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.

Add AvTrak, add capability to your AUV

AvTrak 6 has been designed to form part of your integrated AUV tracking and navigation system.

Built on our 6G hardware platform running secure Wideband 2 spread-spectrum signal processing, AvTrak 6 combines the functions of transponder, transceiver and telemetry link in one low power unit that meets the requirements of a wide variety of AUV mission scenarios, vehicle types and the operational demands for different industries.

For energy – whether you’re operating a resident vehicle over-the-horizon or deploying an AUV for a pipeline inspection, AvTrak 6 is a key enabler for your oilfield and renewable energy projects.

For defence – AVTrak 6 technology provides amazing flexibility bringing together tracking, navigation aiding and secure battlespace communications into one low logistics payload that’s perfect for unmanned covert and swarm missions.

For science – AvTrak 6 is an excellent choice for your long-endurance ocean observation platforms, with the added ability to communicate and download data from seafloor sensor arrays.

The unit is fully compatible with our family of survey quality LBL and USBL navigation systems. It supports Sonardyne Messaging Service (SMS) allowing USBL position fixes to be sent to your vehicle or for status messages to be retrieved from the topside system.

At a glance

• Combines tracking, communications, and emergency pinger functionality in one instrument
• Track your AUV in USBL mode, localise it in LBL transponder mode
• Bi-directional acoustic modem with user selectable data rates; 200-9,000 bps
• Integrated outputs enable control of a release, burn-wire or drop-weight functions
• Worried about onboard power interruption? AvTrak’s internal battery provides days of emergency vehicle relocation tracking
• Choice of hardware configurations to simplify vehicle installation

Are you ready to add the AvTrak advantage?

AvTrak 6 is available in a variety of configurations to meet your mission profiles.

A popular option is an omni-directional unit with integral or remote transducer options. For operations at depth, an integral directional transducer option is common.

A flexible configuration assists the AUV manufacturer with the mounting of AvTrak 6 within the AUV and ensures the highest levels of acoustic performance. Low-medium frequency (LMF) and high-power (HP) versions of AvTrak 6 are also available.

An AUV equipped with AvTrak 6 can receive navigation updates from any 6G compatible USBL or LBL system, send status updates to multiple 6G instruments including other AUVs and synchronise clocks with other 6G instruments to better than 50 microseconds as standard.

That’s not all, there is an option to include an HPR400 Series tone for compatibility with a variety of other acoustic systems and transponders and another option to enable a RSPSK Modem upgrade for large volume data transfers.

It’s simple to integrate to your AUV using our rich 6G protocols and command language and RS232 serial interface. Choose from over 600 independent acoustic addresses and AvTrak 6 enables your AUV to work as part of a swarm if required.

What is possible

Ranger 2 comes with an impressive list of features including our award-winning 6G (sixth generation) acoustic hardware platform and Sonardyne Wideband 2 digital signal architecture. It provides stable and repeatable acoustic position referencing for your ship’s DP system, including those from GE, Kongsberg, MT, Navis, Thrustmaster and Wärtsilä.

As your needs grow and become more complex, bolt-on software packs unlock additional capability and protect your investment. Take the DP pack and enable your acoustic ranging to be aided by our inertial navigation technology (DP-INS). Add the robotics pack and commanding a swarm of up to 99 AUV’s is at your fingertips.

Ranger 2 can do even more, it also supports robust two-way data telemetry, allowing you to control our range of seafloor deployed, long-endurance sensors and recover your all-important data.

Track everything, in any depth, from any vessel

Why choose it?

• Tracks multiple targets to 11 km;
• Compatible with all makes of DP system – GE, Kongsberg, MT
• System accuracy: when fully optimised it will deliver 0.04% of slant range
• Works with a global inventory of pre-deployed Sonardyne 6G hardware
• Configurations available for USV and temporary vessel installations
• Valuable features included as standard
• Bolt-on packs available for growth with your operations and ambitions
• Developed and supported by a company with over 50 years of experience in innovative underwater technology

The kit

Transceivers

Our High Performance Transceiver (HPT), is available in a range of different designs to suit your operations whether they are in deep or shallow water or over a long layback.

HPT 5000 / 7000 are acoustic and telemetry transceivers designed for use with Ranger 2 USBL system. HPT 5000 enables targets offer wide range of water depths to be tracked; HPT 7000 is optimised for noisy DP drilling and construction vessels and in deep water.

HPT 5000 offers full hemispherical acoustic coverage so is 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 is engineered for ultra-deepwater operations, tracking targets far below (rather than to the side of) a vessel, and for high vessel noise operating environments such as those typical of DP, drilling and construction where activity from thrusters is liable to cause signal interference.

If you need a solution for a vessel of opportunity, our pre-calibrated, all-in-one Gyro USBL transceiver is perfect. Lighter, smaller and just as capable, our second-generation Gyro USBL transceiver works seamlessly with Ranger 2 to track the position of your subsea targets from a USV, vessel of opportunity or from a pipelay vessel’s stinger over extreme ranges.

• All-in-one instrument; combined 6G acoustic transceiver and AHRS
• Choose between standard or ‘plus’ variants to suit your project’s specifications
• Optimises the performance of Ranger 2; eliminates lever arm offsets, pole bending and ship flexing errors
• Calibrated in-water before delivery – saving you time; install it and go to work

Transponders

The flexibility of the Ranger 2 family is further extended by our range of transponders to support a wide variety of your operations. WMT is a high-power transponder capable of operations to 7,000 m, while AvTrak 6 is our most capable acoustic vehicle instrument, combining the functions of a USBL transponder, LBL transceiver and modem for demanding applications such as AUV command and control.

Get the SPRINT advantage

SPRINT gives you:

• Robust performance in challenging subsea conditions
• High-precision outputs for enhanced vehicle control
• Instantaneous start-up without lengthy alignment periods
• Seamless integration with your existing equipment

SPRINT optimises acoustic aiding data from USBL, LBL, Doppler Velocity Log (DVL) and pressure sensors, improving position accuracy, precision, reliability, and integrity. It extends the operating limits of your vessel’s USBL and enhances LBL efficiency by enabling sparse seabed transponder arrays. All while reducing operational time and vessel costs.

Choose your SPRINT

• SPRINT 300: Perfect for dual ROV and survey use, standalone ROV guidance, and mid-water station keeping. It’s the most cost-effective subsea INS available, with less than 0.1° Sec Lat Heading accuracy.
• SPRINT 500: Ideal for your demanding multibeam survey operations. Supports tightly integrated sparse LBL range aiding from Sonardyne 6G transponders, with automatic pressure and swell compensation.
• SPRINT 700: Our highest-performance INS system, designed for your most challenging subsea survey tasks. Supports mobile laser mapping and acoustic inertial metrology with tight integration to Sonardyne acoustics.

The technology

Inertial navigation is inherently self-contained and robust with very good short term accuracy, but it can drift over time. Therefore, the SPRINT INS is supported by complementary acoustic positioning to provide long term accuracy and robustness. This significantly reduces operational delays during periods of challenging subsea acoustic conditions such as aeration and noise. The precision and update rate of the output allows greater subsea vehicle control and makes SPRINT suitable for ROV station keeping.

SPRINT shares a hardware platform with our Lodestar AHRS and runs both AHRS and INS algorithms concurrently. This allows instant INS start or restart upon receiving a position update, eliminating the lengthy ‘alignment’ period common in other systems. The system monitors AHRS and INS orientation separately to assess its health. All calculations are performed internally, protecting against communication issues. The system maintains a 15-day backup of navigation and raw data on an onboard SD card, while topside software concurrently logs all data, ensuring data integrity.

DVL and AHRS/INS

Our Syrinx DVL provides tight beam-level aiding to SPRINT, giving superior positioning performance even with partial beam availability. Standalone 3rd generation SPRINT and Syrinx DVL can be joined together for pre-calibrated, interchangeable use, or combined into the compact SPRINT-Nav unit. This integrated solution, optionally including an internal pressure sensor, is suitable for various ROV and survey tasks. The combined unit features depth-rated water blocks for each transducer to protect the internal components and when supplied together typically doesn’t require re-export licensing, simplifying your shipping logistics.

Designed and manufactured entirely in the UK, Syrinx is a class leading DVL for surface and subsea vehicles, available in two frequencies: 600 kHz or 400 kHz for higher altitude tracking up to 230 m. Syrinx variants combine high resolution and high altitude tracking, in single, easy to install navigation instruments. Its adaptive bottom lock technology provides consistency and reliability over challenging and changing topography, working at an altitude higher than 85% of the world’s subsea infrastructure. This reduces the amount of time a vehicle must dive on free inertial.

If your mission requires water profiling, Syrinx’s highly capable ADCP mode enables both navigation and profiling without the need for separate instrument, saving you cost and payload.

When tightly integrated with Sonardyne’s SPRINT INS, unmatched DVL-aided navigation can be achieved. This allows for enhanced performance through optimisation of beam-level data passed between Syrinx and SPRINT to aid velocity prediction and outlier rejection, with positioning able to continue even if one or two DVL beams are unavailable. For the ultimate integration Syrinx and SPRINT are also available as a single combined unit with integral pressure sensor. SPRINT-Nav is one of the smallest inertial DVL instruments available on the market suitable for almost any ROV and survey task.

Why Syrinx?

• Unmatched Versatility: Use Syrinx as a DVL, ADCP, or both simultaneously. You decide how to harness its power.
• Deep-Water Performance: Maintain solid bottom lock up to 230 m, with 4,000 m depth rating as standard.
• Adaptive Technology: Our smart bottom lock ensures reliable navigation across varied seabed types.
• Dual-Frequency Options: Choose between 400 kHz for extended range or 600 kHz for high resolution.
• Seamless Integration: Syrinx works harmoniously with our SPRINT INS for unparalleled navigation accuracy.
• Efficiency: Combine navigation and water profiling in one instrument, saving you space and resources.
• Reliability: Individually replaceable transducers to minimise downtime.
• Adaptability: Available in 4,000 m, 6,000 m and OEM versions to suit your specific needs.
• User-Friendly: Web-based System Manager for easy configuration and control.
• Compatibility: Fits existing mounting arrangements and supports various data formats for smooth integration.

Dive deep, control smart

Syrinx runs an embedded system manager using a web browser, eliminating the need to install dedicated PC software. This allows configuration and testing of Syrinx prior to deployment, control during subsea operations and visualisation of the navigation data.

The hardware and vehicle interfacing are easy to install, set up and use. It’s compatible with DVL/ADCP mounting arrangements from other vendors so you shouldn’t need to modify your subsea vehicles to upgrade to Syrinx. PD0, PD3, PD4, PD6, PD13 telegrams are supported for integration to third party navigation systems.

A 4,000 m rated titanium housing is supplied as standard to meet the requirements of work-class ROVs. 6,000 m and OEM (no housing) versions are also available.

Syrinx’s transducers have been designed, built and tested in-house to provide maximum performance, and can be individually replaced, reducing ownership costs and repair time. The entire array is water blocked meaning that should damage occur to the transducer array, the unit’s electronics are isolated from water ingress.

Echo Observer for Syrinx (EOS)

EOS is a software application for Syrinx and SPRINT-Nav systems which allows ADCP data to be viewed, quality controlled, logged and then exported. This standalone application is compatible with Windows 7 or 10 and requires only modest processing resources.

EOS provides an intuitive interface to Syrinx, allowing the device to be configured over Serial port or Ethernet with a quick setup procedure for ADCP measurements. You can immediately view the profile data and make any necessary adjustments before committing to a long-term deployment.

Once initial data inspection has been completed, EOS provides the link to the onward data processing chain: Industry-standard PD0 data can be exported as comma-separated variable (CSV) files, ideal for importing into Excel or Matlab for analysis and post-processing. The exported PD0 data can be tailored to match your analysis needs, such as specific portions of the water column, or a favoured frame of reference.

Specific sections of the PD0 data can be omitted in CSV export if they are not relevant to your analysis, reducing file size and therefore processing time. Echo Observer for Syrinx is included with the ADCP functionality upgrade for both Syrinx and SPRINT-Nav.

Experience the Syrinx DVL advantage

Whether you’re navigating an AUV through complex underwater terrain or precisely positioning an ROV for critical operations, Syrinx provides the accuracy and reliability you need. Our adaptive technology keeps you on track over challenging topography, reducing reliance on inertial navigation.

Ready to transform your underwater operations? Let’s collaborate to integrate Syrinx into your systems and unlock new possibilities in subsea exploration and work. Connect with our team today!

Mini in size, big in performance

Small but mighty

Measuring just 213 mm in height (only fractionally taller than some competing DVL-only instruments), 148 mm in diameter and weighing in at approximately 3.6 kg in air for the 300 m rated unit – or 7.1 kg for the 4,000 m depth version – for something so small, SPRINT-Nav Mini packs a big punch for all your underwater ocean robot applications.

It’s powered by the same hybrid acoustic-inertial navigation algorithm you’ll find inside our established SPRINT-Nav family. This combines the strengths of all its sensors to provide robust, precise and accurate outputs. It continues to work even in challenging environments providing a continuous stream of positions, orientation, velocities, depth and altitude at up to 200 updates per second.

Ready to go

Your SPRINT-Nav Mini arrives pre-calibrated, meaning there is no need to manoeuvre your vehicle every time the unit is mobilised. SPRINT-Nav Mini does the thinking for you, all in a single plug-and-play unit. Turn it on, give it a latitude, and away you go.

Despite its extremely small size, it’s still a true north seeking gyrocompass which won’t drift over time unlike MEMS-based systems. The output can be fed directly to your own (or a third party) user interface or vehicle control software. The simple web user interface makes setup and configuration painless. It could not be any simpler.

Need to harvest data from coastal waters or around offshore structures? Not a problem! Low power and small, SPRINT-Nav Mini is ideal for installing on all size ROVs or USVs undertaking data harvesting missions, even in GNSS-denied environments.

Conducting marine research on a restricted budget? Let us help… Because it’s lower cost than the four separate sensors it replaces, SPRINT-Nav Mini is the budget-friendly solution for your research platforms where funds need to stretch as far as possible.

Available in two depth ratings, 300 m and 4,000 m. A side-connector option is also available, depth rated for 300 m and only 183 mm high, making it ideal for tight spaces on small platforms.

SPRINT-Nav Mini at a glance

• 213 mm tall by 148 mm in diameter; the industry’s smallest all-in-one hybrid acoustic-inertial subsea navigator
• Hybrid DVL-INS synergies dramatically improve both robustness and performance compared with standalone instruments.
• Fly higher – 500 kHz DVL maintains bottom lock at up to 200 m altitude
• Replaces four separate instruments; AHRS, DVL, INS and pressure sensor – saving you cost, cabling and payload
• Easy to integrate, simple to operate, web UI for configuration

Find out what's possible

SPRINT-Nav is a compact, all-in-one navigation tool for underwater and surface vehicles, integrating SPRINT INS, Syrinx DVL, and a high-accuracy pressure sensor. Available in four performance levels (300, 500, 700, and X) and two depth ratings (4,000 m and 6,000 m), it offers two DVL frequencies: 600 kHz and a high-altitude 400 kHz option.

Its Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), featuring Honeywell ring laser gyros and accelerometers, works closely with the Syrinx DVL and a high-performance pressure sensor. This integration ensures unparalleled accuracy and reliability.

SPRINT-Nav saves time, costs, and payload space while offering unmatched performance and reliability for a wide range of subsea and surface vehicle applications.

Select the performance level right for your operation

• 300: Supports dual ROV and survey use, standalone ROV guidance and mid-water station keeping with vendor independent USBL aiding.
• 500/700: For more demanding applications, such as dynamic mobile mapping, this high-performing, survey-grade subsea INS is integrated with Sonardyne acoustics to provide you with the extra data functionality you need.
• X: Offers you exceptional navigational accuracy (<0.01% of total distance travelled) and ultimate suitability for long-endurance missions with XLUUVs, AUVs and USVs, making them viable alternatives to large, crewed vessels. The top-tier model for your specialised energy, defence and science operations.

Echo Observer for Syrinx (EOS)

EOS is the software application for viewing, quality controlling, logging and exporting ADCP data from your SPRINT-Nav system. Compatible with Windows 7 or 10, it provides an intuitive interface to configure and monitor ADCP measurements and export data for analysis. EOS enables you to:

• Quickly set up and view profile data
• Export PD0 data as CSV files for further analysis
• Tailor exported data to match specific analysis needs

Why choose SPRINT-Nav?

SPRINT-Nav is the ultimate navigation solution for your autonomous subsea or surface vehicle operations. Calibration-free and packed with cutting-edge sensors, SPRINT-Nav combines INS, DVL, AHRS, and depth data into one compact unit. Available in 400 kHz and 600 kHz DVL options, as well as four performance levels, SPRINT-Nav ensures ultimate accuracy from deep water ROVs to shallow water USVs. Its detachable pressure sensor module allows for easy calibration and repair, while power-pass-through reduces cabling complexity. With dual algorithm capability for both ROV piloting and survey operations, SPRINT-Nav is the all-in-one navigation system you need to maximize productivity.

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.

Navigate your marine environment with the confidence only SPRINT-Nav can provide.

Pinpoint location precision. Enhance your operations by adding valuable location detail enabling you to identify exactly where your data is drawn from or to pinpoint the location of assets, obstacles and pipelines.

Guide, control and navigate your USVs, ROVs and AUVs faster, safely and more efficiently with SPRINT-Nav. Operate your vehicles and vessels with the confidence of knowing exactly where they are and what they’re doing.

No calibration needed. Straight out of the box SPRINT-Nav is ready to go, saving you precious time on your operations.

Reduced in size – but not in performance, SPRINT-Nav Mini is the industry’s smallest all-in-one hybrid acoustic-inertial subsea navigator. It provides the perfect instrument for you to control your smaller inspection class ROVs and small to medium sized USVs.

Engineered for all autonomous vehicles no matter what size or purpose, there is a SPRINT-Nav for your operations.

Why should you invest?

By choosing SPRINT-Nav you are choosing an all-in-one acoustic-inertial navigation sensor, replacing the need for a separate DVL, pressure sensor and INS/AHRS. Saving you the time, cost, cabling and integration challenges associated with using different sensors from different vendors.

At a glance

• Unique to Sonardyne
• Performance levels to suit your operations
• Tightly integrates raw acoustic, Doppler and inertial data
• Titanium housed for deep ROV missions
• Outputs altitude, depth, orientation and velocity
• Configure and control using a Web UI

Overview

Gyro iUSBL combines our generation high performance HPT Inverted USBL transceiver and a Lodestar Attitude and Heading Reference System (AHRS)/Inertial Navigation System (INS) in the same titanium pressure rated mechanical assembly capable of operating at depths of 7000 m.

With the AHRS/INS in fixed mechanical alignment to the iUSBL’s pressure balanced acoustic array, the Gyro iUSBL can be quickly deployed without need for a calibration to determine the alignment of the ship’s motion sensors to the acoustic transceiver. For many applications, this can enable significant time savings and operational costs.

At a glance

• Designed to work with Ranger 2 USBL
• Tracks your deep tow vehicle beyond 10,000 m
• Integrated USBL transceiver and SPRINT INS
• Depth rated to 7,000 m
• Offers 10x improvement in positioning precision