Have a question about a Spotter equipped with cellular? Please consult our Cellular Support page for detailed information specific to your device.

What does Spotter measure?

Spotter measures 3D surface motions at 2.5Hz. Our onboard analysis translates that to wave motions (0.03Hz -1Hz) and position tracking of Spotter. Surface velocities are estimated from differential positions and low-pass Doppler velocities. Our on-board wave analysis computes a complete cross-spectral matrix from the displacement data from which we estimate variance spectra and directional moments. Spotter calculates the local wind from the equilibrium range of the wave spectrum. What this means is that Spotter estimates wind speed and direction from the intensity and direction of the higher-frequency wave field (‘sea’) which represent a measure of sea surface roughness and is forced by the local wind field. This is a highly effective proxy measurement for open water (effective unobstructed fetch >5 miles), but should not be relied on in confined waters or behind obstacles (e.g. headlands).

In addition to the standard bulk parameters, Spotter can now provide the same parameters over  ‘sea’ and ‘swell’ wave partitions.

To compress the data for satellite transmission we generally reduce spectral wave data to bulk parameters such as significant wave height, peak and period, peak and mean direction, and peak and mean directional spreading. In Waves mode, these bulk statistics, wind velocity and a position update are computed every 30 minutes and transmitted every hour (two updates) to your data dashboard. If you need more than bulk statistics, you can chose to transmit full spectra and directional moments, and set a custom update rate to throttle you data transfer needs. Displacement time series and more detailed statistics are all stored on the Spotter's on-board SD card. In Track mode the system will send position updates every 15 minutes (so you can track the instrument), but wave data is not transmitted and stored on the SD card only. This mode is used to retrieve or track a free-drifting Spotter.

We are continuously working to develop additional capabilities for Spotter, including on-the-fly customizable data transmission packages, and additional sensor capabilities. And we want to hear your ideas!

Spotter Bulk Wave Parameters

How do I setup my global data service?

Spotter comes fully setup to transmit data to our online Dashboard. To get you going, we include 3 months of real-time data transmission, free of charge. So all you do is logon to your account and register your new Spotter using the activation codes in the box. Once registered, you’re ready to deploy. Turn Spotter on and wave data, status updates, and Spotter position will flow to the online Dashboard. It’s that simple.

How much global data service is included with Spotter?

Spotter comes with a free, 3 month global data package. This free data period starts when you activate your Spotter for the first time, or 3 months after the Spotter is shipped to you, whichever comes first. The period of use is based on the standard transmission rate in Waves mode, but you will have full access to two-way communication and Track mode, and any new features we would make available during the period your real-time subscription is active. If you only use Waves mode, you will have a full 3 months of use covered. In Track mode you transmit four times more data, so if you use that a lot the total use time may be reduced accordingly. Rest assured, you will never have any surprise fees. We keep track of your data use, and will give you a warning when you are about one month out of running out of real-time connectivity. At that point you can decide whether you want to extend the real-time connectivity.

Can I access my Spotter data via a mobile app?

The Spotter mobile app is no longer available. To access your Spotter data, please use the Spotter dashboard and API.

What happens when my remote data package runs out?

Your remote data package starts on the day you register your Spotter device, or three months after we ship your Spotter to you (whichever comes first), and it expires 90 days later, or earlier depending on your data usage. We will give you a heads up when you’re about 1 month out from running out of data service. Once expired you have the option to renew or choose to use Spotter without real-time data service.