Ranger 2 USBL 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 all of our 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 survey operations, reduce vessel delays and generate cost savings for owners.

Yes. To keep your HPT performing as it should, you should clean, inspect and lubricate the bulkhead connector. This is what the manufacturer recommends:

AGP Connector mating surfaces should be cleaned to remove contamination and silicone build up then inspected and re-lubricated. This should be performed prior to each mating and before storage to insure correct mating as well as prolonged connector life. Connectors must also be mated and unmated correctly to ensure a proper seal and to prevent connector damage or degradation.

1. Clean the connector using the manufacturer’s recommended “3M Silicone Spray, ECG RX2200 or Dow Corning DC200” only.
2. Apply lubricant and carefully and thoroughly clean the connector, locking ring and locking ring threads using a non-abrasive towel (it is not recommended to insert anything into pin or socket cavities).
3. After cleaning, thoroughly inspect the connector and locking ring and look for:
   – Cuts or abrasion to sealing surfaces (face of connector, overmold and pin cavities).
   – Bent or broken pins and sockets.
   – Deformation of the shoulder (the back of the metal locking ring presses against this shoulder to ensure connector faces mate tightly together).
   – Damaged threads, rust or corrosion on locking rings.
4.  Lubricate the connector surfaces using 3M Silicone Spray, ECG RX2200 or Dow Corning DC200.
5. Apply a light machine oil or dielectric anti-seize to lubricate only the threaded portion of the stainless steel locking rings.
6. Mating of locking rings should be done by hand only (do not use a wrench or pliers to tighten locking rings).
7. Ensure this is no gap between the two face seals before thoroughly hand tightening the locking rings (by hand (the locking rings can be pulled back from the connector to allow a better view).
8. Do not bend or twist connectors while mating or un-mating as this will damage the connector pins and sockets. Pull or push straight across the connectors. Anchor cable with foot and pull straight up if possible.

Note: do not use Contact Cleaner, WD40, CRC, DC111 or any other solvents or heavy silicone grease to clean or lubricate AGP connectors. Doing so may cause connector damage, improper mating/sealing and shortened connector life.

More information can be found in Product Catalogs on the manufacturers website.

In theory, LBL requires a minimum of three ranges and knowledge of depth to calculate a unique position.

However in the real-world, it is likely that one or more ranges will be slightly in error and so with only three ranges, it is impossible to detect and identify an erroneous range.

By adding more ranges, typically five or more, it becomes easier to detect outliers and compute a high integrity position. This is known as redundancy.

When we include the extra position change information obtained from an LBL system aided with an inertial sensor, such as our SPRINT or SPRINT-Nav, we can reduce the number of ranges required as we now have a better understanding of the actual movement of the target and can use this information to identify and reject erroneous ranges.

The amount of assistance this gives in detecting bad ranges depends on the geometry of the ranges and the trajectory of the target. So how sparse to make an array therefore depends on your vehicle path, array design and the integrity required for the positioning.

If you have any questions about array optimisation, please email [email protected] for help and assistance.

An optional co-locating plate (part number 650-0156) allows a DVL and SPRINT to be mated and pre-calibrated prior to mobilising offshore. If needed, the same calibrated DVL and SPRINT can be uncoupled, used independently and then re-connected and still be considered calibrated such is the precision of the Sonardyne co-locating arrangement.

* Janus V1.6.1 is included with Fusion 2 software.

If set incorrectly, your PIES’ release mechanism can become damaged; it might fail to open or sinker weights may fail prematurely when lifted off the back deck. Use the following method to ensure the release is set correctly and safely.

There is a hole in the lever arm of the release and another in the side plate. Insert a 4 mm Allen key into the lever arm hole. Make sure the supplied stainless steel shackle is situated and push the Allen key towards the body of the PIES to move the lever arm into place. We only use the best quality shackles; cheaper alternatives are available, but using these can put your equipment at risk.

Keeping pressure on the Allen key, insert a screwdriver in the side plate hole, across the top of the lever arm and out of the other side plate. You can now relax and remove the Allen key as the screwdriver will keep the lever arm in place.

Using 6G Terminal Lite software or an iWand, ‘Arm’ and then ‘Close’ the release. The motorised cam will close, locking the lever arm in place.

Once this is complete, remove the screwdriver, attach the weights to the shackle and your release is set.

Contact [email protected] for more information.

You shouldn’t need to change your battery regularly on an RT 6-3000 or RT 6-6000 due to the magnetic battery disconnect switch and also the 32 month lithium battery. However if you do need to, consult our manuals or follow this knowledge base.

This guide covers both the RT 6-3000 and RT 6-6000.

Procedure for replacing a battery
1. Firstly clean the RT6 with clean fresh water and remove any growth.
2. Check the pressure relief valve is flush and screw an M4 bolt into the pressure relief valve to relieve pressure.

3. Remove the six M8 external cage retaining nuts and washers.

4. Carefully slide the external cage through the retaining holes and remove the housing.

5. Carefully lever the end cap using a Sonardyne Opening Tool (provided)

6. Disconnect the following leads and connectors:
1.Chassis bonding lead from endcap
2.Transducer connector from housing
3.Battery Disconnect fob connector from the housing
4.Battery power connector from the housing

7. Make sure the end cap is kept in a clean dry area and O-rings do not become contaminated.
8. Once the endcap is removed remove the two M3 battery retaining screws.

9. Place a finger in the wire loop and carefully pull out the battery.

10. Insert the new battery and refit the two M3 battery retaining screws.
11. Refit the transducer cap and connect the transducer, battery disconnect and battery connectors.

Notes
– Alkaline batteries have a shelf life of 5-10 years at room temperature.
– Consult the manual for a full set of safety warnings when changing a battery.
– Always release the pressure relief valve in case internal pressure has built up inside the RT6.

Contact [email protected] for more information.

RT 6-1000 is designed to have field replaceable battery packs and can be changed by a competent in the person in the field without any specialist equipment. This was a key design feature of the RT 6-1000 and we want to share just how easy it is.

Here we will go through a step by step guide which explains how to replace the battery:

1. Disconnect the battery using the RT 6-1000 app.
Open the RT 6 App (available here https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=releaseApp.releaseApp&hl=en_GB&gl=US), connect to the release and click disconnect.

2. Before removing the transponder from the housing, operate the pressure relief vent valve to equalise the internal/external pressure. By using a pair of pliers on the relief valve. Once any pressure is released be sure to return the pressure relief valve to its flush state.

3. Remove the two shackles from the endcap housing (if they are installed), by unscrewing the retaining screws.

4. Using a 3 mm Allen key, unscrew the two M3 retaining screws a few turns to allow the two retaining pins to be removed.

5. Using a thumb and suitable tool, push the two retaining pins out from the outer housing.

6. Carefully slide inner housing completely out of the outer housing.

7. To remove the end cap, grip the transponder and use a twisting motion separate the endcap from the housing.

8. Remove the circular rubber gasket and then withdraw the battery pack from the housing using the red pull-cord.

9. To insert a new battery, Insert the new battery pack into the housing and ensure the battery connector mates to the PCB.

10. Insert the circular rubber gasket against the PCB.

11. Push the endcap fully into the housing ensuring there is no gap between endcap and housing.

12. Push the transponder fully into the outer housing until it reaches the retaining flange.

13. Insert the two retaining pins.

14. Using a 3 mm Allen key, tighten the two M3 screws to lock the retaining pins.

15. Replace the two shackles on the endcap housing if required.

16. That’s the battery change complete with only two tools required, the next step is to check the battery using our RT6 app or iWand.

Warnings

• Due to the high internal pressure risk, dismantling the sub-sea equipment must only be carried out by suitably qualified personnel.
• If the battery pack has failed or water has penetrated the internal housing, the battery pack may vent gasses causing the build-up of internal pressure.
• Risk of toxic gases and liquids. Make sure the work environment is well ventilated. Toxic gases and liquids may be released when operating the pressure relief vent valve.
• The transducer wiring is attached to the internal PCB. Take care not to pull or tension these wires. Support the endcap at all times.
• Inspect the O-rings for damage/contamination and replace if necessary.
• Use petroleum jelly to lightly lubricate the endcap O-rings if required.

Contact [email protected] for more information.

If you want to use the benefits of Fusion 2, you will need to upgrade in order to operate using Wideband 3. If you are using Fusion 1 or Ranger 2 / Marksman, you can continue to use Compatt 6 units.