SonTek-SL Series Side-Looking Doppler Current Meters
Features
- Accurate & reliable water velocity, level, & discharge measurements
- Measurements are made in a remote sampling volume free from flow distortion
- 3G model offers 128-cells for high-resolution and detailed profiles
- Expedited repair and warranty service
- Lifetime technical support
- More
Overview
The SonTek-SL (affectionately known as the Side-Looker or "SL") has earned worldwide acceptance as a long-term monitoring solution. Now, with two new (3G) models turbo-charged by the proprietary SmartPulseHD, the SonTek-SL features accessories, mounting options, software, and a variety of integration formats to ensure it fits the desired application.
Design
Designed specifically for side mounting on bridges, canal walls, or riverbanks, the SL's sleek, low-profile housing makes installation easy. With three models to choose from, the SL can be used in wide or narrow channels. Ultra narrow beam widths combined with unmatched side lobe suppression provide the superior acoustic directivity necessary for achieving maximum horizontal range free of interference from surface or bottom boundaries.
Mechanics
First time users can collect test data within minutes of receiving the SonTek-SL. Deployments require only a few minutes to configure the SL and start collecting data. This system provides the highest quality Doppler velocity data without requiring the user to become an expert on Doppler technology.
Benefits
- SmartPulseHD (3G models only): An intelligent algorithm that looks at water depth, profiling range, velocity, and turbulence, and then acoustically adapts to those conditions using pulse-coherent, broadband, and incoherent techniques. Best data possible under any condition. High-def cell sizes down to 4 cm.
- Compact, Hydrodynamic Design: Incredibly lightweight and easy to transport and mount. Slim shape is easy to maintain, stays clean, increases available sample area, and fits into more places.
- Water Velocity Profiling: Customizeable, flexible setup options to suit a variety of applications. 3G models offer 128-cells for high-resolution and detailed profiles.
- Acoustic-Pressure "Duo" Water Level (3G models only): Not only redundant sources of water level, the acoustic vertical beam and pressure sensor continually self-check, and pressure data are auto-corrected to keep atmospheric offset negligible.
- Versatile, Easy Mounting: Easy-access side mounting reduces concerns over personnel safety, lowers operational cost by avoiding divers and boats, avoids interruption in facility operations, and avoids interruption in data and water delivery to clients and stakeholders.
- Wave Spectra Option: Integrated pressure sensor calculates and outputs wave-height and period, in real-time.
In The News
Lake Erie Volunteer Science Network: Building Trust in Citizen Science Programs
Citizen science programs have popped up across the United States, focusing on connecting local communities with nearby water resources and building a trustworthy data pool over the sampling period. While commonly utilized as a means of ensuring that large watersheds or lake regions are adequately sampled, the credibility and success of such programs have been called into question. 
 
[caption id="attachment_38996" align="alignnone" width="940"] HRWC volunteers measure stream velocity across a subsection of Woods Creek, a tributary of the Huron River near Belleville, Michigan. Stream velocity measurements can be combined with water level measurements to calculate stream flow and chemical parameter loads.
Read MoreMonitoring Lake Erie’s Eastern Basin: Building Long-Term Data and Real-Time Public Solutions
In the eastern basin of Lake Erie, off the coast of Dunkirk, New York, a data buoy collects valuable water quality, weather, and wave data that inform residents and regulatory groups of conditions on the water. 
 
Since 2011, Buffalo State University’s Great Lakes Center has maintained and operated the Dunkirk buoy with funding from the Great Lakes Observing System (GLOS) and field support from the NYSDEC Lake Erie Fisheries Research Unit. 
 
[caption id="attachment_38976" align="aligncenter" width="940"] The Dunkirk Buoy viewed from the research vessel after being deployed in early spring.
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 With fast response and accurate conductivity, temperature, and depth measurements, the CastAway is ideal for thermocline and halocline profiling. The unit also reports salinity and speed of sound. 
 
[caption id="attachment_38732" align="alignnone" width="940"] Environmental scientist, Katelyn Kubasky, holding the SonTek CastAway in front of the pond at the Fondriest Center for Environmental Studies.
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