Fully self-contained autonomous echosounder with backscatter data collection
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Echologger APIs
The Echologger EA400 stands as a unique Autonomous Echosounder, tailored for underwater applications and distinguished by its practical scientific features. Its primary strength lies in collecting precise backscatter data along the entire water column, making it an invaluable tool for scientific studies.
Operating as a fully self-contained unit, the EA400 eliminates the need for external connections, enhancing its efficiency. Powered by three D-type alkaline batteries, it boasts extended operational life for long-term monitoring, exceeding a year based on ping rates. The device facilitates quick data retrieval through high-speed SD card downloading.
Applications include sediment monitoring, offering insights into sediment dynamics, and accurate backscatter data collection for scientific studies. Supporting altitude measurement, the EA400 proves versatile in varied applications. Wireless capabilities enable real-time bottom tracking, enhancing efficiency in underwater monitoring. It excels in monitoring wave height, tide variations, and is reliable for collecting ripple formation and migration rates.
Features
- Fully self-contained Echosounder
- Backscatter data collection along full water columns
- Long Life with 3 D-type alkaline batteries
- Ideal for long-term monitoring (more than a year depending on ping rates)
- High speed downloading via the SD card
- Bluetooth Communication for real-time monitoring
- User friendly GUI software provided
- Also can be controlled via a terminal program like Hyper Terminal
- Deep sea version available (up to 1,000m)
- Unique device in the market
Applications
- Sediment Monitoring
- Accurate Backscatter Data
- Altitude Measurement
- Wireless Real-time Bottom Tracking
- Wave Height/ Tide Monitoring
- Bridge Scour Monitoring
| Acoustic Frequency | 450 KHz |
| Beam Width | 5° (-3dB) Conical Beam |
| Transmit Pulse Duration | 10 μsec to 200 μsec in 10 μsec steps |
| Ranges | 0.15 m to 100 m |
| Temperature Resolution | 0.1°C |
| Sample Rate | 100 kHz |
| Water Column Resolution | Up to 7.5 mm |
| Repetition (Ping) Rate | Up to 10 Hz |
| Range Resolution | Up to 1 mm |
| Tilt sensor | Dual-axis, Horizontal Operation : ±90° (up, down) |
| Tilt sensor | Inclination Data Accuracy : 0.1° |
| PC Interface | USB 2.0 (Bluetooth v2.1 optional) |
| Data Output Format | Binary, ASCII TXT, NMEA0183 |
| Data Storage Mdeia | Micro SD Card (up to 32GB, SDHC) |
| Downloading Media | Removable Micro SD card, USB, Bluetooth |
| Activation | Magnetic Switch or Activation Button |
| Operation Mode Indication | Dual Color LED |
| Power Supply | 3 D-type Alkaline Batteries |
| Operation Lifetime | More than 1 Year (depend on ping rates) |
| Operation Temperature | -10°C to +50°C |
| Maximum Operating Depth | 100 m and 1,000m |
| Housing Material | Acetal (100m), Polycarbonate (1,000m) |
| Dimensions | D70mm x L260mm |
| Weight | 1.5kg in Air with Batteries (0.5kg in Water) |
Invasion Note
Published: 23 June 2018
Sounding out pests: the potential of hydroacoustics as a surveillance and compliance tool in aquatic biosecurity
D. A. Abdo, R. L. Duggan & J. I. McDonald
Biological Invasions volume 20, pages3409–3416(2018)
Coastal Sediments 2015 (2015)
GRAINSIZE, COMPOSITION AND BEDFORM PATTERNS IN A FRINGING REEF SYSTEM
MICHAEL CUTTLER, RYAN LOWE, JEFF E. HANSEN, JIM FALTER and ANDREW POMEROY
Source and supply of sediment to a shoreline salient in a fringing reef environment
Michael V.W. Cuttler Jeff E. Hansen Ryan J. Lowe Julie A. Trotter Malcolm T. McCulloch
Earth Surface Processes and Landforms
Volume44, Issue2, February 2019,Pages 552-564
What is the EA400 designed for?
The EA400 is a fully self-contained autonomous echosounder designed for long-term underwater monitoring where continuous cabling or live survey operation is impractical.
Typical applications include:
- sediment movement monitoring
- scour monitoring
- wave / tide monitoring
- water column / backscatter studies
- long-term bottom tracking
- gas seep / bubble plume monitoring
- environmental and scientific research deployments
The EA400 has been used in peer-reviewed studies for long-term acoustic monitoring of underwater gas ebullition and bubble plume activity.
How does the EA400 differ from the AA400?
While the AA400 is an autonomous altimeter focused on distance measurement, the EA400 is a full autonomous echosounder that records:
- depth / altitude
- full water column backscatter data
- raw echogram data for post-analysis
This makes the EA400 suitable for more advanced monitoring and scientific applications.
What data does the EA400 record?
The EA400 records:
- depth / altitude
- full echogram / backscatter data across the water column
- temperature
- tilt / orientation data
Supported output formats include:
- Binary
- ASCII TXT
- NMEA 0183
Why is full water column data important?
Unlike simple logging altimeters, the EA400 records the entire acoustic water column, allowing users to analyse phenomena beyond bottom distance.
This enables detection of:
- bubble plumes / gas seeps
- suspended particles / turbidity
- biological targets
- dynamic water column events
How long can the EA400 operate autonomously?
The EA400 is designed for long-term deployment exceeding one year, depending on ping rate and operating configuration.
It is powered by:
- 3 D-type alkaline batteries
Optimised for ultra-low power autonomous monitoring.
Can I use any D-cell batteries with the EA400?
No. The EA400 is designed for use with 3 × standard alkaline D-cell batteries only.
Battery supply voltage must remain within:
- Minimum operating voltage: 3.6 V
- Maximum allowable voltage: 5.2 V
Lithium D-cell batteries must not be used, as their voltage may exceed the allowable range and damage the device.
How is data retrieved and configured?
The EA400 supports multiple retrieval/configuration methods:
- Removable Micro SD card for high-speed data download
- USB connection for direct PC access
- Bluetooth for wireless monitoring / retrieval (optional)
Configuration is performed via:
- Echologger GUI software
- Terminal software / serial commands
What measurement performance does the EA400 provide?
Typical specifications include:
- Frequency: 450 kHz
- Beam Width: 5° conical
- Range: 0.15 m to 100 m
- Resolution: Up to 1 mm
- Water Column Resolution: Up to 7.5 mm
- Ping Rate: Up to 10 Hz
What depth-rated versions are available?
The EA400 is supplied as standard in a 100 m depth-rated housing.
A 1000 m depth-rated version is available for deeper deployment applications.
A right-angled version ("R") is also available for applications requiring side-facing or specialised mounting geometry.
Why choose EA400 over cabled monitoring systems?
The EA400 is ideal when:
- long-term deployment is required
- cabling is impractical or expensive
- full backscatter / water column logging is needed
- deployment location is remote or difficult to access
Its autonomous design significantly reduces deployment complexity while preserving high-quality acoustic data.
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