The SonTek-M9 is the ultimate solution for collecting discharge data and conducting bathymetric surveys. The industry-validated and reliable M9 is an all-in-one ADCP, seamlessly combining the durability of the award-winning RiverSurveyor-M9 with the adaptable bathymetric capabilities of the HydroSurveyor-M9, offering unparalleled data collection flexibility.
Say goodbye to complicated adjustments during extreme events - the M9 automatically handles varying water levels, changes in velocity structure, and multiple applications. And, when you team up the M9 with our top-notch HYPACK© Environmental Mapping software, it transforms into the ultimate all-in-one solution.
Award-winning ADCP Technology
The SonTek-M9 is the trusted choice for leading environmental water monitoring agencies globally, setting new standards in the ADCP industry. It earns its accolades as the pioneer ADCP utilizing multiple frequencies, powered by SonTek's exclusive SmartPulseHD® technology. This groundbreaking innovation ensures consistently accurate measurements across various depths, from shallow to deep waters, solidifying its reputation for reliability.
M9 Applications Include:
| Hydrology: | Bathymetry: |
|
|
| Features | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Multiple acoustic frequencies | Balances the highest resolution with the greatest range of depths and flow velocities. |
| Vertical acoustic beam i.e. echosounder |
Superior channel definition for both bathymetric and discharge applications. Extends maximum discharge depth when bottom-tracking is out of range. |
| SmartPulseHD® | An intelligent algorithm that looks at water depth, velocity, and turbulence automatically adapts to conditions using pulse-coherent and incoherent techniques. High-definition cell size down to 2 cm. |
| Microprocessor computed discharge and secure data | Discharge computations using RiverSurveyor Live software are simultaneously done within the M9 and on the host computer. Data is not lost if communication temporarily drops out. |
| Standard 360° compass and two-axis tilt sensor | Compensates for vessel motion due to surface conditions. It provides velocities in Earth coordinates and magnetic error feedback in real-time and post-processing. |
| Ping rates to 70Hz, averaged to 1Hz data output | High ping rates ensure extremely robust data collection. Ping distribution based on data collection mode – discharge or bathymetry. |
| Bottom-tracking | Acoustically track vessel speed over ground and ship track independent of GNSS/GPS (optional). Also supplies redundant depth measurement. |
| Differential GNSS* (optional) | Geo-referenced position from dual-frequency, multi-constellation with SBAS as an alternative to bottom tracking for moving bed or other difficult situations. |
| RTK GNSS* (optional) | Ultra-precise geo-referenced position that can be used as an alternative to bottom tracking for moving bed or other difficult situations. Benchmark tie is available in HYPACK® software. |
| Sound speed correction with the CastAway-CTD (optional) | The built-in temperature sensor is used for sound speed calculations. Optional use of CastAway-CTD interpolates sound speed in space and time with RiverSurveyor Live and (optional) HYPACK® software. |
*GNSS- Global navigation satellite system is a general term describing any satellite constellation that provides positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) services on a global or regional basis.
| Velocity Measurement | |
| Profiling Range (Distance) | 0.06 to 40 m, environmentally dependent |
| Accuracy | Up to +/- 0.25% of measured velocity; ±0.2cm/s |
| Profiling Range (Velocity) | ± 20 m/s1 |
| Resolution | 0.001 m/s |
| Number of Cells | Up to128 |
| Cell Size | 0.02 to 4 m |
| Transducer Configuration | Nine (9) transducers; Dual 4-beam 3.0 MHz/1.0 MHz Janus at 25º slant angle; 0.5 MHz vertical beam echosounder |
| Depth Measurement | |
| Range | 0.20 to 80 m |
| Accuracy | 1% [0.02% with a full water column sound speed correction] |
| Resolution | 0.001 m |
| Discharge Measurement | |
| Range with Bottom-Track | 0.3 to 40 m |
| Range with GNSS/GPS | 0.3 to 80 m, extrapolated beyond 40 m |
| Computations | Internal |
| Internal Recorder Size | 8 GB |
| Bathymetry Measurement | |
| Range | 40 m (skew beams) to 80 m (vertical beam) |
| Velocity Profiling Range | ± 10 m/s |
| Computations | Software |
| Temperature Sensor | |
| Resolution | ± 0.01° C |
| Accuracy | ± 0.1° C |
| Compass/Tilt (Solid State Type) | |
| Range | 360° |
| Heading Accuracy | ± 2° |
| Pitch/Roll Accuracy | ± 1° |
| Power/Communications (No Telemetry) | |
| Input Voltage | 12 - 18 VDC |
| Communication Type | RS232 direct |
| GNSS/GPS Communication | RS232 serial input |
| Max Data Output Rate | 1 Hz |
| Internal Sampling Rate | Up to 70 Hz |
| Physical Properties | |
| Depth (Pressure) Rating | 30 m |
| Operating Temperature | -5 to 45° C |
| Storage Temperature | -10 to 70° C |
| Weight in Air | 2.3 kg |
| Weight in Water | -0.6 kg |
| Power Communications Module (PCM) | |
| Communication Type | 2.4 GHz radio |
| Battery Type | Standard AA batteries2 |
| Average Duration | 8 hours of continuous use (6 hours with RTK) |
| Radio Range3 | Standard (10 dBm) - High (22 dBm) |
| Base to Rover | 1000 m - 3000 m |
| PC/tablet to Rover | 400 m - 1500 m |
| GNSS/GPS Options | |
| SBAS GNSS Horizontal Accuracy5 | <1.0 m |
| RTK GNSS Horizontal Accuracy5 | <0.02 m |
| RTK GNSS Vertical Accuracy4,5 | <0.04 m |
Additional Notes
1Please contact SonTek for accuracies better than 1%, or velocities >10 m/s.
2Standard AA batteries are defined as alkaline or NiMH rechargeables, with a diameter up to 14.5mm.
3High power may not be available in all countries; all ranges with default 2 dBi antenna and line-of-sight.
4Requires absolute RTK solution. Only available with HYPACK software.
5Depends on multipath environment, antenna selection, number of satellites in view, satellite geometry, and ionospheric activity.
