Inspired by the need for a SIMPLE way to measure water velocity and level in open channels, 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 our proprietary SmartPulseHD®, the SonTek-SL features accessories, mounting options, software, and various integration formats to ensure it fits your application.
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 channels as small as you can jump across rivers as wide as the Amazon. 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.
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 collect data. This system provides the highest quality Doppler velocity data without requiring the user to become an expert on Doppler technology.
Features
Water Velocity and Level: Water velocity, level, flow, and total volume-multiple parameters from one easy-to-use instrument. Acoustic Doppler profile of velocity data and acoustic water level offers the most accurate, reliable measurements.
SmartPulseHD®*: 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: It is incredibly lightweight and easy to transport and mount. The slim shape is easy to maintain, stays clean, increases the available sample area, and fits into more places.
Water Velocity Profiling: Customizable, flexible setup options to suit various applications. 3G models offer 128 cells for high-resolution and detailed profiles.
Acoustic-Pressure "Duo" Water Level (3G models only): Not only are redundant sources of water level, but 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 costs 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: The integrated pressure sensor calculates and outputs wave height and period in real-time (SL-500 model only).
*SL1500/3000 3G models only. Patent pending.
| Specifications |
SL1500 (3G) | SL500 |
|---|---|---|
| Sampling range• | 0.2 to 20m | 0.7-66 ft | 1.5 to 120m | 5-400 ft |
| Minimum Channel Width | 1.0m | 3.3 ft | 6.5m | 21 ft |
| Acoustics — Horizontal Beam Width•• | 1.4° | 1.4° |
| Acoustics — Vertical Beam Width•• | 2.9° | 3.8° |
| Acoustics — Side Lobe Suppression† | >60dB | >60dB |
| Multi-cell Velocity Profiling | Up to 128 cells | Up to 10 cells |
| SmartPulse HD® | Yes | N/A |
| SonTek Compass/Tilt | Tilt | Compass/Tilt |
| Internal Nonvolatile Memory | 4GB | 4MB |
| Water Velocity — Range | ±7 m/s | 23 ft/s | ±6 m/s | 20 ft/s |
| Water Velocity — Resolution | 0.001 m/s | 0.003 ft/s | 0.001 m/s | 0.003 ft/s |
| Water Velocity — Accuracy | ±1% of measured velocity; ±0.005 m/s | ±0.015 ft/s |
±1% of measured velocity; ±0.005 m/s | ±0.015 ft/s |
| Water Level — Vertical Beam Range | 0.15 to 10m | 0.5 to 33 ft | 0.2 to 18.0m | 0.7 to 59 ft |
| Water Level — Vertical Beam Accuracy | Depth <3m: ±0.3cm | 0.01 ft Depth ≥3m: ±0.1% |
Depth <6m: ±0.6cm | 0.02 ft Depth ≥6m: ±0.1% |
| Pressure Sensor — Range | 30 m | 20 m |
| Pressure Sensor — Accuracy FS‡ | 0.10% FS | 0.25% FS |
| Wave Height Spectra | No | Optional |
| Temperature Sensor — Resolution | ± 0.01º C | ± 0.01º C |
| Temperature Sensor — Accuracy | ± 0.2º C | ± 0.01º C |
| Power Input | 9-15 VDC | 7-15 VDC |
| Power Consumption§ | 1.0 W | 0.7 to 1.0 W |
| Weight in Air | 0.90 kg | 2.0 lb | 6.0 kg | 13.2 lb |
| Weight in Water | 0.2 kg | 0.5 lb | 1.1 kg 2.5 lb |
| Pressure Rating & Maximum Depth | 30 m | 98 ft | 30 m | 98 ft |
| Mounting Plate Dimensions | 25 x 17 x 1 cm | 10 x 6.7 x 0.4 in | 35.5 x 22.9 x 1.5 cm | 14 x 9 x 0.6 in |
| Operating Temperature | -5° to 60°C | 23° to 140°F | -5° to 60°C | 23° to 140°F |
| Storage Temperature | -10° to 70°C | 14° to 148°F | -10° to 70°C | 14° to 148°F |
| Communications — Standard Protocols | RS232/SDI-12/Modbus | RS232/SDI-12 |
| Communications — Software | SonTek-SL: Intelligent Flow | ViewArgonaut |
| Communications — Analog Output Option | Integrated on Flow Display | Separate AO module |
| Communications — Flow Display Type | SonTek Flow Display | N/A |
•Actual maximum range depends on environmental conditions.
••Beam width reported at half power level (-3dB).
†Side lobe suppression improves the aspect ratio of the instrument enabling greater measurement range in shallower water.
‡ FS = Full Scale.
§ Power consumption will be higher if Flow Display is enabled.
