument to determine tidal and wave parameters such as mean sea level, minimum and maximum levels, significant wave height, wave periods, and various spectral wave components. Using a moving window sampling technique, the measured waveform data and extracted wave parameters are continuously updated with the latest observations.

The LX80-O capabilities have been validated through numerous applications and studies. For instance, research conducted by TU Delft highlighted its role in maritime traffic impact assessments. Another example comes from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), which has utilized the LX80 to analyze the impact of sea waves generated by hurricanes on coastal structures.

Parameter
LX 80-O15
LX 80-O30
Measurement Range
15 m
30 m
Application Hydrology and Flood Monitoring
-
-
Application Wastewater and Industrial Monitoring
-
-
Application Irrigation Monitoring
-
-
Application Snow Monitoring
-
-
Application Coastal and Ocean Monitoring
x
x
Application Meteorology
-
-
Antenna Beam Angle
5° (±2.5°)
5° (±2.5°)
Accuracy
±2.0 mm
±2.0 mm
Blind Zone
0.2 m
0.2 m
Frequency Range
W-band 80 GHz
W-band 80 GHz
Radar Type
FMCW
FMCW
Mounting
M65 thread + nut
M65 thread + nut
Sampling Rate
10 Hz
10 Hz
Serial Protocols
RS-232
RS-485 / Modbus-RTU
SDI-12
RS-232
RS-485 / Modbus-RTU
SDI-12
Analog Interface
4-20 mA
4-20 mA
Connector Type
M12 circular 12-pin
M12 circular 12-pin
Cable
10 m cable included
10 m cable included
Input Voltage
9 to 27 VDC
9 to 27 VDC
Power Consumption
1.85 W – operating mode
0.15 W – standby mode
0.03 W – sleep mode
1.85 W – operating mode
0.15 W – standby mode
0.03 W – sleep mode
Maximal Current
< 470 mA
< 470 mA
Operating Temperature Range
-40°C to +85°C
-40°C to +85°C
Enclosure Material
Anodized aluminium
Stainless steel (optional)
Anodized aluminium
Stainless steel (optional)
Enclosure Dimensions
Φ 65 mm x H 78 mm
Φ 65 mm x H 78 mm
Enclosure Protection Class
IP68
IP68
Weight (without cable)
500 g – aluminium enclosure
1200 g – stainless steel enclosure
500 g – aluminium enclosure
1200 g – stainless steel enclosure
  • Internal Wave Parameter Analysis – More than 50 various wave parameters are calculated on-board. There is no need to transfer full waveform data for offline postprocessing, which enables this instrument to be installed on locations where high-speed data transfer does not exist or is not convenient.
  • High Sampling Rate – With a water level sampling rate of 10 Hz, the LX80-O provides high-frequency measurements for detailed waveform analysis. This rate exceeds the Nyquist frequency for monitored sea waves, allowing for the filtering of outlier data points caused by water splashing.