Current Meter | ADCP Alternative for Subsurface Data | Sofar Ocean
SPOTTER PLATFORM
Current Meter
Add a rugged, single-point current meter to your Spotter Platform to measure subsurface current speed and direction in real time.
Sample precisely, rapidly, and at depth with motion-tolerant, tilt-compensated performance and energy-efficient solar-rechargeable power.
Sensor Specifications
| Sensor | Aanderaa 4830 ZPulse® Doppler Current Sensor (DCS) |
|---|---|
| Category | Single-point acoustic Doppler current meter |
| Current Speed | Accuracy: ±0.15 cm/s or 1% reading Resolution: 0.1 mm/s Range: 0–300 cm/s (0–100 cm/s max when deployed) |
| Current Direction | Accuracy: ±5° (for tilt 0–15°), ±7.5° (tilt 15–35°) Resolution: 0.01° Range: 0–360° (magnetic) |
| Tilt Circuitry | Accuracy: ±1.5° Resolution: 0.01° Range: 0–35° |
| Compass Circuitry | Accuracy: ±3° Resolution: 0.01° Frequency: 1.9 to 2.0 MHz |
| Temperature | Accuracy: ±0.1°C Resolution: 0.01°C Range: –5°C – 40°C |
| Sampling Method | ~150 pings/axis; vector average; user-set interval |
| Transducers | 4 units; 1.9–2.0 MHz; 2° beam; cell: 0.4–1.0 m |
| Maximum Depth | 50 m |
| Power Supply | Spotter’s Li-ion battery (solar-rechargeable) |
| Size (Dia. × Len.) | 120 mm × 108 mm |
| Weight | 1.8 kg (~4 lbs) |
| Interface Standard | Bristlemouth-native (plug-and-play) |
Deployment & Best Practices
Configuration Options
Ideal for moored coastal deployments with one Spotter or a network. Integrate up to two more devices (e.g. pressure/oxygen) per Smart Mooring (max 3 total).
Remote Configuration & Controls
Direct control via Spotter Dashboard, binary/ASCII commands, and Sofar remote support.
Mounting
Mount with sensor head (pressure port) pointing downward to prevent debris clogging.
Max Operational Conditions
Up to 100 cm/s current velocity.
Calibration
No routine recalibration required. Recalibration is only needed if the unit has been opened for repair. Typical drift is ~0.50% FS.
Maintenance
Rinse with fresh water after retrieval. Clean the pressure port to remove debris.
Data Access & Analysis
Spotter Dashboard View real-time data and insights
API Access Retrieve data programmatically with our secure API
Onboard Storage Download data via SD card for offline analysis
Transmission Satellite and cellular options