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Xylem SonTek FlowTracker2 User Manual

Xylem SonTek FlowTracker2
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FlowTracker2
USER’S MANUAL 1.6
SOFTWARE VERSION 1.6
FIRMWARE VERSION 1.3
®
Copyright 2019 by Xylem Inc. All rights reserved. This document may not, in whole or in part, be copied,
photocopied, reproduced, translated, or reduced to any electronic medium or Machine-readable form with-
out prior consent in writing from Xylem. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this manual.
However, Xylem makes no warranties with respect to this documentation and disclaims any implied war-
ranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Xylem shall not be liable for any errors or for
incidental or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, performance, or use of this manual
or the examples herein. The information in this document is subject to change without notice.
9940 Summers Ridge Rd
San Diego, CA 92121
+1.858.546.8327
inquiry@sontek.com
sontek.com
For Sales & Service Contact
2650 E. 40th Ave. • Denver, CO 80205
Phone 303-320-4764 • Fax 303-322-7242
1-800-833-7958
www.geotechenv.com

Table of Contents

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Xylem SonTek FlowTracker2 Specifications

General IconGeneral
BrandXylem
ModelSonTek FlowTracker2
CategoryTest Equipment
LanguageEnglish

Summary

Release Notice

Trademarks

Warranty, Terms, and Conditions

Contact Information

FCC INFORMATION

Section 1. Quick Overview

1.1. System Components

Describes the main hardware components of the FlowTracker2, including probe, handheld, and connectors.

1.2. Definitions and Terminology

Section 2. System Operation

2.1. On/Off Switch

Explains how to start, shut down, and use the sleep mode for the FlowTracker2 handheld.

2.2. Keypad

Details the navigation and functional keys on the FlowTracker2 handheld keypad.

Section 3. Device Configuration

3.1. User Interface

Defines settings for interaction, including language, beep, color scheme, and font size options.

3.1.2 Use Beeper

3.1.3 Color Scheme

3.1.4 Font Size

3.2. Application Settings

3.2.1 Units

Defines the units system used for displaying and outputting measurement data.

3.2.2 Wading Rod

Allows selection of the wading rod type, impacting displayed graphics and depth reference.

3.2.3 File Naming

3.2.4 Folder Naming

3.2.5 GPS Station Tagging

3.2.6 Use Pressure Sensor (Pressure Sensor)

3.2.7 Probe Offset From WR Bottom (Pressure Sensor)

3.2.8 Air Pressure Cal. Period (min) (Pressure Sensor)

3.3. Configuration Templates

3.3.1 Template Options

Defines template options for measurement configuration, including site details and data collection requirements.

3.3.2 Managing Templates

Covers creating, removing, and selecting existing templates for measurement setup.

3.4. Template Functions

3.4.1 File Properties

Contains site information applicable to the measurement site and operator details for metadata association.

3.4.2 Data Collection Settings

3.4.2.1 Averaging Time

3.4.2.2 Salinity

3.4.2.3 Temperature

3.4.2.4 Sound Speed

3.4.2.5 Mounting Correction

3.4.3 Quality Control Settings

3.4.3.1 SNR Threshold

Sets a minimum threshold for SNR during real-time data collection, ideally above 10 dB.

3.4.3.2 Std Error Threshold

Sets a maximum threshold for the Standard Error of velocity measurements, indicating accuracy.

3.4.3.3 Spike Threshold

Sets a maximum threshold for the percentage of spikes within a measurement.

3.4.3.4 Velocity Angle for Warning

Sets a maximum threshold for the velocity angle relative to the probe's X-axis.

3.4.3.5 Tilt Angle Warning

3.4.4 Discharge Settings

3.4.4.1 Discharge Equation

Specifies the discharge calculation method (Mid-Section, Mean-Section, Japanese).

3.4.4.2 Discharge Uncertainty

Specifies the uncertainty analysis method (ISO 748, IVE) for discharge calculation.

3.4.4.3 Discharge Reference

3.4.4.4 Max Station Q for Warning (%)

3.4.4.5 Max Depth Change for Warning (%)

3.4.4.6 Max Spacing Change for Warning (%)

3.4.4.7 0.6 Method Depth

3.4.5 Displayed Velocity Methods

Section 4. Utilities

4.1. System Clock

Enables setting the internal date and time for accurate data stamping and instrument configuration.

4.1.1 Manual Change

4.1.2 Sync with GPS Time

4.2. Recorder

4.2.1 Manage Recorder

Stores different file types in the internal recorder based on measurement method, templates, and configuration.

4.2.2 Erase Recorder

4.3. Battery Data

4.3.1 Battery Type

Specifies the type of battery used within the FlowTracker2 handheld (Alkaline or NiMH).

4.3.2 Battery Voltage

4.3.3 Percentage Full

4.4. Raw Data Display

4.4.1 Velocity Raw Data

Displays individual velocity components of the one-second measured raw velocity data.

4.4.2 SNR Raw Data

4.4.3 Temperature Raw Data

4.4.4 Tilt Raw Data

4.4.5 Battery Indicator

4.4.6 Pressure (Pressure Sensor)

4.5. Automated Beam Check

4.6. Beam Check

6.3.1 Beam Check Overview

Explains the signal to noise ratio profile features and how they verify system performance.

6.3.2 Beam Check Features

Details features like Sample, Noise Level, Peak Position, and Peak Level in Beam Check analysis.

6.3.3 Beam Check Operation

Describes how to perform a Beam Check in various water bodies with boundary visibility.

6.3.4 Diagnosing Measurements with Beam Check

Provides methods to detect hardware or measurement condition issues affecting accuracy.

6.3.4.1 Low Scattering Strength

Addresses issues with small or non-existing sampling volume peaks due to lack of scattering material.

6.3.4.2 Strong Scattering Strength

Describes expected well-defined sampling volume peaks in rivers with sufficient scattering material.

6.3.4.3 Boundary Detected within Beam Check

Identifies boundary detection by FlowTracker2 during Beam Check, indicating proximity to the transducer.

6.3.4.4 Boundary in Sampling Volume

Occurs when the boundary is at the same position as the sampling volume, affecting measurements.

6.4. Automated Beam Check

Section 7. Measurement Process

7.1. Office Procedures

Lists steps to confirm equipment condition and operation before departing for field measurements.

7.1.1 Equipment List

7.1.2 Hardware Inspection

7.1.3 Office Diagnostic

7.2. Measurement Site Information

7.3. Pre Measurement Diagnostics

7.4. Measurement Procedure

7.5. Post Measurement Requirements

7.5.1 Review of Measurement Site Information

Ensures all associated Metadata is accurate before departing the measurement site.

7.5.2 Review Measurement Summary

Evaluates measurement results against expected flow conditions and identifies any inconsistencies.

7.5.3 Data Management

Manages collected information to ensure data continuity and safe keeping after measurements.

7.5.4 Storage

Guidelines for safe keeping of the instrument and accessories during transport or storage.

Section 8. Discharge Measurement

8.1. Create Measurement

Consists of steps to perform before data collection, including template selection or creation.

8.1.1 Measurement

8.1.2 New File Type

8.1.3 New File Template

8.1.4 New Data File

8.2. Automated Beam Check

8.2.1 Start Automated Beam Check

8.2.2 Evaluate Beam Check Results

8.3. Data Collection

8.3.1 Data Collection Window

Acts as the "control center" for data collection, providing access to all required software functions.

8.3.1.1 Add Station

8.3.1.2 Delete Station

8.3.1.3 Edit Station

8.3.2 Station Types

8.3.2.1 Bank (left or right)

Used for stations on left and right banks, implementing zero velocity when depth is zero.

8.3.2.2 Island Edge

Used for Island Edges, assuming zero velocity on the bank when depth is zero.

8.3.2.3 Open Water

Used for open water conditions, performing velocity measurements within a vertical at a station.

8.3.2.4 Ice

Used for under ice conditions, incorporating parameters associated with the ice layer for discharge measurements.

8.3.3 Station Measurement (Wading Rod)

8.3.3.1 Station Parameters

Determines station location relative to the tag line and total water depth before selecting a velocity method.

8.3.3.2 Point Velocity Measurement

Measures velocity at defined fractional depths based on the selected velocity method.

Step 3 Setting Fractional Depth

Step 4 Fractional Depth Measurement

8.3.3.3 Review Point Measurement

8.3.3.4 Review Station Measurement

Step 2 Pressure Sensor (PS) Calibration

Step 3 Pressure Sensor (PS) Total Depth

Step 4 Pressure Sensor (PS) Instrument Depth

Step 5 Setting Measurement Depth

9.3.2 Review Point Measurement

9.3.3 Review Station Measurement

9.3.4 Data Collection Menu

9.3.4.1 Settings

Provides access to initial measurement settings configured during the general template.

9.3.4.2 Velocity Summary

Displays mean velocity and other variables from completed stations.

9.3.4.3 Discharge Summary

9.3.4.4 Station Summary

9.3.4.5 Complete Measurement

9.3.4.6 Discard Measurement

9.3.4.7 Go to Home Screen

9.4. Measurement Summary

Section 9. General Measurement

9.1. Create Measurement

Involves steps before data collection, including template selection or creation.

9.1.1 Measurement

9.1.2 New File Type

9.1.3 New File Template

9.1.4 New Data File

9.2. Automated Beam Check

9.2.1 Start Automated Beam Check

9.2.2 Evaluate Beam Check Results

9.3. Data Collection

9.3.1 Data Collection Window

Acts as the "control center" for data collection during velocity measurements.

9.3.1.1 Add Station

9.3.1.2 Delete Station

9.3.2 Station Measurement (Wading Rod)

9.3.2.1 Point Velocity Measurement

Measures velocity at defined fractional depths based on user requirements in General mode.

Step 4 Velocity Measurement

9.3.2.2 Review Point Measurement

9.3.2.3 Review Station Measurement

9.3.4 Data Collection Menu

9.3.4.1 Settings

Provides access to initial measurement settings configured during the general template.

9.3.4.2 Velocity Summary

Displays mean velocity and other variables from completed stations.

9.3.4.3 Discharge Summary

9.3.4.4 Station Summary

9.3.4.5 Complete Measurement

9.3.4.6 Discard Measurement

9.3.4.7 Go to Home Screen

9.4. Measurement Summary

Section 9. General Measurement

9.1. Create Measurement

Involves steps before data collection, including template selection or creation.

9.1.1 Measurement

9.1.2 New File Type

9.1.3 New File Template

9.1.4 New Data File

9.2. Automated Beam Check

9.2.1 Start Automated Beam Check

9.2.2 Evaluate Beam Check Results

9.3. Data Collection

9.3.1 Data Collection Window

Acts as the "control center" for data collection during velocity measurements.

9.3.1.1 Add Station

9.3.1.2 Delete Station

9.3.2 Station Measurement (Wading Rod)

9.3.2.1 Point Velocity Measurement

Measures velocity at defined fractional depths based on user requirements in General mode.

Step 4 Velocity Measurement

9.3.2.2 Review Point Measurement

9.3.2.3 Review Station Measurement

9.3.4 Data Collection Menu

9.3.4.1 Settings

Provides access to initial measurement settings configured during the general template.

9.3.4.2 Velocity Summary

Displays mean velocity and other variables from completed stations.

9.3.4.3 Discharge Summary

9.3.4.4 Station Summary

9.3.4.5 Complete Measurement

9.3.4.6 Discard Measurement

9.3.4.7 Go to Home Screen

9.4. Measurement Summary

Section 10. FlowTracker2 Hardware

10.1. ADV Probe

Details specifications for the FlowTracker2 ADV Probe and its internal sensors.

10.2. Handheld

10.3. Cables and Connectors

10.4. Certifications

10.5. PC System Requirements

Section 11. Operational Considerations

11.1. Software Upgrade

Details procedures for upgrading the FlowTracker2 handheld and ADV firmware.

11.1.1 Upgrading Handheld Software

11.1.2 Upgrading ADV Firmware

11.2. Mounting and Installation

11.2.1 FlowTracker2 Handheld

Recommends securing the handheld during operation and storing it in the carry case when not in use.

11.2.2 Handheld Mounting Bracket

Details the mounting bracket for connecting the handheld to a top-setting wading rod.

11.2.3 Probe Mounting Bracket

11.3. Routine Maintenance

11.3.1 Battery Power Supply

Recommends routine checks and tasks for battery maintenance, including voltage verification.

11.3.2 Cleaning Instrument

11.3.2.1 Handheld

Recommends using a dry cloth or soft brush for cleaning the handheld's components.

11.3.2.2 Transducers

Discusses cleaning transducers to maintain optimal performance in areas of high biological activity.

11.3.3 Cable Maintenance

11.3.4 O-rings

11.3.5 Condensation in FlowTracker2 Housing

11.3.6 Zinc Anodes for Corrosion Protection

11.4. Seeding

11.4.1 Scattering Material

Explains the need for scattering material in water for accurate velocity measurements and how to evaluate seeding requirements.

11.4.2 Field Applications

11.5. Troubleshooting

11.5.1 Cannot Turn System On

Provides steps to diagnose issues related to the power supply when the system cannot be turned on.

11.5.2 Cannot Communicate with the FlowTracker2

Offers troubleshooting steps for establishing external communication between the handheld and desktop software.

11.5.3 Cannot Retrieve Data from Internal Recorder

11.5.4 Velocity Data Appears Noisy or Unreasonable

11.5.5 Recovery Mode

11.6. Health and Safety

11.6.1 Planning Field Work

Outlines components to include in a field trip itinerary for discharge measurement planning.

11.6.2 Communication

11.6.3 Measurement Site Conditions

Section 12. FlowTracker2 File Format

12.1. FlowTracker2 JSON File

Describes the JSON format used for measurement files, including Beam Check and Point Measurement data.

12.1.1 Measurement File Framework

12.1.2 Measurement File Structure

12.2. FlowTracker2 CSV Output

12.2.1 CSV File Structure

Outlines the structure of Comma Separated Values files, including types like Control, Raw Data, Discharge, and Summary.

12.2.2 CSV Variables

12.3. Original FlowTracker ASCII vs JSON

Section 13. Principle of Operations

13.1. FlowTracker2 Overview

Introduces the FlowTracker2 ADV as a single-point Doppler current meter with several advantages.

13.2. The Doppler Shift

13.3. Bistatic Doppler Current Meters

13.3.1 Bistatic Doppler Operation

Explains how separate acoustic transducers are used for transmitter and receiver in Bistatic Doppler systems.

13.3.2 The FlowTracker2 Measurement Principle

Details how the transmitter sends sound pulses and receivers measure frequency change (Doppler shift).

13.3.3 Signal to Noise Ratio Profile

13.4. Pulse-Coherent Processing

13.5. Beam Geometry and 3D Velocity Measurements

13.6. Sampling Volume Definition

Defines the FlowTracker2 sampling volume based on proximity to the probe tip and beam geometry.

13.7. Velocity Data Coordinate System

13.7.1 2D Side-Looking Probe (Figure 30a)

Defines the positive Z, X, and Y axes relative to the probe stem and transducer for a 2D side-looking probe.

13.7.2 2D/3D Side-Looking Probe (Figure 30b)

Defines the positive Z, X, and Y axes for a 2D/3D side-looking probe configuration.

13.8. FlowTracker2 Data

13.8.1 Basic Sampling Strategy

Summarizes the burst velocity data collection strategy and compares it with the Original FlowTracker.

13.8.2 Velocity Data

13.8.3 Accuracy of Velocity Data

Discusses how FlowTracker2 data accuracy is optimized and factors influencing it.

13.8.3.1 Optimizing of FlowTracker2

Details how FlowTracker2 velocity data accuracy is maintained and the impact of instrument noise.

13.8.3.2 Factors Influencing Accuracy

13.8.4 Quality Control Data

13.9. Special Considerations

13.9.1 Probe Configurations

Lists available probe configurations for different applications, including mounting and probe types.

13.10. Sound Speed

13.10.1 Sound Speed Function

Discusses how speed of sound in water is affected by temperature and salinity.

13.10.2 Compensate for Changes

Details how FlowTracker2 compensates for changing sound speed using internal sensors and user input.

13.10.3 Environmental Conditions

Mentions that Doppler current meters measure particle movement, not water movement itself.

13.11. Flow Interference

13.11.1 Structures

Recommends locating the probe away from underwater structures or obstacles to avoid interference.

13.11.2 Probe orientation relative to flow

Advises orienting the probe perpendicular to the expected direction of flow for optimal measurements.

13.11.3 Mounting Correction

13.12. Dynamic Pressure (Pressure Sensor)

Section 14. FlowTracker2 Desktop Software

14.1. Overview of Software Features and Functions

Outlines the capabilities of the desktop software, including viewing, post-processing, exporting data, and connecting to the handheld.

14.2. Installing Software

14.3. Changing Settings

14.3.1 User Interface Tab

Enables changing software language, scale, and font size for the user interface.

14.3.1.1 Changing Language

14.3.1.2 Changing Scale and Font Size

14.3.2 General Tab

14.3.2.2 Show Download Options Dialog

Enables or disables the dialog that appears with various options when downloading data files.

14.3.2.3 Check for Crash Reports and Send to SonTek Support

Allows automatic search and submission of crash reports to SonTek Technical Support upon startup.

14.3.2.4 Lab-Adv

Enables the Lab-ADV feature by uploading a license file via the Settings menu.

14.3.3 Units Tab

14.3.3.1 Changing Software Units

Summarizes changeable parameters and available unit options, including Metric and US/Imperial.

14.3.3.2 Changing Software Display Decimals

14.3.4 PDF Format

14.4. Utilities

14.4.1 FlowTracker1 Import

A conversion tool to open measurements from Original FlowTracker Handheld ADV instruments (.wad extension).

14.4.2 Run Translator

14.4.3 Import Language File

14.4.4 New Discharge Template

14.4.5 New General Template

14.4.6 Multiple Templates

14.5. Connecting to the FlowTracker2 Handheld ADV

14.5.1 USB Connection

14.5.2 Bluetooth Connection

14.6. Device Menu and Functions

14.6.1 Download Data Files

Instructs on how to select and download data files from the handheld to the PC.

14.6.2 Delete Data files

14.6.3 Upgrading FlowTracker2 Firmware

14.6.4 Uploading and Downloading Templates

14.6.5 Custom Localization

14.6.6 Disconnecting the FlowTracker2

14.7. Opening a Data File

14.7.1 Opening FlowTracker2 Handheld ADV Data Files (.ft files)

Details how to open the main data files (.ft) containing Discharge or General Mode measurements.

14.7.2 Opening FlowTracker2 BeamCheck Files (.ft_beamcheck)

14.7.3 Opening FlowTracker2 Template Files (.ft_template)

14.7.4 Opening Original FlowTracker Handheld ADV Data Files (.WAD files)

14.8. Overview of View Data Options

14.8.1 Measurement Summary Pane

Displays summarized values for file information, system information, discharge summary, and uncertainty.

14.8.2 Main Viewing Pane

14.8.2.1 Section

Shows plots related to station location, including station discharge, velocity, and depth.

14.8.2.2 Stations

14.8.2.3 Samples

14.8.2.4 Area

14.8.2.5 Sensors

14.8.2.6 Supplemental Data

14.8.2.7 Diagnostics

14.8.2.8 Summary

14.8.3 Settings Pane

14.9. Post-Processing FlowTracker Measurements

14.9.1 Enable Editing

Allows users to edit values associated with a measurement after it has been taken.

14.9.1.1 FlowTracker2 .ft File Editing

Enables editing of measurement files, with options to save, reload, revert, or lock files.

14.9.1.2 Original FlowTracker .wad File Editing

14.9.2 Editing through the Settings Pane

14.9.3 Editing by Station

14.9.4 Editing Supplemental Data

14.10. Data Export and File Formats

14.10.1 Export Discharge Summary to PDF

Navigates to the Summary tab to export the discharge summary to a PDF file.

14.10.2 Export Files to ASCII

14.10.3 Matlab Tools for JSON files

Section 15. FlowTracker2 Lab-ADV

15.1. Lab-ADV Software Feature

Designed to work with Windows PC/Tablet and ADV probe assembly for data collection and beam check.

15.2. Enable Lab-ADV feature

15.3. Lab-ADV Configuration

15.3.1 Load Configuration

15.3.2 Save Configuration

15.3.3 Beam Check

15.3.4 Probe Info

15.3.5 Force Firmware Upgrade

15.4. Data Collection

15.4.1 Display Settings

Defines which variables are displayed during data collection and the number of columns for layout.

15.4.2 Information

Provides key user information regarding sampling rate, duration, and number of samples collected.

15.5. Data Export

Appendix A. Software Flow Diagram

Discharge Mode

Visual representation of the software workflow for Discharge measurements.

General Mode

Appendix B. Site Selection Requirements

Appendix C. Japanese Method Example

Appendix D. Measurement Equipment List

Appendix E. CE Declaration of Conformity