P/N 6054-60211--D
This sheet is a quick reference to FlowTracker operation.
For more information, refer to the
User’s Manual or the
detailed
Technical Manual, both of which can be found on
the software CD or via the Start | All Programs | SonTek
Software menu after installation.
What’s in the case?
Standard Parts
Part description
Qty
FlowTracker
1
Communications/Power Cable
1
AA Battery
8
Toolkit
1
Quick Start Guide (this guide)
1
Software Installation CD (includes Manual)
1
Optional Extras
Part description
Qty
Wading Rod
1
Keypad Mounting Bracket
1
Probe Mounting Bracket (S or J styles)
1
Important FlowTracker facts
Some important tips on the FlowTracker and its use:
No calibration of the unit is required.
The Handheld Unit can withstand temporary
submersion, but should not be used underwater.
There is a built-in temperature sensor in the probe.
Take advantage of the SmartQC™ features;
see manual for details.
What does the FlowTracker do?
The FlowTracker measures velocities with a range as low
as 0.001 m/s (0.003 ft/s) and
up to 4.0 m/s (13 ft/s). When
combined with a wading rod,
the FlowTracker can be used
to measure the total discharge
across a river section.
How does it work?
The FlowTracker uses SonTek’s exclusive ADV
®
technology to measure 2-D or 3-D velocities in a small
measurement point located 10 cm from the acoustic
transmitter. This allows
measurement of natural flow
that is free of any disturbance
caused by the instrument.
There are no moving parts on
the FlowTracker.
Where can I use a FlowTracker?
The FlowTracker can be used in:
Natural streams
Weirs and Flumes
Open channels
Irrigation
Water treatment
Stormwater
Basic FlowTracker operation
Install AA batteries in the compart-
ment in the back of the unit. To
turn the unit on, hold for one
second; to turn off, hold for four
seconds. Always follow the on-
screen instructions and use the
major key functions labeled on the
keypad.
Testing the FlowTracker
Before any extended field trip, you should run a system
diagnostics test using the Beam Check module. This
software should show signal amplitude plots on top of
each other. If not, it is possible the probe may be
damaged. A complete description of Beam Check can be
found in the manual. Use Recorder to download all files
from the recorder and to format it before deployment.
Measuring discharge - Theory
Measuring discharge involves wading across the stream/
river while taking measurements of water depth and
velocity at different locations (based on ISO/USGS
procedures). When combined with depth information, the
total discharge can be computed. This diagram shows the
Mid Section Equation used to compute discharge (Mean
Section and Japanese Equations are also supported):
Mid Section River Discharge Measurement Equation
FlowTracker
®
- Quick Start Guide
Handheld ADV
®
for Velocity and Flow Measurements
Loc
0
Loc
1
Loc
2
Loc
3
Loc
4
Loc
5
Loc
6
Loc
7
Loc
8
Loc
9
Loc
10
Loc
11
Loc
12
Dep
1
Dep
2
Dep
3
Dep
4
Dep
5
Dep
6
Dep
7
Dep
8
Dep
9
Dep
10
Dep
11
Area
1
Area
2
Area
3
Area
4
Area
5
Area
6
Area
7
Area
8
Area
9
Area
10
Area
11
Station Location = Loc
Station Water Depth = Dep
Station Width = W = (Loc - Loc )/2 + (Loc - Loc )/2
Station Area = Area = W * Dep
Mean Station Velocity = V
Station Discharge = Q = Area * V
Total Discharge = Sum( Q )
i
i
i
i+1
i
i
i-1
i
i
i
i
i
i
i
i
W
1
W
2
W
3
W
4
W
5
W
6
W
7
W
8
W
9
W
10
W
11
Measurement
Point (2D or 3D)
Receiver
Receiver
Transmitter
10
cm
Probe
Communications/Power
Connector
Keypad
LCD Screen
Probe Cable
Handheld Unit
1
3
2
0
-
.
7
9
8
4
6
5
ENTER
Set
Depth
Measure
Set
Location
GHI
PQRS
ABC
JKL
TUV
DEF
MNO
WXYZ
Next
Station
Previous
Station
Corr.
Factor
Abort
English Keypad
Delete
Set
Velocity
Set Meas
Depth
End
Section
Method
+
LEW /
REW
Calculate
Disch.
Method
-
Set Ice
Depth
QC
Menu
Five Colors
Black
White
Grey (50%)
Yellow (Pantone Yellow CVC - 100% yellow in CMYK)
Blue (PMS 2935 Coated)
Fonts
Numbers Keys ( 1234567890 . - ): White 20 Point Arial
Alphabet on keys (A-Z): White Arial 8 Point
ENTER: White 9 Point Arial
All yellow text: Yellow 9 Point Arial
