Ultra Short Baseline (USBL)

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

1000 Series Midi Beacons incorporate Applied Acoustics’ proprietary Sigma acoustic protocols, proven for use with Applied Acoustics’ USBL tracking systems.

1000 Series Midi Beacons incorporate Applied Acoustics’ proprietary Sigma acoustic protocols, proven for use with Applied Acoustics’ USBL tracking systems, other manufacturers’ USBL systems that operate with wide bandwidth transmissions as well as those using ‘narrow band’ tone signalling.

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.

1000 Series Midi Beacons incorporate Applied Acoustics’ proprietary Sigma acoustic protocols, proven for use with Applied Acoustics’ USBL tracking systems.

1000 Series Midi Beacons incorporate Applied Acoustics’ proprietary Sigma acoustic protocols, proven for use with Applied Acoustics’ USBL tracking systems, other manufacturers’ USBL systems that operate with wide bandwidth transmissions as well as those using ‘narrow band’ tone signalling.

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.

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 2520 PAM Tester/Charger has been designed to be a highly versatile and invaluable operator tool. It is used to test and charge AAE beacons, and test those from other manufacturers. It operates in the MF and LF frequency band.

The 2520 PAM Tester/Charger has been designed to be a highly versatile and invaluable operator tool. It is used to test and charge AAE beacons, and test those from other manufacturers. It operates in the MF and LF frequency band.

The multi-function deck set is used to:

• Check transponders, responders and pingers prior to use, avoiding any downtime
• Operate all AAE Acoustic Release Beacons, and obtain status telemetry information
• Operate as range and relocation meter with navigation transponders, depth transponders and pingers
• Charge all AAE 900 Series beacons

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)

Transponder Test and Configuration unit – TTC 30 Medium Frequency

The TTC unit is for on deck acoustic testing and configuration of the cNODE® transponders.

The TTC can test all KM transponder channels including the latest Cymbal acoustic protocols. It can also test telemetry transponders with internal and external sensors.

The TTC 400 has been developed to provide a quick and easy way to test and configure all applications on Kongsberg Maritime transponders, prior to sea deployment.

The TTC 400 is based around a splash-proof, small (all in one) and portable unit. The unit is equipped with carrying handles.

A small transponder on a cable, connects to the front of the unit. This is all what is required to in-air-test transponders anywhere the operator should choose to perform a thorough test, or re-configuring a transponder.

• Material: Aluminium
• Height x Width x Depth: 173 x 297 x 250 mm
• Depth including handles: 290 mm
• Weight: 6.8 kg

3000m Depth Rated Transponder Float Collar

• 3000m depth rated
• Net Buoyancy 32.7 kg
• Manufactured using durable high density syntactic foam (626kg/m3)
• High visibility matte finish polyethylene shell
• Integrated lifting eyelets

WSM is our previous generation release transponder which has now been replaced by WMT 6. Although the WSM transponder is no longer available to purchase, Sonardyne still offers full after sales technical support including spares, repairs and servicing for this product.

The Type 8070 Dual Release Wideband Sub-Mini (WSM) is a 4,000 metre rated transponder/ responder designed for positioning seabed equipment packages, ROVs, towfish and other subsea targets.

• Incorporates Sonardyne’s latest Wideband Technology
• 4,000 Metre depth rating
• Choice of release options; dual contact closure (XRCC) or dual voltage output (XRVO)
• 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

This versatile and compact unit features a high-power directional transducer and incorporates Sonardyne Wideband® 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, all 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 acoustic navigation systems.

The Type 8070 External Release WSM differs from standard WSMs in that it has the ability to activate an external release mechanism in order to recover the WSM and any equipment package that it maybe attached to, back up to the surface.

Two external release options are available; a dual contact closure actuation where the power for the release mechanism is provided externally to the WSM (Version 04) or a dual voltage output where the battery voltage of the WSM is used to drive the release directly (Version 08). This version is compatible with Sonardyne’s Type 8083-000-01 release mechanism. The type of release function required must be specified at the time of ordering. The depth sensor fitted to standard WSMs is not available on the 04 or 08 version units.

WSMs are also available in 1,000 metre and 4,000 metre versions without an external release capability.

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)

The Data Fusion Engine is the heart of the system and is an integrated PC and navigation controller used to interface peripheral equipment such as GPS and attitude sensors, in addition to providing dedicated interface and power to transceivers.

This ‘one-box’ solution is designed to meet a complete onboard hardware requirement for any acoustic operation, thereby eliminating the need to install and set-up separate systems to provide for any acoustic positioning operation.

Fusion USBL Software Fusion USBL software is a Windows based package that is responsible for collecting, processing, displaying and recording acoustic and associated data.

Fusion USBL software offers flexibility and ease of operation to a whole host of offshore positioning scenarios.

Based on core acoustic principles and software modules Fusion USBL builds to provide a user interface that will guide the operator through set-up, calibration and into tracking.

All data is available both graphically and alpha numerically and is stored for later analysis and replay if required. Many tools are provided to assist in the optimisation of the system to operate in difficult environments.

Sonardyne’s range of subsurface floatation collars enable acoustic navigation and positioning transponders to be deployed, moored on the seabed and then recovered to the surface.

The floats are compatible with all Sonardyne’s latest generation Compatt 6 and DPT Wideband transponders as well as previous generation Mk 5 & 4 Compatts. They can be used with directional and omni-directional transducer types

• Manufactured from syntactic foam core encapsulated within a high visibility polyurethane elastomer coating
• Lifting eyelet inserts incorporated to ease transponder deployment and recovery
• Designed to stack, not roll, on the vessel deck
• Available in 1,000, 3,000, 5,000 and 7,000 metre depth ratings
• Provides reliable long term deployment and recovery of
• Sonardyne Compatt 6 , compat 5 and DPT transponders when fitted with directional transducers
• Unique hydrodynamic shape provides fast, stable ascent to the surface

Manufactured from high performance materials appropriate to the required depth rating, each float assembly comes in two halves and is clamped around the transponder using stainless steel fixings.

Bright colours ensure good visibility, either when subsea and viewed from an ROV’s camera or when floating on the surface prior to recovery.

Once on the surface, the floatation collar is designed so that the transponder floats in a downward position insuring that the acoustic transducer is kept submerged. This can assist with relocating the transponder using a vessel-based acoustic positioning system and also protects the acoustic transducer during recovery back onboard.

Type 5807 is a 5,000 metre depth rated floatation collar designed specifically for use with Sonardyne’s range of Directional Compatt 5 and DPT acoustic transponders. It has improved hydro-dynamic properties, permitting a 50% faster speed of ascent then earlier models, saving vessel time.

The unique shape of the Type 5807 floatation collar allows a transponder to be installed such that the unit is acoustically shielded from localised noise interference and also afforded increased protection from accidental physical damage whilst deployed.

Lodestar GyroUSBL combines a Sonardyne 6th (6G®) generation high performance HPT USBL transceiver and a Lodestar Attitude and Heading Reference System (AHRS) / Inertial Navigation System (INS) in the same mechanical assembly.

The instrument comes in three mechanical variants; two standard GyroUSBLs that differ by the use of the HPT component (GyroUSBL 8084-000-0445 and 8084-000-0447) and one inverted version (GyroiUSBL 8084-000-7535).

• Transceiver and Lodestar AHRS / INS offering high performance
• Available in two versions; standard and deepwater optimised
• Calibration free offering rapid set-up
• Class leading system precision and accuracy
• Sonardyne Marksman, DP-INS and Ranger 2 compatible
• Water-blocked transducer array protects electronics in the event of damage
• Compatible with Sonardyne’s through-hull, over-the-side and stem tube deployment systems

With the AHRS / INS in fixed mechanical alignment to the USBL’s acoustic array, the Lodestar GyroUSBL can be quickly deployed without need for a USBL calibration to determine the alignment of the ship’s motion sensors to the acoustic transceiver. For certain applications, this can enable significant savings in vessel time and operational costs.

The HPT transceiver component of the instrument utilises the latest Sonardyne Wideband®2 signal processing and is fully compatible with other products in the new Sonardyne 6G® equipment range.

Lodestar is tightly integrated into the USBL system providing power and communications to the HPT transceiver and embedded highly accurate time-stamping of all motion and acoustic data. This enables unparalleled precision and accuracy of position estimation by removing many of the sources of error associated with all USBLs such as lever arm offsets, pole bending, and ship flexing.

In addition, because many of the system parameters are now fixed, no USBL calibration is required during installation so the system is easier to install and set-up. Precision of better than 0.3% of slant range is achievable out of the box, or a one-off calibration can push this figure to less than 0.1% of slant range, depending on array type.

Manufactured in Aluminium-Bronze the Lodestar GyroUSBL is ideally suited for short term temporary installations on vessels of opportunity using through-hull or over-the-side poles. It is also ideal for permanent installation on flexible stem tubes.

In case of operational damage to the USBL transducer array, all electronics are robustly protected behind a double-sealed, pressure-resistant bulkhead. This ensures that if the transducer face is breached, the Lodestar and acoustic transceiver do not flood.

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 Type 8020 Navigation Controller Unit (NCU) forms part of a Data Fusion Engine, a ‘one-box’ solution designed to meet the complete on-board requirements of any acoustic operation.

The NCU is the interface between the in-water acoustic instruments, sensors and the Navigation Computer which runs the acoustics positioning software. In addition to accurately time stamping incoming data from external devices such as GPS, the NCU also provides power and communications for ship-borne acoustic transceivers.

• Interfaces all sensors and acoustic transceivers
• Accurate time stamping for next generation tracking methods
• Houses sensor specific interfaces
• Provides power and communications to acoustic transceivers
• Configurable for dual and triple redundancy

A range of hardware interface cards are available for interfacing Sonardyne transceivers and external sensors. By simply plugging these cards into the rear of the unit, the role of the Navigation Controller Unit can be transformed from supporting simple to complex acoustic operations.

For certain DP and drilling operations, the NCU can be configured to offer dual and triple redundancy.

Ranger system is a high performance, survey grade Ultra-Short BaseLine (USBL) acoustic positioning system designed for Dynamic Positioning (DP) reference and ROV/towfish tracking operations.

• Incorporates Sonardyne’s latest Wideband Technology
• Technology provides the highest accuracy and therefore the lowest risk for all subsea acoustic positioning tasks, regardless of water depth.
• Simple, intuitive software
• Available in 2 versions; Standard and Pro
• >6,000 metre operating range*
• Interfaces to most makes of DP system
• 1 second update rate independent of water depth
• High accuracy
• Supports iUSBL operations

The system incorporates Sonardyne Wideband® acoustic signal technology to enable seamless multi vessel ‘SIMOPS’ capability ensuring no vessel down time. It is recognised as the optimum solution for deep water DP and construction survey as it offers a proven and risk-free solution with the capability to be integrated with Long BaseLine systems to perform tasks such as metrology.

Two versions of Ranger are available allowing operators to choose the system that best suits their needs.

Ranger is designed for DP reference and general target tracking of ROVs and towfish. Up to four targets can be tracked simultaneously to ranges of greater than 6,000 metres*. The system supports a wide range of industry standard telegrams and is compatible with a wide range of transponders including Kongsberg and Sonardyne’s Wideband Sub-Minis, DPTs and advanced Compatt 5.

Ranger-Pro is designed for more advanced survey applications. Incorporating Sonardyne’s unique ‘ping stacking’ technology, the system offers fast position update rates (one second independent of water depth), tracking of up to10 targets and full ocean depth operating range (>6,000 metres). Ranger-Pro also supports many more Sonardyne and non-Sonardyne medium frequency transponders.

A feature available in both Ranger systems is the ability to undertake Inverted USBL (iUSBL) tracking of towfish over long laybacks. Ratherthan mounting the USBL transceiver on the vessel in the traditional manner, with iUSBL the transceiver is installed on the towed body itself.

This method eliminates the need for repeated system calibration, whilst the accuracy and repeatability of the acoustics is improved as the transceiver is located in a low noise, dynamically stable environment.

A Ranger Marine Riser Angle Monitoring System (MRAMS) option is also available. It operates with a pair of DPT transponders fitted with inclinometers to provide precise riser and BOP differential angle monitoring during drilling operations.

As Ranger systems share the same topside hardware as Sonardyne’s most advanced USBL system, Fusion, users can easily and cost effectively upgrade their capabilities as their experience and requirements grow.

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 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.

• Full two-way Sonardyne Wideband 2 interrogation and reply – mitigates interference and multi-path issues
• More than 500 unique Sonardyne Wideband 1 and 2 addresses
• Sonardyne Wideband 1 and HPR 400 navigation compatible
• Choice of 1,000 m or 4,000 m depth rating
• Choice of Omni-Directional or Directional beam-shape
• Transponder or Responder operating modes
• Depth sensor for improved USBL positioning performance
• Rechargeable NiMH battery
• External on/off switch for saving battery when not in use
• Compact and rugged design
• Release variants available

The WSM 6+ improves on its predecessors by offering full two-way Wideband support – interrogation and reply signals. All Wideband V2 and V2+ signals are supported. Legacy support is also available for WBV1 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.

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