Sonardyne
Support Centre

Nano Transponder

USBL transponder ideal for shallow underwater tracking.

Engineered for

AUV ROV Diver Towfish
Jump to

Overview

Nano. Our smallest ever USBL transponder.

Dive into underwater exploration with Nano. Nano transponder is our smallest ever USBL transponder capable of being used within our Ranger 2 USBL family. Suitable for AUV, ROV and diver operations, as well as custom integration with our OEM model. Whether you’re conducting environmental surveys, engaging in coastal science or military operations, Nano’s unmatched reliability and performance keeps you connected and in control beneath the waves.

Overview

Nano operates in the Medium Frequency (MF) band, so it’s compatible with our family of Ranger 2 USBL topside systems; Micro, Mini and Standard.

Measuring in around 160 mm in length, 55mm in diameter and weighing in at under 200 grams in water – depending on the exact version you’re using – Nano is small enough to fit on the smallest of vehicles and light enough for a diver to barely know they’re carrying one.

Nano’s built using the same signal technology platform you’ll find in our award-winning 6G product line – Wideband 2. So you can expect reliable acoustic communications in all operating environments, accurate position fixes and a continuous stream of location updates.

At a glance

  • 2nd generation design, extended battery life and 500 m depth rating
  • NFC, connector and OEM housing options
  • NFC version is just 160 mm long by 55 mm in diameter. USBL transponders don’t get much smaller than this
  • Depth rated to 500 m
  • Easy to fit to divers, ROVs, equipment and AUVs

Nano features a 90-day quiescent battery life, ideal for long-term deployments and recovering lost assets. Nano’s battery lasts up to 12 hours, even when being actively tracked with one second position update rate.

The NFC Nano features a unique connector-less design that is recharged and programmed via the Nano Docking Station. The NFC technology allows full configuration of the Nano whilst maintaining its rugged “strap on and go” form factor.

The cabled Nano features an industry standard Subconn connector allowing the Nano to be permanently powered, and can also be used in Responder mode.

When purchasing a Micro-Ranger 2 USBL system, we include two Nanos as standard. You’re able to choose between the NFC or connector version at no additional cost.

For vehicle programs and integrators, the Nano OEM when paired with an OEM transducer provides all the functionality of the housed transponders, in a form factor that can be mounted in any system.

Nano has an inbuilt depth sensor and is a 500 m depth rated unit.

Performance

500 m depth rated
995 m slant range
12 hours battery life (at 1 second update rates)
90-day listening life

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.

Design

160mm x 55mm, 149 grams weight in water (NFC version)
192mm x 55m, 162 grams weight in water (connector version)
Credit card sized OEM version available
Polymer housing construction. Lightweight and robust. ROHS compliant.

Specifications table

Feature Type 8262 Nano NFC Type 8262 Cabled Type 8262 Nano OEM
Operating Range 995 m 995 m 995 m
Depth Rating 500 m 500 m n/a
Transducer Depth Rating n/a n/a 500 m
Operating Frequency MF (20–34 kHz) MF (20–34 kHz) MF (20–34 kHz)
Transducer Beam Shape Omni-directional ±130º Omni-directional ±130º Omni-directional ±130º
Source Level (re 1 µPa @ 1 m) 184/175 dB 184/175 dB 184/175 dB
Range Precision Better than 15 mm Better than 15 mm Better than 15 mm
Communication Interface USB in dock RS232, 3V3 TTL RS232, 3V3 TTL
Depth Sensor 50 bar abs +/-0.7% FS 50 bar abs +/-0.7% FS 50 bar abs +/-0.7% FS
Power Supply USB dock 12–28 V dc 12–28 V dc
Power Consumption Wideband Listening (Battery) n/a 5 mW 5 mW
Wideband Listening (Ext. Power) n/a 20 mW (including trickle charge) 20 mW (including trickle charge)
Battery Charging n/a 60 mW to 2.5 W (depending on battery charge state) 60 mW to 2.5 W (depending on battery charge state)
Peak (During Transmission) n/a <30 W SMS, <20 W Modem <30 W SMS, <20 W Modem
Battery Life Quiescent Listening >90 days >90 days >90 days
1 Sec Ping Rate >12 hours >12 hours >12 hours
Battery Charge Time 12 Hours 12 Hours 12 Hours
External Connections n/a Subconn MCIL8M Molex Microfit
Mechanical Construction Polymer Polymer n/a
Transducer Wire Length n/a n/a 150 mm (6”)
Operating Temperature -10 to 45°C -10 to 45°C -10 to 45°C
Storage Temperature -20 to 55°C -20 to 55°C -20 to 55°C
Dimensions Length x Diameter 160 x 55 mm 192 x 55 mm n/a
Transducer (Length x Diameter) n/a n/a 72 x 49 mm
PCB Board Assembly (Length x Width x Height) n/a n/a 95 x 43 x 42.5 mm
Hole Centres (M2 clearance – Length x Width) n/a n/a 71.5 x 35 mm
Weight in Air/Water 486/149 g 584/162 g n/a
Weight (OEM) PCB in Air n/a n/a 138 g PCB + 12 g cable
Transducer in Air/Water (Estimated) n/a n/a 200/150 g

Did you know?

Nano can be used as part of Micro-Ranger 2 USBL