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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

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Overview

Micro-Ranger 2: Small in size – big in possibilities

Your entry level underwater tracking and positioning USBL system, based on world-class technology. It’s our most compact underwater tracking system ever, but don’t let its size fool you. Micro-Ranger 2 will improve your underwater tracking operations, bringing professional tracking over a range of applications. Micro-Ranger 2 can be used from any waterside location or vessel, including RHIBs and small survey or uncrewed vessels. It’s the optimal size to track divers, small ROVS and UUV’s or release moored equipment. It may be our smallest ever underwater tracking system, but Micro-Ranger 2 will have a big impact on your operations.

Maximum efficiency with the best value underwater tracking system on the market

It’s built on the same tried and tested cutting-edge hardware and digital acoustic technology found in the rest of our Ranger USBL family, so you can expect unrivalled performance without the complexity or cost. Its robust and compact format is ideal for your shallow coastal water and inland waterway operations thanks to its ultra-portable design. Track your divers and autonomous underwater vehicles at up to 995 m range.

Whether you’re a first-time user of USBL technology or a seasoned professional, you’ll find Micro-Ranger 2 incredibly easy to use – it’s a one box solution, make a few simple connections and your operation is ready to go!

We’ve engineered everything to fit in a robust carry case. Apart from your laptop to run the software, nothing else is needed and it’s so compact you can carry it on a plane. A built-in battery provides more than 10 hours of continuous use, enough for a full day of activity out on the water. The case can also take external power from a boat or shore supply.

Why choose it?

  • Portable, everything you need comes in one box
  • Quick to connect up and deploy
  • Easy to use, no training needed
  • Shares common platform with other Sonardyne USBLs
  • Light and compact, attach to divers and small vessels without restricting their operations
  • Developed and supported by a company with over 50 years of experience in innovative underwater technology

The kit

Transceivers

Ideal for tracking targets in shallow water up to the surface, the omni-directional acoustic tracking transceiver (MRT) is small and light enough to deploy on its cable from a pontoon, over the side of a vessel or on the sensor spar of a USV.

Micro-Ranger 2 software has many of the innovative features from our other larger Ranger 2 USBL systems to ensure you have everything you need to track underwater targets.

If your operations need to track and communicate with small AUVs or subsea drones, an optional Marine Robotics feature pack is available.

Transponders

What every diver, small towfish and micro ROV / AUV should be wearing, our Nano transponders are the perfect size and weight for tracking your important assets in shallow water without interfering with their movement. The two you will receive with Micro-Ranger 2 are second generation units offering extended battery life and depth rating. A connector-equipped Nano is also available allowing it to operate continuously via an external power source.

Simply choose the type of Nano transponder to suit your operation at the time of ordering. Micro-Ranger 2 can also be used with other Sonardyne 6G transponders including WSM 6+ and WMT.

Integrator/Marine robotics kit

If your operation needs you to both track and communicate with targets, the Micro-Ranger 2 integrator system kit is available. It comes complete with our add-on Marine Robotics software pack and AvTrak 6 Nano, which support two-way messaging, vehicle control and tracking in one small instrument.

Micro-Ranger 2 and MSDS Marine

Performance

• Up 10 targets tracked, sequentially
• 995 m maximum tracking range
• 3 Hz position update rate
• Up to 5% of slant range system accuracy

Acoustics

• MF frequency (19–34 kHz)
• Omni-directional coverage for wide area tracking
• Sonardyne Wideband 2 acoustics for reliable performance in shallow water
• Supports Sonardyne Messaging Service for data exchange (200 to 9,000 bps)

Ownership

• IP67-rated ruggedised carry case
• ITAR Controlled: No
• UK Export Licence: Not required
• Warranty: 1 year return to Sonardyne service centre
• What’s in the box: MRT with 10 m of cable, command unit, 2 x Nanos (gen 2), charger, ancillary cables, external GNSS antenna, software (PC not supplied)

Overview

• Portable and quick to mobilise
• Ideal for supporting science operations conducted in rivers, lakes and coastal waters.
• Can be configured for installation on a uncrewed surface vessel for remote missions.

Specifications table

Feature Specification
Design Portable, everything you need comes in one box
Quick to connect up and deploy
Easy to use, no training needed
Shares common platform with other Sonardyne USBLs
Performance Up to 5% of slant range system accuracy
Up 10 targets tracked, sequentially
995 m maximum tracking range
3 Hz position update rate
Acoustics MF frequency (19–34 kHz)
Sonardyne Wideband 2 acoustics for reliable performance in shallow water
Supports Sonardyne Messaging Service for data exchange (200 to 9,000 bps)
Omni-directional coverage for wide area tracking

Manuals and quick start guides