5
1 Introduction
Welcome to the Buoy Finder 4A manual.
The Datawell Buoy Finder 4A is designed to facilitate the retrieval of lost or drifting Datawell
buoys. The Buoy Finder 4A is based on the RX-C Waverider receiver but is enhanced for more
reliable decoding of the GPS position. The Buoy Finder 4A uses a splash water resistive
housing.
The Buoy Finder 4A is an advanced HF link portable receiver that can receive all Datawell
Waverider buoys using the HXV or HVA transmission format. The HXV format is transmitted
by the MkI, MkII and MkIII generations of buoys. The MkIII generation includes the WR-SG,
the DWR-MkIII and the DWR-G. The HVA format is transmitted by the “4-series” generation
of buoys. This includes the DWR4 and the GPS-DWR4. This manual covers Buoy Finder 4A’s
from the serial number shown on the cover. Older Buoy Finder 4’s do not support the HVA
format and are not covered in this manual. It’s possible however to upgrade your Buoy Finder 4
to a Buoy Finder 4A.
The new Buoy Finder 4A is equipped with synthesizer tuning which makes it possible to tune
exactly into a buoy frequency without the need to change the receiving crystal. Also up to 6
buoy frequencies can be stored into its memory.
In Chapters 2 and 3 of this manual the installation and operation of the Buoy Finder 4A are
described. Chapter 4 is about battery replacement and troubleshooting in case of bad or no
reception while Chapter 5 contains the specifications of the Buoy Finder 4A.
Finally the Datawell contact addresses can be found in Appendix A.
Important: check if the Buoy Finder 4A is compliant with the buoy you want to receive.
Check receiver mode:
HXV mode for DWR MKII, III, DWR-G and WR-SG
HVA mode for DWR4
See chapter 3.6.3