Release Transponder 6 (RT 6-6000) is a tough, reliable oceanographic release transponder designed for a deep water applications with energy, defence and science
At a glance
Tested, loaded, deployed and released using Deck Topside
Also works with Sonardyne Ranger 2 USBL to deploy, track and command in very deep water
Highly reliable release mechanism design; thousands in service globally
Working Load Limit 1,275 kg (4:1)
Depth rated to 6,000 m
External battery disconnect to maximise battery life; no need to open unit
Compact and rugged design
Deploy, track, moor and recover your equipment
Want to know more?
Benefits of RT 6-6000 for your operations
Choice of topsides
You can use our rugged Deck Topside or if you've got access to a Ranger 2 USBL system on your survey or research vessel, then you have everything you need to control your RT 6-6000.
Versatile
RT 6-6000 is more than just an acoustic release. It can be tracked with our Ranger 2 USBL making relocating and recovering it fast and simple.
High WLL
Use it with our Heavy-Duty Release Frames and significantly increase your Working Load Limit when deploying seabed structures.
Overview
Acoustic release transponders are a vital pieces of ocean equipment; relied upon by energy, defence and science users to moor valuable equipment strings for years at a time, and when commanded to do so, reliably return equipment and logged data to the surface.
Transponders need to be tough, reliable and easy to work with. RT 6-6000 meets these requirements.
Part of our new range of acoustic releases, RT 6-6000 combines the extensive mechanical design track record of our renowned ORTs and DORTs with the flexibility of our 6G platform, resulting in enhanced battery life and perhaps most significantly, compatibility with our Ranger 2 USBL family
With RT 6-6000, you can use your vessel’s Ranger 2 USBL to deploy, track, locate and command the instrument – removing the need for a separate topside unit. If you don’t have access to a Ranger 2 USBL, our rugged and lightweight Deck Topside with an over-the-side dunker is all you need to both configure and command RT 6-6000s.
RT 6-6000s are most commonly used to anchor oceanographic moorings to the seabed. However, their compact size and compatibility with Ranger 2 makes them ideal for incorporation into instrument frames or lowered platforms to enable deployment of sub-system packages.
Standard features include a Working Load Limit of 1,275 kg (at 4:1) and a spring-assisted release mechanism. RT 6-6000 is compatible with our standard tandem and high-load release frames for scenarios requiring a higher WLL. Speak to us about your requirements as custom frames are also an option.
A battery disconnect fob is located on the transducer and uses an internal magnetic switch to electronically disconnect the battery when not in use. This means you do not have to open the unit to manually disconnect the battery, saving time and reducing the risk of incorrect re-assembly.
RT 6-6000s use the same trusted spring-assisted release mechanism that has been in service for many years and used on thousands of Sonardyne transponders globally.
Resources
| Feature | Type 8321-6250 |
|---|---|
| Depth Rating | 6,000 m |
| Operating Frequency | LMF (14–19 kHz) |
| Transducer Beam Shape | Hemispherical |
| Transmit Source Level (dB re 1 µPa @ 1 m) | 188 dB |
| Tone Equivalent Energy (TEE) | 192 dB |
| Receive Threshold (dB re 1 µPa) | <90 dB |
| Working Load Limit (4:1) | 1,275 kg |
| Proof Load | 2,550 kg |
| Breaking Load | 5,100 kg |
| Maximum Safe Release Load | 1,700 kg |
| Battery Life (Alkaline) | >32 months active |
| Inclinometer Accuracy | ±5° |
| Surface Unit | Deck Topside, Ranger 2 USBL |
| Mechanical Construction | Aluminium bronze and duplex stainless steel |
| Operating Temperature | -5 to 40°C |
| Storage Temperature | -20 to 55°C |
| Dimensions (Length x Diameter | 700 x 142 mm (27.5 x 5.6”) |
| Weight in Air/Water | 20/15 kg |
| Standards | CE Marked to EN-60945, EN-61010 |
| Options | Deep Water Deck Kit (Deck Topside) – 602-0180 |
| Heavy Duty Release Frames (7.5 T, 15 T and 25 T) |
