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RT 6-1000

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Acoustic release transponder

Engineered for

Seabed Structure
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Overview

Precision underwater monitoring & recovery

Deploy it. Track it. Locate it. Recover it. RT 6-1000 does it all. Our entry-level acoustic release transponder has features that are far from entry-level. Such as a 1,000 metre depth rating, battery life of over a year and release mechanism that won’t let you down.

Entry level – next level

What's possible

The RT 6-1000 is the versatile acoustic release transponder for your subsea operations. It can be commanded from multiple sources, including the Deck Topside, an Android app, or any Ranger 2 USBL system. This flexibility allows you to easily deploy, track, locate and retrieve your seabed equipment and ocean sensors.

One of the key advantages of the RT 6-1000 is its depth rating of 1,000 metres and weight load limit of 150 kg. This depth and payload capacity make it an ideal choice for scientists, surveyors, and military personnel who require a reliable and enduring solution for their underwater applications.

The RT 6-1000 is compatible with Sonardyne’s Ranger 2 USBL tracking systems, which are widely used on survey vessels around the world. This integration allows for seamless deployment, tracking, and retrieval of your equipment. No access to Ranger 2? No problem, the RT 6-1000’s NFC capability enables setup and control via its Android app or a dedicated Deck Topside unit.

Deploy. Track. Locate. Recover

At a glance

  • The reliable choice to deploy, leave and recover seafloor equipment and sensors
  • 1,000 metre depth rating; twice that of similar low-cost acoustic release transponders
  • Tested, loaded, commanded and released using Deck Topside
  • Also works with any Ranger 2 USBL to track it and activate it
  • >13-month battery life means less time servicing it and more time using it
  • 150 kg Working Load Limit to support your sensors and instruments
  • Optional rope canister for heavy lifting

 

The RT 6-1000 offers impressive endurance, with a battery life of up to 13 months, making it well-suited for long-term deployments and year-long surveys. Its screw-off release mechanism ensures reliable recovery of the transponder and your equipment.

An optional rope canister attachment allows you to quickly and easily raise items left on the seabed, such as tools, cables and salvage. The canister deploys a high-strength rope as the transponder ascends, providing a convenient means of retrieval.

Need help with your project, get in touch.

Acoustic

• Medium Frequency (20-34 kHz) band.
• Omni-directional transducer. Track it all the way to the surface
• Sonardyne Wideband 2 signal architecture supporting over 300 unique addresses. Perfect for very large surveys involving multiple moorings close to each other

Performance

• 1,000 m depth rated
• >13 months battery life; alkaline battery
• 150 kg Working Load Limit
• Compatible with Ranger 2 USBL systems
• Secure and robust two-way acoustic Communications. Only release what you want to release

Design

• 450 mm x 65 mm (max dia. 100 mm), 500 grams weight in water
• Field proven screw-off release mechanism
• NFC for setup using Android app
• Optional rope canister for lifting heavy items
• Plastic, super duplex stainless steel and anodised aluminium construction. ROHS compliant

Ownership

• Warranty: one year return to Sonardyne service centre
• ITAR Controlled: No
• UK Export Licence: Not required
• What’s in the box: RT 6-1000, shackles, release nuts (x10), manual on USB

Specifications table

Feature Type 8327
Depth rating 1,000 m
Operating frequency MF (20–34 kHz)
Transducer beam shape Hemispherical
Transmit source level (dB re 1 µPa @ 1 m) 187 dB
Tone Equivalent Energy (TEE) 193 dB
Receive threshold (dB re 1 µPa) <100 dB
Working load limit (4:1) 150 kg
Proof load 300 kg
Breaking load 600 kg
Maximum safe release load 150 kg
Battery life (alkaline) >13 months
Inclinometer accuracy ±5°
Mechanical construction Anodised aluminium alloy, plastic and super duplex stainless steel
Operating temperature -5 to 40ºC
Storage temperature -20 to 55ºC
Maximum dimensions (length x diameter) 450 x 65 mm
Weight in air/water 2.0/0.5 kg
Standards CE Marked to EN-60945, EN-61010
Options Part number
Shallow Water Deck Kit (Deck Topside) 602-0175
Rope Canister 70 m (250 kg WLL) 641-0673
120 m (250 kg WLL) 641-3265
160 m (150 kg WLL) 641-0080
Release Nut 830-0073
(note: 10 nuts supplied with each new RT 6-1000)
Shackle (bridle) 231-0140
Deployment rope (bridle) 231-0351

Frequently asked questions

What is an Acoustic Release and how does it work?

Why isn’t serial communication available using the iWand in RT 6 Dunker Mode?

RT 6-1000 NFC connection and operating information

6G Terminal Lite Range Test

How long can an RT 6-1000 be deployed for?

What is the safe working load for different RT 6 products?

How do I mark where my RT 6-1000 is deployed?

No NFC device is available to connect the battery

Why can’t my NFC device contact the transponder?

How to change the battery in an RT 6-1000

Which RT 6 is correct for my operations?

Why should I use a rope canister and what is it?

Where can I find the RT6 release app

How to release an RT 6 acoustic release transponder using Ranger 2

How to use a rope canister

How to recover an RT 6-1000

Deployment

How long can an RT 6-1000 be deployed for?

Why should I use a rope canister and what is it?

How to use a rope canister

How to recover an RT 6-1000

STP files

RT 6-1000 – STP Files

Software and firmware

Where can I find the RT6 release app

Software and control hardware

6G Terminal Lite Range Test

How to release an RT 6 acoustic release transponder using Ranger 2

Top tips

Which RT 6 is correct for my operations?

Datasheets

Rope Canister – Datasheets

RT 6-1000 – Datasheets

Manuals and quick start guides

RT 6-1000 – Manuals

Did you know?

RT 6-1000 can be used with our Ranger 2 USBL family or Deck Topside

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RT 6-1000

Deploy it. Track it. Locate it. Recover it. RT 6-1000 does it all. Our new entry-level acoustic release transponder has features that are far from entry-level. Such as 1,000 metre depth rating, battery life of over a year and release mechanism that won’t let you down.

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