300kHz ADCP Current Profiler
Ocean-ADCP-300-FA4
The Ocean-300-ADCP-FA4 is the most versatile instrument in the Ocean ADCP lineup. With a 160m profiling range and 300kHz frequency, it sits at the sweet spot between the high-resolution 600kHz models and the deep-reaching 75kHz — making it the first choice for continental shelf surveys, offshore wind metocean campaigns, and general-purpose oceanographic profiling.
Overview
Built around a 4-beam piston transducer in Janus configuration, the FA4 delivers reliable, survey-grade velocity profiles across the full continental shelf depth range. The titanium alloy housing is pressure-rated to 6,000m. Available in Direct-Reading (cabled, real-time) and Self-Contained (battery, autonomous) configurations.
Key Features
Bottom Tracking Range
with bottom tracking capability from 2 m to 220 m, suitable for nearshore, river and coastal monitoring tasks.
160m Profiling Range
Covers the full continental shelf — the depth range where most offshore engineering and oceanographic survey work happens.
Proven Piston Transducer
FA4 ceramic piston design, field-proven across thousands of deployments.Robust,serviceable, and delivers consistent beam patterns over years of use.
Two Configurations
Direct-Reading: real-time data via cable, external DC power.
Self-Contained: internal battery + 64 GB storage, ≥100 days autonomous operation.
Data Storage & Communication
Equipped with 64 GB on-board Micro SD storage and RS-232/RS-422 interfaces, supporting reliable data logging and easy integration with field systems.
Low Power Consumption
Average power consumption ≤10 W, enabling efficient operation in both direct-powered and low-energy field setups.
Choose Your Configuration
The Ocean-300-ADCP-FA4 is available in Direct-Reading (cabled real-time) and Self-Contained (battery autonomous) configurations — same hardware, different cabling and accessories.
The 300-FA4 ships in both configurations roughly evenly. Vessel-mounted survey work and platform metocean systems favor DR. Shelf-edge mooring arrays and long-duration environmental monitoring favor SC.
Specifications
| Technical Specification | 300kHz ADCP |
|---|---|
| Operating Frequency | 300kHz |
| Operation Mode | Direct Reading / Self-Contained |
| Battery Capacity | - |
| Underwater Profile Range (Broadband / Narrowband) | 120m / 160m |
| Bottom Track Range | 2m - 220m |
| Current Measurement Accuracy | ±0.5% ± 5mm/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 | 1m - 8m |
| 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) | 5.3 kg / 3.9 kg (1000m) | 6.6 kg / 5.0 kg (3000m) | 7.7 kg / 5.9 kg (6000m) |
| Dimensions (Excluding Top Connector) | Φ224 × 158 mm (1000m) | Φ230 × 158 mm (3000m) | Φ230 × 161 mm (6000m) |
| Available Options | External Battery, Bottom Track Function, AC / DC Power Converter |
Applications
Marine Investigation
ocean acidification research
Marine Environmental Monitoring
Channel Hydrodynamic Monitoring
Offshore Engineering EIA
Coastal Hydrodynamics
Why Choose the 300-FA4
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.
The most versatile ADCP in the lineup
160m range covers the full continental shelf, the depth band where most offshore and oceanographic work happens. One instrument for vessel surveys, moorings, and fixed platforms.
Balanced resolution and reach
2m blind zone and configurable cell sizes from 1m to 4m. Fine enough for detailed near-surface current mapping, deep enough to profile the entire shelf water column.
The default choice for offshore wind
the standard instrument for wind farm metocean campaigns globally. 300kHz is the frequency most metocean consultants specify, and the FA4 delivers it at manufacturer-direct pricing.
Learn More About 300kHz ADCPs
In-depth guides, comparisons, and real-world data to help you make an informed decision.
Physics-based comparison: range, resolution, power trade-offs
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-300-FA4
Is the 300-FA4 a good choice if I only work in shallow water (<50m)?
It will work, but you’re not getting the full benefit. At <50m, a 600kHz ADCP (FA4 or PA5) will give you finer cell sizes and better near-surface resolution. The 300-FA4 earns its value at depths of 50m–200m. If your work spans both shallow and shelf depths and you want one instrument, the 300-FA4 is the right compromise.
How does this compare to a 300kHz ADCP from Teledyne RDI or Nortek?
The Ocean-300-ADCP-FA4 offers comparable profiling range, velocity accuracy, and depth rating to industry-standard 300kHz instruments — at a manufacturer-direct price typically 30–50% lower. It outputs standard PD0 format, directly compatible with WinRiver II, QRev, and other major software. The key difference is our in-house transducer fabrication and direct sales model, which removes distributor markups.
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-600-FA4
600kHz piston ADCP for shallow-water coastal profiling. 70m range, 0.25m blind zone — the highest-resolution instrument in the Ocean ADCP lineup. DR & SC configurations.
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.