Overview
The Vector Generation 2 is a high-accuracy single-point current meter that is capable of acquiring 3D velocity in a very small volume at rates up to 64 Hz. It is widely used for sediment transport applications, small-scale turbulence measurements and coastal engineering studies. It has an excellent track record of delivering outstanding data quality in a variety of applications. This version is suitable for use down to a depth of 300 m.
View Release Notes for the Generation 2 Vector.
- Currents
- Turbulence
- Waves
Highlights
-
Small-scale turbulence
-
Sampling up to 64 Hz
-
Small sampling volume for measurements close to boundaries
-
Optional echosounder mode
Usage
-
Wave orbital studies
-
Studies of bottom boundary layers
-
Turbulence studies
-
Large flume measurements
Setup
This 300m-rated velocimeter is set up using the Nortek Deployment software which offers a simplified workflow for configuring instrument parameters, managing sensor settings, and initiating deployments.
Deployment
Designed for small-scale turbulence sampling or collecting measurements near boundaries, the small size of the Generation 2 Vector allows for flexible deployment setups. The Generation 2 Vector has an LED which links at the user-defined sampling rate to indicate it is collecting data.
Data
The Vector provides precise, rapid velocity measurements from a very small sampling volume of water. The Generation 2 Vector supports both Ethernet and serial (RS-422) communications using an interface box that supports both these protocols using a single cable to the instrument.
Maximum profiling range |
N/A |
Distance from probe |
0.15 m |
Sampling volume diameter |
15 mm |
Sampling volume height (user-selectable) |
8 mm |
Cell size |
N/A |
Velocity range |
±0.01, 0.1, 0.3, 1, 2, 4, 7 m/s (software-selectable) * |
Adaptive ping interval |
N/A |
Accuracy |
±0.5% of measured value ±1 mm/s |
Velocity precision |
typ. 1% of velocity range (at 16 Hz) |
Sampling rate (output) |
1-64 Hz |
Internal sampling rate |
1-703 Hz |
* The velocity range is not the same in the horizontal and vertical direction. Please refer to the configuration software. |
Minimum range |
N/A |
Maximum range |
N/A |
Cell size |
N/A |
Accuracy |
N/A |
Sampling rate |
N/A |
Acoustic frequency |
6 MHz |
Resolution |
0.01 dB |
Dynamic range |
84 dB |
Temperature: |
I2C temperature sensor in probe head |
Temp. range |
-4 to +40 °C |
Temp. accuracy/resolution |
0.1 °C/0.01 °C |
Temp. time response |
10 min |
Compass: |
Magnetometer |
Accuracy/resolution |
< 30° |
Tilt: |
Solid state, full 3D |
Accuracy/resolution |
0.2°/0.1° |
Maximum tilt |
Full 3D |
Up or Down |
Automatic detect |
Pressure: |
Piezoresistive |
Standard range |
0-300 m (inquire for options) |
Accuracy/precision |
0.5% FS / Better than 0.005% of full scale |
No. of analog channels |
None |
Digital channels |
1x RS485* |
Supply voltage to external sensors |
Fixed 5V or 12V |
*Pyroscience Aquaphox supported |
Capacity (standard): |
16/64/128/256 GB SD card |
Accuracy |
±1 min/year |
Backup in absence of power |
4 weeks |
I/O |
RS-422 or Ethernet, user-selectable |
Communication baud rate |
115200-921600 Baud |
Recorder download baud rate |
Fast Ethernet 100BASE-TX (90 s per GB) |
User control |
Nortek Deployment software |
Analog outputs |
None |
Output range |
None |
Synchronization |
RS-485 sync out |
Bulkhead (Impulse) |
MCBH-8-FS + MCBH-6-FS for Communication and external sensor |
Cable |
PMCIL-8-MP on 5m polyurethane cable (inquire for options) |
Functions |
Nortek Deployment SW, instrument configuration, live display, export to ASCII and MATLAB. Data view in Nortek Insight |
DC input |
9-24V DC |
Maximum peak current |
2 A |
Max. consumption |
2.7 W at 64 Hz |
Typical consumption, 4 Hz |
2 W |
Sleep consumption |
< 150 μA |
Transmit power |
12 dB in 1 dB adjustable levels |
Battery capacity |
External 76 Wh Li-ion battery pack (inquire for options) |
New battery voltage |
12.6 V |
Data collection capacity |
Refer to planning section in software |
Operating temperature |
-4 to +40 °C |
Storage temperature |
-20 to +60 °C |
Vibration |
IEC 60068-2-64, IEC 60068-2-27 |
Depth rating |
300m |
Standard model |
Delrin® housing. Titanium probe and screws. |
Maximum diameter |
48 mm |
Maximum length |
250 mm total |
Weight in air |
690 g (instrument only), 1410 g (instrument with small battery canister for rechargeable battery) |
Weight in water |
275 g (instrument only), 505 g (instrument with small battery canister for rechargeable battery) |
Alkaline, lithium or Li-ion external batteries |
|
Single frequency echosounder mode: 6Mhz, 80 cm max range, 2 mm resolution (not simultaneous with velocity measurement) |
Vector single point current meter
16 GB SD card data logger
64 GB SD card data logger
128 GB SD card data logger
256 GB SD card data logger
0-30 m pressure sensor
0-100 m pressure sensor
0-300 m pressure sensor
The standard deployment software for Nortek Aquadopp, Aquadopp Profiler, AWAC and Vector instruments purchased after October 2023.
The software can be launched from your web browser, installed from Microsoft Store or downloaded as an offline installer file.
Battery, 75Wh Li-ion rechargeable
This small, rechargeable battery can be used in the main canister of your instrument.
Charger for Li-ion batteries
This charger is used to recharge the 75Wh Li-ion batteries.
Battery, 13.5 V - 50 Wh, alkaline - for use with Aquadopp Generation 2
This slim battery can be used inside the main canister of your Nortek instrument.
Battery pack, 5-pack, 13.5 V - 50 Wh, alkaline - for use with Aquadopp Generation 2
This slim battery can be used inside the main canister of your Nortek instrument.
Battery pack, 10-pack, 13.5 V - 50 Wh, alkaline - for use with Aquadopp Generation 2
This slim battery can be used inside the main canister of your Nortek instrument.
Battery, 12 V - 165 Wh, lithium - for use with Aquadopp Generation 2
This battery can be used inside the main canister of your Nortek instrument.
Battery pack, 5-pack, 12 V - 165 Wh, lithium - for use with Aquadopp Generation 2
This battery can be used inside the main canister of your Nortek instrument.
Battery pack, 10-pack, 12 V - 165 Wh, lithium - for use with Aquadopp Generation 2
This battery can be used inside the main canister of your Nortek instrument.
Single aluminum battery canister w/cable for Signature / Gen 2 AWAC, 8-pin Inline
Double aluminum battery canister w/cable to Signature / Gen 2 AWAC, 8-pin Inline
Battery canister, plastic, Generation 2 design with 8-pin cable
Battery, 13.5 V - 540 Wh, alkaline- for use with legacy AWAC, Gen 2 Aquadopp, Gen 2 Vector
Battery, 19 V - 1800 Wh, lithium
An optional high-capacity lithium battery for Signature & Generation 2 AWAC instruments.
Battery pack, 10-pack, 13.5 V - 540 Wh, alkaline- for use with legacy AWAC, Gen 2 Aquadopp, Gen 2 Vector
