Overview

When it comes to USBL and LUSBL transceivers, one model does not fit all situations and vessels. For Ranger 2 and Marksman installations, our High Performance Transceiver (HPT) is available two primary configurations.

HPT 5000
HPT 5000 offers full hemispherical acoustic coverage so it’s a popular choice for tracking multiple targets  (ROVs, AUVs, towfish, seafloor sensors) over a wide range of depths and elevations. The unit is also suitable for dynamic positioning reference on survey, research and offshore support vessels.

HPT 7000
HPT 7000 is engineered for ultra-deepwater operations, tracking targets far below (rather than to the side) of a vessel, and also high vessel noise operating environments, as those typically encountered on DP drilling and construction where aeration from thrusters is liable to cause signal interference.

Both models of transceiver fully support 6G LBL operations using Fusion 2 LBL software. They are also highly capable acoustic communications modems, able to interrogate, command and recover data payloads from deployed Sonardyne instruments including AMTs and Fetch. Supporting telemetry rates of up to 9,000 bps minimises the time a vessel has to wait on location to recover data, as well as supporting LBL operations.

HPT 5000/7000s are also available in Gyro USBL configurations offering calibration-free installation and use.

At a glance

• Use with Ranger 2 USBL and Marksman LUSBL systems
• Can also be used to communicate and harvest data from Sonardyne sensors
• Hemispherical (HPT 5000) or directional (HPT 7000) arrays to suit your vessel and application
• Can be deployed other-the-side, through-tube or through-hull
• Suitable for new-build vessels or USBL/LUBL upgrade for your existing vessel

All HPTs are built on our 6G technology platform with multi-element processing to enable transponders to be positioned more precisely, more quickly and more robustly due to improvements in signal processing algorithms and array design.

Functionality such as ‘Discovery Mode’ enables vessels equipped with Ranger 2 and Marksman to enter an offshore area and automatically detect previously deployed transponders (including their configured address and channel), making simultaneous operations using shared seabed arrays possible.

Manufactured in aluminium-bronze, HPTs are intended to be fitted temporarily or permanently to a vessel’s through-hull or over-the-side pole. HPT 5000s (including Gyro USBL 5000s) have also been fitted to large USVs for uncrewed missions controlled from over-the-horizon.

For specialist applications, inverted USBL, LMF frequency and extreme depth range HPT transceivers are also available. Please get in contact to discuss your requirements.

Overview

ROVNav 6+ uses our new Wideband 3 signal technology, which is key to unlocking the benefits of your Fusion 2 LBL system.

It allows, for the first time, sensor telemetry data (e.g. pressure, depth or temperature) from a seabed or structure deployed Compatt 6+ to be embedded within navigation (ranging) data. This change has a big impact on operations such as structure installation, as breaks in tracking to get sensor reading updates at vital moments are now a thing of the past.

Its compatibility with Wideband 3 and Wideband 2 telemetry commands, and support of high power Wideband 2 ranging protocols, proven for their accuracy and robustness, means the ROVNav 6+ offers improved range and acoustic performance in challenging conditions such as on noisy vehicles or in multipath environments.

At a glance

• High power, long range LBL transceiver for ROVs
• Wideband 3-enabled supporting embedded sensor data with ranging data
• Optimised for Fusion 2 and compatible with Fusion 1
• 3,000, 5,000 or 7,000 m depth rated options
• USBL mode for emergency ROV relocation
• Modem mode for harvesting data from Sonardyne logging sensors; Fetch, AMT…

ROVNav 6+ is also a fully functional USBL responder or transponder, compatible with Wideband 2 USBL systems and HPR400. The internal li-ion rechargeable battery pack also enables emergency transponder mode, so if the umbilical and therefore power is cut to the ROV it can still be located by USBL.

The omni-directional remote MF transducer makes installation on an ROV easy. ROVNav 6+ is designed to be rugged and relatively lightweight and utilises robust underwater connectors. ROVNav 6+ supports a range of internal sensors including: strain gauge pressure, PRT temperature and MEMS based inclinometer.

ROVNav 6+ is also fully compatible with our modem and logging equipment such as AMT and Fetch products, allowing it to be used to retrieve data or configure logging regimes. It supports all of our Wideband 2 and Wideband 3 spread spectrum acoustic communication; 100 to 9,000 bps data rates can be selected depending on the environment.

Sensor options include a Digiquartz pressure sensor, precision inclinometer and altimeter interface. This provides a fully featured ROV manipulator deployable tool/sensor pack for a range of different applications including metrology, bathy survey and structure deployment operations, without the requirement for any additional interfacing on the ROV.

Reassuringly reliable Ranger 2

Ranger 2 is more than just an acoustic tracking and positioning system. It goes way beyond tracking; it can be part of a dynamic positioning system, it supports robust two-way data communication with a range of seafloor sensors to collect data, it can support AUV command and control and will even release seabed moorings.

Ranger 2 can even be run from an uncrewed surface vehicle (USV) enabling truly remote, autonomous operations. Whether your mission involves seabed surveys, offshore energy site inspections or commanding a fleet of AUVs, Ranger 2 can help you expand them over the horizon and to the edges of your imagination.

It comes with an impressive list of standard features, our award-winning 6G (sixth generation) acoustic hardware platform and Sonardyne Wideband 2 digital signal architecture. The flexibility of the Ranger 2 family is further extended by our range of 6G transponders to support a wide variety of applications.

Why should you invest?

Our Ranger 2 family gives you the versatility you need, at the investment level you can afford, to get your project completed quickly and efficiently. It’s engineered like no other USBL on the market. Adaptable, scalable and always compact, there is a Ranger 2 USBL to suit any size vessel or project. As your needs grow, bolt-on software packs unlock additional capability and protect your investment. Whichever size suits you best, they will always be compatible with our full range of 6G transponders and many other vessel systems.