Sofar Support may advise you to remove and replace the electronics box (i.e., e-box) on your Spotter.

<aside> <img src="/icons/info-alternate_blue.svg" alt="/icons/info-alternate_blue.svg" width="40px" /> This guide describes how to remove and replace the e-box on current-generation Spotter buoys (i.e., Spotters with Spotter IDs starting with 3).

For instructions on how to remove and replace the e-box on legacy Spotters, refer to:

Remove and Replace Legacy Spotter E-Box.pdf

</aside>

<aside> <img src="/icons/wrench_lightgray.svg" alt="/icons/wrench_lightgray.svg" width="40px" />

Required tools & materials

• your Spotter
• the e-box you want to replace the existing e-box with
• 5 mm hex key (included in the Spotter Accessory Kit) or socket wrench screwdriver
• the USB-C power charger included with your Spotter
• optional: high precision tweezers or a small flathead screwdriver to press down the tabs on the cable connectors </aside>

Removing the e-box

If you are attempting this in the field, please secure the Spotter before you begin. If the Spotter is moored, you will need to take special precautions to prevent damage to your mooring. If you have a Smart Mooring, you can cleat off using the float line just below the surface float, but do not tie off using the Smart Mooring cable as this could irreparably damage the cable.

<aside> <img src="/icons/error_red.svg" alt="/icons/error_red.svg" width="40px" />

Please note that exchanging or “swapping” e-boxes between Spotters requires additional configuration steps from Sofar.

If you need to swap e-boxes between hulls, please contact the Sofar Support Team. since the onboard sensor calibrations for each Spotter hull are stored in its corresponding e-box.

</aside>

1. Unscrew the clear lid from the Spotter using a 5mm hex key.

   <aside> <img src="/icons/warning_yellow.svg" alt="/icons/warning_yellow.svg" width="40px" />

   If you suspect that your Spotter has been submerged, do not take off the lid before allowing trapped air to slowly vent out of the hull! Please follow these additional steps.

   </aside>

   

2. Make sure that the Spotter is turned off (i.e., the on/off switch is in the “off” position).

   

3. Gently pull the black rubber handle on top of the e-box up to expose the wire connections at the bottom of the e-box.

   

4. Disconnect the five red solar panel cables from the e-box.

   

5. Disconnect the additional data cables from the other side of the e-box.

   <aside> <img src="/icons/info-alternate_blue.svg" alt="/icons/info-alternate_blue.svg" width="40px" /> Different product variations may have different connectors or cables. Most of these data cables can be removed by pressing the tabs on the cable connectors with high precision tweezers (or a small flathead screwdriver) while simultaneously pulling the connectors away from the e-box, but some cables do not have a tab.

   

   </aside>

6. Place the e-box aside.

Replacing the e-box

This is essentially the same process in reverse.

1. Using the USB-C charging cable included with your Spotter, charge the new e-box until it is full.

2. Make sure the on/off switch on the new e-box is in the “off” position.

3. Connect the red solar panel cables inside the Spotter hull to the new e-box, making sure they are secure. The order of these cables does not matter.

   <aside> <img src="/icons/info-alternate_blue.svg" alt="/icons/info-alternate_blue.svg" width="40px" /> Applying a small amount of dielectric grease to the connector can help prevent corrosion.

   </aside>

4. Connect the data cables inside the Spotter hull to the new e-box, making sure they are secure.

   <aside> <img src="/icons/info-alternate_blue.svg" alt="/icons/info-alternate_blue.svg" width="40px" /> Applying a small amount of dielectric grease to the connector can help prevent corrosion.

   </aside>

5. Replace the e-box in the Spotter, ensuring that the arrows on top of the e-box and the hull are aligned. The e-box should sit flush with the top of the hull.

   

6. Make sure that the User LEDs turn on as expected when the on/off switch is in the “on” position, indicating that the e-box replacement was successful. See pages 14-15 of the [User Guide](https://content.sofarocean.com/hubfs/Spotter product documentation page/2026_Spotter Product Documentation/Spotter User Guide.pdf?_gl=1*1kbkgfv*_gcl_au*MTkwNjU0MzI2OS4xNzc4NTM0MjgxLjI3NTE2MTU4OS4xNzc5OTA2NTIyLjE3Nzk5MDY1MjI.) for more information on the User LEDs.

   1. If Spotter is indoors with limited GPS connectivity, the GO LED might be red or flashing green.
   2. If you have a persistent red SYSTEM LED, please see: Why is my SYSTEM LED red?