SonTek/YSI-About SonTek/YSI - company philosphy, timeline

SonTek’s first product, the 10-MHz Acoustic Doppler Velocimeter (ADV), was developed in cooperation with the United States Army Corps of Engineers’ Waterways Experiment Station. Originally designed for laboratory use, the ADV is a single-point, high-resolution Doppler current meter used for detailed studies of 3D velocity fields. Since its introduction, the ADV has become established as the standard for high-resolution velocity data. The ADV product line
includes laboratory and field instruments
with options for integrated sensors
(temperature, pressure, compass/tilt)
and autonomous operation.

The SonTek product line expanded to include a wide range of current measurement instruments. The Acoustic Doppler Profiler (ADP) is a current profiler with profiling ranges of up to 200 m. At its introduction in 1994, the ADP revolutionized the market for current profilers. In 1999, we refined current profiling by introducing the Pulse-Coherent ADP (PCADP) -- the highest resolution acoustic Doppler current profiler!

With the introduction of the Argonaut-MD in 1996, SonTek produced a new level in user-friendly, low-power Doppler current
meters for field applications. The Argonaut line expanded to include the Argonaut-SL and Argonaut-XR for hydrological and
harbor monitoring applications; the Argonaut-ADV for single point measurements where power is limited; and the Argonaut-DVL
for underwater navigation. SonTek also developed its own systems-integration solutions. Most SonTek sensors can be delivered
in a fully-integrated package with sensors from third-party manufacturers. All data is gathered synchronously and stored in a
common file.

In response to user input, SonTek developed a complete line of Windows-based software for all our sensors. For the ADP alone, we offer
four different packages. In keeping with our philosophy of tailoring the software to the specific application, we have Windows software
designed for those interested in measuring river discharge (RiverSurveyor), for those interested in rapid current surveys from a boat (CurrentSurveyor), for real-time monitoring of fixed installations (CurrentMonitor), and for post-processing of data (ViewADP). Though the packages are tailored to specific needs, all are compatible with each other.

The flexibility of our RiverSurveyor system was expanded in 2000 with the introduction of our RiverCat integrated system, which can be used in shallow streams or in areas inaccessible by boat. The RiverCat is a completely self-contained, compact, discharge measurement solution that incorporates GPS, telemetry, and a shallow-water catamaran that can be hand-carried to a stream and towed on a rope.

SonTek has never abandoned its core line of products. Our standard 10-MHz ADVs boast many improvements over the original versions -- expanding to include the very rugged 5-MHz ADVOcean Probe for surf zone work, and the 16-MHz MicroADV for extremely high resolution work. The ADPs we manufacture today use much less power than those originally introduced.

Sound Principles – Good Advice

About SonTek/YSI

SonTek/YSI, founded in 1992 and advancing environmental science in over 100 countries, manufactures affordable, reliable acoustic Doppler instrumentation for water velocity measurement in oceans, rivers, lakes, harbors, canals, estuaries, and laboratories. SonTek is headquartered in San Diego, California, and is part of YSI Inc., an employee owned company that provides monitoring and data collection instrumentation to global water quality, water quantity, and aquaculture markets.

Since our invention of the Acoustic Doppler Velocimeter in 1993, our product line has grown into a diverse, multi-faceted mix of high technology instruments designed for a wide variety of applications. Put simply, our instruments tell you how fast the water is moving, where it is moving, and even if it is not moving at all. On top of that, just about all our products are offered with an array of ancillary sensors for complete environmental monitoring solutions.

We invite you to scroll down our product development timeline list below and watch as our product history appears along our Blue Ribbon of Excellence.

As our slogan “Sound Principles – Good Advice” implies, we here at SonTek/YSI embrace a strong commitment to quality and responsive customer service. This core belief is a cornerstone of our philosophy and embedded in our company culture. When you call SonTek/YSI, you have the expertise you need at your disposal. Our professional staff includes experts in fluid dynamics, oceanography, hydrology, and all the engineering disciplines. We are happy to have this opportunity to show you who we are, and we look forward to helping you with your application.