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BlueComm 100 (obsolete)

Underwater optical communications and data transfer modem

Engineered for: AUV, ROV, Structure, USV

Delivering 5 Mbps at 15 m range, BlueComm 100 is a short range, highly reliable wireless data transfer system for all lighting conditions.


At a glance

1 to 5 Mbps at ranges of up to 10 m

Suitable for shallow or deep water applications

Data recovery from seafloor instruments and tether-free subsea vehicle control

Depth rated to 4,000 m

Send your data at the speed of light

Want to know more?

Combined transmitters and receivers in a single unit

60 degree beam pattern ensures reliable connectivity in real-world situations

Rugged design built to withstand operational conditions

4,000 m depth rating as standard

Why BlueComm 100 is perfect for your operations

For energy

BlueComm is an enabling technology for resident vehicles allowing high speed data off loading and low latency vehicle control.

For defence

AUVs or submarines can collect data fast and efficiently from seabed data-logging instruments and covertly harvest the data.

For science

With such fast data rates, it’s possible to ‘connect’ your subsea data back to your laboratory – without the costs of a cabled observatory.

Overview

BlueComm 100 uses an array of high power light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that are rapidly modulated to transmit data. The receiver uses photodiodes allowing peak performance in all lighting conditions, including very shallow ‘high ambient light’ conditions.

Both the receivers and emitters are packaged into a small 5 kg unit rated to 4,000 m. Delivering 5 Mbps at 15 metres range, BlueComm 100 is a short-range, highly reliable solution.

High-speed wireless communications are not just useful for controlling ROVs and AUVs. Wherever there is a subsea application requiring control, monitoring or the point-to-point transmission of data, ‘going wireless’ is now a credible alternative. BlueComm can be used to provide a remote ‘eyeball’ on specific subsea operations removing the need for a second ROV.

Complementary acoustic positioning and communications provide long-range command and control of the camera and optical link including wake-up, pan, tilt, zoom, lighting and sleep mode control functions.

As a high-speed communication platform, BlueComm is an Ethernet-connected device allowing plug-and-play connectivity to clients’ own subsea networks. As such, this allows for easy expansion of pre-existing networks, increasing productivity by increasing speed.

Its flexible system architecture means that BlueComm can be integrated with our comprehensive array of acoustic navigation, control and monitoring devices. Complementary Sonardyne acoustics communications provide long-range (>4 km), low bandwidth command and control. This capability enables functions such as data recording to be turned ‘on’ and ‘off’ remotely from the surface, and health or QC information to be transmitted.

 

Why invest

Optics

  • 450 nm optical wavelength

  • 60 degrees beam pattern

  • 6 W (radiometric) optical transmit power

Performance

  • 1 - 5 Mbps data rate

  • 4000 m depth rating

  • 1 - 15 m optical communication range

Design

  • Titanium and glass construction

  • Subconn connectors

  • 264 mm x 128 mm, 2.4 kgs weight in water

Ownership

  • What's in the box: two BlueComm 100 units, two test cables and manual

  • Warranty: 1 year return to Sonardyne service centre

  • ITAR Controlled: No

  • UK Export License: Not required

Resources

Feature Type 8360-100 Specification
Depth Rating 4,000 m
Data Rate 1–5 Mbps
Optical Communication Range 1–15 m
Materials Titanium and glass dome
Supply Voltage 24–36 V dc
Rear Connector Type 10/100 Base-T ethernet (static IP address)
Power Consumption 10–30 W (dependent on transmit ratio)
Command Interface Graphical User Interface / UDP Command Set
Communications Type Bidirectional, Time Division Multiplexing
Optical Transmit Power 6 W (radiometric)
Optical Wavelength 450 nm (royal blue)
Emitter Beam Shape 60° (half angle)
Receive Beam Shape 60° (half angle)
Dimensions (Length x Diameter) 264 x 128 mm
Operating Temperature -5 to 40°C
Storage Temperature -20 to 55°C
Weight in Air/Water 5.2/2.4 kg

Manuals and quick start guides

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Send your data at the speed of light