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AvTrak 6 Nano

Tracking, communications and relocation transceiver

Engineered for

AUV
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Overview

Huge capability, small form-factor; perfect for man-portable and micro-AUVs

AvTrak 6 Nano provides navigation aiding, tracking, communication and mission planning – all in an incredibly small form factor. Fit it, and your micro or small AUV will be equipped to undertake simultaneous USBL tracking via a surface vessel and robust telemetry for AUV-to-vessel and AUV-to-AUV communications.

Small in size, big in performance

AvTrak 6 Nano may be our smallest acoustic transceiver, but its features and performance are anything but.

It’s built on the same 6G hardware and Wideband 2 digital signal architecture found in its larger cousin, AvTrak 6, all packed into the smallest possible form factor.

Use it with our popular MF USBL Ranger 2 family to track your AUVs or seafloor nodes. Then use the Sonardyne Messaging Service (SMS) to exchange status messages with the USBL or other AvTrak 6 Nanos in your vicinity. With hundreds of units in the field, AvTrak 6 Nano is ideal for AUV swarms.

Like its larger cousin, AvTrak 6 Nano has been developed to meet the requirements of a wide variety of AUV mission scenarios, vehicle types and the operational demands for different industries.

For energy – it’s not just for AUVs. Integrate AvTrak 6 Nano with your seabed nodes and you have a network of sensors that can position and communicate with each other.

For defence – its small form factor and ability to enable surface to AUV or AUV-to-AUV communications, makes it a prime option for swarm or squad robotics operations.

For science – AvTrak 6 Nano enables an AUV to undertake simultaneous USBL tracking and telemetry with a research vessel, as well as AUV-to-AUV communications making your projects more cost and time efficient.

At a glance

  • Tracking, communications, and emergency relocation in one instrument
  • Use with Ranger 2 to track every move your AUV makes
  • Bi-directional acoustic modem with user selectable data rates; 200-9,000 bps
  • Wide voltage input range and multiple communication methods for robotics integration
  • Optimised for Ranger 2 Robotics pack for aiding navigation systems with remote position outputs
  • Housed variant or OEM for integration into vehicles

Mini but mighty

AvTrak 6 Nano measures just 192 x 55 mm, you won’t find a smaller AUV transceiver with this much capability. It has an operating range of 3,000 m, a depth rating of 500 m and full SMS and Modem functionality.

Going smaller still, AvTrak 6 OEM Nano redefines nano, measuring at just 95 mm x 43 mm. You won’t find a smaller OEM AUV transceiver with this much capability. Its omni-directional transducer is small too, at 49 mm diameter and 72 mm long.

Equipped with AvTrak 6 Nano, your AUV will receive unlimited data and share messages every navigation cycle when used with Ranger 2. By supporting the integration of a data payload inside every navigation signal, this allows more data to be transferred to and from AUVs with fewer transmissions which ultimately reduces power consumption and increases mission endurance.

A common configuration enables the USBL system to communicate with a squad of AUVs equipped with AvTrak 6 Nanos, broadcasting to all the position of each member of the squad to aid the navigation solution and improve their situational awareness. Each AUV then replies in sequence with status information.

AvTrak 6 Nano can also be used to enable AUV-to-AUV communications and choose from seven telemetry schemes ranging from 200 bps to 9,000 bps of effective user bandwidth. Either for short burst communications or full large quantity data upload from seabed monuments.

General

• Our smallest combined transponder, transceiver, and telemetry link
• Open interfaces and protocol
• Supports AUV swarm operations

Ownership

• AvTrak 6 Nano: Transceiver, 0.5m cable tail, integration guide, manual
• AvTrak 6 OEM Nano: PCB, remote transducer, integration guide, manual
• Warranty: 1 year return to Sonardyne service centre

Performance

• Depth rated to 500 m
• Effective data transfer rates between 200 and 9000 bps
• Emergency battery life >90 days
• Range precision better than 15 mm
• 3000m tracking and communication range

Design

• OEM Board set measures just 95 mm x 43 mm
• Omni-directional transducers
• Integrated depth sensor supports horizontal tracking
• Low power and compact for ease of integration

Specifications table

Feature Type 8262 AvTrak 6 Nano Type 8262 AvTrak Nano OEM
Operating Range >3,000 m >3,000 m
Depth Rating 500 m 500 m (standard),
3,000 m (optional)
Operating Frequency MF 20–34 kHz MF 20–34 kHz
Transducer Beam Shape Omni-directional ±130º Omni-directional ±130º
Source Level 
(re 1 µPa @ 1 m) Modem 175 dB 175 dB
Tracking & Telemetry 184/175 dB 184/175 dB
Range Precision Better than 15 mm Better than 15 mm
Communication Interface RS232, 3V3 TTL RS232, 3V3 TTL
Depth Sensor 50 bar abs +/-0.7% FS 50 bar abs +/-0.7% FS
Power Supply 12–28 V dc 12–28 V dc
Power Consumption Wideband Listening (Battery) 5 mW 5 mW
Wideband Listening (Ext. Power) 20 mW (including trickle charge) 20 mW (including trickle charge)
Battery Charging 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) <30 W SMS, <20 W Modem <30 W SMS, <20 W Modem
Battery Life Quiescent Listening >90 days >90 days
1 Sec Ping Rate >12 hours >12 hours
Battery Charge Time 12 hours 12 hours
External Connections Subconn MCIL8M Molex Microfit
Mechanical Construction Polymer n/a
Transducer Wire Length n/a 150 mm (6”)
Operating Temperature -10 to 45°C -10 to 45°C
Storage Temperature -20 to 55°C -20 to 55°C
Dimensions Length x Diameter 192 x 55 mm n/a
Transducer (Length x Diameter) n/a 72 x 49 mm
PCB Board Assembly (Length x Width x Height) n/a 95 x 43 x 42.5 mm
Hole Centres (M2 clearance – Length x Diameter) n/a 71.5 x 35 mm
Weight in Air/Water 584/162 g n/a
Weight (OEM) PCB in Air n/a 138g PCB + 12g cable
Transducer in Air/Water (Estimated) n/a 200/150 g

Manuals and quick start guides

Software and firmware