StreamPro ADCP performance characteristics

Abstract

Field and laboratory testing of the StreamPro ADCP obtain bottom tracking velocity standard deviation of less than 1 cm/sec with one-second integration time. Water velocity profile standard deviation measured with a new pulse-to-pulse coherent profiling mode obtains standard deviation of less than 5 mm/sec with one-second integration time. This mode is unique, having noise performance that is independent of the size of the profiling bin size over the range of 1-10 cm. The combination of low noise bottom tracking and water profiling are used to make moving platform velocity or discharge measurements in very slow and shallow water. Field data from irrigation canals and natural streams will be presented with comparison of the field data to predictions of an ADCP error model. The electronics and firmware that comprise the ADCP will be briefly discussed in relation to achieving the performance illustrated by the laboratory and field data.