Hidrosonico

The code provided sends data to data.sparkfun.com as the cloud service but it could be easily adapted to any other provider. There are also lines in the code that are marked for user-specific input.

The system takes the mode of a series of seven readings to determine the stream height. If that height exceeds an alert level (yellow and red alert levels designated for each location) then it enters a validation routine where it takes five clusters of seven readings over the course of 25 seconds to make sure they agree that an alert level has been reached. If any of the modal readings dissents, then the alert is not triggered. The idea is to filter out things like passing birds or plastic bags caught by the wind.^{Interview with manufacturer}

This is a beta unit.

Technical specifications:

About the sensor MB7369 HRXL-MaxSonar-WRM:

• Weather resistant (IP67)
• Matches standard electrical 3/4-inch PVC pipe fitting for easy mounting
• Detects the largest signal return in the field of view
• Uses the complete dynamic range of the sensor, if no large targets are present the sensor will select the net smallest target in the view.
• Maximum range of 765 cm
• Long range, narrow detection zone

Dimensions of the sensor:

• Length: 71.09 mm
• Width: 43.84
• Weight: 49.66 g

Resolution:

• Operates from 3.0-5.5 V
• Operational temperature: -40ºC to +70ºC (-40ºF to +160ºF)

The manufacturer is open to provide technical support for any interested parties, whether commercial or non-commercial.^{Interview with manufacturer}

For the whole system there is not a defined lifecycle, but there are systems that have been installed for three years with continued operation.^{Interview with manufacturer on 07/01/2019}

MB7369 HRXL – MaxSonar – WRM:  200.000+ hours mean time between failure

Conclusion of Master’s thesis at Johns Hopkins University: The system is materially comparable to USGS installation, but more expensive.^{Interview with manufacturer}

On existing cases the devices have been mounted on the side of a bridge, so they are not too difficult to get for the technicians and are therefore not a high safety concern.^{Interview with manufacturer}