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Nano

USBL transponder (Second generation)

Engineered for: AUV, Diver, ROV, Towfish

Think our transponders are too big to fit your micro ROV, AUV or diver? You might need to think again. Meet Nano, our smallest ever family of 6G-enabled positioning transponder.


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

Small in size, big in performance

Want to know more?

NFC rechargeable version

Connector version for when external power is required

All Nanos use the MF band to communicate

OEM version for custom integration applications

Benefit of Nano for your applications

For energy

Nano is perfect for use on coastal and inshore survey and inspection operations which frequently require targets to be tracked at high elevation.

For defence

Its small size means it is ideal for tracking divers during training missions whilst the OEM version is perfect for use onboard specialist platforms.

For science

Nano is a low-cost way to keep track of your valuable scientific equipment inventory; AUVs, gliders, ROVs and instruments. Fit it and start tracking it.

Overview

Nano is our smallest ever USBL transponder, designed to let you know where your divers, man-portable AUVs, towed platforms, underwater drones and ROVs are throughout their mission.

Nano operates in the Medium Frequency (MF) band, so is 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.

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 available 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.

Why invest

Acoustic

  • Sonardyne Wideband 2 keeps you connected with your subsea target wirelessly and effortlessly.

  • Support over 300 addresses. Perfect for busy crowded environments.

  • 19-34kHz frequency band. Compatible with Ranger 2 MF USBL systems.

  • Omni-directional beampattern. Suitable for high elevation tracking.

Performance

  • 500m depth rated

  • 995 m slant range

  • 12 hours battery life (at 1 second update rates)

  • 90-day listening life

Design

  • 160 mm x 55 mm, 149 grams weight in water (NFC version)

  • 192 mm x 55 mm, 162 grams weight in water (connector version)

  • Credit card sized OEM version available

  • Polymer housing construction. Lightweight and robust. ROHS compliant

Ownership

  • What’s in the box: Nano and cable tail

  • Warranty: 1 year return to Sonardyne service centre

  • ITAR Controlled: No

  • UK Export License: Not required

Resources

Feature Type 8262 Nano NFC Type 8262 Cabled Type 8262 Nano OEM
Operating Range 995 m 995 m 995 m
Depth Rating 500 m 500 m n/a
Transducer Depth Rating n/a n/a 500 m
Operating Frequency MF (20–34 kHz) MF (20–34 kHz) MF (20–34 kHz)
Transducer Beam Shape Omni-directional ±130º Omni-directional ±130º Omni-directional ±130º
Source Level (re 1 µPa @ 1 m) 184/175 dB 184/175 dB 184/175 dB
Range Precision Better than 15 mm Better than 15 mm Better than 15 mm
Communication Interface USB in dock RS232, 3V3 TTL RS232, 3V3 TTL
Depth Sensor 50 bar abs +/-0.7% FS 50 bar abs +/-0.7% FS 50 bar abs +/-0.7% FS
Power Supply USB dock 12–28 V dc 12–28 V dc
Power Consumption Wideband Listening (Battery) n/a 5 mW 5 mW
Wideband Listening (Ext. Power) n/a 20 mW (including trickle charge) 20 mW (including trickle charge)
Battery Charging n/a 60 mW to 2.5 W (depending on battery charge state) 60 mW to 2.5 W (depending on battery charge state)
Peak (During Transmission) n/a <30 W SMS, <20 W Modem <30 W SMS, <20 W Modem
Battery Life Quiescent Listening >90 days >90 days >90 days
1 Sec Ping Rate >12 hours >12 hours >12 hours
Battery Charge Time 12 Hours 12 Hours 12 Hours
External Connections n/a Subconn MCIL8M Molex Microfit
Mechanical Construction Polymer Polymer n/a
Transducer Wire Length n/a n/a 150 mm (6”)
Operating Temperature -10 to 45°C -10 to 45°C -10 to 45°C
Storage Temperature -20 to 55°C -20 to 55°C -20 to 55°C
Dimensions Length x Diameter 160 x 55 mm 192 x 55 mm n/a
Transducer (Length x Diameter) n/a n/a 72 x 49 mm
PCB Board Assembly (Length x Width x Height) n/a n/a 95 x 43 x 42.5 mm
Hole Centres (M2 clearance – Length x Width) n/a n/a 71.5 x 35 mm
Weight in Air/Water 486/149 g 584/162 g n/a
Weight (OEM) PCB in Air n/a n/a 138 g PCB + 12 g cable
Transducer in Air/Water (Estimated) n/a n/a 200/150 g

Manuals and quick start guides

Software and firmware

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Small in size, big in performance