SPH – Echologger ECT D24 dual-frequency for unmanned aerial vehicle

 A bathymetric system suited for drones

The ECT D24 is part of the integrated drone bathymetry system developed by SPH Engineering. Instead of using a traditional boat, the sounder is submerged beneath a drone (DJI or Pixhawk), allowing:

• Access to shallow or hard-to-reach areas

• Quick and easy deployment

• Accurate tracking of preplanned survey lines

• Simplified logistics (transport, deployment, recovery)

 High-performance and reliable sensor

• Dual-frequency technology (200 kHz / 450 kHz) to adapt to different water conditions and depths.

• Nominal accuracy: 0.2% of the measured depth

• Resolution: < 1 mm

• Built-in tilt and temperature sensors, allowing real-time correction and qualification of data.

• RS232 interface ensuring stable data transmission over long cables.

Integration with SkyHub (onboard computer)

The SkyHub is the heart of the system:

• Keeps the drone at a constant height above the surface thanks to a high-frequency radar altimeter (much more precise than a barometric altimeter).

• Records sounder measurements in georeferenced format.

• Allows automatic acquisition as soon as the sensor is submerged and automatic stop when it comes out of the water.

• Streams measurements in real time to the ground station for operational control.

 Data formats and software compatibility

Data can be exported in:

• Simple textual CSV (XYZ + depth + metadata)

• NMEA 0183 (compatible with common hydrographic software)

• SEG-Y (full raw sounder data)

Compatible with software such as HydroMagic and Reefmaster, as well as many GIS and bathymetric tools.

Operating modes

The system supports three modes:

• Continuous measurements along survey lines

• Measurements at defined waypoints

• Spot manual measurements

Note: The measurement range is calculated from the bottom of the transducer. The practical minimum depth is ~15 cm, as the sensor must be submerged.

• 1 × Depth sounder ECT D24 (stainless steel case, cable, hook + carabiner)
• 1 × Set of cables
• 1 × Onboard computer SkyHub
• 1 × Radar altimeter + mounting brackets for drone