Nortek has launched its upgraded Aquadopp and AWAC range of acoustic doppler current profilers (ADCPs), the latest versions of which instruments build on pre-existing capabilities trusted by users for decades, and offer sleek user-friendly design, enhanced performance, and future-proof internal components.
Aquadopps and AWACs are deployed in both operational and research applications. With a long history spanning more than 20 years, these ADCPs have a proven track record for reliability and longevity.
Now, recent technology improvements have enabled these renowned instruments to meet the next generation of user needs. Nortek has utilized modern electronics and processing techniques to prolong deployments, maximize data collection, and simplify instrument maintenance.
Aquadopp changes include:
Design
- Sleek, new instrument design makes it easier to replace batteries without requiring any additional tools or screws.
- Shallow-water versions of all Aquadopps are now rated to 500 m.
- Innovative battery cradle design simplifies recharging of batteries.
- Blinking LED confirms instrument is functioning correctly before deploying.
Modern, smaller electronics create more room for batteries in the instrument housing, enabling longer deployments.
Performance
- Increased resistance to external electrical noise, improving signal-to-noise ratio for online applications.
- Improved single-ping precision through adjustable velocity range to better match your deployment conditions.
- New hibernation mode saves battery power through enabling true average intervals (e.g., a 10-minute average interval, with continuous pinging every second).
- Modern configuration software with a user-friendly graphical interface for instrument configuration.
- Improved QA/QC when measuring, simplifying post-processing and ensuring data quality.
AWAC changes include:
Design
- Simplified design with optimized space, increased robustness and easy handling.
- Blinking LED confirms instrument is functioning correctly before deploying.
- Ethernet connectivity for faster data download in the field or in the lab.
Performance
- Improved single-ping precision through adjustable velocity range and increased precision in wave estimates.
- Concurrent measurement of waves and currents without compromising the sampling regime.
- Improved QA/QC when measuring in average mode, simplifying post-processing and ensuring data quality.
- Modern configuration software with a user-friendly graphical interface for instrument configuration.
These quality control measures not only simplify the post-processing process but can also provide insights into natural phenomena during a deployment.
Aquadopps and AWACs have been part of Nortek’s core product range for decades. Aquadopps were launched in 1998 and AWACs in 2001. These ADCPs have since been an essential part of an ocean researcher’s toolkit, providing valuable current data for ports and harbors, offshore energy operations, scientific research and more.
These recent upgrades offer future-proof improvements while retaining the instruments’ original capabilities, ensuring a smooth transition for existing users.
To see these upgrades in person and learn more, stop by Nortek at Oceanology International 2024 on booth J100.
