Making Quality Current Measurements More Accessible

Until recently, cost and complexity have made ADCPs inaccessible to many marine biologists, coastal engineers, and educators. Only those with bigger budgets and well-equipped vessels had the capability to deploy these advanced sensors. The Eco ADCP from Nortek aims to change that.
The Eco ADCP is configured with a user-friendly WebApp. (Image credit: Nortek)

Compact Size, Big Impact

Weighing only 1 kg and small enough to fit in a car cupholder, the Eco’s goal is to open doors for scientists who would otherwise turn to alternative, less accurate methods for measuring currents.

The Eco measures current speed and direction in three depth layers over a profile of up to 20 m. It can be deployed at depths of up to 50 m. The Eco detects its depth and splits the water column above into three equal layers, taking the guesswork out of ADCP setup prior to deployment.

The Eco’s small size is beneficial not only for transport and deployment purposes but also for shallow-water measurements. The Eco needs only 30 cm of water over its transducers to operate; combined with its small size, this ADCP enables very shallow-water current measurements.

This compact ADCP can go anywhere with ease. (Image credit: Nortek)

WebApp Data Processing

Rather than using cables and connectors, the Eco communicates with a WebApp via Bluetooth. The user-friendly WebApp is used for instrument setup and data processing and requires minimal user input; users only need to set up the Eco for deployment.

The WebApp also processes the Eco’s data, applying filters for common interferences, and produces clear and concise reports that can be interpreted by users of any skill level, including students.

Off-the-Shelf Deployment

The final difficulty often associated with ADCP deployments is configuring a setup to both safely mount the ADCP underwater and successfully recover it. Diving is often dangerous or not feasible, and more advanced recovery systems like acoustic releases can be prohibitively expensive.

Nortek offers two off-the-shelf deployment solutions for the Eco: a tripod and a subsurface buoy system with a timed release. The buoy system makes deployments from any type of vessel possible, even something as simple as a stand-up paddleboard.

The Eco’s compact size, user-friendly interfaces, easy-to-use deployment solutions, and more budget-friendly price tag compared to traditional ADCPs make it a unique and powerful tool for marine researchers in many areas.

For more info, visit: www.nortekgroup.com

This spotlight was featured in the 2024-2025 Marine Instruments Buyers’ Guide, read more here.

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