The SR-1601 Fish Counter is a 16-channel fish counter designed for counting hatchery fry, migrating smolt, fish eggs, emergent shrimp, and other macro organisms. The SR-1601 simultaneously monitors all 16 tunnels for downstream movements, giving individual counts for each tunnel. In order to be counted, macro organisms pass through multiple counting tunnels and are tallied on separate 16-digit displays. The system easily tallies 10 counts per second per channel, giving 576,000 counts per hour.

Principle of Operation

The SR-1601 uses multiple counting tunnels that are separate potentiometric bridges. The passage of fish or eggs through each tunnel causes corresponding water conductivity changes. These are counted by the SR-1601 and displayed on separate LCDs. Any number of tunnels, 1 to 16, may be used at one time.

Water Conditions

The SR-1601 is designed to work in fresh water within a conductivity range of 20 to 5000 µS/cm. The submerged counting tunnels are arranged to produce a velocity through the tunnels sufficient to overcome the fish's swimming ability. The fish in the vicinity of the tunnel entrances are pulled through by the water flow. With a proper tunnel-size to fish-size ratio, count accuracy is typically better than 98%. For best counting accuracy, tunnel diameters should not be more than one-half the length of the fish to be counted, and the water velocity should be equal to the burst swimming speed of the fish.

Power Requirements

The SR-1601 can be powered from either 120 VAC 60 Hz, or from the optional internal rechargeable batteries. If the batteries are installed, the counter will continue to operate for up to 4 days when AC power is lost. If extended operation from battery power is necessary, an external battery connector is provided. A low-battery indicator is provided to give several hours advanced warning before a battery change is required. When the SR-1601 is powered from 120 VAC, the battery is kept fully charged at all times. A secondary internal stand-by battery is provided to preserve count data on all channels when the AC power is turned off or when the internal battery is being replaced.

Mechanical Construction

The SR-1601 Fish Counter features a rugged all-welded aluminum case. The case is weather resistant and has a top cover with a see-through window which allows observation of count data while maintaining water resistance. The case measures 21.5" wide by 9.5" deep by 9.2" high, and is painted with a durable epoxy paint.

Specifications:

• Type of detection: Potentiometric bridge
  
• Water conductivity range: 20 to 5000 microSiemens/cc
  
• Count sensitivity: 1% tunnel unbalance, minimum
  
• Count rate: 10 per second/channel
  
• Count capacity/channel: 999,999 six digit LCD
  
• Counting mode: 16 discrete channels
  
• Tunnel length:diameter: 3:1 minimum
  
• Smallest fish detected: Length equal to tunnel diameter
• Power requirement: 120 VAC 60 Hz
  
• Battery life with 12V 12Ah batteries: 4 days minimum
  
• Size: 21.5"W X 9.5"D x 9.2"H
  
• Weight: 35 pounds (with battery) / 16.5 pounds (without battery)