New Low Cost ARGOS Drifting Buoy

A new low cost drifting buoy has been developed using an improved ARGOS transmitter and data collection sensor interface. The drifter is intended for ease of transmporation and manual deployment from ships of opportunity as well as research vessels. Small size and long operating life are accomplished using solar-power battery recharging. A new drogue status measuring system is employed so the drifter can be configured for reliable lagranguian current tracking. Sensors may include water temperature, air temperature, and barometric pressure up to a total of eight sensors.