SonTek RS5 ADCP

SonTek RS5 ADCP

The SonTek RS5 is the world’s most compact and robust Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP), purpose-built for fast, accurate discharge measurement in rivers, streams, and canals. Small in size but powerful in performance, the RS5 delivers high-quality velocity and flow data in even the most challenging field conditions.

When paired with the custom-designed HydroBoard II Micro and optional SonTek RTK system, the RS5 becomes a highly efficient, portable solution for precise environmental water monitoring and discharge data collection.

Compact Design. Advanced Performance.

Built on SonTek’s proven ADCP technology, the RS5 combines advanced data collection capabilities, high-precision measurements, and flexible deployment options in an ultra-portable package.

Designed for field professionals who need reliable results without bulky equipment, the RS5 makes discharge measurement faster, simpler, and more accurate.

Key Technology Features

The SonTek RS5 from SonTek includes several advanced technologies to improve data quality and performance across a wide range of flow conditions:

Vertical Acoustic Beam

Provides direct depth measurement beneath the system for superior channel definition and more accurate cross-sectional area calculations. It also extends discharge depth capability when bottom-tracking is unavailable.

SmartPulse+® Technology

An intelligent profiling algorithm combining pulse-coherent and broadband acoustics to automatically adapt to field conditions. This allows for highly reliable bottom tracking and velocity profiling in shallower water than traditional ADCP systems.

Key benefits include:

• Improved shallow water performance

• Automatic adaptation to flow conditions

• High-resolution velocity cells down to 2.5 cm

Integrated Compass & Tilt Sensors

The built-in 360° compass and two-axis tilt sensor provide accurate vessel heading, pitch, and roll correction, helping improve velocity and depth measurements in moving or unstable surface conditions.

RTK GPS (Optional)

Provides ultra-precise positioning as an alternative to bottom tracking in moving bed conditions or complex flow environments. Position corrections can be received from a SonTek RTK base station or local NTRIP service.

DGNSS (Optional)

Integrated DGNSS smart antenna provides an additional positioning solution for challenging measurement environments where bottom tracking may be unreliable.

Ideal Applications

The RS5 is designed for fast, accurate discharge and velocity measurements in:

• Rivers and streams

• Irrigation canals

• Stormwater systems

• Environmental monitoring programmes

• Flood response and extreme event monitoring

• Water resource management

Portable. Reliable. Ready for the Field.

With its compact footprint, rugged construction, and advanced acoustic technology, the SonTek RS5 is an ideal solution for professionals who need reliable discharge data collection wherever their fieldwork takes them.

Combining portability with industry-leading performance, the RS5 sets a new standard for compact ADCP flow measurement.

*Additional notes 1 Maximum range will vary with environmental conditions. 2 Bottom velocity accuracy. 3 When Using provided SonTek USB radio with antenna.