Xylem SonTek FlowTracker2 User manual

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
[email protected]
sontek.com
For Sales & Service Contact
2650 E. 40th Ave. • Denver, CO 80205
Phone [phone] • Fax [phone]
1-800-833-7958
www.geotechenv.com

SonTek – a Xylem brand
FlowTracker2 User’s Manual (January 2019) 1
SonTek – a Xylem brand
9940 Summers Ridge Rd, San Diego, CA 92121-3091 USA
Telephone [phone]
•
Fax [phone]
E-mail: inquir[email protected]
•
Internet: www.sontek.com
User’s Manual 1.6
Software Version 1.6
Firmware Version 1.30
Copyright 2018 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 without 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 warranties 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.

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FlowTracker2 User’s Manual (January 2019) 2
Release Notice 45-0120 Rev C
This is the October 2018 release of the FlowTracker2 User’s Manual. During the
creation of this manual, the following were the latest versions of firmware/software. As
such, if you are using different firmware/software versions, not all aspects of this manual
may apply.
•FlowTracker2 firmware version 1.30
•FlowTracker2 software version 1.6
Trademarks
The terms FlowTracker2 are registered trademarks of Xylem Inc. All rights are reserved.
All other brand names are trademarks of their respective holders.
Warranty, Terms, and Conditions
Thank you for purchasing the FlowTracker2. The instrument was thoroughly tested at the
factory and found to be in excellent working condition. If the shipping crate appears damaged,
or if the system is not operating properly, please contact us immediately.
The system you have purchased is covered under a two year limited warranty that extends to all
parts and labor for any malfunction due to workmanship or errors in the manufacturing process.
The warranty does not cover shortcomings that are due to the design, nor does it cover any
form of incidental damage as a result of errors in the measurements.
If your system is not functioning properly, first try to identify the source of the problem. If
additional support is required, we encourage you to contact us immediately, and we will work to
resolve the problem as quickly as possible.
If the system needs to be returned to the factory, please contact technical support to obtain a
Service Request (SR) number. We reserve the right to refuse shipments without SR numbers.
We require the system to be shipped back in the original shipping container using the original
packing material with all delivery costs covered by the customer (including all taxes and duties).
If the system is returned without appropriate packing, the customer will be required to cover the
cost of a new packaging crate and material.
Contact Information
Any questions, concerns, or suggestions can be directed to SonTek by telephone, fax,
or email. Business hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Pacific Standard Time, Monday
through Friday.
Phone : [phone]
Fax : [phone]
Email : inqui[email protected]om (General information)
[e-mail] (Sales information)
suppor[email protected]om (Support information)
Web : http://www.sontek.com
See our web site for information concerning new products and software/firmware
upgrades.

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FlowTracker2 User’s Manual (January 2019) 3
FCC INFORMATION
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept
any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
The FlowTracker2 FCC license number can be found in two locations: (1) on the shipping box
label and (2) engraved on the back of the FlowTracker2. Examples of the shipping box label
and engraving are shown below.

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FlowTracker2 User’s Manual (January 2019) 4
Table of Contents
List of Tables...............................................................................................................14
List of Equations.........................................................................................................16
Quick Overview .........................................................................................17Section 1.
1.1. System Components........................................................................................17
1.2. Definitions and Terminology.............................................................................19
System Operation......................................................................................21Section 2.
2.1. On/Off Switch...................................................................................................21
2.2. Keypad.............................................................................................................21
2.3. Keypad Filter....................................................................................................23
2.4. Screen Layout..................................................................................................24
2.5. Main Menu .......................................................................................................24
Device Configuration Menu (Main Menu) ...........................................................................252.5.1
Utilities (Main Menu)............................................................................................................262.5.2
Communication (Main Menu)..............................................................................................262.5.3
System Information (Main Menu)........................................................................................262.5.4
Measurement (Main Menu).................................................................................................272.5.5
Data Files (Main Menu).......................................................................................................282.5.6
Device Configuration ................................................................................30Section 3.
3.1. User Interface...................................................................................................30
Language ............................................................................................................................303.1.1
Use Beeper .........................................................................................................................313.1.2
Color Scheme......................................................................................................................313.1.3
Font Size .............................................................................................................................323.1.4
3.2. Application Settings..........................................................................................32
Units ....................................................................................................................................333.2.1
Wading Rod.........................................................................................................................333.2.2
File Naming .........................................................................................................................343.2.3
Folder Naming.....................................................................................................................353.2.4
GPS Station Tagging ..........................................................................................................363.2.5
Use Pressure Sensor (Pressure Sensor)............................................................................383.2.6
Probe Offset From WR Bottom (Pressure Sensor).............................................................383.2.7
Air Pressure Cal. Period (min) (Pressure Sensor)..............................................................383.2.8
3.3. Configuration Templates..................................................................................40
Template Options................................................................................................................403.3.1
Managing Templates...........................................................................................................403.3.2 Accessing Templates..........................................................................................................403.3.2.1 New Template.....................................................................................................................413.3.2.2

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Selecting Template .............................................................................................................413.3.2.3
3.4. Template Functions..........................................................................................42
File Properties.....................................................................................................................423.4.1
Data Collection Settings......................................................................................................433.4.2 Averaging Time...................................................................................................................443.4.2.1 Salinity.................................................................................................................................443.4.2.2 Temperature........................................................................................................................453.4.2.3 Sound Speed ......................................................................................................................453.4.2.4 Mounting Correction............................................................................................................463.4.2.5
Quality Control Settings ......................................................................................................463.4.3 SNR Threshold....................................................................................................................473.4.3.1 Std Error Threshold.............................................................................................................483.4.3.2Spike Threshold ..................................................................................................................483.4.3.3 Velocity Angle for Warning..................................................................................................483.4.3.4 Tilt Angle Warning...............................................................................................................493.4.3.5
Discharge Settings..............................................................................................................493.4.4 Discharge Equation.............................................................................................................503.4.4.1 Discharge Uncertainty.........................................................................................................503.4.4.2 Discharge Reference ..........................................................................................................513.4.4.3 Max Station Q for Warning (%)...........................................................................................513.4.4.4 Max Depth Change for Warning (%)...................................................................................513.4.4.5 Max Spacing Change for Warning (%) ...............................................................................523.4.4.6 0.6 Method Depth................................................................................................................523.4.4.7
Displayed Velocity Methods................................................................................................523.4.5
Utilities .......................................................................................................54Section 4.
4.1. System Clock...................................................................................................54
Manual Change...................................................................................................................544.1.1
Sync with GPS Time ...........................................................................................................554.1.2
4.2. Recorder..........................................................................................................56
Manage Recorder................................................................................................................564.2.1
Erase Recorder...................................................................................................................574.2.2
4.3. Battery Data.....................................................................................................58
Battery Type........................................................................................................................584.3.1
Battery Voltage....................................................................................................................594.3.2
Percentage Full...................................................................................................................594.3.3
4.4. Raw Data Display.............................................................................................59
Velocity Raw Data...............................................................................................................604.4.1
SNR Raw Data....................................................................................................................624.4.2
Temperature Raw Data.......................................................................................................624.4.3
Tilt Raw Data.......................................................................................................................634.4.4
Battery Indicator..................................................................................................................634.4.5
Pressure (Pressure Sensor)................................................................................................634.4.6
4.5. Automated Beam Check ..................................................................................64
4.6. Beam Check.....................................................................................................65

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4.7. GPS Data.........................................................................................................65
4.8. Pressure Sensor (Pressure Sensor) ................................................................66
4.9. System Maintenance........................................................................................67
Force Probe Upgrade..........................................................................................................674.9.1
Data Collection Modes..............................................................................69Section 5.
5.1. Discharge Mode...............................................................................................69
Measurement Technique ....................................................................................................695.1.1
Discharge Calculation Methods ..........................................................................................705.1.2 Mid-Section Equation..........................................................................................................705.1.2.1 Mean-Section Equation.......................................................................................................725.1.2.2 Japanese Equation .............................................................................................................735.1.2.3
Determining Mean Station Velocity.....................................................................................755.1.3 Method None.......................................................................................................................775.1.3.1 Vertical Velocity Curve........................................................................................................775.1.3.2 Correction Factor ................................................................................................................785.1.3.3
Discharge Uncertainty Calculation......................................................................................795.1.4
Under Ice Measurements....................................................................................................805.1.5
Weighted Gauge Height......................................................................................................815.1.6
5.2. General Mode ..................................................................................................82
Measurement Technique ....................................................................................................825.2.1
Determining Mean Velocity.................................................................................................825.2.2
Quality Control ..........................................................................................83Section 6.
6.1. Quality Control Parameters..............................................................................83
Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR)................................................................................................846.1.1
Velocity Standard Error.......................................................................................................876.1.2
Boundary Interference.........................................................................................................886.1.3
Velocity Spike Filter.............................................................................................................906.1.4
Velocity Angle......................................................................................................................916.1.5
Tilt Angle .............................................................................................................................936.1.6
Station Percent Discharge ..................................................................................................936.1.7
Station Water Depth............................................................................................................946.1.8
Station Location...................................................................................................................956.1.9
Velocity Profile 0.2 \ 0.8 ......................................................................................................966.1.10
6.2. Quality Control Warning Messages..................................................................96
Types of Warning Messages...............................................................................................966.2.1
Timing of Warning Messages..............................................................................................986.2.2
6.3. Beam Check.....................................................................................................98
Beam Check Overview........................................................................................................996.3.1
Beam Check Features ......................................................................................................1006.3.2
Beam Check Operation.....................................................................................................1016.3.3
Diagnosing Measurements with Beam Check ..................................................................1016.3.4 Low Scattering Strength....................................................................................................1016.3.4.1 Strong Scattering Strength................................................................................................1016.3.4.2 Boundary Detected within Beam Check ...........................................................................1026.3.4.3

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Boundary in Sampling Volume..........................................................................................1036.3.4.4
6.4. Automated Beam Check ................................................................................104
Measurement Process ............................................................................107Section 7.
7.1. Office Procedures ..........................................................................................107
Equipment List...................................................................................................................1077.1.1
Hardware Inspection .........................................................................................................1087.1.2
Office Diagnostic...............................................................................................................1087.1.3
7.2. Measurement Site Information.......................................................................110
7.3. Pre Measurement Diagnostics.......................................................................111
7.4. Measurement Procedure................................................................................112
7.5. Post Measurement Requirements..................................................................113
Review of Measurement Site Information.........................................................................1147.5.1
Review Measurement Summary.......................................................................................1147.5.2
Data Management.............................................................................................................1157.5.3
Storage..............................................................................................................................1157.5.4
Discharge Measurement.........................................................................117Section 8.
8.1. Create Measurement .....................................................................................117
Measurement ....................................................................................................................1178.1.1
New File Type ...................................................................................................................1178.1.2
New File Template ............................................................................................................1188.1.3
New Data File....................................................................................................................1188.1.4
8.2. Automated Beam Check ................................................................................119
Start Automated Beam Check...........................................................................................1208.2.1
Evaluate Beam Check Results..........................................................................................1208.2.2
8.3. Data Collection...............................................................................................122
Data Collection Window....................................................................................................1228.3.1 Add Station........................................................................................................................1238.3.1.1 Delete Station....................................................................................................................1238.3.1.2 Edit Station........................................................................................................................1248.3.1.3
Station Types ....................................................................................................................1268.3.2 Bank (left or right)..............................................................................................................1278.3.2.1 Island Edge .......................................................................................................................1278.3.2.2 Open Water.......................................................................................................................1288.3.2.3 Ice......................................................................................................................................1308.3.2.4
Station Measurement (Wading Rod).................................................................................1318.3.3 Station Parameters ...........................................................................................................1318.3.3.1 Point Velocity Measurement .............................................................................................1318.3.3.2 Review Point Measurement..............................................................................................1348.3.3.3 Review Station Measurement...........................................................................................1358.3.3.4
Station Measurement (Pressure Sensor)..........................................................................1378.3.4 Station Parameters ...........................................................................................................1388.3.4.1 Point Velocity Measurement .............................................................................................1388.3.4.2 Review Point Measurement..............................................................................................1428.3.4.3

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Review Station Measurement...........................................................................................1438.3.4.4
Data Collection Menu........................................................................................................1458.3.5 Settings .............................................................................................................................1468.3.5.1 Supplemental Data............................................................................................................1468.3.5.2 Discharge Summary..........................................................................................................1478.3.5.3 Station Summary...............................................................................................................1488.3.5.4 Automated Beam Check...................................................................................................1498.3.5.5 PS Calibration (Pressure Sensor).....................................................................................1508.3.5.6 Complete Measurement....................................................................................................1508.3.5.7 Discard Measurement.......................................................................................................1518.3.5.8 Go to Home Screen ..........................................................................................................1528.3.5.9
8.4. Measurement Summary.................................................................................152
General Measurement.............................................................................154Section 9.
9.1. Create Measurement .....................................................................................154
Measurement ....................................................................................................................1549.1.1
New File Type ...................................................................................................................1549.1.2
New File Template ............................................................................................................1559.1.3
New Data File....................................................................................................................1559.1.4
9.2. Automated Beam Check ................................................................................156
Start Automated Beam Check...........................................................................................1579.2.1
Evaluate Beam Check Results..........................................................................................1579.2.2
9.3. Data Collection...............................................................................................159
Data Collection Window....................................................................................................1599.3.1 Add Station........................................................................................................................1609.3.1.1 Delete Station....................................................................................................................1619.3.1.2
Station Measurement (Wading Rod).................................................................................1619.3.2 Point Velocity Measurement .............................................................................................1629.3.2.1 Review Point Measurement..............................................................................................1649.3.2.2 Review Station Measurement...........................................................................................1659.3.2.3
Station Measurement (Pressure Sensor)..........................................................................1669.3.3 Point Velocity Measurement .............................................................................................1669.3.3.1 Review Point Measurement..............................................................................................1699.3.3.2 Review Station Measurement...........................................................................................1719.3.3.3
Data Collection Menu........................................................................................................1729.3.4 Settings .............................................................................................................................1739.3.4.1 Velocity Summary.............................................................................................................1739.3.4.2 Automated Beam Check...................................................................................................1749.3.4.3 PS Calibration (Pressure Sensor).....................................................................................1749.3.4.4 Complete Measurement....................................................................................................1759.3.4.5 Discard Measurement.......................................................................................................1769.3.4.6 Go to Home Screen ..........................................................................................................1779.3.4.7
9.4. Measurement Summary.................................................................................177
FlowTracker2 Hardware........................................................................179Section 10.
10.1. ADV Probe..................................................................................................179

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10.2. Handheld ....................................................................................................180
10.3. Cables and Connectors ..............................................................................181
10.4. Certifications...............................................................................................181
10.5. PC System Requirements...........................................................................182
Operational Considerations .................................................................183Section 11.
11.1. Software Upgrade.......................................................................................183
Upgrading Handheld Software..........................................................................................18311.1.1
Upgrading ADV Firmware .................................................................................................18511.1.2
11.2. Mounting and Installation............................................................................185
FlowTracker2 Handheld....................................................................................................18511.2.1
Handheld Mounting Bracket..............................................................................................18511.2.2
Probe Mounting Bracket....................................................................................................18611.2.3
11.3. Routine Maintenance..................................................................................187
Battery Power Supply........................................................................................................18711.3.1
Cleaning Instrument..........................................................................................................18711.3.2 Handheld.........................................................................................................................18711.3.2.1 Transducers ....................................................................................................................18811.3.2.2
Cable Maintenance ...........................................................................................................18811.3.3
O-rings...............................................................................................................................18911.3.4 Housing...........................................................................................................................18911.3.4.1 Battery Cap .....................................................................................................................18911.3.4.2
Condensation in FlowTracker2 Housing...........................................................................18911.3.5
Zinc Anodes for Corrosion Protection...............................................................................18911.3.6
11.4. Seeding.......................................................................................................190
Scattering Material ............................................................................................................19011.4.1
Field Applications..............................................................................................................19011.4.2
11.5. Troubleshooting..........................................................................................191
Cannot Turn System On ...................................................................................................19111.5.1
Cannot Communicate with the FlowTracker2...................................................................19111.5.2 Handheld.........................................................................................................................19111.5.2.1 Communication ...............................................................................................................19111.5.2.2
Cannot Retrieve Data from Internal Recorder ..................................................................19211.5.3
Velocity Data Appears Noisy or Unreasonable.................................................................19211.5.4
Recovery Mode.................................................................................................................19211.5.5
11.6. Health and Safety.......................................................................................193
Planning Field Work..........................................................................................................19311.6.1
Communication .................................................................................................................19411.6.2
Measurement Site Conditions...........................................................................................19411.6.3
FlowTracker2 File Format.....................................................................196Section 12.
12.1. FlowTracker2 JSON File.............................................................................196
Measurement File Framework ..........................................................................................19712.1.1
Measurement File Structure..............................................................................................19812.1.2

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12.2. FlowTracker2 CSV Output..........................................................................207
CSV File Structure.............................................................................................................20712.2.1
CSV Variables...................................................................................................................20812.2.2
12.3. Original FlowTracker ASCII vs JSON .........................................................216
Principle of Operations.........................................................................224Section 13.
13.1. FlowTracker2 Overview..............................................................................224
13.2. The Doppler Shift........................................................................................224
13.3. Bistatic Doppler Current Meters..................................................................225
Bistatic Doppler Operation ................................................................................................22513.3.1
The FlowTracker2 Measurement Principle .......................................................................22513.3.2
Signal to Noise Ratio Profile .............................................................................................22613.3.3
13.4. Pulse-Coherent Processing........................................................................227
13.5. Beam Geometry and 3D Velocity Measurements.......................................228
13.6. Sampling Volume Definition........................................................................228
13.7. Velocity Data Coordinate System ...............................................................229
2D Side-Looking Probe (Figure 30a) ................................................................................22913.7.1
2D/3D Side-Looking Probe (Figure 30b)...........................................................................22913.7.2
13.8. FlowTracker2 Data......................................................................................230
Basic Sampling Strategy...................................................................................................23013.8.1
Velocity Data.....................................................................................................................23013.8.2
Accuracy of Velocity Data .................................................................................................23013.8.3 Optimizing of FlowTracker2............................................................................................23013.8.3.1 Factors Influencing Accuracy..........................................................................................23113.8.3.2
Quality Control Data..........................................................................................................23113.8.4
13.9. Special Considerations...............................................................................231
Probe Configurations ........................................................................................................23113.9.1 Probe mounting...............................................................................................................23113.9.1.1 Probe type.......................................................................................................................23113.9.1.2
13.10. Sound Speed...........................................................................................232
Sound Speed Function..................................................................................................23213.10.1
Compensate for Changes .............................................................................................23213.10.2
Environmental Conditions .............................................................................................23213.10.3
13.11. Flow Interference.....................................................................................233
Structures......................................................................................................................23313.11.1
Probe orientation relative to flow...................................................................................23313.11.2
Mounting Correction......................................................................................................23413.11.3 No Correction................................................................................................................23413.11.3.1 Custom Correction........................................................................................................23413.11.3.2
13.12. Dynamic Pressure (Pressure Sensor).....................................................235
FlowTracker2 Desktop Software..........................................................237Section 14.

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14.1. Overview of Software Features and Functions...........................................237
14.2. Installing Software.......................................................................................238
14.3. Changing Settings.......................................................................................239
User Interface Tab.............................................................................................................23914.3.1 Changing Language (Settings > User Interface > Language)............................................23914.3.1.1 Changing Scale and Font Size (Settings > User Interface > Scale) ..................................24014.3.1.2
General Tab ......................................................................................................................24014.3.2 Show paired device connection options (Settings > General > Show paired device14.3.2.1
connection options)........................................................................................................................240
Show Download Options Dialog (Settings > General > Show download options dialog) ..24114.3.2.2 Check for Crash Reports and Send to SonTek Support (Settings > General > Check for14.3.2.3
crash reports) ................................................................................................................................241
Lab-Adv (Settings > General > Lab-Adv) ..........................................................................24114.3.2.4
Units Tab...........................................................................................................................24214.3.3 Changing Software Units (Settings > Units) ....................................................................24214.3.3.1 Changing Software Display Decimals (Settings > Units).................................................24314.3.3.2
PDF Format.......................................................................................................................24414.3.4 Icon Image (Settings > PDF Format > PDF icon image file location)..................................24414.3.4.1 Image Height (Settings > PDF Format > PDF icon image height in centimeters)...............24414.3.4.2 Header Text (Settings > PDF Format > PDF Header Text)................................................24514.3.4.3 Include File Information (Settings > PDF Format > Include these items in the file information14.3.4.4
box)...............................................................................................................................................245
Include Charts and Tables (Settings > PDF Format > Include these charts and tables)....24514.3.4.5 Include Information Boxes (Settings > PDF Format > Include these information boxes on the14.3.4.6
first page).......................................................................................................................................245
14.4. Utilities........................................................................................................247
FlowTracker1 Import (Utilities > FlowTracker1 Import)....................................................24714.4.1
Run Translator (Utilities > Run Translator)........................................................................24814.4.2
Import Language File (Utilities > Import Language File)....................................................24814.4.3
New Discharge Template (Utilities > New Discharge Template)........................................24814.4.4
New General Template (Utilities > New General Template)..............................................24914.4.5
Multiple Templates (Utilities > Multiple Templates)...........................................................24914.4.6
14.5. Connecting to the FlowTracker2 Handheld ADV ........................................250
USB Connection (Device > USB)........................................................................................25114.5.1
Bluetooth Connection........................................................................................................25114.5.2
14.6. Device Menu and Functions .......................................................................252
Download Data Files (Device > [Choose your connection] > Download) ............................25314.6.1
Delete Data files (Device > [Choose your connection] > Delete) .........................................25514.6.2
Upgrading FlowTracker2 Firmware (Device > [Choose your connection] > Upgrade).........25514.6.3
Uploading and Downloading Templates (Device > [Choose your connection] > Templates)14.6.4
256
Custom Localization..........................................................................................................25714.6.5
Disconnecting the FlowTracker2.......................................................................................25714.6.6
14.7. Opening a Data File....................................................................................257
Opening FlowTracker2 Handheld ADV Data Files (.ft files)..............................................25814.7.1
Opening FlowTracker2 BeamCheck Files (.ft_beamcheck)..............................................25814.7.2

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Opening FlowTracker2 Template Files (.ft_template).......................................................26014.7.3
Opening Original FlowTracker Handheld ADV Data Files (.WAD files)............................26114.7.4
14.8. Overview of View Data Options..................................................................263
Measurement Summary Pane ..........................................................................................26414.8.1
Main Viewing Pane............................................................................................................26514.8.2 Section ............................................................................................................................26514.8.2.1 Stations ...........................................................................................................................26614.8.2.2 Samples ..........................................................................................................................26814.8.2.3 Area.................................................................................................................................26914.8.2.4 Sensors...........................................................................................................................27014.8.2.5 Supplemental Data..........................................................................................................27114.8.2.6 Diagnostics......................................................................................................................27214.8.2.7 Summary.........................................................................................................................27314.8.2.8
Settings Pane....................................................................................................................27314.8.3
14.9. Post-Processing FlowTracker Measurements ............................................275
Enable Editing...................................................................................................................27514.9.1 FlowTracker2 .ft File Editing ...........................................................................................27514.9.1.1 Original FlowTracker .wad File Editing ...........................................................................27614.9.1.2
Editing through the Settings Pane.....................................................................................27714.9.2
Editing by Station ..............................................................................................................27814.9.3
Editing Supplemental Data................................................................................................28114.9.4
14.10. Data Export and File Formats..................................................................281
Export Discharge Summary to PDF..............................................................................28114.10.1
Export Files to ASCII.....................................................................................................28314.10.2
Matlab Tools for JSON files ..........................................................................................28414.10.3
FlowTracker2 Lab-ADV.........................................................................285Section 15.
15.1. Lab-ADV Software Feature.........................................................................285
15.2. Enable Lab-ADV feature.............................................................................286
15.3. Lab-ADV Configuration...............................................................................287
Load Configuration............................................................................................................29015.3.1
Save Configuration............................................................................................................29015.3.2
Beam Check......................................................................................................................29015.3.3
Probe Info..........................................................................................................................29115.3.4
Force Firmware Upgrade ..................................................................................................29215.3.5
15.4. Data Collection............................................................................................292
Display Settings.................................................................................................................29315.4.1
Information ........................................................................................................................29315.4.2
15.5. Data Export.................................................................................................294
15.6. Power and Communication Cable...............................................................296
Appendix A. Software Flow Diagram.......................................................................298
Appendix B. Site Selection Requirements..............................................................300
Appendix C. Japanese Method Example.................................................................301

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Appendix D. Measurement Equipment List ............................................................302
Appendix E. CE Declaration of Conformity.............................................................303
INDEX.........................................................................................................................305

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List of Tables
Table 3:1 – Beeper Options ..........................................................................................31
Table 3:2 – FlowTracker2 Display Units........................................................................33
Table 3:3 - Wading Rod Graphics.................................................................................34
Table 3:4 - File Naming Conventions............................................................................35
Table 3:5 - GPS Status Icons........................................................................................37
Table 3:6 - Air Pressure Cal. Period - Properties..........................................................38
Table 3:7 - File Properties - Properties..........................................................................43
Table 3:8 - Data Collection Settings - Properties ..........................................................44
Table 3:9 - Quality Control Settings - Properties...........................................................47
Table 3:10 - Discharge Settings - Properties.................................................................49
Table 3:11 - Displayed Velocity Methods - Properties...................................................53
Table 4:1 - Date and Time - Properties.........................................................................55
Table 4:2 - File Types - Properties................................................................................56
Table 4:3 - Raw Velocity Display...................................................................................60
Table 4:4 - Beam SNR Display .....................................................................................62
Table 4:5 – Battery Specification...................................................................................63
Table 4:6 - Automated Beam Check Display.................................................................64
Table 4:7 - GPS Data - Properties ................................................................................66
Table 5:1 - Predetermination of Measuring Intervals.....................................................74
Table 5:2 - Determining Mean Station Velocity.............................................................76
Table 5:3 – Correction Factors......................................................................................78
Table 6:1 - Quality Control Parameters.........................................................................83
Table 6:2 – SNR Data Types ........................................................................................85
Table 6:3 – σV Data Types ...........................................................................................87
Table 6:4 - Quality Control Warning Messages.............................................................96
Table 6:5 - Timing of Quality Control Warning Messages.............................................98
Table 6:6 - Automated Beam Check Quality Control Criteria......................................104
Table 6:7 - Automated Beam Check Display...............................................................105
Table 7:1 - Hardware Inspection.................................................................................108
Table 7:2 - Office Diagnostics.....................................................................................109
Table 7:3 – Measure Site Information .........................................................................110
Table 7:4 - Pre Measurement Diagnostics..................................................................111
Table 8:1 - Automated Beam Check Quality Control Criteria......................................120
Table 8:2 - Automated Beam Check Display...............................................................122
Table 8:3 - Incompatible Velocity Methods and Station Types....................................126
Table 8:4 - Bank Station Type - Properties .................................................................127
Table 8:5 - Island Edge Station Type - Properties.......................................................128
Table 8:6 - Open Water Station Type - Properties......................................................129
Table 8:7 - Ice Station Type - Properties.....................................................................130

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FlowTracker2 User’s Manual (January 2019) 15
Table 8:8 - Review Point Measurement ......................................................................135
Table 8:9 - Review Station..........................................................................................136
Table 8:10 - Review Point Measurement ....................................................................142
Table 8:11 - Review Station........................................................................................144
Table 8:12 - Discharge Summary................................................................................147
Table 8:13 - Station Summary.....................................................................................148
Table 8:14 - Measurement Summary..........................................................................153
Table 9:1 - Automated Beam Check Quality Control Criteria......................................157
Table 9:2 - Automated Beam Check Display...............................................................159
Table 9:3 - Station - Properties ...................................................................................160
Table 9:4 - Review Point Measurement ......................................................................164
Table 9:5 - Review Station..........................................................................................165
Table 9:6 - Review Point Measurement ......................................................................170
Table 9:7 - Review Station..........................................................................................171
Table 9:8 - Velocity Summary .....................................................................................173
Table 9:9 - Measurement Summary............................................................................177
Table 10:1- ADV Probe Specifications........................................................................179
Table 10:2- Handheld Specifications...........................................................................180
Table 10:3- Cable and Connector Specifications........................................................181
Table 12:1 - CSV File Types.......................................................................................207
Table 12:2 - CSV Row and Column ............................................................................207
Table 12:3 - Control File Variables..............................................................................208
Table 12:4 - Raw Data File Variables..........................................................................209
Table 12:5 - Discharge File Variables.........................................................................209
Table 12:6 - Summary File Variables..........................................................................213
Table 13:1- Sampling Strategy....................................................................................230
Table 14:1- Units Available for Software Parameters..................................................242
Table 14:2. Original FlowTracker File Format Import..................................................262
Table 14:3. Measurement Summary Pane..................................................................264
Table 14:4: Station Information Values Available........................................................266
Table 14:5. Summary of Settings Pane Values...........................................................273
Table 15:1. Configuration Settings..............................................................................287
Table 15:2. CSV Data Export......................................................................................294
Table 15:3. FlowTracker2 Lab-Adv Hardware Components........................................296

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FlowTracker2 User’s Manual (January 2019) 16
List of Equations
Equation 5:1 - Mid-Section Method...............................................................................71
Equation 5:2 - Mean-Section Method............................................................................72
Equation 5:3 - Japanese Method > 10m .......................................................................74
Equation 5:4 - Japanese Method < 10m .......................................................................74
Equation 5:5 - Discharge Weighted...............................................................................81
Equation 5:6 - Time Weighted.......................................................................................81
Equation 13:1 – Total Pressure...................................................................................235
Equation 13:2 – Dynamic Pressure.............................................................................235
Equation 13:3 – Corrected AdvWaterSpeed ...............................................................235
Equation 13:4 – Dynamic Pressure using AdvWaterSpeed ........................................236
Equation 13:5 – Static Pressure..................................................................................236
Equation 13:6 – Corrected Pressure...........................................................................236
Equation 5:3 - Japanese Method > 10m .....................................................................301

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FlowTracker2 User’s Manual (January 2019) 17
Quick OverviewSection 1.
1.1. System Components
Layout of FlowTracker2 and all major components are labeled in Figure 1:1.
•Probe – The FlowTracker2 probe (Figure 1:2) contains the acoustic elements to
measure velocity. See Principle of Operations for more information.
•Keypad – The FlowTracker2 keypad is designed for quick and efficient software
operation, configuration and data entry.
•Handheld - The handheld contains the processing electronics, batteries, keypad,
and LCD screen. The handheld is designed to withstand temporary submersion,
but is not intended for underwater operation.
•Battery Compartment – Battery Compartment consist of a water tight battery
cap and an AA battery cartridge for quick access and battery replacement.
•LCD Screen – The LCD screen display the FlowTracker2 handheld software and
real-time graphical display of raw data.
•Probe cable – The probe is factory mounted to a 1500mm (59-in) flexible cable.
The handheld connects to the probe cable with rugged underwater flexible
connector. The standard cable (1500mm) supplied with the FlowTracker2 can be
extended with either an 1500mm (59-in) or 3500mm (137-in) cable extension up
to maximum length of 10m (32.8-ft).
•Communication Connector – A waterproof (IP67) micro USB connector on the
bottom of the handheld connect to external communication cable
Battery Compartment
Handheld
Keypad
Communication
Connector
Figure 1:1 - FlowTracker2 with 2D
Probe
LCD Screen
Probe Cable
Probe
Layout of FlowTracker2 Probe and all major components are labeled in Figure 1:2

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FlowTracker2 User’s Manual (January 2019) 18
•Transmitter – The acoustic transmitter generates a short pulse of sound with the
majority of energy concentrated in a narrow beam (6 mm in diameter).
•Receivers – The acoustic receivers are mounted on arms from the central probe
head. The receivers are sensitive to a narrow beam and are focused on a
common volume located a fixed distance (10 cm; 4 in) from the probe. The
FlowTracker2 uses two or three acoustic receivers for 2D or 3D probes. See
Beam Geometry and 3D Velocity Measurements for details.
•Sampling volume – The sampling volume is the physical location of the water
velocity measurement. See Principle of Operations for details.
•Temperature sensor – The temperature sensor is mounted inside the probe.
Temperature data is used to compensate for changes in sound speed. Sound
speed is used to convert the Doppler shift to water velocity. See Hardware
Specification for details on the temperature sensor; see Principle of Operations
for details about the effect of sound speed on velocity data.
Figure 1:2 - 2D Side Looking FlowTracker2 Probe and Sampling Volume

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FlowTracker2 User’s Manual (January 2019) 19
1.2. Definitions and Terminology
This section defines terms commonly used when working with FlowTracker2
•Averaging Time – The time (in seconds) in which the FlowTracker2 records data
at each measurement location. This is a user-specified value from 10 to 1000
seconds.
•Handheld – The FlowTracker2 is controlled from the keypad on the handheld.
The LCD screen is used to display FlowTracker2 handheld software and real-
time graphical display of raw data.
•Measurement Location – At each measurement location, the FlowTracker2
records one-second velocity data for the specified averaging time, location, water
depth parameters and a variety of statistical and quality control data.
•Ping Rate – The number of pings per second (Hz). The FlowTracker2 ping rate
is 40 Hz.
•Ping – A single estimate of the 2D or 3D water velocity.
•Quality Control Data – In addition to velocity, the FlowTracker2 records several
quality control parameters. These include signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), standard
error of velocity, boundary adjustment, the number of spikes filtered from data,
and velocity angle. For details about quality control data, see Quality Control for
details.
•Salinity – Water salinity is a user-supplied value that is used for sound speed
calculations. Note: If using the system in salt water, a zinc anode should be
installed on the probe for corrosion protection described in Zinc Anodes for
Corrosion Protection.
•Sample – A sample refers to the mean of 20 pings to produce a measurement of
the 2D or 3D water velocity. A sample includes velocity and signal to noise ratio
data. The FlowTracker2 records two samples per second.
•Signal Strength – This refers to the strength of the reflected acoustic signal. It is
a function of the acoustic conditions of the water – primarily the amount and type
of suspended material (scatterers) present. This is most commonly accessed as
a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).
•Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) – SNR is the ratio of the received acoustic signal
strength to the ambient noise level. It is expressed in logarithmic units (dB), and
is the most important quality control data for the FlowTracker2, see Quality
Control for details.
•Sound Speed – Speed of sound in water (in m/s) is used to convert the Doppler
shift to velocity. See Principle of Operations regarding the effect of sound speed
on velocity data.