Overview

SST 6 is a small rugged transponder designed to acoustically position of ocean bottom seismic cables and nodes, where high performance, small size, low cost and ease of programming are all important operational factors.

SST 6 incorporates our Wideband 2 digital acoustic signal processing architecture to deliver substantial performance gains over the previous generation SST, ensuring robust positioning performance in the most challenging of operational environments.

Innovations such as built-in, near field communications (NFC) technology, allow SST 6 transponders to be checked and programmed without human intervention, supporting operators’ vision for fully automated node handling and efficient back-deck ocean bottom seismic (OBS) operations.

At a glance

• Accurately positions seismic cables and nodes in water depths to 3,000 m
• Designed on 6G hardware and Wideband 2 technology platforms
• Compatible with Mini-Ranger and Ranger 2 USBL positioning systems
• Choice of depth ratings: 1,000 m or 3,000 m
• Over 1,520 unique acoustic transponder addresses supports large surveys
• Automated programming using NFC link without human intervention

SST 6 operates in the Medium Frequency (MF) band and is compatible with our Ranger 2 USBL systems. Ranger 2 USBL systems measure both range and bearing to SST 6 in the same operation, so an accurate position of the node or cable can be determined very quickly and at a high update rate.

Combining the use of Ranger 2 USBL and SST 6 in this way results in considerable savings in vessel time and new standards of efficiency for seismic operations.

NFC allows fast programming of 16 group interrogation addresses and 95 reply channels providing more than 1,520 unique acoustic identities.

This allows the marking of seismic cables and other applications demanding dense transponder coverage. SST 6 is configured using NFC with a suitable NFC-enabled handset (including NFC enabled Android™ handsets with the Sonardyne NFC App) or a dedicated HF radio frequency identification (RFID) reader.

The NFC link provides the ability to enter SST 6 into a storage mode when not in use,  significantly increasing the overall battery endurance.

Overview

TZT is compact, simple to fit and easy to operate, making it the ideal choice for shallow-draft workboats, RHIBs and uncrewed surface vessels (USVs). Onboard, the splashproof (normally surface-mounted) transceiver electronics module is cable connected to your PC equipped with our HydroPos software (or third-party software) and remote acoustic transducer.

The remote transducer is normally attached to a rigid pole and deployed over the side of the craft you’re using. A GNSS receiver is typically attached to the top of the pole but, aside from that, there’s no need for any other ancillary equipment, such as a gyro or attitude and reference system, and the complexities that integrating them would involve.

At a glance

• Accurately positions your Sonardyne MF or HF seismic node and ocean bottom cable-mounted transponders
• Provides high-accuracy positioning right into the surf zone: <1 m water depth
• Designed for small work boats, RHIBs and USVs working in parallel with your node laying vessel
• Choice of frequencies depending on your transponder inventory: HF for Type 7815s or MF for SST 6s

On command from your PC, the TZ Transceiver acoustically interrogates up to nine TZ/OBC transponder or up to 95 SST 6 transponders at a time and the acoustic responses are used to generate range measurements to each of them.

By combining the many acoustic range measurements made to each transponder, with GNSS data input into HydroPos, it is possible to generate accurate positions of all transponders to better than 1 m absolute precision.

Mounting TZT onto a USV unlocks the opportunity to reduce the risk, cost and environmental impact of your surveys by reducing the number of crewed vessels required to support your survey.

Overview

Prior to deployment from a cable lay boat, the transponders are attached to the seismic cable at each ground station, typically every 50 metres. Once the bottom cable is laid, the acoustic system measures the ranges from the surface transceiver to the transponders to enable their exact positions to be established. This positioning process can either be conducted while laying the cable or later while shooting.

The transponders are small and lightweight and have been proven to be able to withstand the demanding and varied operational environment of OBC and TZ surveys.

At a glance

• Use it to position OBS cables in water depths up to 500 metres
• Built to withstand rugged operational environments
• Thousands of unique acoustic addresses
• Up to 18 months’ listening life
• Optional RFID tag for easy asset tracking

Standard features include a depth rating of 500 metres, a unique acoustic ‘address’ enabling thousands of units to be laid in a single deployment and automatic battery voltage monitoring to allow users to better plan their maintenance schedules.

In OBC operations using a ‘squirter’ cable deployment system, ‘carapaces’ are available that provide a fast and secure means of attaching transponders to the cable. The carapaces are manufactured from tough plastic that encapsulates the transponder and optional RFID asset tracking tag, clamping it securely to the cable whilst protecting it from the high cable deployment and recovery speeds.

The carapace design, which is now in use with many crews around the world, has been proven to be easy to fit and reduces long term maintenance when compared with traditional tie-wrap and tape methods. The low profile shape of the carapace also reduces the risk of snagging and as it is acoustically ‘quieter’ in the water, creating less noise interference down the cable.

Overview

WMT is a 6G compatible, high acoustic output power USBL transponder available in two depth versions: 3,000 m and 7,000 m. The 7,000 m version has a higher acoustic output power level for improved long-range operation.

For ROV and towfish tracking, WMT supports responder trigger for faster position updates, an integrated rechargeable Li-Ion battery pack that is charged from the ROV’s power supply and full RS232 communications enabling channel set up, power and gain etc. to be changed from the surface.

At a glance

• Use it with Ranger 2 for deep water, long layback tracking tasks
• High power acoustic output and directional transducer
• Responder mode for fast position updates
• Full two-way Sonardyne Wideband 2 interrogation and reply
• Li-Ion rechargeable battery pack
• Optional remote transducer

An on/off switch (3,000 m only) helps to ensure the battery pack is not discharged when not in use. If an umbilical trigger is not available, then the full Wideband transponder mode provides excellent USBL performance in a small, lightweight package.

Remote omni or directional transducers are available for WMT. These make installation on a ROV easier as the remote transducer can be installed where there is good line-of-sight and is easily replaced if damaged. The main body of the transponder can then be installed within the ROV frame where it is well protected from damage.

Overview

WSM 6+ is one our most popular USBL transponders, selected by customers for its small size, value and dependable performance in all environments, shallow or deep.

It’s the perfect choice for fitting to observation and work-class ROVs, towfish, submersibles and equipment being deployed onto the seabed for short durations.

WSM 6+ is compatible with all of our Ranger 2 USBL systems and we even include one with every Ranger 2 Standard – as standard.

The compact and rugged design is based on the field proven mechanics from previous generation designs and is available with omni-directional or directional transducers. The omni-directional versions are depth rated to 1,000 m and 4,000 m. The directional transducer is depth rated to 4,000 m.

At a glance

• Rechargeable USBL transponder designed for tracking ROVs, towfish and equipment
• Choice of 1,000 m and 4,000 m depth ratings
• Compatible with our family of Ranger 2 USBL systems: Micro, Mini and Standard
• Transponder or responder operating modes
• Depth sensor for improved USBL positioning performance
• External on/off switch for battery saving

All versions support transponder and responder operating mode if an external trigger from your platform is available. Responder mode provides significantly faster position updates than transponder mode.

WSM 6+ supports Wideband 2 acoustic signals and legacy Wideband 1 and HPR 400. The configuration is programmable using supplied software and a serial link or it can be configured acoustically via our back deck handheld test unit – iWand. This allows the WSM 6+ to be configured for use with all of the popular MF frequency acoustic navigation systems.

All WSM 6+ are also fitted with a depth sensor fitted as standard to aid USBL positioning accuracy and an external on/off switch to save battery power when not in use.

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

Overview

HPT 3000 is a high performance Wideband 2-enabled Ultra-Short BaseLine (USBL) tracking and telemetry transceiver compatible with our range of 6G transponders.

The transceiver’s acoustic performance is optimised for operations in coastal and near shore where high elevation tracking of targets is often required in low noise environments.

This unit is easy to install on a simple over-the-side pole arrangement enabling a wide range of vessels to take advantage of Mini-Ranger 2 including: anchored barges, small survey craft and uncrewed surface vessels.

HPT 3000 has an internal MTi-30 Xsens sensor which provides pitch, roll and heading data for search and salvage applications which are time critical requiring turn on and track functionality. Shallow water and pipelay from anchor barges also benefit from the internal sensor being calibration free.

The advanced multi-element processing enables transponders to be positioned more precisely, more quickly and more robustly due to improvements in signal processing algorithms. When used as part of a complete Mini-Ranger 2 USBL system, external heading and inertial navigation sensor, class leading performance is achieved.

At a glance

• Use it with Mini-Ranger 2 USBL
• Acoustically optimised for tracking targets in shallow water
• Simple to install on all types of vessel including uncrewed
• Ethernet comms for fast position updates
• Excellent corrosion resistance

‘Discovery Mode’ enables users to automatically detect previously deployed transponders including their configured address and channel, making the system easier to use. The HPT 3000 is a highly capable acoustic USBL tracking transceiver. Its multiple simultaneous channels enable robust tracking of 10 targets.

Manufactured in Aluminium Bronze, the HPT 3000 is intended to be fitted temporarily or permanently to a vessel’s through-hull or over-the-side pole. The full hemispherical coverage optimises performance in shallow water environments boosting transmissions and receive sensitivity in the horizontal axis.

Power and communications are contained in a single cable and because communications transmit from the transceiver to control-room ESH, data rates of up to 100 Mps can be achieved. Ethernet-based communications also enable the unit to interface with your vessel’s existing network for rapid installation.

Overview

Compatt 6+ is used for high precision survey and construction operations in all water depths, including: spool piece metrology, pipeline touchdown monitoring, structure installation and dynamic positioning reference.

Compatt 6+ offers significant time saving with fast update rates (up to 1 Hz LBL tracking), all made possible using the Wideband 3 acoustic telemetry protocols. Support of Wideband 2 ranges maintains backwards compatibility. This makes any system operating with Compatt 6+ significantly easier to operate therefore de-risking operations, reducing vessel time and reducing training requirements for offshore personnel.

At a glance

• Compatible with all 6G LBL, INS and USBL systems
• Wideband 3 enabled
• Versatile, flexible and cost-effective
• Over 3,600 different configurations available
• Choice of depth ratings to 7,000 m

Our Wideband advanced signal processing offers improved acoustic performance in challenging conditions, longer ranges, improved multipath rejection around structures and real-time range diagnostics for quality control. Wideband also reduces the interference to and from adjacent Sonardyne and other acoustic positioning systems.

The integrated communications and navigation technology allows the transponder to be used as a multi-purpose modem, autonomous data logger and navigation reference transponder.

Overview

MRT is supplied as part of our Micro-Ranger 2 USBL system, a complete one-box underwater diver, ROV, AUV and equipment tracking solution. Everything you need, including two transponders, is supplied in a battery-powered IP-67 rated carry case for portable, go-anywhere marine operations.

MRT is supplied with a moulded 10 m underwater cable that is connected up to your Micro-Ranger 2 command case. The cable provides both power and comms to the MRT.

At a glance

• Easy to deploy off a pontoon or RHIB
• Optimised for high elevation tracking in shallow water
• Internal magnetic compass for instantaneous and calibration free motion compensation
• Built in health checks including array and electronics diagnostics
• Supplied with 10 m of deck cable

Deployment is as simple as it gets. Off a pontoon, over the side of your RHIB or even fixed to a USV. It can be suspended using its cable or on a simple pole arrangement. We even offer a lightweight carbon fibre pole with fixation clamp and a top bracket to mount the system’s included GNSS antenna.

MRT uses an integral AHRS sensor which provides pitch, roll and heading data that automatically compensates for the dynamic motion of the vessel, removing the need for an external sensor and pre-use calibration. It’s multi-element processing enables transponders to be accurately positioned at ranges of 995 metres.

Overview

Nano operates in the Medium Frequency (MF) band, so it’s compatible with our family of Ranger 2 USBL topside systems; Micro, Mini and Standard.

Measuring in around 160 mm in length, 55mm in diameter and weighing in at under 200 grams in water – depending on the exact version you’re using – Nano is small enough to fit on the smallest of vehicles and light enough for a diver to barely know they’re carrying one.

Nano’s built using the same signal technology platform you’ll find in our award-winning 6G product line – Wideband 2. So you can expect reliable acoustic communications in all operating environments, accurate position fixes and a continuous stream of location updates.

At a glance

• 2nd generation design, extended battery life and 500 m depth rating
• NFC, connector and OEM housing options
• NFC version is just 160 mm long by 55 mm in diameter. USBL transponders don’t get much smaller than this
• Depth rated to 500 m
• Easy to fit to divers, ROVs, equipment and AUVs

Nano features a 90-day quiescent battery life, ideal for long-term deployments and recovering lost assets. Nano’s battery lasts up to 12 hours, even when being actively tracked with one second position update rate.

The NFC Nano features a unique connector-less design that is recharged and programmed via the Nano Docking Station. The NFC technology allows full configuration of the Nano whilst maintaining its rugged “strap on and go” form factor.

The cabled Nano features an industry standard Subconn connector allowing the Nano to be permanently powered, and can also be used in Responder mode.

When purchasing a Micro-Ranger 2 USBL system, we include two Nanos as standard. You’re able to choose between the NFC or connector version at no additional cost.

For vehicle programs and integrators, the Nano OEM when paired with an OEM transducer provides all the functionality of the housed transponders, in a form factor that can be mounted in any system.

Nano has an inbuilt depth sensor and is a 500 m depth rated unit.