When you need to transfer large amounts of subsea data over short distances – you need BlueComm 200
Transform your underwater operations with BlueComm 200, our pioneering wireless optical communication system. You’ll experience game-changing data transfer speeds enabling true wireless subsea operations, with rates up to 10 Mbps at distances reaching 150 m – even in bright conditions.
Innovation at work
We’ve engineered BlueComm 200 to push the boundaries of your underwater communication. Using advanced LED technology and sensitive photomultiplier tubes, you’ll achieve communication ranges up to 150 m. Its design houses the emitter separately from the receiver, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.
Fast and flexible – key features to power your mission
- Lightning-fast data transfer: 2.5 to 10 Mbps at ranges up to 150 m
- Optimal performance: Perfect for moderate to low turbidity dark water (>200 m depth or at night)
- Flexible deployment: Connect with your AUV, ROV, USV or surface dunker system
- Deep-rated capability: Ready for operations up to 4,000 m
- Speed of light technology: Experience unprecedented data transmission rates
Perfect for your platform
Perfect for your:
- Autonomous Underwater Vehicles
- Extra-large uncrewed underwater vehicles (XLUUV)
- Uncrewed Surface Vehicles
- Remotely Operated Vehicles
- Tracking and communications systems
Choose your perfect match:
BlueComm 200
When you need maximum range and performance in dark water conditions, our visible light system delivers up to 150 m range – ideal for video transfer and direct vehicle control. You’ll transfer data up to 10,000 times faster than acoustic systems, although ambient light may affect operating range.
BlueComm 200 UV
Working with lights on? Our UV variant maintains reliable communication even with artificial lighting present. Operating at ranges up to 75 metres, it’s your go-to solution for ROV and AUV applications requiring illumination, such as video recording missions.
Both systems offer incredible energy efficiency – transfer more than nine gigabytes of data using just one Lithium D cell battery.
Specifications table
| Feature | Type 8361 BlueComm 200 UV | |
|---|---|---|
| Depth rating | Up to 4,000 m operation | |
| Data rate | 2.5–10 Mbps | |
| Optical communication range | Up to 75 m | |
| Mechanical construction | Anodized aluminium or titanium | |
| Supply voltage | 24–36 V dc | |
| Communications interface | 10/100 Base-T Ethernet (static IP address) | |
| Command interface | Graphical user interface or Ethernet UDP command set | |
| Receiver unit | ||
| Receive wavelength | UV (band pass filter blocking visible light) | |
| Receive angle | 180° (omni-directional) | |
| Receiver weight in air/water | 7.3/3.1 kg | |
| Power consumption | 10 W | |
| Emitter unit | ||
| Optical transmit power | 6 W (radiated light) | |
| Optical wavelength options | 450 nm (royal blue), 400–800 nm (white) | |
| Emitter beam shape | 180° (omni-directional) | |
| Emitter weight in air/water | 3.6/2.6 kg | |
| power consumption | 30 W (bandwidth allocation dependant) | |
| Environmental and dimensions | ||
| Operating temperature range | -5 to 40°C | |
| Storage temperature | -20 to 55°C | |
| Dimensions (length x diameter) | Receiver | 384 x 136 mm |
| Emitter | 199 x 136 mm |
STP files
Datasheets
Manuals and quick start guides
Optics
• 450 nm (royal blue), 405 nm (UV) optical wavelength
• 180° (omni-directional) beam pattern
• 10 W / 15 W receiver / transmitter optical transmit power
Design
• Titanium and glass construction
• Subconn connectors
• 5.7 kg weight in water, emitter and receiver
Performance
• 2.5 – 10 Mbps data rate
• 4000 m depth rating
• Up to 150m optical communication range
Ownership
What’s in the box?
• Manual, 2 test cables and 2 sets of one emitter and receiver
• Warranty: 1 year return to Sonardyne service centre
• ITAR Controlled: No
• UK Export Licence: Not required
Modem 6 (subsea)
Modem 6 acoustic modems are a family of cost-effective solution for simple point-to-point data transfer from a wide range of sensors including, data loggers, ADCPs, CTDs and other subsea instruments.
Modem 6 (surface)
Modem 6 acoustic modems are a family of cost-effective solutions for simple point-to-point data transfer from a wide range of sensors including, data loggers, ADCPs, CTDs and other subsea instruments.
AvTrak 6
The most versatile instrument you can fit to your AUV. Built for simple integration on medium to large AUV platforms, all-in-one functionality comes as standard with AvTrak 6. It allows your AUV to undertake simultaneous LBL ranging, USBL tracking via a surface vessel and robust telemetry for AUV to vessel and AUV-to-AUV communications.
Overview
Track anything, to any range
HPT 5000/7000s are acoustic and telemetry transceivers designed for use with Ranger 2 USBL and Marksman LUSBL systems. HPT 5000 enables targets to offer wide range of water depths to be tracked. HPT 7000 is optimised for noisy DP drilling and construction vessels and in deep water. Suitable for a wide range of applications from pipeline positioning and riser monitoring to subsea structure installation as well as tracking and communications.
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.
Ranger 2 in action
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Read moreSpecifications table
level, vessel noise, water depth, mechanical rigidity of the transceiver deployment machine, SV knowledge and proper calibration of
the total system using CASIUS.
| Feature | Type 8142-001 | Type 8142-002 (deepwater optimised unit) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operational frequency | MF (20–34 kHz) | MF (20–34 kHz) | |
| Transceiver performance |
Operating range | Up to 7,000 m | Up to 7,000 m |
| Acoustic coverage | Up to ± 90° | Up to ± 90º Optimised for deep water (depending on frequency of operation) |
|
| Range precision | Better than 15 mm | Better than 15 mm | |
| Positioning repeatability | All transceivers tested to better than 0.1% of slant range 1 Drms | All transceivers tested to better than 0.07% of slant range 1 Drms | |
| Transmit source level (dB re 1 µPa @ 1 m) | 200 dB | 200 dB | |
| Tone Equivalent Energy (TEE) | 206 dB (13 JA) | 206 dB (13 JA) | |
| Electrical | 48 V dc (±10%), Typical 15 W, Max 120 W |
48 V dc (±10%), Typical 15 W, Max 120 W |
|
| Communication | RS485, baud rate switchable, ethernet 100 Mbps |
RS485, baud rate switchable, ethernet 100 Mbps |
|
| Operating temperature | -5 to 40°C | -5 to 40°C | |
| Storage temperature | -20 to 45°C | -20 to 45°C | |
| Mechanical construction | Aluminium bronze | Aluminium bronze | |
| Dimensions (length x diameter) | 322 x 225 mm | 391 x 310 mm | |
| Weight in air/water | 26.7/15.3 kg | 46.9/29.0 kg | |
| Options | Tilted array adaptor | Tilted array adaptor |
Frequently asked questions
How to clean a transceiver array face
How to enter Transceiver & Lodestar Offsets for Optimised USBL
HPT Deployment Tests
Has anyone ever installed an echosounder and Ranger 2 USBL transceiver directly beside each other? Would this work?
How do USBLs work?
Does the HPT’s main connector need any maintenance?
When to use Depth Aiding
What acoustic address should I use for my USBL transponder
How to interface Ranger 2 into a 3rd party survey system
STP files
Software and firmware
Software and control hardware
Datasheets
Did you know?
Both HPT 5000 and 7000 are available in Gyro USBL configurations
Overview
Unleash pioneering performance: Ranger 2 USBL family.
Every underwater project is a challenge, unique to you and your operation. Depth, vessel type, crewed or uncrewed, what you are tracking – it all adds complexity and unknowns. The Ranger 2 family adapts seamlessly. Whether you’re navigating uncharted estuaries with divers or ROVS or conducting delicate inspections thousands of metres down, Ranger 2 delivers exceptional performance, making it the most trusted USBL system on the market.
Our Ranger 2 family of USBL products represent the most capable USBL tracking and communication technology available on the market. Consisting of software, a top-side transceiver and in-water transponders, Ranger 2 brings together all the features you need, and more.
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 AUV’s, 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.
Micro-Ranger 2 USBL
The ‘baby’ of the Ranger 2 family and the ideal entry-level USBL, Micro-Ranger 2’s compact size contradicts its impressive performance. It may be our smallest underwater tracking system to date, but it will have a big impact on your operations.
Never used a USBL system before? No problem. Micro-Ranger 2 is simple to setup and use.
Need to know where your targets are? Micro-Ranger 2 has them covered. Precision, ease of use and versatility come as standard. It’s built around the same market-leading hardware and digital acoustic technology you’ll find in our family of deep water USBL systems, but for significantly less cost and complexity.
For the full picture of what your Micro-Ranger 2 USBL is capable of, please visit its dedicated product page.
Mini-Ranger 2 USBL
Mini-Ranger 2 is our mid-level USBL target tracking system, perfect for nearshore operations; UXO surveys, search and recovery and structure inspections. With a 995 m operating range, extendable to 4,000 m, it can track up to ten underwater targets simultaneously, including divers, towed instruments, ROVs and AUVs.
Choose to add the Marine Robotics software pack and it will communicate with subsea robotic platforms, sharing positions and exchanging data.
A compact, easily installed, system it’s your ideal choice for temporary installation on small survey vessels, as well as USVs.
For the full picture of what your Mini-Ranger 2 USBL is capable of, please visit its dedicated product page.
Ranger 2 USBL
Ranger 2 is the largest USBL in the family and the most powerful USBL on the market. Able to simultaneously track up to 99 targets with up to 11,000 m range, it is anything but standard.
Recommended for installation on large vessels and USVs, Ranger 2 incorporates over 30 years of our USBL innovation and know-how. It has a global vessel track record and is used for offshore energy, research, cable-lay, salvage and naval operations, to name but a few.
Sharing a common platform with other Sonardyne USBLs, Ranger 2 supports all industry standard DP telegrams and acoustically aided inertial navigation systems (INS).
For the full picture of what your Ranger 2 USBL is capable of, please visit its dedicated product page.
6G
Our 6th generation (6G) technology provides faster, secure and robust data communications from seabed to surface . This gives you speedier updates on the location of your assets and access to your vital data.
Wideband
Our wideband technology enables digital high-throughput data, range resolution and accuracy with low latency. Teamed with our 6G it gives you fast, reliable, accurate data over greater distances.
Robotics
Uncrewed, autonomous surface and underwater vehicles are increasingly used for coastal, deep sea and over-the-horizon operations, reducing costs, risks and carbon footprint. Thats why we have a dedicated “bolt on” pack for our Ranger 2 to enhance your robotics operations.
Dynamic positioning
We’ve been engineering high integrity position reference systems for dynamically positioned vessels since the early 1990s. Our USBL, LUSBL and SPRINT- INS products provide dynamic positioning solutions for a range of vessels and environments.
