RiverSurveyor/RiverCat Overview
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The SonTek RiverSurveyor ADP system combines advanced ADP hardware
technology with an easy to use software package that enables you to make
underway discharge measurements in a matter of minutes. Additionally,
the RiverSurveyor system provides a 3D velocity and full bathymetric
profile. There are several different hardware and software combinations
designed to match the size of your river and budget.
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RiverSurveyor Systems:
- Mini-ADP
- RiverCat (catamaran)
- Standard ADP |
Mini-ADP RiverSurveyor System
 The
RiverSurveyor Mini-ADP system (left) is our most popular configuration.
Featuring a small, 4-inch (10-cm) diameter transducer head, an integral
compass/tilt sensor, external DGPS interface, and replaceable alkaline battery power, the Mini system
is easy to move about, and can mount over the side of any boat or small
floating platform. The reduced diameter head creates very little flow
disturbance, making it ideal for measurements in shallow rivers.
 Built-in
Bluetooth (Class 1) radio telemetry facilitates tethered or remote operation
(up to 200 m line-of-sight range). Details:
RiverSurveyor
Bluetooth FAQ
There are three Mini-ADP models to choose from depending on
the size of your channel (see comparison chart below). Options include:
-
 OceanScience trimaran
(shown at right) - recommended for higher flow speeds up to 3.0 m/s
-
OceanScience catamaran
- Premium FreeWave radio modem (over 2-km range)
- Transducer mounting depth sensor (not available in 1.0 MHz systems)
-
Internal recorder (not available in 1.0 MHz systems)
- Integrated DGPS
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RiverCat fully integrated
"Pack-n-Go" catamaran system (works in flow speeds less than 1.5 m/s)
| Frequency
(Housing) |
Profiling Range |
Minimum Cell Size |
| 1.0 MHz (Mini) |
0.75-35 m (2.5-115
ft) |
0.25 m (0.8 ft) |
| 1.5 MHz (Mini) |
0.5-25 m (1.6-82
ft) |
0.25 m (0.8 ft) |
| 3.0 MHz (Mini) |
0.3-6.0 m (1.0-20
ft) |
0.15 m (0.5 ft) |
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RiverCat - Mini-ADP/Catamaran System
for tethered operation
 The RiverCat
picks up where the Mini-ADP leaves off by integrating a set of rugged
27-inch (69-cm) aluminum pontoons into one package that is ideal for towed
or tethered applications at flow speeds less than 1.5 m/s.
 This
"Pack and Go" acoustic Doppler current profiler/discharge measurement system
weighs less than 25 lbs (12 kg) when assembled, and neatly fits into a
portable hard-plastic case with wheels.
All features and options listed above for the Mini-ADP system are also
available on the RiverCat.
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Standard ADP RiverSurveyor System
 Based
on the traditional SonTek ADP platform, the standard model (left) is best
suited for deeper rivers that require lower acoustic frequencies, or when
you need the flexibility to use the ADP for either moving boat applications
or autonomous underwater deployments. The Standard ADP system features a
pressure-rated aluminum casing that easily mounts over the side of a boat.
Options include:
- OceanScience trimaran with
telemetry
- Pressure sensor
- Internal recorder
- Battery packs
- External CT or OBS sensors
| Frequency
(Housing) |
Profiling Range |
Minimum Cell Size |
| 0.5 MHz (Standard) |
2-100 m (6.6-330
ft) |
1.0 m (3.3 ft) |
| 1.0 MHz (Standard) |
0.75-35 m (2.5-115
ft) |
0.25 m (0.8 ft) |
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Software:
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RiverSurveyor Software
 Standard
with every RiverSurveyor system is our exclusive RiverSurveyor Moving Boat
software package. The software is as intuitive as possible for new users, while
still providing advanced users with the flexibility they need. A clear and
concise step-by-step instrument setup procedure means that it only takes a few
minutes from unpacking your system to collecting good data. Integration of DGPS
and Echo Sounder units with your system is a breeze. Just connect the unit to
your computer, and let the software do all the hard work for you.
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Stationary Measurement Software
 The
optional Stationary Measurement software now makes your RiverSurveyor system
a more powerful and efficient discharge measurement tool by allowing you to
use it reliably in places that traditional "moving-boat" applications are
not possible. One-pass and you are done. Your results are processed and a
discharge report printed in just a few clicks of the mouse. Not, that's
simple, reliable, and smart!
Using the USGS/ISO/WMO traditional "Mid-Section" method to compute
discharge, the Stationary Measurement software easily computes discharge in
difficult river conditions that render most standard "moving-boat"
measurements useless. Now you have an option that provides reliable and
accurate results even in low flow, turbulent, moving-bed conditions -- even
under ice!
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Details: |
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