
P/N 45-0110 Rev A Page 2
Sampling
Volume
Y
X
Probe
Coordinate System
Graduated Tag Line
Primary Flow
Direction
Mounting
Pin
Mounting the Handheld
The handheld mounting bracket clamps onto the top of a
wading rod like the Top-Setting rod below:
Mounting the Probe
The ADV probe mounting post slides into the bracket.
Tighten the thumbscrew to secure the probe.
Pre-Measurement Diagnostics
Prior to making a measurement, it is recommended that
the same diagnostics checked in the office are verified in
the field. The diagnostics are in the Utilities menu.
Discharge Measurement - Theory
Measuring discharge is the most common method of
collecting data with the FlowTracker2. It involves wading
across the stream/ river while taking measurements of
water depth and velocity at different locations (based on
ISO/USGS procedures). When combined with depth
information, the total discharge can be computed.
Discharge Measurement - Procedure
Select a site with reasonable uniform bottom conditions
that may be safely waded (typically no more than 1-m
deep). String a graduated tag line across the river
perpendicular to the riverbanks.
Start at one edge (REW or LEW) and enter the starting
location and water depth. Divide the river cross-section
into a number of stations appropriate for its width. At each
station, the operator enters the station location and water
depth and measures the velocity at one or more depths.
During the entire measurement, the probe’s X-axis must
be maintained perpendicular to the tag line. The probe
should be held away from underwater obstacles that may
disturb the flow. Do not turn the FlowTracker2 into the
direction of flow, as it will automatically account for flow
direction when making discharge measurements.
REW LEW
Based on the depth, station width, and mean velocity, the
discharge for a station is calculated. The total discharge is
the sum of all station and edge discharge values.
Making a Discharge Measurement
A discharge measurement can be started by clicking the
Measurement button at the bottom of the Main Menu.
Follow the on-screen prompts to enter the Site
Information and begin data collection. Section 8 of the
manual details the entire process. To enter the ending
edge location, add a station and change the station type to
the opposite bank from the start. Be sure to review data
from each station prior to completing the measurement. A
confirmation screen will appear notifying the user of any
QC warnings or missing end edge station.
Downloading Data
Connect via USB cable or Bluetooth to a PC running the
FlowTracker2 software. See Section 14.5 of the manual.
Viewing and Exporting Data
Once the files have been downloaded, click on the View
Data button to select and open file(s). Section 14.8 of the
manual covers data viewing options. There are post-
processing features outlined in Section 14.9 and export
options in Section 14.10.
Technical Support