History of SonTek/YSI

SonTek was founded in 1992 on the premise that precision water velocity measurement should be practical, affordable, and easy.

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.

In July, 2001, YSI Incorporated of Yellow Springs, Ohio, acquired the assets of SonTek and formed a new company, SonTek/YSI. SonTek/YSI now operates as a division of YSI Incorporated. The synergistic relationship between SonTek and YSI greatly enhances water testing, water monitoring, and water velocity measurements.

YSI has a worldwide reputation as a leader in the measurement and monitoring of water quality parameters, particularly dissolved oxygen, which is necessary for the survival of plant and animal life in water. YSI manufactures a full line of both handheld and bench-top instruments for measuring water quality. It also manufactures data acquisition and multi-parameter, real-time monitoring systems for environmental applications.

YSI Incorporated is an international company with world headquarters based in Ohio. The employee-owned company manufactures and markets sensor technologies dedicated to ecological sustainability. Its two main divisions provide products and services to the environmental and life sciences markets. See www.YSI.com for more details.