600kHz ADCP Current Profiler
Ocean-ADCP-600-FA4
The Ocean-ADCP-600-FA4 is a 600kHz 4-beam acoustic Doppler current profiler designed for high-resolution current measurement in shallow to intermediate water depths. With a profiling range of up to 70 meters and velocity accuracy of ±0.3% ±3 mm/s, it delivers research-grade data for a wide range of marine and hydrological applications.
Overview
Operating at 600kHz, this ADCP offers the optimal balance of spatial resolution and range for ports and harbor monitoring, shallow coastal surveys, estuarine research, dredging operations, and offshore engineering projects. Its 4-beam JANUS transducer configuration with redundant error correction ensures reliable data quality even in challenging acoustic environments.
Key Features
High Accuracy — ±0.3% ±3 mm/s
Matches the Teledyne RDI Workhorse 600kHz industry benchmark. 1 mm/s velocity resolution, ±2° direction accuracy, ±0.8° RMS compass.
Dual-Range Measurement Capability
Supports both broadband (55 m) and narrowband (70 m) modes, adapting to different water depth conditions for flexible field deployment.
Bottom Tracking & Navigation
Bottom tracking range from 0.8 m to 120 m enables stable position and velocity reference in shallow-to-medium depth waters, ideal for nearshore and river applications.
Two Configurations
Direct-Reading: real-time data via cable, external DC power.
Self-Contained: internal battery + 64 GB storage, ≥100 days autonomous operation.
Flexible Depth Ratings
Standard 1000 m. Optional 3000 m or 6000 m titanium housing. Teledyne Workhorse standard depth is 200 m with limited deeper options.
Low Power Consumption
Average power consumption ≤10 W, enabling efficient operation in both direct-powered and low-energy field setups.
Choose Your Configuration
Both configurations share identical core measurement performance. The difference is in data delivery and power — pick the one that matches your deployment needs.
| Direct-Reading | Self-Contained | |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Vessel-mounted profiling surveys, fixed-platform real-time monitoring, marine engineering field surveys, applications requiring immediate data feedback | Long-term mooring deployments, deep-water autonomous observation, unmanned polar/deep-sea monitoring, multi-instrument synchronized arrays |
| Data Output | Real-time via RS-232 / RS-422 cable | Onboard storage (64 GB), download after retrieval |
| Power | External 20–50 V | Internal battery pack |
| Endurance | Continuous (external power) | ≥ 100 days (extendable to 6+ months) |
| Retrieval Required | No (real-time data) | Yes (download after retrieval) |
| Weight in Air | ~3.5 kg | ~9.0 kg with battery (contact us for exact spec) |
Not sure which to choose? Need real-time data → Direct-Reading | Need long-term autonomous monitoring → Self-Contained
Specifications
| Technical Specification | 600kHz ADCP |
|---|---|
| Operating Frequency | 600kHz |
| Operation Mode | Direct-Reading / Self-Contained |
| Battery Capacity | Alkaline battery |
| Underwater Profile Range (Broadband / Narrowband) | 55m / 70m |
| Bottom Track Range | 0.8m - 120m |
| Current Measurement Accuracy | ±0.3% ± 3mm/s |
| Velocity Resolution | 1mm/s |
| Velocity Range | ±5.0 m/s (Default); ±20.0 m/s (Max) |
| Flow Direction Range | 0~360° |
| Flow Direction Accuracy | ±2° |
| Number of Cells | 1 - 255 |
| Height Measurement Resolution | 1mm |
| Height Measurement Accuracy | ±1% ± 0.5cm |
| Data Refresh Rate | 2Hz (No Bottom Track); 1Hz (With Bottom Track) |
| Cell Size | 0.5m - 4m |
| Beam Angle | 20° |
| Beam Width | 3.5° |
| Number of Beams | 4 Beams Janus |
| Internal Storage | 64 GB Micro SD Card |
| Communication Interface | RS-232 or RS-422 |
| Temperature Sensor | Range: -5°C to 45°C; Accuracy: ±0.1°C |
| Pressure Sensor | Range: According to depth rating; Accuracy: ±0.25% |
| Attitude Compass Sensor | Range: Roll ±85° | Pitch ±85° | Heading 0-360°; Accuracy (RMS): Roll 0.2° | Pitch 0.2° | Heading 0.8°; Resolution: 0.1° |
| Average Power Consumption | ≤10W |
| Operating Temperature | -5°C to 45°C |
| Storage Temperature | -40°C to 70°C |
| Power Supply Interface | 20V - 50V, 5A |
| Housing Material | Titanium Alloy |
| Weight (in Air / in Water) | 3.5 kg / 2.8 kg (1000m) | 4.8 kg / 3.8 kg (3000m) | 5.7 kg / 4.6 kg (6000m) |
| Dimensions (Excluding Top Connector) | Φ148 × 150 mm (1000m) | Φ148 × 157 mm (3000m) | Φ148 × 167 mm (6000m) |
| Available Options | External Battery, Bottom Track Function, AC / DC Power Converter |
Applications
Ocean current observations
Coastal Hydrological Survey
Marine Engineering Survey
Port and Channel Monitoring
Marine Science Research
Ocean Observation Platform
Why Choose Oceantek
The comparative test conducted in Qiandao Lake between our company’s Ocean-ADCP-300K and the TRDI Workhorse Sentinel ADCP-300K showed that, whether in static mode or survey mode, the relative deviation of the measured water velocity between the two is less than 2%. It can be concluded that their flow measurement performance is consistent, and our ADCP (OCEAN) can replace TRDI’s high-precision ADCP.
You're Buying From the Factory That Makes It
Oceantek is not a reseller. We are the R&D team, the engineering department, and the production line. Every ADCP that leaves our Hangzhou facility was designed, assembled, calibrated, and tested under one roof. This means three things for you: lower cost (no distributor layers taking margin), faster answers (talk to the engineer who designed your instrument, not a product manual reader)
Hardware Cost, Not Brand Tax
With Oceantek, you pay for titanium, electronics, and engineering. Typical savings: 30% or more vs equivalent-spec Teledyne RDI or Nortek instruments.
Proven Accuracy, Publicly Verified
±0.3% ±3 mm/s velocity accuracy — matches the industry benchmark. Performance validated in comparative field tests against imported instruments, with full test reports available on our website.
Titanium Housing as Standard
Titanium alloy across all three depth ratings — 1000m / 3000m / 6000m. No plastic, no aluminum, no hidden upcharge. Proven in turbid rivers, high-energy coastal zones, and deep-water moorings across 100+ countries.
Learn More About 600kHz ADCPs
In-depth guides, comparisons, and real-world data to help you make an informed decision.
Physics-based comparison: range, resolution, power trade-offs
Every parameter decoded: what each spec means for your project
Complete guide to discharge measurement with direct-reading ADCPs
Nortek vs SonTek vs TRDI vs Oceantek – side-by-side analysis
Practical buyer’s analysis: performance, price, and service comparison
7 hidden cost drivers beyond the purchase price
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about the Ocean-ADCP-600-FA4
What is the maximum profiling range of the Ocean-ADCP-600-FA4?
The Ocean ADCP-600-FA4 achieves up to 55 meters in broadband mode and 70 meters in narrowband mode. Actual range depends on water conditions — clear water and higher scatterer concentrations yield longer ranges. For depths beyond 70 meters, consider our 300kHz model (up to 160m range).
How accurate is this 600kHz ADCP?
Velocity accuracy is ±0.3% of measured velocity ±3 mm/s, with 1 mm/s resolution. This matches the industry benchmark set by the Teledyne RDI Workhorse 600kHz. Key accuracy components:
- Current velocity: ±0.3% ±3 mm/s
- Flow direction: ±2°
- Heading (compass): ±0.8° RMS
- Roll/Pitch: ±0.2° RMS
- Pressure sensor: ±0.25% of full scale
- Temperature: ±0.1°C
For the highest accuracy, we recommend compass calibration before each deployment campaign. Read our 600kHz specs deep dive for details.
Can this ADCP be used for river discharge measurement?
Yes. With 2 Hz data refresh, bottom tracking to 120m, and a compact 3.5 kg titanium housing, the Ocean-ADCP-600-FA4 is well-suited for moving-boat river discharge surveys. It mounts on trimarans or small vessels and supports cell sizes from 0.5m to 4m for shallow-to-medium rivers. See our river flow measurement guide and case studies from 21 global rivers.We also recommend the 9-beam dual frequency ADCP M9 for shallow river measurement with the accuracy up to ±0.25%±2mm/s
How does this compare to the Teledyne RDI Workhorse 600kHz?
Key advantages vs the industry-standard Teledyne RDI Workhorse 600kHz:
- Weight: Only 3.5 kg
- Storage: 64 GB vs 4 GB (compact flash)
- Depth rating options: Up to 6000m vs 200m standard
- Accuracy: Same ±0.3% ±3mm/s specification
- Cost: Typically 2/3 of the top equivalent
See our full TRDI alternatives analysis and 2026 brand comparison for data-backed analysis.
What accessories are included and what do I need to order separately?
Standard package includes: ADCP unit, transportation case, Oceantek ADCP Utility software (Free Provision).
Separately orderable accessories:
- RS-422 data cable (10m / 20m / 50m / 100m)
- AC/DC power converter (20-50V, 5A)
- Vessel mounting bracket kit
- External battery pack (for extended operation away from ship power)
- Trimaran hull (for moving-boat discharge surveys)
- USB-to-RS422 adapter (for laptop connection)
Contact sales for a complete accessory catalog and ordering guide.
What software is needed and what data formats does it support?
The Oceantek ADCP Utility (Windows, free) handles instrument configuration, real-time data visualization during surveys, and data download. Key capabilities:
- Output formats: Binary (raw beam/ensemble data), ASCII (CSV export)
- Real-time display: Velocity profiles, echo intensity, correlation, bottom track, ship track
- Post-processing compatibility: Export to MATLAB (.mat), Python, Excel, or standard ADCP processing tools
- PD0 compatibility: Contact us for PD0 output format option
Get a Quick quote
Tell us about your project and we’ll provide a customized quotation within 24 hours — including recommended configuration, lead time, and shipping.
Other Ocean ADCPs
Ocean-ADCP-600-PA5
600kHz phased-array ADCP in a Φ92mm micro-casing. Same 70m profiling range as the FA4 with ≤5W power draw. For buoys, compact platforms, and space-constrained deployments. DR & SC.
Ocean-ADCP-300-FA4
300kHz piston ADCP — the most versatile in the lineup. 220m range covers the full continental shelf. The default choice for offshore wind metocean campaigns and research vessel surveys. DR & SC.
Ocean-ADCP-75-PA4
75kHz phased-array ADCP for deep-ocean profiling. 600m range, 6,000m-rated titanium housing. Built for abyssal mooring arrays and basin-scale circulation studies. DR & SC.