SonTek RS5 User Manual (August 2020) 20
Section 1. Introduction
1.1. SonTek RS5 ADP
The SonTek RS5 is the newest member of the time tested RiverSurveyor family of
acoustic Doppler profilers (ADPs). The RS5 builds upon the acoustic technology
developed for the RiverSurveyor S5 and M9. We have drawn heavily on customer
feedback and suggestions for both the hardware and software development. Using
modern electronics we have built the most compact, portable, light-weight and easy to
use ADP for shallow water river and stream discharge measurement.
The RS5 is the first self-contained ADP designed for open channel discharge
measurement and the smallest to include a vertical beam. No need to connect to
external power, radios or other electronics housings. Everything you need, including
radio communication and a rechargeable battery is built into the transducer head. Don’t
let the size fool you. The RS5 hardware and data are, as you have come to expect from
the RiverSurveyor ADPs, highly accurate and robust. Between the portability made
possible by the decreased size and the intuitive interface afforded by the modern and
improved software, the RS5 and accompanying RSQ software takes ease of use to a
new level.
What’s New?
Broadband Transducers –
Robust bottom tracking, precise velocity profiling and
accurate depth measurements with efficient 3 MHz, broadband transducers.
SmartPulse HD+ -
Similar to the SmartPulse HD you know and love from the
RiverSurveyor family, but even more reliable by now including broadband and coded
pulse coherent processing techniques.
If you are a first time user or new to the SonTek RiverSurveyor family, SmartPulse HD
is an algorithm used by the ADP while measuring that adjusts the acoustic processing,
cell size and more automatically to ensure you collect the most accurate water velocity
data possible. The end result of the automatic adjustments is the best measurement
settings possible at all times, no matter the depth and velocity of the river.
Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) 5 Radios –
Modern, high speed, high throughput,
reliable and integrated wireless communication.
Because we know you don’t have time
to monkey with your wireless connection in the field.
Data Buffering –
If you lose wireless connection momentarily, the RS5 will hold up-to 5
minutes of data in a buffer and update the data stored on the computer automatically in
the background, while you continue uninterrupted with your measurement.
Rechargeable Lithium Ion Battery
– The RS5 comes standard with two, 3.7V,
2600mAh, Lithium Ion rechargeable batteries. One cell will power the system with a
