YSI SonTek RiverSurveyor User guide

SonTek/YSI Inc
9940 Summers Ridge Road, San Diego, CA 92121-3091 USA
Telephone [phone] •Fax [phone]
E-mail: [email protected] •Internet: http://www.sontek.com
RiverSurveyor
System Manual
Software Version 4.60
Copyright 2007 by SonTek/YSI 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 SonTek/YSI. Every effort has
been made to ensure the accuracy of this manual. However, SonTek/YSI makes no warranties with respect to this documentation and disclaims
any implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. SonTek/YSI 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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Release Notice
This is the May 1, 2007 release of the RiverSurveyor System Manual. It is designed for use with
version 4.60 of the RiverSurveyor software program.
** – Note that throughout this manual, items marked with double asterisks (**) are not available
in version 4.60. These items will be available in a future release.
Trademarks
The terms SonTek, ADP, ADV, and Argonaut are registered trademarks of SonTek/YSI, Inc. All
rights are reserved. All other brand names are trademarks of their respective holders.
Warranty, Terms, and Conditions
The system you have purchased is covered under a one 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 addi-
tional support is required, we encourage you to contact us immediately, and we will work to re-
solve the problem as quickly as possible.
If the system needs to be returned to the factory, please contact SonTek/YSI to obtain a Return
Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number. We reserve the right to refuse receipt of shipments
without RMAs. We require the system to be shipped back in the original shipping container us-
ing 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 re-
quired to cover the cost of a new packaging crate and material.

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RiverSurveyor System Manual (May 1, 2007) v
About This Manual
Thank you for your interest in using a SonTek RiverSurveyor system. This RiverSurveyor Sys-
tem Manual describes how to install and configure the RiverSurveyor system and its associated
software. It includes instructions and guidelines for the most common applications for which this
system is used.
Scope and Audience
Even if you have used other SonTek acoustic Doppler products, we recommend that you spend
some time reading this manual to learn about the special features of this system.
This manual is more “application-oriented” in that it tries to explain how to use the RiverSur-
veyor system for specific, real-world applications. If you intend to use the ADP instrument for
other applications (e.g., in an ocean environment, in lab experiments, etc.), or if you need de-
tailed information about the ADP instrument itself, please refer to the ADP Operation Manual or
the ADP Principles of Operation Manual that was included with your system.
Additionally, more detailed information and technical papers are available from SonTek. If you
have a need for more information about a specific application, technical paper, or related topic,
please contact us.
How to Use This Manual
This manual was especially designed for on-line viewing through a computer. Even though you
may now be reading a paper copy of this manual, an “electronic” copy of this manual was pro-
vided to you on the distribution disk (RiverSurveyor.pdf).
The use of this “PDF” file requires you to have the Adobe®Acrobat Reader®software installed
on your computer. This software is freely available from Adobe at http://www.adobe.com.
This RiverSurveyor.pdf file is also used as the Help file within the RiverSurveyor software pro-
gram. If you install RiverSurveyor on your computer using the default installation instructions
(§1.3), the RiverSurveyor.pdf file will be in the folder C:\Program Files\SonTek\RiverSurveyor.
The PDF version of this manual makes it easy for you to navigate within the document. Several
hyperlinks (in blue) let you quickly go to referenced sections, figures, tables, and glossary defini-
tions. Additionally, you can use the built-in search features of Acrobat to find specific words and
phrases. With the PDF copy, you can also print out high-quality copies of the manual to paper
(for your organization’s personal use only and not for resale or redistribution).
This manual does not need to be read in sequential order, although we suggest you read through
Section 1 (Getting Started / Read Me First!) if you are a new user or if you have just received a
new system. Glance through the Table of Contents and pick out those topics that interest you.
** – Items marked with double asterisks will be available in a future release.
Reader Feedback
Your feedback about the RiverSurveyor system and this manual will help us to improve our
products. Please let us know what improvements we can make by contacting us via telephone,
fax, or e-mail (see next page for Contact Information).

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vi
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 : [email protected] (General information)
[email protected] (Sales information)
[email protected] (Support information)
Web : http://www.sontek.com
See our web site for information concerning new products and software/firmware upgrades.

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Table of Contents
About This Manual......................................................................................................................v
Table of Contents...................................................................................................................... vii
Section 1. Getting Started / Read Me First!........................................................................3
1.1. Start Here! ........................................................................................................................3
1.2. Unpack the System...........................................................................................................3
1.3. Install the Software...........................................................................................................3
1.4. Interconnect the System ...................................................................................................4
1.4.1. Interconnection Procedure – Standard ADP RiverSurveyor System.........................4
1.4.2. Interconnection Procedure – Mini-ADP RiverSurveyor System...............................5
1.4.3. Interconnection Procedure – RiverCat System..........................................................6
1.5. Run Some Simple Tests ...................................................................................................7
1.6. Learn the Details ............................................................................................................11
Section 2. An Introduction to the RiverSurveyor System ...............................................13
2.1. What is a RiverSurveyor?...............................................................................................13
2.2. Why use a RiverSurveyor?.............................................................................................13
2.3. Where should a RiverSurveyor be used? .......................................................................13
Section 3. RiverSurveyor Systems, Features, and Considerations.................................15
3.1. RiverSurveyor System Types.........................................................................................15
3.1.1. RiverSurveyor “Standard” System ..........................................................................17
3.1.2. RiverSurveyor “Mini” System.................................................................................18
3.1.3. RiverCat Integrated Catamaran System...................................................................19
3.2. Doppler Instruments and Current Profiling....................................................................20
3.2.1. What is an Acoustic Doppler Profiler (ADP)? ........................................................20
3.2.2. What is current profiling?........................................................................................20
3.2.3. What parameters are associated with current profiling?..........................................21
Profiling Range....................................................................................................21
Blanking Distance................................................................................................21
Cell Size...............................................................................................................22
Number of Cells...................................................................................................22
Averaging Interval...............................................................................................22
3.2.4. How do I set up the profiling parameters in RiverSurveyor?..................................23
3.2.5. What data will I get from RiverSurveyor?...............................................................23
3.3. Bottom-Track .................................................................................................................24
3.3.1. What is bottom-track?..............................................................................................24
3.3.2. How does bottom-track work?.................................................................................24
3.3.3. How does bottom-track work with RiverSurveyor?................................................25
3.3.4. When and where should I use bottom-track with RiverSurveyor?..........................25
3.3.5. What are the limitations of bottom-track?...............................................................26
Depth Limit..........................................................................................................26
Vessel Navigation................................................................................................26
Moving Bed .........................................................................................................26

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3.3.6. Bottom-Track Terminology.....................................................................................28
Track Length........................................................................................................28
Distance Made Good (DMG) ..............................................................................28
GC-BC .................................................................................................................28
DBT/DGPS ..............................................................................................................28
3.4. Global Positioning Systems (GPS and DGPS)...............................................................29
3.4.1. What are GPS and DGPS?.......................................................................................29
3.4.2. How does GPS work?..............................................................................................29
3.4.3. How does DGPS work?...........................................................................................30
3.4.4. How does GPS work with RiverSurveyor? .............................................................30
3.4.5. When and where should I use GPS with RiverSurveyor?.......................................31
3.4.6. Setting up GPS with RiverSurveyor........................................................................31
GPS Settings ........................................................................................................32
Compass Alignment and Magnetic Declination..................................................34
3.4.7. What are the limitations of GPS? ............................................................................34
GPS and DGPS Accuracy....................................................................................34
Multipath Error....................................................................................................35
Invalid GPS Strings .............................................................................................35
GPS Filters...........................................................................................................35
3.4.8. GPS Terminology ....................................................................................................36
Latitude and Longitude........................................................................................36
Altitude ................................................................................................................36
Number of Satellites ............................................................................................36
Number of Invalid (Satellites) .............................................................................36
Number of Satellite Changes...............................................................................36
HDOP – Horizontal Dilution of Precision...........................................................36
Magnetic Declination...........................................................................................36
3.5. Echo Sounders................................................................................................................37
3.5.1. What is an Echo Sounder?.......................................................................................37
3.5.2. How do Echo Sounders work?.................................................................................37
3.5.3. How do Echo Sounders work with RiverSurveyor?................................................37
3.5.4. How do I set up an Echo Sounder in RiverSurveyor?.............................................38
3.6. Automatic Transducer-Mounting Depth Sensor ............................................................40
3.6.1. What is the Automatic Transducer-Mounting Depth Sensor?.................................40
3.6.2. How does the ATMDS work?..................................................................................40
3.6.3. How does the ATMDS work with RiverSurveyor?.................................................40
3.6.4. How do I set up the ATMDS in RiverSurveyor?.....................................................41
3.7. Internal Recorder............................................................................................................43
3.7.1. What is the internal recorder?..................................................................................43
3.7.2. How does the internal recorder work with RiverSurveyor?....................................43
3.7.3. How do I set up the internal recorder in RiverSurveyor?........................................43
3.8. Compass/Tilt Sensor and Magnetic Declination............................................................44
3.8.1. What is the Compass/Tilt Sensor?...........................................................................44
3.8.2. How does the Compass/Tilt Sensor work with RiverSurveyor? .............................44
Compass Calibration Procedure...........................................................................45
Compass Information Display in RiverSurveyor.................................................45
3.8.3. What is Magnetic Declination?................................................................................45
3.9. Velocity Coordinate Systems.........................................................................................46

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3.9.1. What are the different coordinate systems?.............................................................46
3.9.2. What are Beam Coordinates?...................................................................................46
3.9.3. What are XYZ Coordinates?....................................................................................46
3.9.4. What are ENU Coordinates?....................................................................................46
3.10. Track, Velocity, and Depth References..........................................................................47
3.10.1. What does Track Reference mean?..........................................................................47
3.10.2. How will selecting a different Track Reference change my results? ......................47
3.10.3. What does Velocity Reference mean?.....................................................................48
3.10.4. How will selecting a different Velocity Reference change my results?..................48
3.10.5. How do Track Reference and Velocity Reference relate to one another?...............48
3.10.6. What does Depth Reference mean?.........................................................................49
3.10.7. How will selecting a different Depth Reference change my results?......................49
3.11. Shallow Water Operation...............................................................................................49
3.11.1. What is Shallow Water Operation? .........................................................................49
3.11.2. How does Shallow Water Operation work with RiverSurveyor?............................50
3.11.3. Where should I use Shallow Water Operation with RiverSurveyor?......................50
3.12. Additional/Ancillary Equipment....................................................................................51
3.12.1. What essential equipment is needed to make field measurements? ........................51
3.12.2. What other items may be useful to me in the field? ................................................52
Section 4. RiverSurveyor Applications..............................................................................53
4.1. Stream (River) Gauging and RiverSurveyor Discharge Measurements ........................55
4.1.1. What do Stream Gauging and Discharge mean? .....................................................55
4.1.2. What are the considerations in making a discharge measurement?.........................55
4.1.3. How does RiverSurveyor make instantaneous discharge measurements? ..............56
4.2. Computer Modeling and Verification ............................................................................58
4.2.1. Does RiverSurveyor work with Computer Models?................................................58
4.2.2. How does RiverSurveyor work with 2-D Computer Models? ................................58
4.2.3. How does RiverSurveyor work with 3-D Computer Models? ................................58
4.3. River Condition Considerations.....................................................................................60
4.3.1. Slow and Fast Flows................................................................................................60
4.3.2. Moving Bed .............................................................................................................60
4.3.3. Suspended Sediment................................................................................................60
4.3.4. Stratified Flows........................................................................................................60
4.3.5. Wind.........................................................................................................................61
Section 5. Principles of Discharge Measurement .............................................................63
5.1. Discharge Calculations...................................................................................................63
5.1.1. How does RiverSurveyor calculate discharge? .......................................................63
5.1.2. Are there limitations to the discharge calculation?..................................................64
5.1.3. How do I calculate total discharge for the section using RiverSurveyor?...............64
5.2. Velocity Profile Extrapolation .......................................................................................68
5.2.1. Estimating Top/Bottom Water Velocities................................................................68
5.2.2. RiverSurveyor Software and Velocity Profile Extrapolation..................................68
Velocity Profile Calculation ................................................................................69
Determining the end of the profile.......................................................................69
Section 6. Preparing the System for a Survey ..................................................................71

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6.1. Selecting the Right Measurement Platform....................................................................72
6.1.1. What are some guidelines for selecting a measurement platform?..........................72
6.1.2. What type of vessel (moving platform) should be used for measurements?...........73
Motorized vessel with operator............................................................................73
Tethered Platforms (non-motorized) ...................................................................73
Remote-controlled, motorized platforms.............................................................73
6.2. Mounting the RiverSurveyor ADP to the Vessel...........................................................74
6.2.1. What types of mounts are used? ..............................................................................74
6.2.2. What are the requirements for the ADP mount?......................................................76
6.3. Setting up the RiverCat ..................................................................................................76
6.4. Selecting a Measurement Cross-Section........................................................................77
6.4.1. Why should I be careful when selecting a cross-section location? .........................77
6.4.2. What factors do I need to consider when selecting a cross-section?.......................77
Maximum Water Depth .......................................................................................78
Uniform Flow Conditions....................................................................................78
Gradual Changes in Depth...................................................................................78
Minimal Flow along the Edges............................................................................79
6.5. How to Make Good Measurements from a Moving Vessel...........................................80
6.6. Selecting RiverSurveyor Settings...................................................................................81
6.6.1. General Overview of RiverSurveyor System Settings ............................................81
6.6.2. File Naming System and Recording Filename ........................................................82
6.6.3. Averaging Interval...................................................................................................83
6.6.4. Magnetic Declination...............................................................................................83
6.6.5. Water Salinity ..........................................................................................................83
6.6.6. Transducer Depth/Mounting Depth.........................................................................83
6.6.7. Profiling Range – Number of Cells, Cell Size, and Blanking Distance ..................84
6.6.8. Coordinate System...................................................................................................86
6.6.9. Bottom Track...........................................................................................................86
6.6.10. Shallow Water Operation.........................................................................................86
6.6.11. Recorder...................................................................................................................86
6.6.12. Temperature Settings...............................................................................................86
6.6.13. Speed of Sound........................................................................................................87
6.6.14. System Time ............................................................................................................87
6.6.15. Calibrate Compass...................................................................................................87
6.6.16. System Configurations and the Configuration Manager .........................................87
6.6.17. Accept or Reject User Setup Parameters.................................................................88
Section 7. RiverSurveyor Software....................................................................................89
7.1. RiverSurveyor Program Overview.................................................................................90
7.1.1. What is the RiverSurveyor software program?........................................................90
7.1.2. How do I use the RiverSurveyor program?.............................................................90
7.1.3. Why do I need to use the RiverSurveyor program?.................................................91
7.1.4. What are the main features of the RiverSurveyor program? ...................................91
7.1.5. What information does the RiverSurveyor program provide?.................................91
7.1.6. What are the requirements to use the RiverSurveyor program?..............................91
7.2. RiverSurveyor Program Layout .....................................................................................93
7.2.1. Title Bar, Menu Bar, and Toolbars..........................................................................94
7.2.2. Tabular Data Displays .............................................................................................94

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Profile Data..........................................................................................................95
Discharge Data.....................................................................................................95
Track Data............................................................................................................96
GPS Data..............................................................................................................97
Sensor Data..........................................................................................................97
Compass Rose......................................................................................................98
7.2.3. Status Bar and Indicators.........................................................................................98
7.2.4. Track Window .........................................................................................................98
7.2.5. Data Quality Window............................................................................................100
7.2.6. Contour Window....................................................................................................101
7.2.7. Contour Legend .....................................................................................................103
7.2.8. Profile Window......................................................................................................103
7.2.9. Profile Legend........................................................................................................103
7.3. RiverSurveyor Menus...................................................................................................104
7.3.1. File Menu...............................................................................................................104
Collect/Record Data (Ctrl+R)............................................................................104
Open (Ctrl+O)....................................................................................................104
Open Next File (Ctrl+N)....................................................................................104
Close (Ctrl+F4)..................................................................................................104
Print (Ctrl+P) .....................................................................................................105
Print Preview......................................................................................................105
Print Setup..........................................................................................................105
Discharge Summary (Ctrl+Y)............................................................................105
Export.................................................................................................................106
Configuration.....................................................................................................107
Screen Colors.....................................................................................................108
1, 2, 3, 4 (recent files)........................................................................................108
Exit.....................................................................................................................108
7.3.2. View Menu.............................................................................................................109
Number of Profiles Displayed ...........................................................................109
Data Quality Scale .............................................................................................109
Contour Depth Scale..........................................................................................109
Legend Scale......................................................................................................109
Profile Scale.......................................................................................................109
Display X Axis as ..............................................................................................109
Profile Graph Variable.......................................................................................109
Toolbars .............................................................................................................110
Data Display ......................................................................................................110
Show Contour Control Box ...............................................................................110
Show Waypoints (Ctrl+W)................................................................................111
7.3.3. Communications Menu..........................................................................................112
Systems (Ctrl+S)................................................................................................112
Show GPS Data..................................................................................................113
7.3.4. ADP Configuration Menu......................................................................................114
Standard Information.........................................................................................114
Hardware Configuration ....................................................................................114
User Setup..........................................................................................................115
7.3.5. Processing Menu....................................................................................................116

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Velocity Profile Extrapolation...........................................................................116
Discharge Computation .....................................................................................116
Sound Speed Correction ....................................................................................116
Echo Sounder Settings.......................................................................................117
Velocity Coordinate System..............................................................................117
SNR Threshold...................................................................................................117
Velocity Reference ............................................................................................117
User Specified Rotation.....................................................................................117
Lock Measurement.............................................................................................117
7.3.6. Window Menu .......................................................................................................118
Cascade..............................................................................................................118
Tile.....................................................................................................................118
Arrange Icons.....................................................................................................118
1, 2, 3, 4 (open ADP files).................................................................................118
7.3.7. Help Menu .............................................................................................................118
RiverSurveyor Manual.......................................................................................118
About RiverSurveyor.........................................................................................118
7.4. RiverSurveyor Toolbars and Hotkeys..........................................................................119
7.5. Waypoints and Navigation...........................................................................................122
7.6. How to Collect Data with RiverSurveyor ....................................................................124
7.7. Analyzing and Processing RiverSurveyor Data...........................................................127
7.7.1. Data Analysis Overview........................................................................................127
7.7.2. Loading a RiverSurveyor Data File for Analysis ..................................................127
7.7.3. Viewing and Analyzing the Data Set.....................................................................128
7.7.4. Workspaces and File Settings................................................................................129
7.8. Discharge Measurement Summary ..............................................................................129
7.8.1. Creating the Discharge Measurement Summary ...................................................130
7.8.2. Working with the Discharge Measurement Summary...........................................132
7.8.3. Printing the Discharge Measurement Summary....................................................132
7.8.4. Sample Procedure for Creating a Discharge Measurement Summary...................132
7.9. Data Export...................................................................................................................133
7.9.1. Batch Data File Export ..........................................................................................133
7.9.2. Export Single Discharge Measurement .................................................................134
7.9.3. Export Single “T” Format Data File......................................................................134
7.9.4. Export FlowPack Exchange File............................................................................134
Section 8. System Maintenance........................................................................................135
Section 9. System Troubleshooting..................................................................................137
9.1. ADP/General Communication Conditions...................................................................139
9.2. Bottom-Track Conditions.............................................................................................140
9.3. GPS Conditions............................................................................................................141
9.4. Echo Sounder Conditions.............................................................................................142
9.5. Track Window Conditions ...........................................................................................142
9.6. Contour Window Conditions........................................................................................143
9.7. Profile Window Conditions..........................................................................................144
9.8. DQI Window Conditions..............................................................................................145
9.9. Discharge Calculation Conditions................................................................................145

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9.10. Compass Calibration Conditions..................................................................................146
Appendix A. Glossary ........................................................................................................147
Appendix B. RiverSurveyor Data Output Files ..............................................................151
B-1. Files Created during Data Collection.............................................................................151
B-2. Files Created during Post-Processing............................................................................151
Appendix C. ADP Direct Command Interface................................................................155
Appendix D. RiverCat Assembly Instructions.................................................................157
Appendix E. Analysis and Review of RiverSurveyor Data............................................161
E-1. Step 1 – Check Ship Track Window..............................................................................161
E-2. Step 2 – Check Contour Window...................................................................................161
E-3. Step 3 – Check Signal Amplitude Profile Graph...........................................................162
E-4. Step 4 – Tabular Display................................................................................................162
E-5. Step 5 – Review System Hardware Parameters.............................................................163
E-6. Step 6 – Review Setup Parameters ................................................................................164
E-7. Step 7 – Velocity Contour Window...............................................................................164
E-8. Step 8 – Data Quality Window/Bar Chart (time-series parameter displays).................164
E-9. Step 9 – Discharge Calculation......................................................................................165
E-10. Step 10 – Edge Estimates.............................................................................................165
E-11. Step 11 – GPS and Echo Sounder................................................................................165
E-12. Step 12 – Configuration: Calibration and Quality Assurance......................................165
E-13. Step 13 – Velocity Profile Extrapolation.....................................................................166
E-14. Step 14 – Review the Entire Measurement and Discharge Summary .........................166
E-15. Step 15 – Review Discharge Report ............................................................................166
E-16. Step 16 – General Comments.......................................................................................167
Appendix F. Velocity Indexing and FlowPack................................................................732H171
310HAppendix G. Bluetooth Communications.........................................................................733H173
311HG-1. Overview........................................................................................................................734H173
312HG-2. Establishing Bluetooth Radio Communications............................................................735H175
313HG-3. Troubleshooting Tips.....................................................................................................736H176
314HIndex..........................................................................................................................................737H177

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Section 1. Getting Started / Read Me First!
1.1. Start Here!
Thank you for your interest in the SonTek RiverSurveyor system. Although we would like you
to read and familiarize yourself with the entire manual before making a measurement, we realize
that many people just want to play with their new system when they first receive it. As such,
we’re going to let you play with the system before you read the manual. Let’s get right to it!
• This section assumes that you are a new user, or that you have just received a new River-
Surveyor system.
• In either case, all we are going to do here is explain how to interconnect and test your Riv-
erSurveyor system to give you confidence that the system is functioning properly.
• Afterwards, other sections of the RiverSurveyor System Manual will provide the details you
need to know regarding system applications, features, operation, and maintenance.
Note: The RiverSurveyor System Manual was especially designed for on-line
viewing through a computer. An “electronic” copy of the manual is provided as an
integral part of the RiverSurveyor program. For more information about this PDF
file, read About This Manual at the front of the RiverSurveyor System Manual.
1.2. Unpack the System
As obvious as this may sound, you will need to unpack your system after you receive it. During
the unpacking process you should:
• Check the shipping container and its contents for obvious damage.
• Verify you have received all the expected items. This can be done using the Packing List
that accompanied the shipping container. However, interpreting the Packing List is not al-
ways obvious (e.g., some listed items like the compass/tilt sensor are inside the sealed pres-
sure case housing). It may be simpler for you to compare your original Quotation or Sales
Order with the items you received.
• Contact SonTek/YSI if any items appear to be damaged or missing.
• We strongly recommend you keep the shipping container and all its packing material in a
safe place. Should it be necessary to return your system to the factory, the original shipping
container and packing material will help to ensure the safe return of your system.
1.3. Install the Software
RiverSurveyor systems typically ship with two CD-ROM disks – a “Surveyor” disk and a “Stan-
dard ADP” disk. Although we will not use all the programs during this Getting Started session,
we will install all the primary software programs and documentation at this time.
• To install the standard ADP programs (CurrentMonitor, DeployADP, SonUtils, ViewADP):
_ Insert the “Standard ADP” distribution CD into your computer’s CD-ROM drive.
_ An installation menu should automatically appear after the CD has been inserted.
 If the installation menu does not appear in a few seconds, click Start | Run and type
d:\install.exe where d:\ is the letter of your CD-ROM drive.

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_ Click the installation button for the CurrentMonitor program, and then follow the on-
screen installation instructions.
_ Repeat the process of clicking the installation button for the remaining programs on the CD
(i.e., DeployADP, SonUtils, ViewADP).
• To install the RiverSurveyor system programs (CurrentSurveyor, RiverSurveyor):
_ Insert the “Surveyor” distribution CD into your computer’s CD-ROM drive.
_ An installation menu should automatically appear after the CD has been inserted.
 If the installation menu does not appear in a few seconds, click Start | Run and type
d:\install.exe where d:\ is the letter of your CD-ROM drive.
_ Click the installation button for the CurrentSurveyor program, and then follow the on-
screen installation instructions. When prompted, enter a User Name, Company Name, Sys-
tem Serial Number, and License Number (including any dashes “-”). The System Serial
Number and License Number are included on the disk jacket of the “Surveyor” CD.
_ Repeat the process of clicking the installation button for the remaining programs on the CD
(i.e., RiverSurveyor).
_ When you install the RiverSurveyor program, an “electronic” (PDF) copy of the RiverSur-
veyor System Manual will be automatically installed in the program’s folder (by default,
this is c:\Program Files\SonTek\RiverSurveyor\RiverSurveyor.pdf). This PDF file is an in-
tegral part of the RiverSurveyor program and serves as the program’s Help file.
_ To view the PDF version of the RiverSurveyor System Manual, you will need to have a
copy of the Adobe®Acrobat Reader®installed on your computer. If necessary, you can
download a free copy of this reader from http://www.adobe.com.
_ The PDF version of the manual makes it easy for you use the hypertext links and search
features contained within the document to quickly find topics of interest.
• Note: If you will be using the Serial-to-USB Adapter cable with the Bluetooth radio modem,
you may need to install drivers for the Adapter (see Appendix G). These drivers can be
found on the CD in the d:\Drivers_SerToUSB folder.
1.4. Interconnect the System
All we are going to do here is interconnect the system just enough so that we can test the ADP it-
self. We will do this “right out of the box” so you can quickly gain some experience in how to
set up and use ADP. Later, you can refer to the RiverSurveyor System Manual for detailed in-
formation on how to interconnect other peripherals that may comprise your system. To begin, re-
fer to the figure and procedure that applies to your type of RiverSurveyor system.
1.4.1. Interconnection Procedure – Standard ADP RiverSurveyor System
_ Locate the ADP serial communications cable for the Standard ADP RiverSurveyor system
(Figure 1-1) and connect the cable’s keyed, 8-pin, wet-mateable connector to the ADP.
Caution: When mating the connector to the ADP, push the connector with enough force
to overcome the resistance of the wet-mateable pins. Push the connector until its face is
flush with the female bulkhead connector. Do not simply tighten the locking sleeve during
the mating process; just tightening the sleeve will not ensure proper pin alignment nor will
it supply the required force to ensure a waterproof seal.

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RiverSurveyor System Manual (May 1, 2007) 5
_ Connect the cable’s RS-232 connector to an appropriate COM port on your computer (usu-
ally the 9-pin port used for COM1).
_ Connect the cable’s power input connector(s) to your power supply.
Caution: The “Standard” ADP RiverSurveyor system (Figure 1-1) typically ships with a
24 VDC power supply (or optional internal/external batteries). If you will be applying
power to the ADP using a different external power source (e.g., automobile battery, vari-
able power supply, etc), be aware that the ADP requires a 12 to 24 VDC power supply to
operate. Do not exceed the 26 VDC maximum or damage to the electronics will occur.
Use “clean” power (e.g., filtered, no spikes).
_ Run some simple tests; see §1.5.
1.4.2. Interconnection Procedure – Mini-ADP RiverSurveyor System
_ Locate the Probe Cable for the Mini-ADP RiverSurveyor system (Figure 1-2) and connect
the cable’s keyed, 16-pin, wet-mateable connector to the ADP.
Caution: When mating the connector to the ADP, push the connector with enough force
to overcome the resistance of the wet-mateable pins. Push the connector until its face is
flush with the female bulkhead connector. Do not simply tighten the locking sleeve during
the mating process; just tightening the sleeve will not ensure proper pin alignment nor will
it supply the required force to ensure a waterproof seal.
_ Connect the cable’s DB-25 connector to the receptacle labeled PROBE on the Processing
Electronics box.
Figure 1-1. Interconnection for the Standard ADP RiverSurveyor System

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6
_ With the Serial Communications Cable, connect the DB-9 connector to the receptacle la-
beled SERIAL on the Processing Electronics box. Connect the other end of the cable to an
appropriate COM port on your computer (typically the 9-pin port used for COM1).
_ Connect 24 VDC power supply connector to the jack labeled DC on the Processing Elec-
tronics box. Connect the other end of the power supply to a 120 VAC outlet.
Caution: The “Mini” ADP RiverSurveyor system (Figure 1-2) typically ships with a
24 VDC power supply (or optional internal/external batteries). If you will be applying
power to the ADP using a different external power source (e.g., automobile battery, vari-
able power supply, etc), be aware that the ADP requires a 12 to 24 VDC power supply to
operate. Do not exceed the 26 VDC maximum or damage to the electronics will occur.
Use “clean” power (e.g., filtered, no spikes).
_ Press the power switch (PWR) and verify its indicator light turns on.
_ Run some simple tests; see §1.5.
1.4.3. Interconnection Procedure – RiverCat System
_ The interconnection of a RiverCat system varies depending on what options have been in-
cluded with your system. Refer to one of the following documents for detailed instructions
on the assembly of a RiverCat system.
 Quick Sheet: SonTek/YSI RiverCat Assembly Instructions
 Appendix D of the RiverSurveyor System Manual
_ Run some simple tests; see §1.5. Note: To run these tests, you should connect your computer
directly to the ADP (see §1.4.2). That is, do not run these tests through the radio modems.
Figure 1-2. Interconnection for the Mini-ADP RiverSurveyor System

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1.5. Run Some Simple Tests
We now want to run just a few simple tests to give us some confidence that the system is func-
tioning “right out of the box”.
_ If you have not already done so, install at least the SonUtils program (§1.3).
_ Interconnect the system as described in the previous section (§1.4).
_ As applicable, apply power to the RiverSurveyor system.
_ Start the SonUtils program (Start|Programs|SonTek Software|SonUtils*). *Note: The
SonUtils program shortcut may contain a release number; for example, SonUtils4.
_ If necessary, set up the Communications parameters within SonUtils – typically COM1, Baud
Rate 9600 mode (Figure 1-3). If you need more information about setting the communica-
tions parameters, use Help | SonUtils Help and refer to the section on Communications.
_ If necessary, set the Input Type to Command mode. Note: At this point, we only want to test
the ADP, so we will not test any other communication mode (e.g., Radio).
_ Click Break (or press Alt+B) to send the initialization (i.e., wake-up) command to the ADP.
You should see a copyright/initialization message similar to the one shown in Figure 1-3.
Figure 1-3. Establishing Communications using SonUtils

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8
_ Note: While we are using SonUtils, if no valid entry is sent to the system for five minutes,
the ADP may power itself down to conserve energy. If this happens, just send another Break
to the ADP to wake it up again. Whether or not your ADP goes to sleep after five minutes
depends on the system configuration. Typically, a Standard or Mini ADP system will go to
sleep after five minutes; a RiverCat will not go to sleep.
_ Let’s record all our commands and the results to a log file in case we need to review any set-
tings or problems. Click File|Open Log File (or press Ctrl+L). Enter a file name and location
when prompted.
_ Click each of the following four controls to get various listings that show how your system
is configured.
 Show Configuration – Lists the ADP hardware configuration. Example:
>show conf
HARDWARE CONFIGURATION PARAMETERS
---------------------------------
Sensor serial # -------------- M001
Sensor type -- (kHz) --------- 500
Number of beams -------------- 3
Beam Geometry ---------------- 3_BEAMS
Slant angle -- (deg) --------- 25.0
Orientation ------------------ DOWN
Compass/Tilt sensor ---------- YES
Recorder sensor ---------- YES
Temperature sensor ---------- YES
Pressure sensor ---------- NO
PressOffset - (dbar) --------- 0.000000
PressScale -- (dbar/count) --- 1.000000
PressScale_2 (pdbar/count^2) - 0
External sensors ------------- NO
External Pressure Sensor ----- NO
Microcat CTD ----------------- NO
GPS Option ------------------- YES
Bottom Track Option ---------- YES
Waves Option ----------------- NO
PINGER Option ---------------- NO
 Show System – Lists current system parameters. Example:
>show system
CURRENT SYSTEM PARAMETERS
-------------------------
CPU Ver ----- ADP 8.0
DSP Ver ----- DSP 4.0
Board Rev. -- REV D
Date -------- 2003/12/31
Time -------- 19:52:00
AutoSleep --- YES
OutFormat --- ASCII
OutMode ----- AUTO
Recorder ---- ON
RecMode ----- NORMAL
BottomTrack - YES
GPS --------- YES
SyncMode ---- DISABLE
 Show Setup – Lists current ADP setup parameters. Example:
>show setup
CURRENT ADP SETUP PARAMETERS