Measuring Stream Velocity with Wireless Probes

The goal of the project is develop Bluetooth technology that can communicate wirelessly with 2 or more conductivity probes to measure small stream velocity. With the readout of the probes, probe settings, and software be accessible from a tablet or smart phone.

=Problem Definition=

Background


Measuring velocity in large stream channels have use a variety of successful means from current meter to acoustic devices. However these instruments do not work well in narrow, shallow, steep stream channels. For these shallow small streams various methods have been used. The simplest method uses a tennis ball or equivalent that is timed over a set distance. Small current meter are used but sometime are only partially submerged thus do not provide reliable measurements.

We currently use two conductivity probes connect with wires to microprocessor and a laptop computer. A salt solution is added to the water and salt solution pulse measured as it passes by the two probes which are separated by a set distance (2-4 meter). We use software to read and graphically-observe the microvolts readings of the conductivity probes which is related to the salt concentration. This technique has been successful on small streams and even shallow rill flow on hillslopes.

Specifications

 * '''Stream Velocity
 * 2 L/min to approximately 4 cfs
 * '''Range of Communication
 * Approximately 6 stream widths between the probes
 * Bluetooth readings 100ft away from probes
 * '''Software
 * Peak to Peak calculations
 * Integration of curve with 5% error
 * Data exported to Excel for tablet access
 * Wireless data acquisition
 * 8 reading per second from each probe
 * At least 2 probes reading simultaneously
 * '''Additional Specifications
 * Lightweight
 * Long battery life
 * Weather proof housing
 * Withstand extreme temperatures

=Design Development= There are three main areas of design, the circuit, the app, and the housing. The probe circuit will take the measurements, and do all the calculations before sending the data to the app. The app will receive the data from the circuit and have a user interface so the data can easily be read in real time. The probe housing will hold the circuit and must be waterproof and durable.

Parts
=Final Design=

=Validation=

=Team Members=

=Additional Documentation=

Project Schedule

| Schedule

Meeting Minutes



Presentations

| Snapshot 1 | Design Review(Embedded video no longer works, see link below) | Snapshot 2 (Embedded video no longer works, see link below) | Snapshot 3

Videos

| Snapshot 2/Design Review Video

Other Documentation

| Budget | Design Validation