Diver Tracking

1000 Series Mini Beacons incorporate Applied Acoustics’ proprietary Sigma acoustic protocols, proven for use with AAE’s USBL tracking systems. With an industry standard 5-pin connector, the beacons are quick and easy to configure using the 1082 Smart Switch or 1083 Multi-Charger that also activate and monitor the charging of the battery pack.

• AAE proprietary Sigma bi-directional spread spectrum technology
• Quick and easy configuration
• Directional or omni-directional beam pattern options available
• Externally configurable as transponder, responder or pinger
• High power option model to operate longer ranges
• Options for use with remote transducers

200 Series Micro Beacons are ideal for use in shallow water environments, operation in a confined space or for applications not requiring a high level of power output.

The 200 Series beacons combine small size with long battery life, enabling objects to be tracked in applications where the use of larger beacons would not be possible. For example, the Micro’s slim profile makes it perfect for use by divers, or attached to eyeball ROV’s, small side scan tow-fish or for taut wire applications.

• User replaceable 9V batteries
• Compatible with Easytrak and almost all industry standard tracking systems operating worldwide
• Can be supplied with a remote transducer

The iXBlue fourth-generation pre-calibrated GAPS combines high performance ultra-short baseline (USBL) and a fiber-optic gyroscope (FOG) inertial navigation system (INS) in the same housing to provide accurate position of any subsea object, in diverse and challenging environments.

Its compact and all-in-one design allows both portable and permanent installations with iXBlue and third party acoustic transponders. One of GAPS key new features is support of dynamic positioning (DP).

• Pre calibrated
• 4,000 m range, accuracy 0.2% of the slant range*, 200 deg coverage
• All-in-one system, simple to use
• Provides absolute position as well as surface GPS-robust position

The MT912S series mini transponder, designed for use down to 1 000 m water depth, is a compact, lightweight and rugged MF acoustic transponder / responder, which makes it an ideal tool for AUV, ROV, and tow fish tracking operations.

The MT912S series miniature transponder is a versatile unit easy to use and can be configured to suit any kind of underwater vehicle.

Developed from the iXblue new generation electronics and using iXblue well established wide spectrum technology, it is designed to operate with the Gaps long range and fully integrated MF-USBL acoustic positioning systems. MT912S series is featuring an omnidirectional transducer and it is fitted with internal rechargeable battery pack but it can also be operated from external power supply voltage.

MT912S series is available with integral transducer or with split head (remote transducer).

• Fully compatible with Gaps USBL system
• Compact and rugged design
• 316L SS body with polyurethane coating, 1 000 m depth rated (free to export, no need of export license)
• Medium frequency M-FSK chirp transmit signals
• Field selectable sound pressure level (188 dB default, 191 dB or 185 dB)
• Integral omni-directional acoustic transducer with protective cage
• Acoustic interrogation channel field selectable among 4 tonal frequencies
• Transponder and responder operating modes
• Responder mode reverts automatically to transponder mode after 25 seconds delay
• Full configuration and set-up via serial port by PC-windowsTM based MMI software
• External ON / OFF plug
• Long life Ni-MH rechargeable battery
• External power supply (15-30Vdc, 15 W peak transmitting / 30 W charging Ni-MH batteries)
• Micro Subconn 8-way connector for external power supply and responder signal inputs
• Supplied with charging / interface adaptor and responder interface cable.

 

The MT932S series miniature transponder, designed for use down to 3000 m water depth, is a compact, lightweight and rugged MF acoustic transponder/responder, which makes it an ideal tool for AUV, ROV, and tow fish tracking operations.

The MT932S series miniature transponder is a versatile unit easy to use and can be configured to suit any kind of underwater vehicle.

Developed from the iXblue new generation electronics and using iXblue well established wide spectrum technology, it is designed to operate with the Gaps long range and fully integrated MF-USBL acoustic positioning systems. MT932S series is featuring an omnidirectional transducer and it is fitted with internal rechargeable battery pack but it can also be operated from external power supply voltage.

MT932S series is available with integral transducer or with split head (remote transducer).

• Fully compatible with Gaps USBL system
• Compact and rugged design
• 316L SS body with polyurethane coating, 3 000 m depth rated (dual-use good, submitted to export license)
• Medium frequency M-FSK chirp transmit signals
• Field selectable sound pressure level (188 dB default, 191 dB or 185 dB)
• Integral omni-directional acoustic transducer with protective cage
• Acoustic interrogation channel field selectable among 4 tonal frequencies
• Transponder and responder operating modes
• Responder mode reverts automatically to transponder mode after 25 seconds delay
• Full configuration and set-up via serial port by PC-windowsTM based MMI software
• External ON / OFF plug
• Long life Ni-MH rechargeable battery
• External power supply (15-30Vdc, 15 W peak transmitting / 30 W charging Ni-MH batteries)
• Micro Subconn 8-way connector for external power supply and responder signal inputs
• Supplied with charging / interface adaptor and responder interface cable.

The Mini SSBL transponders (MST) are medium frequency mini-transponders. MST 319, MST 324 and MST 342.

The MST transponders are to be used with the following underwater positioning and navigation systems:

• HiPAP system
• HPR series

It is to be used for applications where a small and lightweight unit is required.

A MST transponder is delivered with a moulded protective plastic coating. Uncoated units are available as an option.

• All switches and connectors are recessed within the end cap for added protection.
• The transponder comes with a pigtail with connector.
• External selection switches
• Channels for use with the:
  • – HiPAP system / HPR 400 series
  • – HPR 300
• Operator selectable source level to optimise battery life requirements
• Operator selectable sensitivity
• Fast battery charging
• Both transponder and responder function (external power supply)
• Expandability for the future addition of various sensors is built-in
• Fast battery charger (requires rechargeable battery)

Sonardyne’s family of Wideband Sub-Minis (WSM) are a versatile range of USBL transponder/ responders designed for positioning ROVs, towfish and other mobile targets in water depths up to 4,000 metres.

Compact and rugged, WSMs  incorporate the latest Sonardyne Wideband® signal technology which offers superior ranging accuracy, operation in a multi-user, multi-vessel environment and fast USBL position updates. In addition to supporting new Sonardyne Wideband® signals, WSMs also support traditional Sonardyne tone and HPR 300 and HiPAP® channels. A link allows the WSM to be configured for use with all of the popular MF frequency acoustic navigation systems.

The Type 8071 WSM is equipped with an omni-directional transducer and is depth rated to 1,000 metres making it suitable for a wide ranger of general USBL tracking application.

The Type 8070 WSM is a 4,000 metre rated unit and features a high-power directional transducer with an acoustic output comparable to Sonardyne’s most powerful full size seabed transponders.

Both types of WSM have a depth sensor fitted as standard to aid USBL positioning accuracy and an external On/Off switch for ease of use and storage when not in use.

The Type 8070 WSM is also available with the ability to activate an external release mechanism.

• Incorporates Sonardyne’s latest Wideband Technology
• Choice of 1,000 Metre or 4,000 Metre depth rating
• Choice of Omni-Directional or Directional transducers with class leading acoustic power output
• Channel selection via serial data port by PC
• Transponder or Responder operating modes
• Long-life NiMH battery
• Compact and rugged design
• Windows based software for test and setup
• External On/Off switch for ease of use and storage
• Depth sensor for improved USBL performance
• Optional remote transducer (Type 8071 WSM only)

Mini-Ranger 2 is a sixth-generation (6G) Ultra-Short BaseLine (USBL) underwater positioning system. It offers a standard operating range of 995 metres (extendable up to 4,000 metres with Extended Range pack) and the ability to simultaneously track up to 10 subsea targets (e.g. divers, ROVs and structures) at very fast update rates.

• Perfect for tracking divers and mobile targets
• Portable and quick to install on all boats
• Fast position updates; up to 3 per second
• 995 metres range (up to 4,000 metres with Extended Range pack)
• Easy to use software and hardware

These features make Mini-Ranger 2 ideal for nearshore operations on small, quiet vessels, vessels of opportunity, pipelay and construction barges that need survey grade positioning performance without the cost and complexity of a deep water USBL solution.

Mini-Ranger 2 calculates the position of an underwater target by measuring the range (distance) and bearing (heading) from a vessel-mounted transceiver to an acoustic transponder fitted to the target; a technique known as Ultra-Short BaseLine (USBL) positioning. One of the main advantages of the USBL technique is that no other in-water acoustic equipment has to be deployed before underwater operations can commence. Only the targets being tracked need to be equipped with a transponder.

The Sonardyne 6G and Wideband 2 technology inside Mini-Ranger 2 USBL systems offer precise acoustic ranging and hardware that is easier to set up and operate, even in the most challenging subsea operating environments. These features improve the efficiency of subsea survey operations, reduce vessel delays and generate cost savings for owners.

Mini-Ranger 2 is compact and highly portable, comprising the 1U-high (desk or rack-mounted) Ethernet Serial Hub (ESH), HPT 3000 acoustic transceiver and software which is installed on the user’s own PC or ruggedised laptop1. A wide range of Sonardyne 6G mini transponders can be used with Mini-Ranger 2 allowing the user to select the most appropriate beacon for the task in hand. These include; Wideband Sub-Mini 6+ (WSM 6+), Wideband Release Transponder 6 (WRT 6), Wideband Mini Transponder 6 (WMT 6) and the new ultra-small Nano.

The Wideband Sub-Mini 6 (WSM 6) is Sonardyne’s latest generation of versatile USBL transponders or responders that support WBv2 signals. The WSM 6 is designed for positioning ROVs, towfish and other mobile targets in water depths up to 4,000 metres.

The compact and rugged design is based on the field proven WSM mechanics and is available in MF Directional and MF Omni-Directional versions. The latest Sonardyne Wideband®2 signal technology has been incorporated, which offers superior ranging accuracy and fast USBL position updates.

In addition to supporting new Sonardyne Wideband 2 signals, WSM 6 also supports WBv1, traditional Sonardyne tone, HPR 300 and HPR 400 channels. The configuration is programmed via dedicated setup software and a serial link. This allows the WSM 6 to be configured for use with all of the popular MF frequency acoustic navigation systems.

To aid quick setup and ease of use there are WBv1 and WBv2 quickset channels which configures both the interrogate and reply channels.

The Type 8271 WSM 6 is equipped with an Omni-directional transducer and is depth rated to 1,000 metres making it suitable for a wide range of general USBL tracking applications.

The Type 8270 WSM 6 is a 4,000 metre rated unit and features a high power directional transducer with an acoustic output comparable to Sonardyne’s most powerful full size seabed transponders.

Both types of WSM 6 have a depth sensor fitted as standard to aid USBL positioning accuracy and an external on/off switch for ease of use and storage when not in use.

A number of acoustically controlled digital I/O lines are also provided for custom use, typical applications include mission abort and emergency ballast jettison control.

• Wideband V2 and V1 signals
• Choice of 1,000 m or 4,000 m depth rating
• Choice of Omni-Directional or Directional beam-shape with class leading acoustic power output
• Channel selection via serial data port by PC
• Transponder or Responder operating modes
• Depth sensor for improved USBL positioning performance
• Long-life NiMH battery
• Compact and rugged design
• Windows based software for test and setup
• External on/off switch for ease of use and storage

The Wideband Sub-Mini 6 Plus (WSM 6+) is Sonardyne’s latest generation of versatile USBL transponders/responders that support Wideband®2 signals. The WSM 6+ is designed for towfish and ROV positioning, and tracking other mobile targets in water depths up to 4,000 metres.

The compact and rugged design is based on the field proven WSM mechanics and is available in MF Directional and MF Omni-Directional versions. The latest Sonardyne Wideband 2 signal technology has been incorporated, which offers superior ranging accuracy and fast USBL position updates.

The WSM 6+ improves on its predecessors by offering full two-way Wideband support – interrogation and reply signals. All Wideband 2 and Wideband 2+ signals are supported. Legacy support is also available for Wideband and HPR 400. The configuration is programmable using supplied software and a serial link or it can be configured acoustically via iWand. This allows the WSM 6+ to be configured for use with all of the popular MF frequency acoustic navigation systems.

The Type 8370-1111 WSM 6+ is equipped with an Omni-directional transducer and is depth rated to 1,000 metres making it suitable for a wide range of general USBL tracking applications.

The Type 8370-4112 WSM 6+ is a 4,000 metre rated unit and features a higher power directional transducer.

Both types of WSM 6+ have a depth sensor fitted as standard to aid USBL positioning accuracy and an external on/off switch to save the battery when not in use.

WSM 6+ variants are available with acoustically controlled output lines suitable for external motor drive, burnwire or contact closure releases.

• Use it with 6G USBL system to track your subsea targets
• 1,000 metre or 4,000 metre depth rating
• Transponder or Responder operating modes
• Depth sensor for improved USBL positioning performance
• External on/off switch for battery saving