What Refraction Technology does

Refraction Technology, operating as REF TEK, is a Canadian specialty manufacturer of high-resolution seismic monitoring instruments headquartered in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Founded in 1975 by Paul Passmore, the company designs and produces broadband seismic recorders (Wrangler-HDR, Wrangler-S), integrated recorder/accelerometer systems (SMHR2, SMA2), multi-channel recorders (180-MC), broadband seismometers (Colt, Colt-PH, 151D Bronco), and a range of uniaxial and triaxial accelerometers (131D-01/1, 147A, 131D-BH). Core technologies include 32-bit A/D conversion, force-balance feedback sensors, MEMS capacitive accelerometers, IP67/IP68 environmental sealing, and proprietary telemetry protocols (RTP, SEEDLink). The product portfolio expanded in December 2023 with the acquisition of Lennartz Electronic's IP, adding the LE-3Dlite MkIII, LE-1D/Vlite MkIII, LE-3D/BH(s) MkIII, and LE-3D/5s MkIII seismometers.

REF TEK serves four primary verticals: seismological research institutions, structural health monitoring operators, hazard mitigation/emergency management agencies, and critical infrastructure operators (hospitals, dams, bridges, nuclear plants). The customer base is overwhelmingly governmental or quasi-governmental, including the China Earthquake Administration (478 Wrangler recorders), India Meteorological Department (EEW backbone), Aswan Dam Authority, BC Ministry of Transportation (Port Mann Bridge), and the IRIS/PASSCAL consortium (~30% of Global Seismographic Network stations). With 7,000+ instruments deployed across 30+ countries and a 40-year deployment record at the ANZA network, the company has established a durable installed base in scientific and regulatory monitoring.

The business model is hardware-centric, generating revenue through direct equipment sales (recorders, sensors, accessories), software licenses (COMPASS, RTI Suite, mobile apps), and professional services (system design, commissioning, training, support). Go-to-market combines direct enterprise sales in Canada/USA with a global network of regional distributors and channel partners across Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed; standard warranty is 12 months with optional extensions. The company has received non-dilutive growth capital from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency ($420,375 in 2021; $194,461 in 2026). The firm is privately held by Reftek Systems Inc., with leadership shared with sister company Xeos Technologies Inc.

Name

Refraction Technology

Legal name

Reftek Systems Inc.

Website

https://reftek.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1975

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

REF TEK is a Canadian specialty manufacturer of high-resolution seismic recorders, accelerometers, and broadband seismometers serving seismological research, structural monitoring, and hazard mitigation customers worldwide, with 7,000+ instruments deployed globally.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Seismic Monitoring Equipment

NAICS

Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (33451), Instrument Manufacturing for Measuring and Testing Electricity and Electrical Signals (334515)

SIC

Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823), Measuring & Controlling Devices, Nec (3829)

akta.pro primary industry

Condition Monitoring Sensors & IoT (online/offline monitoring, edge devices) (EUADAJAD)

Keywords

• Seismic monitoring equipment
• Broadband seismometers
• Strong motion accelerographs
• Structural health monitoring
• Earthquake early warning

Headquarters

HQ city

Dartmouth

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Seismic Recording Equipment Sales: Sale of high-resolution portable seismic recorders including Wrangler-HDR, Wrangler-S, SMHR2, SMA2, and 180-MC models. Products are sold directly and through channel partners globally.
2. Seismic Sensor Sales: Sale of broadband seismometers (Colt, Colt-PH, 151D Bronco), accelerometers (131D-01/1, 147A, 131D-BH), and Lennartz sensors (LE-3Dlite MkIII, LE-1D/Vlite MkIII, LE-3D/BH, LE-3D/5s).
3. Software Licenses and Subscriptions: Sale of software products including COMPASS seismic analysis software, RTI Software Suite, mobile apps (iFSC, REF TEK Recorder Setup), and RTWC remote command software.
4. Accessories and Parts: Sale of accessories including 184 GNSS Timing Antenna, Wrangler Field Case, External Relay, and parts/maintenance services for current and obsolete products.
5. System Integration and Commissioning Services: Professional services including system design, installation, commissioning, training, and ongoing technical support for seismic monitoring systems.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

REF TEK designs, manufactures and supports high-resolution portable and permanent seismic monitoring instrumentation including broadband seismic recorders (Wrangler-HDR/Wrangler-S), integrated recorder and accelerometer systems (SMHR2, SMA2), multi-channel recording systems (180-MC), broadband seismometers and accelerometers (151D Bronco, Colt, Colt-PH, Lennartz series, 131D, 147A), and supporting software (COMPASS, RTI Suite, mobile apps). Products are sold directly and through a global distributor network to seismology research institutions, structural health monitoring operators and emergency management agencies for earthquake monitoring, early warning and structural safety applications.

Product overview

REF TEK (Refraction Technology) manufactures high-resolution seismic monitoring equipment. The product portfolio consists of broadband seismic recorders (Wrangler-HDR, Wrangler-S), integrated seismic recorder & accelerometer systems (SMHR2 with force-balance accelerometer, SMA2 with MEMS accelerometer), multi-channel recording systems (180-MC), and a comprehensive range of sensors including uniaxial/triaxial accelerometers (131D-01/1, 147A, 131D-BH), broadband seismometers (151D Bronco, Colt, Colt-PH). The company also offers software solutions including COMPASS data processing, RTI Software Suite for network management, and mobile apps for field configuration. Following the 2023 acquisition of Lennartz Electronic, the product line expanded to include Lennartz seismometers (LE-3Dlite MkIII, LE-1D/Vlite MkIII, LE-3D/BH(s) MkIII, LE-3D/5s MkIII). Accessories include external relay devices and GNSS timing antennas. Products are designed for seismology, structural monitoring, and hazard mitigation applications globally.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Lennartz Sensors: Seismic sensors acquired from Lennartz Electronic of Germany, including LE-3Dlite MkIII, LE-1D/Vlite MkIII, LE-3D/BH(s) MkIII, and LE-3D/5s MkIII seismometers for various seismic monitoring applications.

Products and services

• Wrangler-HDR Broadband Seismic Recorder High Dynamic Range Broadband Seismic Recorder with >143 dB dynamic range and 32-bit A/D performance, available with 3 or 6 input channels, battery-backed RAM, IP68 sealing, ultra low-latency for Earthquake Early Warning systems and built-in Seedlink server. Designed for seismology research institutions, EEW operators and structural monitoring authorities.
• Wrangler-S Broadband Seismic Recorder Broadband Seismic Recorder with 141+ dB dynamic range, 32-bit A/D, expanded gain options (1-64x), integrated OLED display, built-in Wi-Fi, USB removable storage, simultaneous SEEDlink and RTP telemetry and remote GNSS antenna placement up to 1000 ft. Designed for portable broadband deployments and network stations.
• SMHR2 Portable Integrated Seismic Recorder & Accelerometer Integrated broadband seismic recorder with force-balance accelerometer (model 147), ~140 dB dynamic range, 32-bit A/D performance, built-in Seedlink server and ultra-low latency optimized for Earthquake Early Warning installations. Intended for EEW agencies and seismic network operators.
• SMA2 Portable Integrated Seismic Recorder & MEMS Accelerometer Integrated broadband seismic recorder paired with MEMS capacitive accelerometer (model 131D), >118 dB dynamic range, designed for structural monitoring applications including buildings, dams and bridges.
• 180-MC Multi-Channel Seismic Recording System Fourth-generation digital recording system for structural monitoring and civil engineering requirements, available in 12 or 18-channel configurations with built-in communication for real-time data collection. Targeted at structural monitoring programs such as CSMIP-compliant dam, bridge and building installations.
• 131D-01/1 Uniaxial Accelerometer Uniaxial accelerometer with ±4g full scale, noise performance of 1.2 μg/rtHz, IP67 sealed anodized aluminum housing for structural engineering applications including CSMIP and OSHPD-compliant deployments.
• 147A Force-Balance Accelerometer Force-balance accelerometer with ±4g full scale and 2.5 V/g sensitivity, available in uniaxial and triaxial configurations. Designed for free-field applications including microzonation and site response studies, and for use with REF TEK 130S Series data loggers and 130-MC recorder.
• 151D Bronco Broadband Seismometer Observatory-grade force-balance feedback velocity sensor with 0.0083 Hz (120 sec) to 50 Hz bandwidth, three independent symmetrical sensors in Galperin configuration, built-in leveling, automated mass lock/unlock and low self-noise performance for permanent observatory installations.
• Colt Portable Broadband Seismometer Portable broadband seismometer with exceptionally low self-noise and force-balance electronic feedback circuit, IP67 rated with automatic mass unlock and shock resistant housing. Suitable for portable deployments and long-term installation in local and regional networks.
• Colt-PH Posthole Broadband Seismometer Posthole broadband seismometer with force-balance electronic feedback and exceptionally low self-noise, IP68 rated for 100m water depth. Designed for direct burial and posthole deployments in quiet downhole environments.
• 131D-BH Triaxial Borehole Accelerometer Triaxial borehole accelerometer with ±4g full scale, 1.2 μg/rtHz noise performance, IP68 stainless steel housing, designed for borehole sizes between 3 and 3.5 inches in structural monitoring and seismology installations.
• External Relay for 180-Series Recorders Four-relay device compatible with 180-SMHR2, 180-SMA2 and 180-MC product lines, programmable for relay activation on seismic trigger events to support structural monitoring integration.
• COMPASS Interactive Seismic Data Processing Software Interactive seismic data processing software for initial waveform analysis and phase picks, supporting PASSCAL, MRF and miniSEED data formats. Licensed to seismic network operators and research institutions.
• RTI Software Suite for Network Station Command & Control Network station communication, command/control, real-time and interactive data viewing software suite including RTCC, RTPD, RT_Display, RT_View, RTPMonitor, SMCC and RTWC modules, sold to seismic network operators managing REF TEK recorder fleets.
• iFSC Mobile App Mobile app for command and control of the 130 series product line running Standard firmware, used with the 130-WIFI adapter for field configuration by technicians in the field.
• REF TEK Recorder Setup Mobile App Mobile app for command and control of Wrangler recorders via internal Wi-Fi adapter, available on Apple App Store (id1512810000) and Google Play, used by field technicians for setup.
• Lennartz LE-3Dlite MkIII Three-Component 1Hz Seismometer Compact high-performance three-component 1Hz seismometer for local and regional seismic monitoring including tectonic, volcanic and induced seismicity, distributed under the Lennartz Sensors brand owned by Reftek Systems Inc.
• Lennartz LE-1D/Vlite MkIII One-Component 1Hz Seismometer Compact high-performance one-component 1Hz seismometer suited for density seismic networks, small arrays and engineering purposes, sold through the Lennartz Sensors brand.
• Lennartz LE-3D/BH(s) MkIII Borehole Seismometer High-performance three-component 1Hz borehole seismometer with ultra-slim form factor and holelock mechanism for oriented installations or simplified sand installations, distributed under the Lennartz Sensors brand.
• Lennartz LE-3D/5s MkIII Three-Component 5-Second Seismometer Compact high-performance three-component 5-second period seismometer for local and regional seismic monitoring, H/V measurements and seismic microzonation, distributed under the Lennartz Sensors brand.
• 184 GNSS Timing Antenna GNSS timing antenna accessory providing precise time synchronization for REF TEK seismic recorders in field and permanent installations.
• Wrangler Field Case Field case accessory designed for transporting and protecting Wrangler seismic recorders during portable deployments.

Quantifiable outcome

• Up to 1 minute of advance warning before seismic shaking reaches urban areas
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature6 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• Lennartz ElectroniccoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 8 December 2023On December 8, 2023, Reftek Systems Inc. acquired the intellectual property and assets of Lennartz Electronic of Tubingen, Germany. This acquisition added the iconic Lennartz sensor product line to REF TEK's portfolio. Lennartz products are known for precision and robustness, and the company had been operating for 64 years. Shipments of Lennartz products began January 1, 2024. Contact for Lennartz products: [email protected].

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Streckeisen: Swiss/German manufacturer of observatory-grade broadband seismometers (STS-2 family). Competes in the high-precision broadband seismometer segment served by REF TEK's 151D Bronco and Colt lines.
• Güralp Systems: UK designer and manufacturer of broadband seismometers and ocean-bottom seismometers. Direct peer in observatory and portable seismic monitoring with comparable force-balance technology and global government/research customer base.
• Nanometrics: Canadian manufacturer of broadband seismometers, strong-motion accelerographs, and seismic monitoring systems. Direct competitor in scientific seismology and EEW with overlapping government, academic, and critical-infrastructure customers.
• GeoSIG: Swiss manufacturer of strong-motion accelerographs and seismic monitoring instruments. Direct competitor in structural and EEW applications, particularly in European and emerging markets.
• Kinemetrics: US-based maker of strong-motion accelerographs (Etna, K2) and structural monitoring systems for buildings, bridges, and dams. Directly competes with REF TEK in CSMIP-compliant structural health monitoring.

Broad incumbents

• Sercel: Subsidiary of Viridien (formerly CGG), France-based seismic acquisition technology provider. Overlaps with REF TEK through geophone and seismic sensor product lines, primarily serving oil & gas and land seismic surveys.
• Trimble: Former parent of REF TEK (2008-2020) and broad geospatial technology incumbent. Offers monitoring solutions across surveying, construction, and infrastructure, with overlapping positioning in structural and geotechnical monitoring markets.

Emerging players

• ASIR Seismic (Advanced Seismic Instrumentation & Research): Small US firm run by REF TEK founder Paul Passmore, focused on specialized seismic instrumentation. Niche competitor in custom and research-grade seismic systems with partial overlap in customer base.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/refteksystems
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ref-tek

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds2 records

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Refraction Technology