SonTek RS5 - User Manual

1 RS5 – Quick Start Guide: Getting started with the RS5 System P/N 45-0189 Rev A
This is a quick reference guide to get started with the
RS5 system. For more detailed information, refer to the
User Manual which can be found on the USB drive
included with the system or via the Manual button in the
RSQ software. It is highly recommended that you review
the manual. <Ctrl> + click on a section in the table of
contents will take you directly to that section. Also, it is a
PDF and easily searchable.
What’s in the Case?
RS5 Standard System
RS5 Max GNSS System
Standard Components
A
RS5
B
(2) Li-Ion rechargeable batteries
C
Li-Ion Battery Charger and AC/DC wall adapter,
USB
D
SonTek Bluetooth USB radio
E
(2) Bluetooth radio antenna
USB flashdrive, software and manual
F
Warranty registration card
Max Components – components above plus below
G
GNSS smart antenna
H
Cable: RS5-GNSS antenna
Windows Software Installation
Install the RSQ software from the included USB drive or
download and install from
https://www.sontek.com/software-downloads
Getting Started – Hardware setup
 Charge both included Lithium Ion batteries by
connecting the battery charger to the AC/DC power
supply via the USB connector.
 Install a charged battery into the RS5 with the positive
terminal facing down into the compartment. LED light will
start flashing white quickly then red to indicate system is
powered on and in Stand-by mode ready for connection.
 Connect supplied antenna cable to radio antenna, and
antenna cable to RS5 connector labeled with a Bluetooth
icon.
 Mount radio antenna on antenna mast.
 If equipped with GNSS, mount GNSS antenna on
antenna mast and then connect to RS5 using supplied
RS5-GNSS cable.
 Connect USB radio to USB port; the light will start
blinking green indicating the radio is powered and
change to blinking blue once successfully connected to
an RS5.
Getting Started – Software setup and
connection
 Open RSQ software
 First time only –specify data directory to save
measurements. Click on Tools icon and then choose
Settings:
 Click on the [folder] icon to the right of the blank field
Data storage location and choose where you want to
save measurement files.
 Click on the Connect button
 Click Connect then enter your RS5 serial number in the
format RS5-###. Example below:
RS5 - Quick Start Guide
Getting started with the RS5 System
B
C
D
E
G
H
G
E
B
A
A
B
E
D
D

Summary

Whats in the Case?

Getting Started - Hardware Setup

Getting Started - Software Setup and Connection

Windows Software Installation

Technical Support

Important Considerations

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Maintenance Features

The SonTek RS5 is a sophisticated acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) designed for measuring water discharge and velocity. It is a versatile system available in both a Standard and a Max GNSS configuration, catering to different levels of positional accuracy and measurement needs. The RS5 system is primarily used in moving boat applications, where it continuously measures water velocity across a river or channel cross-section, allowing for the calculation of total discharge.

Function Description:

At its core, the RS5 utilizes acoustic technology to measure water velocity. It emits acoustic pulses into the water and then listens for the echoes reflected by suspended particles. By analyzing the Doppler shift of these echoes, the RS5 can determine the velocity of the water at various depths. This data, combined with precise positioning information (especially with the GNSS model), allows the system to accurately map the flow profile of a water body. The RS5 is designed for real-time data collection, providing immediate feedback on water conditions. The system integrates with the RSQ software, which serves as the primary interface for configuration, data acquisition, and post-processing. This software allows users to define measurement parameters, visualize data in real-time, and manage collected files.

Usage Features:

The RS5 system is designed for ease of use and robust performance in field conditions.

• Power Management: The system operates on Lithium Ion batteries, which are rechargeable. Users are instructed to charge these batteries using the provided AC/DC power supply and USB connector before use. Once a charged battery is installed, the RS5 indicates its power status and readiness for connection through an LED light sequence (flashing white then red for Stand-by mode).
• Connectivity: The RS5 connects wirelessly to a computer via Bluetooth. This involves connecting a supplied antenna cable to both the radio antenna and the RS5 connector marked with a Bluetooth icon. A USB radio dongle is then connected to the computer's USB port, which indicates its status with blinking green (powered) and then blinking blue (connected to RS5) lights. For enhanced positioning, the Max GNSS system includes a GNSS smart antenna that connects to the RS5 via a dedicated cable.
• Software Interface (RSQ): The RSQ software is central to operating the RS5. Upon opening, users are prompted to set a data directory for saving measurements, accessible via the "Tools" icon and "Settings." The software allows for the selection of units, UI scale, charting scale, and file naming conventions. Connecting to the RS5 is straightforward: users click the "Connect" button and enter the RS5's serial number (e.g., RS5-###). The software then displays the Bluetooth signal strength, providing visual feedback on connection health through a series of green bars and an RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) value in dBm. A healthy connection typically falls within the -20 to -85 dBm range.
• Data Collection Workflow: Once connected, users initiate data collection by clicking the "New Data Collection" button and selecting "Moving Boat." The RSQ software guides users through a "Smart Page" section-by-section configuration process to set up the system and site information. This includes critical parameters such as transducer depth, which must be accurately measured and entered. The transducer depth is defined as the distance the vertical beam transducer is submerged below the water surface, including the boat draft and any extension of the RS5 below the boat. Incorrect transducer depth can lead to biased discharge measurements.
• Templates: To streamline repeated measurements at the same site, the RSQ software allows users to save their complete system and site configurations as templates, eliminating the need for re-entry during subsequent visits.
• Compass Calibration: A crucial step for accurate measurements, especially when using GNSS or the loop moving bed test method, is compass calibration. The system setup (RS5, boat, cables, etc.) must be exactly as it will be used during the measurement before performing this calibration. Any changes to the system setup after calibration, such as moving the RS5 ADCP up or down (which changes transducer depth), necessitate recalibrating the compass.
• Magnetic Declination: Users must also account for magnetic declination, which is the angle between true north and magnetic north. The RSQ software does not automatically apply this, so users need to manually enter the magnetic declination for their site. Resources like the NOAA geomagnetism calculator are provided to help users find this value based on their location.

Maintenance Features:

While the manual focuses more on operational setup, some aspects touch upon maintenance and best practices:

• Software Updates: The RSQ software can be installed from an included USB drive or downloaded from the SonTek website. This implies that updates and new versions are made available, allowing users to keep their system current with the latest features and bug fixes.
• Troubleshooting Connection: The RSQ software provides visual cues for connection status (e.g., "Attempting to reconnect," "Disconnected") and a "Repair Device Without Firmware" option, suggesting built-in tools for diagnosing and potentially resolving connection issues.
• Technical Support: SonTek offers comprehensive technical support available 24/7 via phone, email, and fax. This ensures that users can receive assistance with any operational, software, or hardware issues they encounter, contributing to the longevity and effective use of the RS5 system.
• Documentation: The system includes a USB drive with a detailed User Manual, which is also accessible via a "Manual" button in the RSQ software. This comprehensive documentation serves as a primary resource for troubleshooting, understanding advanced features, and performing routine checks, thereby supporting user self-maintenance and problem-solving.
• Warranty Registration: The inclusion of a warranty registration card suggests a system for tracking device ownership and facilitating warranty claims, which is a form of long-term maintenance support.

In summary, the SonTek RS5 is a robust and user-friendly ADCP system designed for accurate water discharge measurements in moving boat applications. Its intuitive software, comprehensive connectivity options, and emphasis on proper calibration ensure reliable data collection, supported by extensive documentation and technical assistance.

SonTek RS5 Specifications