Most affordable professional echosounder for surface vehicles (or aerial drones)
Available frequency: 450kHz & 200kHz
We offer open-source APIs for our devices, empowering developers by simplifying integration, accelerating development, improving functionality, and enhancing compatibility. This strategic move not only boosts developer satisfaction and productivity but also strengthens our market position and drives innovation.
Echologger APIs
The Echologger EU400/EU200 proudly stands out as a USB-interfaced professional echosounder, designed exclusively for accurate depth measurement in professional bathymetric surveys. Its USB interface capabilities not only make it a versatile tool but also facilitate seamless data transfer, enhancing overall survey precision. This echosounder finds its application in a variety of scenarios, notably excelling in professional bathymetric surveys where precise depth measurement is paramount. Additionally, its adaptability for deployment on Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) or drones adds versatility to its utility.
In parallel, the ECT400/ECT200 series distinguishes itself as one of the most compact and lightest precision echosounders, featuring serial interfaces (RS232/485) for added versatility. Tailored for accurate depth measurement, this series proves to be an optimal choice for various bathymetric survey applications. Its lightweight design ensures ease of handling, making it well-suited for applications where space and weight considerations are crucial. This series, too, can be deployed on USVs or drones, expanding its applications in sediment studies and precision depth measurements.
Both series share a crucial feature – the ability to acquire acoustic backscatter data along the full water columns. This capability ensures a comprehensive understanding of underwater environments, allowing professionals to gather detailed information for a range of applications. From mapping underwater terrain to conducting precise inspections and sediment studies, these echosounders prove to be reliable tools in the hands of professionals navigating the complexities of underwater environments.
Features
- Real-time backscatter data collection along full water columns
- Compatible with Hypack, HydroMagic, ReefMaster and HydroPro(Trimble)
- Plug and Play on a PC via USB port (EU400 and EU200)
- No additional power supply is required (EU400 and EU200)
- Serial interface (RS232, 485, 422) (ECT400S and ECT200S)
- Drone towable models (ECT400SSG, ECT200SSG, EU200SSG, EU200SSG)
- 5/8" pole mounting version (ECT400SSP, ECT200SSP, EU200SSP, EU200SSP)
- User friendly GUI software provided for instant image update
- Tilt sensor integrated(option)
| Acoustic Frequency | 450 kHz (ECT400S, EU400) / 200 kHz (ECT200S, EU400) |
| Beam width | 5° (450kHz) / 10° (200kHz) Conical (-3dB) |
| Transmit Pulse Width | 10μsec ~ 200μsec (10μsec step) |
| Ranges | 0.15 m ~ 100 m (450kHz) / 0.5 m ~ 200 m (200kHz) |
| Housing | Acetal |
| Repetition (Ping) Rate | 10 Hz max |
| Sampling Rate | 100 kHz |
| Water Column Resolution | appx. 7.5 mm |
| Altimeter Range Resolution | 1.0 mm |
| Temperature Resolution | 0.1°C |
| Tilt sensor integrated (optional) | Dual-axis, horizontal operation : ±90° |
| Tilt sensor integrated (optional) | Inclination data accuracy : 0.1 |
| Digital Output Interface | USB (EU400, EU200), RS-232,485,422 (ECT400S, ECT200S) |
| Communication Speed | 4,800 ~ 921,600 baud (115,200 baud default) |
| Data Output Format | ASCII TXT, NMEA0183, or user defined (optional) |
| Configuration and Data reading | Echologger Control Program or any terminal program |
| Operation Temperature | -10°C +50°C |
| Power supply | USB powered, 2W max (EU400, EU200), 8~75 VDC, 2W max (ECT400S, ECT200S) |
| Dimensions | D56 mm x L80 mm (without connector) |
| Weight | 270g (exc. cable) |
| Other features | Hypack, HydroMagic, ReefMaster compatible (NMEA, Echogram) |
What are these echosounders designed for?
These devices are designed for shallow-water bathymetric surveys on surface platforms, including:
- USVs / ASVs
- small boats
- drone-based deployments
They are optimised for lightweight, portable, and easy-to-integrate survey systems.
What is the difference between 200 kHz and 450 kHz?
200 kHz (ECT200S / EU200)
- industry-standard frequency
- balanced range and coverage
- usable up to ~200 m (conditions dependent)
450 kHz (ECT400S / EU400)
- narrower beam, higher spatial resolution
- shorter usable range, typically up to ~100 m
In practice
- 200 kHz → general bathymetry
- 450 kHz → shallow water with higher detail
What data does the system provide?
The system records full raw echo data across the water column, enabling:
- Accurate depth measurement
- Echogram (backscatter) analysis
Backscatter data is inherently included—no separate mode is required.
Supported output formats include:
- Echo TXT (ASCII, full-resolution samples)
- Echo Binary (10-bit full resolution)
- Echo Binary (8-bit compressed)
- NMEA 0183 (depth, temperature, tilt, GPS)
- PSA-916
- Sonarmite (legacy)
- Altimeter outputs (simple / temperature)
Is the system compatible with hydrographic survey software?
Yes. The system outputs standard formats such as NMEA, ASCII, and Binary, enabling integration with a wide range of hydrographic survey software.
Via NMEA output, the system is compatible with major platforms including:
- BeamWorX
- HydroMagic
- HYPACK
- QPS Qinsy
- EIVA NaviSuite
- Trimble HydroPro / Trimble Access
- Chesapeake SonarWiz
These platforms support real-time depth data integration.
For applications requiring echogram (backscatter) data, software such as:
- BeamWorX
- HydroMagic
- HYPACK
Can also utilise ASCII and Binary outputs for full water column data processing.
How compact is the system and why does it matter?
The system features an ultra-compact design (~56 mm diameter, lightweight).
This allows:
- easy integration into small USVs and drones
- reduced payload and drag
- flexible installation in space-constrained setups
How is the system integrated and powered?
EU models (EU200 / EU400)
- USB connection (power + data, plug-and-play)
ECT models (ECT200S / ECT400S)
- RS232 / RS485 / RS422 with external DC power
This supports both:
- simple laptop-based surveys
- full system integration
When should I choose a single frequency model?
Choose this system when you need:
- a simple and reliable depth measurement solution
- fast deployment with minimal setup
- compatibility with standard hydrographic workflows
If you require both coverage and higher resolution, consider the dual-frequency model (ECT D24S / EU D24).
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