Overview
The AWAC 1 MHz ADCP has become the standard reference technology in submerged wave-measurement applications. Thousands of these ADCPs have been deployed to capture the full wave spectrum in combination with current profiles. With a 35 m maximum range for wave measurements, 4 Hz sampling of the surface elevation and onboard wave processing for real-time applications, the AWAC 1 MHz is the optimal tool for shallow current and wave measurements.
The AWAC Generation 2 design offers future-proof electronics, improved performance and easier instrument maintenance.
See the details of the Generation 2 AWAC updates in the release notes here.
- Currents
- Waves
Highlights
-
Real-time current profiles to 30 m range; real-time directional waves to 35 m range
-
Acoustic surface tracking (AST) with vertical beam
-
Can be used both with fixed frames and subsurface buoys
-
Onboard wave processing for real-time applications
Usage
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Online, real-time measurements of currents and waves
-
Design data for planning of new coastal structures
-
Site studies for offshore wind platforms
-
Coastal erosion studies
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Monitoring of transient waves for channel wall protection
Setup
Designed for straightforward and reliable current and wave measurements in up to 35m of water, the AWAC 1MHz is configured using Nortek deployment software before installation. The AWAC is often considered the industry standard in wave measurements.
Deployment
AWACs are often bottom-mounted and/or implemented as part of real-time wave monitoring systems. Leading industry partners offer bespoke frames and buoys for the AWAC. Multiple communication protocols make simultaneous power and data transmission easy.
Data
Optional onboard wave processing allows real-time streaming of wave parameters to users onshore. Nortek’s SUV processing method (exclusive to AWACs and Signatures) enables quality wave measurements from a moving subsurface buoy. Nortek postprocessing software and/or display software is available for review or visualization of data, after deployment or in real time.
Maximum profiling range |
30 m |
Cell size |
0.25-4.0 m |
Number of cells |
200 |
Velocity range |
±10 m/s horizontal, ±20 m/s upon request |
Accuracy |
±1% of measured value ±0.5 cm/s |
Velocity precision |
Consult instrument software |
Maximum output rate |
1 Hz or 2 Hz |
Internal sampling rate |
16 Hz |
Sampling |
Same as velocity |
Resolution |
0.5 dB |
Dynamic range |
90 dB |
Transducer acoustic frequency |
1 MHz |
Number of beams |
3 beams 120° apart, one vertical beam (90° apart, one at 5° for platform mount) |
Beam width |
0.725° (1.45° total) |
Beam width vertical beam |
1.45° total |
Maximum depth |
35 m |
Data types |
Pressure, one velocity along each beam, AST |
Max. Sampling Rate (output) |
4Hz |
No. of samples per burst |
512, 1024 or 2048 (Contact Nortek for other burst configurations) |
Range |
-15 to 15 m |
Accuracy/resolution (Hs) |
< 1% of measured value / 1 cm |
Accuracy/resolution (Dir) |
2° / 0.2° |
Period range |
0.5-50 s |
Cut-off period (Hs) |
5 m depth: 0.5 sec, 20 m depth: 0.9 sec, 60 m depth: 1.5 sec |
Cut-off period (dir) |
5 m depth: 1.5 sec, 20 m depth: 3.1 sec, 60 m depth: 5.5 sec |
Temperature: |
Thermistor in head (sampled at meas. rate) |
Temp. range |
-4 to +40 °C |
Temp. accuracy/resolution |
0.1 °C/0.01°C |
Temp. time response |
2 min |
Compass: |
Solid state magnetometer (max 1Hz sample rate) |
Accuracy/resolution |
2° for tilt <30° / 0.01° |
Tilt: |
Solid state accelerometer (max 1Hz sample rate) |
Accuracy/resolution |
0.2° for tilt <30° / 0.01° |
Maximum tilt |
Full 3D |
Up or Down |
Automatic detect |
Pressure: |
Piezoresistive (sampled at meas. rate) |
Range |
0-100 m (inquire for options) |
Accuracy / precision |
0.1% FS / Better than 0.002% of full scale |
Capacity |
16 GB, 64 GB or 128 GB (inquire for larger capacity) |
Data record |
Consult instrument software |
Mode |
Stop when full |
Accuracy |
±1 min/year |
Clock retention in absence of external power |
1 year. Rechargeable backup battery |
Ethernet |
10/100 Mbits Auto MDI-X, TCP/IP, UDP/IP, HTTP protocols, Fixed IP / DHCP client /Auto IP address assignment, UPnP and Nortek proprietary instrument, discovery over Ethernet |
Serial |
Configurable RS-232/RS-422 300-1250000 bps |
Recorder download baud rate |
20 Mbit/s (Ethernet only) - 1 GB in 6 minutes |
Controller interface |
ASCII command interface over Telnet and serial |
Standard* |
MCBH6F (Ethernet) + MCBH8F (serial and/or battery) |
Optional* |
MCBH6F (Ethernet) + Souriau M-series metal connector for online use (10M) + MCBH2F (battery) |
*Configuration dependent |
Functions |
Deployment planning, instrument configuration, data retrieval and conversion (for Windows®) |
DC input |
12-48 V DC |
Maximum peak current |
1.5 A |
Max. average consumption at 1Hz |
8 W at 1 Hz, Ethernet adds 0.75 W |
Typical average consumption |
15 mW |
Sleep consumption |
100 μA, power depending on supply voltage |
Transmit power per beam |
0.3-30 W, adjustable levels |
Ping sequence |
Parallel |
Operating temperature |
-4 to +40 °C |
Storage temperature |
-20 to +60 °C |
Vibration |
IEC60068-2-64 |
EMC approval |
IEC/EN 61000-6-2, 61000-6-3 |
Depth rating |
300m |
Standard model |
POM with titanium fasteners |
Maximum diameter |
215 mm |
Maximum length |
175 mm |
Weight in air |
TBC |
Weight in water |
TBC |
Polyurethane jacket, Shore D hardness, 13mm in diameter, max 500m. Inquire for longer cables |
External |
540Wh (alkaline) or 1800 W (lithium) |
AWAC 1 MHz, four beams
The standard deployment software for Nortek Aquadopp, Aquadopp Profiler and AWAC 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.
Post-processing software for Aquadopp Generation 2, AWAC Generation 2, and Signature series instruments.
Set of Anti-fouling patches for AWAC 1MHz
This set is suitable for AWAC 1MHz
Battery, 19 V - 1800 Wh, lithium
An optional high-capacity lithium battery for Signature & Generation 2 AWAC instruments.
Battery, 18 V - 540 Wh, alkaline
The standard battery for Signature & Generation 2 AWAC instruments.
Battery pack, 10-pack, 18 V - 540 Wh, alkaline
The standard battery for Signature & Generation 2 AWAC instruments.
Battery pack, 5-pack, 18 V - 540 Wh, alkaline
The standard battery for Signature & Generation 2 AWAC instruments.
Battery canister, aluminium for 2*36*D pack w/cable to Signature / Gen 2 AWAC, 2-pin Inline (500m rating)
Battery canister, aluminium for 2*36*D pack w/cable to Signature / Gen 2 AWAC, 8-pin Inline (500m rating)
Battery canister, aluminium for 36*D pack w/cable to Signature / Gen 2 AWAC, 2-pin Inline (500m rating)
Battery canister, aluminium for 36*D pack w/cable to Signature / Gen 2 AWAC, 8-pin Inline (500m rating)
Cable, 10 m Ethernet cable with 6-pin
