August 2009

New NortekUSA Web Site

More Communication with the Aquadopp Current Meter

Nortek is pleased to announce a new fully integrated inductive modem for the Aquadopp Current Meter.  The design incorporates an OEM Seabird Electronics Inductive Modem Module (IMM) and features an integrated clamp, fin and fairing.  The streamlined fairing and rounded hardware design reduce fouling to fishing lines -- a common problem when deployed in the open ocean near the surface.  The clamp is available in two options -- one for fixed diameter cables, and the other that is adjustable to fit various cable diameters.  The updated Aquadopp software estimates the power usage of the modem and allows direct communication to the Aquadopp through the inductive modem and through the standard serial cable. The integrated system is available on the 400 m and 6000 m versions.  Users include NOAA/PMEL, WHOI and Scripps.  For more information about the Aquadopp IM, please review the product page.

WHOI Investigates Tidal Flats

Researchers from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) recently completed field observations on the tidal flats of Skagit Bay in Puget Sound to investigate morphological evolution of tidal flats with large tidal ranges and significant fine grained sediment input.  The WHOI group is one of several from multiple institutions working concurrently on the Skagit tidal flats, each focused on different aspects of the complex system.  Nortek Vectors and Aquadopp Profilers were among the instruments used in the deployment.  The small velocity cells and the low-profile design of the Aquadopp Profilers were ideal for measuring the velocity structure over the shallow water column.   Read more about the experiment here.

Real Time System Offshore Puerto Rico

The first coastal data observation buoy for the Caribbean Integrated Coastal Ocean Observing System was deployed near the Puerto Rico shelf break about 1.4 nautical miles south-southeast of Caja de Muertos Island on June 9, 2009.  The buoy communicates via acoustic modems with a bottom mounted Nortek AWAC with AST and provides real-time data on winds, waves, currents, seawater temperature and salinity.  View the real-time data and learn more about this project here.

Now Even Safer Shipping Channels in San Francisco Bay

Members of NOAA-PORTS, the San Francisco Marine Exchange, and OceanTechUSA successfully installed the second Nortek ATON system in San Francisco Bay off Oakland, CA on 16 July.  The ATON System consists of an Aquadopp Profiler mounted to a USCG Aid-To-Navigation (ATON) buoy with wireless telemetry to shore.  Data are transmitted to the NOAA-PORTS website and available to the public.  This is simple, operational and proven system can help you measure current velocity in shipping lanes, ports, and rivers.  See the latest real-time data from this location here!

Nortek Integrates With More Sensors

Nortek continues to invest in collaborative efforts to provide better tools for scientists.  Two of our latest projects include the integration of high precision analog sensors to the Vector Velocimeter.  Precision Measurement Engineering (PME) has completed integration of a fast conductivity and temperature sensor with the Vector.  Rockland Scientific is creating a custom DO and temperature sensor to integrate with the Vector.  The Vector provides power to the external sensors, as well as logs the data. 

NortekUSA Offers Equipment for Lease

Did you know that NortekUSA operates an active lease pool of equipment?  Commercial and academic customers alike have found that the lease option is an excellent way to get access to high quality Nortek equipment for short projects.  Most of the equipment is less than 12 months old and everything is tested thoroughly before leaving our office.  We offer very competitive lease rates and an exclusive “lease-to-own” conversion program.  Contact your local NortekUSA regional manager today to get more information.