THE SENSOR

ToltHawk Sensor.

Radar-based, wireless, self-contained.

Low-cost, self-contained, wireless sensors for real-time monitoring of floods, streams, rivers, lakes, sewer lines, and sewer lift pump stations. Easy to deploy in the field. Data via cellular, satellite, or LoRa.

ToltHawk sensor
THIRD GENERATION

The third generation of ToltHawk Level Sensors works maintenance-free for 5 to 10 years.

CAPABILITIES

Engineered for the field.

Wireless Data Transmission

Cellular (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile auto-switching in US, plus 150+ countries), satellite for remote sites, or LoRaWAN for areas without cellular coverage.

Maintenance-Free Operation

5 to 10 years of field operation without maintenance. Solar-charged battery keeps running for many months without sunlight.

Easy Installation

Self-contained units typically install over bridges or via cantilever. No wiring, no calibration, no special engineering. Mount vertically and the device starts transmitting automatically.

Configurable Alerts

Phone, text, and email notifications when configurable thresholds are reached. Set multiple alert levels per location.

JSON API

Integrate sensor data into your own systems and dashboards via REST API.

External Data Integration

Automatically pulls in NOAA weather, precipitation, in-basin USGS gauges, and LiDAR contour data.

TECHNICAL

Specifications at a glance.

  • Measurement range15 cm – 20 m (0.5 ft – 65 ft)
  • Radar beam angle3°–7° (narrow, pinpoint sensing)
  • Update frequency15 min standard (USGS-aligned), configurable 15 min – 3 hr
  • Sampling frequencyDown to 5 min (battery impact below this)
  • PowerBattery + solar; multi-month operation without sun
  • Service life5–10 years maintenance-free
  • ConnectivityCellular (AT&T / Verizon / T-Mobile auto-switch), Satellite, LoRaWAN
  • CalibrationSelf-calibrating; no calibration required after install
  • OriginMade in USA (some parts from China and Switzerland)
Sensor detail
CONNECTIVITY

Coverage everywhere you need it.

Cellular

Auto-switching across AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile in the US, plus coverage in 150+ countries.

Satellite

For remote installations without cellular coverage. Deploy anywhere on Earth.

LoRaWAN

For sites without cellular coverage but within range of a LoRaWAN gateway.

ADD-ONS

Extend the sensor.

Camera Module

Live pictures and videos of the target area (cellular only — satellite units record onsite for later retrieval).

External Sensor Connectors

Compatible with additional sensors for temperature, precipitation, conductivity, turbidity, and more.

Submersible Transducers

For below-grade and submerged installations alongside the standard radar unit.

Triggered Output Devices

Activate flashing road signals, sirens, or other field devices when alert thresholds are crossed.

QUESTIONS

Answers from the field.

Do I need to calibrate after installation?
No. The device automatically starts sending data when placed vertically at the installation site. It's good practice to verify data and communication before leaving the site, but no calibration is required.
Who installs the sensor?
Most organizations install the sensors themselves. They're self-contained and designed for easy installation. Read the user manual for suggestions and check local laws for permit requirements before installing in public right-of-ways.
How often does the sensor measure?
The standard measurement frequency is 15 minutes, matching USGS's standard. This is configurable via web dashboard. Frequencies under 5 minutes drain the battery faster. Data is stored locally between update cycles (15 min – 3 hr) and uploaded in batches.
What's the measurement range?
Between 15 cm (0.5 ft) and 20 m (65 ft). The narrow 3°–7° radar beam allows precise targeting of a specific sensing area.
Do you have an API?
Yes. A JSON API is available so you can integrate sensor data with your own systems, websites, or dashboards.
Can I make my data public?
Yes. As the owner admin, you choose. Public locations let anyone view the hydrograph without signing in. Private locations require explicit permission you grant via your settings dashboard.
How do alerts work?
Configure threshold levels per location. When crossed, alerts go out via phone, text, and email. You can also activate triggered output devices like flashing road signals.
Where do you ship?
Cellular units work in the US plus 150+ countries with cellular coverage. Satellite units can be deployed anywhere on Earth.

Specify the sensor
your deployment deserves.

See live data, talk through your environment, and get a unit configuration tailored to your monitoring needs.