Designed to work in any depth

From less than 1 m in the transition and surf zones to 3000 m for ultra-deep-water seismic applications.

Our shallow and deep rated acoustic positioning systems improve the speed, accuracy and efficiency of positioning seabed marine seismic nodes and cables, enabling the positioning of thousands of transponders in parallel with deployment and shooting operations.

The system uses a network of low cost, rugged transponders that can withstand fast deployment through mechanical ‘squirters’ to provide users with an efficient method of collecting the positions of thousands of seabed nodes in real-time.

A typical system comprises of acoustic positioning transponders attached to the seismic node or cable and a vessel or USV based acoustic range only or full USBL transceiver interfaced to a PC running our HydroPos seismic positioning control software application. Third party software applications that incorporate an acoustic control module can also be used with the system.

Once the nodes are deployed on the seabed, the system precisely measures the acoustic range (distance) or 3D position (USBL) from a surface transceiver on the pinging vessel to each transponder to enable its exact position to be established. The range and USBL positioning processes are more accurate than traditional first break techniques, 1-2 m absolute, and can either be conducted during node or cable deployment operations or later whilst shooting.

Configurations

Shallow water (range only or full USBL)

Uses HF band vessel or USV-mounted TZT or HPT2000 USBL system with Transition Zone Transponders and LRTs attached to seismic nodes or ocean bottom cable receivers. Offers ranging precision of better than 50 mm in up to 500 m water depth.

Deep water (range only or full USBL)

Uses MF band vessel or USV-mounted TZT or HPT 5000 USBL system with SST 6 and RT6-1000 transponders. Offers ranging precision of better than 15 mm in up to 3,000 m water depth.

OEM integration

Get all the benefits of of our deep water system but with an OEM version of our SST 6 integrated in to your seismic node.

At a glance

• Enables you to position thousands of nodes or cabled seismic receivers in real-time
• Operational in 1 to 3,000 m of water
• Uses low cost acoustic transponders and acoustic releases
• Scalable for both small and large surveys
• Scalable for both small and large surveys

Transponders

The transponders developed for the system are small and lightweight and are proven to withstand the demanding and varied operational environment of surveys.

Standard features of the popular Type 7815 TZ Transponder include a depth rating of 500 metres, a unique acoustic ‘address’ enabling thousands of units to be laid in a single deployment and battery voltage monitoring to allow users to better plan their maintenance schedules. TZ Transponders operate in the HF band.

The LRT is a release transponder option for this system. It incorporates an acoustic release mechanism and is typically used at rope or cable ends to aid recovery of seabed seismic equipment after shooting is complete.

SST 6 incorporates our Wideband 2 digital acoustic signal processing architecture ensures robust positioning performance with high levels of ranging precision. It can be provided in 1,000m and 3,000m depth rated housings and is fitted with a handy Near Field Communications (NFC) link as standard for programming and battery status checking.

RT 6-1000 is a release transponder option for this system. It incorporates an acoustic release mechanism and is typically used at rope or cable ends to aid recovery of seabed seismic equipment after shooting is complete.

Both SST 6 and RT 6-1000 are MF band transponders, compatible with our family of Ranger USBL acoustic positioning systems.

Transceivers

Two surface transceiver options are available for this system. TZ Transceiver (TZT) is small and lightweight making it perfect for use vessels-of-opportunity and uncrewed surface vessels which are increasingly being used in support of offshore seismic operations. It can operate in the HF or MF frequency band.

TZT is able to interrogate and calculate acoustic ranges to nine TZ Transponders or 95 SST 6 transponders at a time.

HPT 2000 (HF) and HPT 5000 (MF) are USBL transceivers configured to measure range and bearing to TZ Transponders and SST 6 transponders respectively. They are particularly well suited to high elevation tracking scenarios and offers true simultaneous tracking of multiple transponders providing superior position update rates.

Our team is here to advise you which configuration of transponders and transceivers your offshore seismic positioning system should be configured with to meet to operational requirements.

Overview

If you already own or operate a USV, we can enable it for seafloor sensor data harvesting, support you every step of the way, and train your team.

Wideband 2 – delivering your data

Mission requirements vary significantly but regularly involve wirelessly recovering stored data, confirming the position of Sonardyne-compatible sensors on the seafloor and downloading new mission parameters.

This requirement is met with our high telemetry rate seabed-to-surface communications capability – Wideband 2. Using Wideband 2, large volumes of data can be reliably recovered in a short amount of time, minimising the time a USV has to loiter. If required, harvested data can be immediately QC’d by engineers onshore before the USV is released to transit to its next data retrieval location. A high-speed downlink allows for new logging regimes to be adopted, eliminating the need to first recover the sensors.

Custom integration and support

We’re able to engineer bespoke USV payloads and sensor gondolas, integrating navigation, communication, sonar, Doppler and tracking systems as required. We’re also experts in vehicle power management and can create custom interface protocols to suit your mission needs. Sea trials, which can be conducted a location of your choosing or at our own facility in Plymouth, help reduce risk and refine procedures ahead of live operations.

Your data, together with a detailed operational report, is securely delivered post-mission. Multi-season, multi-year assignments can all be accommodated. Our service is flexible and entirely built around your needs.

At a glance

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

The WGT functionality enables Wave Glider to acoustically collect data from large arrays of seabed instruments in a highly cost-effective manner without the need to deploy a traditional surface ship to perform this operation. Instead, Wave Glider is controlled remotely from a shore station via Iridium satellite communications.

The WGT is capable to be used with directional transducer options for operating in both Medium Frequency (MF) (20-34 kHz) and Lower Medium Frequency (LMF) (12-20 kHz) bands to suit different seabed instruments and is fully Sonardyne Wideband® 2 compatible.

The WGT is tightly integrated into the Wave Glider vehicle communications and power systems thereby providing many of the standard acoustic commands and features associated with Sonardyne 6G® products.

Data is passed by Wave Glider to the Iridium satellite system for onwards transmission to the user in near real time.

At a glance

• Custom engineered for a Wave Glider standard aft payload space
• Provides subsea-surface-shore gateway link for Sonardyne long endurance sensors
• Enables direct remote data collection on demand, monitoring and control from shore based Wave Glider operations centre
• Integrated acoustic modem with data rates from 100 to 9,000 bps

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.

Overview

Using a superfast processor to handle intensive workloads, Marine Computer is designed and configured to provide you with the best possible experience when using our suite of navigation, positioning and imaging software products, leaving you to concentrate on the job in hand.

However, you don’t have to be using Sonardyne software to use one. If you’re in the market for a robust and easily configured computer to run third-party software applications onboard your ship, survey boat or unmanned craft, Marine Computer is the perfect choice.

That’s because it’s certified to EN60945 and DNVGL-CG-0339 standards which means it meets regulatory requirements to be used on ships’ bridges and is able to withstand harsh operating environments and where constant high temperatures are present.

At a glance

• Choice of desktop or 2U rack mount configurations
• Fanless and temperature tolerant design withstands harsh marine operating environments
• Certified to EN 60945 and DNVGL-CG-0339 – use it on your bridge
• Intel 8th generation CPU runs intensive applications with ease
• Desk, console and rack mounting options
• Wide operating temperature range

Fanless computers like the Marine Computer are perfect for use in dirty or dusty marine environments where actively cooled systems could quickly clog up, overheat and fail. Inside is an Intel 8th generation processor and 512 GB industrial grade solid state disk. SSDs have no moving parts so are faster and more reliable than traditional hard disk drives. Temperature tolerant components contribute to its impressive wide operating temperature range.

All this makes the Marine Computer an extremely versatile and reliable tool in virtually any marine installation condition: desk mounted, in a small survey boat; within a ship’s bridge console; or, when supplied with a custom 2U chassis, mounted in a server room rack.