Overview

Its high power output and Wideband 3 signal processing offers improved operating range and acoustic performance in challenging conditions such as when deployed from noisy vessels or in multi-path environments.

The internal Lithium-ion rechargeable battery pack minimises the supply current for long dunker cables. It also enables relocation of the dunker if the cable is cut.

The robust AGP connector on the Dunker 6+ is identical to the ROVNav 6+ and HPT USBL for compatibility and to reduce spares.

At a glance

• Perfect for commanding LBL transponders
• Use it to recover data from Fetch and AMTs
• Capability to operate as topside for RT 6 acoustic releases
• Deploy it over-the-side of your vessel
• Rugged mechanics and connectors
• Shock mounted internal electronics

Dunker 6+ LBL and telemetry transceiver is fully compatible with our modem and sensor logging instruments such as AMT and Fetch , allowing it to be used to retrieve data or configure logging regimes. It can also be used to release the RT 6 range of acoustic releases.

The Dunker 6+ system consists of 100 m of cable on a stainless steel cable drum with brake and locking mechanism. The 10 m deck cable between the 48 V Surface Interface Unit (SIU) and the cable drum allows the drum to be conveniently located. The connection to the cable drum is via an easily replaceable 8-way SubConn.

Optionally, an RT 6 topside kit with 30 m of cable is available in a carrying case without a cable drum.

Overview

The ESH is the network interface between the in-water acoustic instrument, GPS and the PC that runs the positioning software.

In addition to accurately time-stamping incoming data from external devices such as gyro, VRU and GPS it provides power and communications for acoustic transceivers.

The ESH includes a time source that can be linked to an internal or external GPS PPS input, allowing the Ranger 2 system to accurately time-stamp incoming data from external devices such as gyro, VRU and GNSS to UTC.

Wi-Fi connectivity allows connection to a PC using a Wi-Fi adapter.

At a glance

• Topside control unit for Mini-Ranger 2 USBL installations
• Provides power and comms to HPT 2000/3000 transceiver
• Integral GNSS with SBAS
• 4 serial ports RS232
• Wi-Fi connectivity

Overview

HPT 2000 offers significant advantages for survey operations in coastal and near shore regions where simultaneous positioning of transponders attached to transition zone/ocean bottom seismic cables at high elevation tracking is required in low noise environments.

The advanced multi-element processing enables transponders to be positioned more precisely, more quickly and more robustly due to improvements in signal processing algorithms. When used as part of a complete Mini-Ranger 2 USBL system, heading and inertial navigation sensor, class leading performance is achieved.

At a glance

• Use it with Mini-Ranger 2 USBL
• Optimised for high elevation tracking in shallow water
• Easy to deploy on temporary over-the-side set up
• Ethernet comms for fast position updates
• Excellent corrosion resistance

The integral MTi-30 Xsens sensor provides pitch, roll and heading data that automatically compensates for the dynamic motion of the vessel, removing the need for an external sensor and pre-use calibration.

Manufactured in Aluminium Bronze, HPT 2000 is intended to be fitted temporarily or permanently to a vessel’s through-hull or over-the-side pole.

The full hemispherical coverage optimises performance in shallow water environments boosting transmissions and receive sensitivity in the horizontal axis.

Ethernet connectivity enables the system to function over existing ship network wiring for rapid installation.

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.

Overview

NSH is a 2U high rack-mounted unit that is the interface between your in-water deployed transponders, vessel-mounted transceiver and Marine Computer which runs Ranger 2 USBL or Marksman LUSBL software applications.

In addition to accurately time-stamping incoming data from external devices such as gyro, VRU and GNSS, the NSH also provides power and communications for ship-borne acoustic transceivers such as HPT 5000 or HPT 7000.

A range of hardware interface cards are available for interfacing Sonardyne transceivers and external sensors. By simply plugging these cards into the rear of the unit, the role of the Navigation Sensor Hub can be transformed from supporting simple to complex acoustic operations.

The NSH includes an IEEE-1588/PTP precision time source that can be linked to GPS PPS input. Multiple NSHs automatically synchronise their clocks. All incoming data is time stamped to sub-microsecond accuracy – outgoing transmissions and triggers can be scheduled to the same precision.

Depending on the application (DP, drilling or survey operations), the NSH can be configured in stand-alone, dual-independent or dual-redundant modes.

At a glance

• Use it with Ranger 2 and Marksman LUSBL systems
• Interfaces vessel’s acoustic instruments with operating software
• Time stamps gyro, VRU and GNSS data
• Offers up to 16 serial ports (RS232/485)
• Configurable for dual independent applications

Overview

Designed for the deployment of our range of USBL and modem transceivers (including Gyro USBL) and Sentinel IDS sonar heads, our through-hull machine provides survey grade rigidity for use with USBL systems up to seven knots (total through water speed) with the ability to survive short duration exposure to higher speeds.

Where the pole is required to be longer than three metres, or where operational water currents may reach 10 knots (total through water speed), the pole must be installed using our heavy duty installation requirements. For specialist or demanding applications, machines of this general type can be custom engineered to suit customer specific requirements. Please consult us if your application has an operational through water speed greater than seven knots.

The machine consists of an electronically controlled but hydraulically operated pole running through a sealed bearing section. A service section (or sea chest) is provided with inspection door to allow fitting and servicing access to the transceiver or sonar head. It is designed to fit on to DN350 and DN500 gate valves however, other gate valves are also supported.

The machine can be controlled from a main control panel or locally at the machine. A bridge control is also available as an option. Hydraulic control of the gate valve is provided as an option. The hydraulic power pack and main control can be mounted remotely if the machine is to be configured for Zone 1 Ex rated classification.

The standard machine can be configured to the meet individual vessel requirements by changing the height of the machine and providing adaptor flanges for different size or specification gate valves. We can provide detailed application advice on positioning, installing and commissioning your machine.

At a glance

• Allows you to deploy instruments from your vessel with maximum performance
• Optimised for Ranger 2 USBL (including HPT modem configurations), Marksman LUSBL, Modem and Sentinel IDS systems
• Choice of through-hull, through-tube and over-the-side designs
• Global track record on all types of vessel: new build and retrofit
• Options for permanent or short term installations on vessel-of-opportunity

Over-the-side
Our modular, over-the-side deployment machine is for vessels where through-hull deployment is not available or practical, or where a temporary installation is required on a vessel-of-opportunity. The design still provides survey grade rigidity without the high cost of dry docking and fitting a gate valve. It can work at operational speeds of up to five knots without degrading USBL positioning performance and to have a survival speed of up to ten knots.

Based on a pivoting sectional pole, the system can be supplied with either a hull or deck mount for the pivot, depending on the vessel arrangement. A brace/lock assembly positioned near the water line and three or four pole sections bolted together to form the arm such that the transceiver on the end of the arm is positioned below the hull by at least 1.5 m. The lower portions of the sectional pole are faired to mitigate against vortex induced vibration which can reduce performance.

The system is not limited to deploying Sonardyne instrument. We can custom engineer adapters for the end of the pole to accommodate third-party sensors.

Through-tube
Popular on very large vessels including drilling rigs, our through-tube deployment machine consists of a hydraulically operated pole, a sealed bearing section and a sea chest service section, with inspection door. The whole machine sits on a gate valve which in turn is mounted on the flange of a through hull penetration pipe.

The ideal deployed length is dependent on your particular application, but in general terms it is best to minimise the deployed pole length to achieve a specified acoustic performance. Typically, a length of between one and three metres below the hull has been found to be acceptable. The pole is very rugged and is designed to be highly resistant to vibration caused by vortex shedding. Operational speeds of up to ten knots through the water may be achieved safely with the ability to survive short duration exposure to higher speeds.

We provide detailed application advice on positioning, installing and commissioning the machine. The sea chest, when the gate valve is closed, provides easy access to the retracted transceiver or sonar for service and inspection purposes. The gate valve also allows the machine to be removed without dry docking. An optional hydraulic drive for the valve is available.

The machine can be controlled from a main control panel or locally at the machine. A bridge control is also available as an option. The hydraulic power pack and main control can be mounted remotely if the machine is to be configured for Zone 1 classification. The standard form of machine can be simply configured to the meet individual vessel requirements by changing the height of the machine and providing adaptor flanges for different size or specification gate valves.

For specialist or demanding applications, machines of this general type can be engineered to suit your specific requirements.

Overview

Built around our field-proven 6G hardware and Wideband 2 acoustic signal platforms, Modem 6 surface units support secure subsea-to-surface wireless data transfer at speeds between 200 and 9,000 bps.

This makes them ideal for applications such as: near real-time data streaming, data harvesting from third party sensors or subsea command and control of equipment.

Modem 6 acoustic modems are aimed at simple data transfer applications which do not require the more complex functions such as integrated (USBL) positioning, on-board sensors or complex multi-node array telemetry. If you need any of these capabilities, or an OEM solution which you can integrate into your own instrument or vehicle, our application experts will be happy to discuss your requirements and identify the right solution for you.

We offer a variety of surface deployed acoustic Modem 6 to suit any operational deployment scenario and data transfer mission. You can mount them on a variety of surface platforms ranging from buoys to all sizes of vessels – both manned and uncrewed – to interact with any of our subsea deployed Modem 6 instruments.

At a glance

• Transfers data at up to 9,000 bps
• Highly reliable – built around our Wideband 2 acoustic and 6G hardware platform
• Options for buoys, uncrewed surface vehicles and ships

Modem 6 Transceiver
Manufactured in Aluminium Bronze, the Modem 6 Transceiver is intended to be fitted temporarily or permanently to a vessel’s through-hull or over-the-side pole or mounted in a dunker cage assembly. The unit uses the same array as our HPT 5000/7000 transceiver so can be upgraded in the field to offer this capability if integrated communications and target tracking is required. As standard, the unit is supplied with Surface Interface Unit (SIU), deck cable, 100 m cable drum and a dunker cage which allows deployment over the side in the absence of a through-hull deployment pole.

Modem 6 Dunker
Modem 6 Dunker is a popular option for low-logistic data recovery missions using survey vessels-of-opportunity. Depth rated to 1,000 m, it can also be fitted to ROVs for close range data transfer from seafloor sensors. It’s available in MF and LMF, with omni-directional or directional transducer designed for excellent horizontal and shallow water communication. Modem 6 Dunker is powered using a supplied Surface Interface Unit (SIU).

Modem 6 Mini Dunker
Modem 6 Mini-Dunker is our smallest topside option. It is compact, easy-to-mount and suitable for transmission and recovery of data from a wide range of sensors including: current profilers, temperatures, depth and custom instrumentation. The Modem 6 Mini-Dunker is available in MF with an omnidirectional transducer designed for excellent horizontal and shallow water communication. The surface system comprises of a Modem 6 Mini-Dunker, Surface Interface Unit (SIU) and 20 m deck cable.

All of our family of underwater Modem 6 instruments benefit from same mechanics and electronics you’ll find in our other 6G transponders. These are trusted by leading offshore operators to perform in the most demanding marine environments and operational scenarios.

Overview

iWand is our small, splashproof acoustic transponder test and configuration device. Use it with your 6G acoustic subsea hardware to set up transponders quickly and efficiently – whether you’re in the workshop getting ready for your next mobilisation or out on the back deck and just about to deploy.

iWand is used in conjunction with 6G configuration software running on your survey room or workshop PC. It enables all 6G (excluding WSM 6 which can only be acoustically tested) transponders to be easily configured. The configuration of the various transponders can then be exported to a document as an audit trail, or to a file that can be imported into Sonardyne positioning system navigation software packages like Fusion 2.

The simple to use interface and sunlight readable display makes it easy to test, gather and download configurations in all weathers, day or night.

At a glance

• Engineered for the workshop or out on the back deck
• Works with all 6G transponders
• Use it to acoustically test, configure and save settings for QC
• Splash-proof, rugged and portable design
• Speeds up pre-deployment checks – allows batch settings to be uploaded

Communication to a transponder is via the acoustic ‘wand’ antenna which is held against the transponder’s acoustic transducer. This tests the acoustic transmission and reception functions of the transponder ensuring they are operating correctly – a key performance indicator.

iWand has various PC connection options: Bluetooth, USB or serial. The USB is used to recharge the internal battery.

The internal GPS receiver provides UTC time tagging of communication to transponders and PC and can also be used to synchronise multiple transponders to UTC for logging applications.

Overview

The instrument is a turn-key solution comprised of carefully selected high grade and highly reliable inertial sensors integrated into in-house designed inertial measurement unit (IMU).

The selected inertial sensors are the standard for commercial aviation with a proven 20+ year track record. These sensors have a highly desirable characteristic being insensitive to vibration, temperature changes and having very limited initial errors. The result is a system which is highly suitable for the marine environment where performance, robustness and data integrity need to be available from initialisation, even during the harshest conditions.

Lodestar requires no external aiding and settles robustly in dynamic conditions in less than five minutes. On-board data storage and backup battery functionality ensures continued operation and eliminates the risk of data loss even if communications or external power are lost. Power-pass through to external aiding sensors is supported to ease integration requiring only a single cable for comms and power.

If a full INS solution is required, Lodestar can easily be field upgraded to a SPRINT system (apart from Lodestar 200). This makes the Lodestar a flexible and future-proof solution for both ROV guidance and survey applications.

Lodestar has a proven track record spanning more than 10 years in the field in diverse applications from ROV guidance and autopilot to demanding survey applications. The instrument is available in 4,000 and 6,000 metre depth ratings with a variety of connector options and configurations.

At a glance

• Designed to aid subsea vehicle guidance: AUVs, ROVs and UUVs
• Uses high quality Honeywell gyro and accelerometers
• Sensors available in three performance levels: 200, 300 and 500
• Fast settling time so you can get straight to work
• Integrated DVL option available; Lodestar-Nav
• Factory upgradeable to SPRINT INS

Lodestar-Nav 200
Lodestar-Nav 200 provides all-in-one navigation solution for subsea vehicles by combining a Lodestar 200 AHRS with our Syrinx Doppler Velocity Log (DVL) and a high accuracy pressure sensor in a single housing.  This saves cost, payload space and the complexity of integrating and operating separate sensors from different vendors.

Lodestar-Nav is pre-calibrated providing the ROV pilots with a robust and reliable solution, even in the most challenging operational scenarios, without needing to worry about sensor offsets.

Syrinx DVL inside that provides a large altitude range and high precision at all altitudes; this combines the best of 300 and 1200 kHz DVLs. Each DVL transducer is fitted with a full depth rated water block to ensure protection of the internal components and easy replacement if damaged.

Lodestar-Nav can be interfaced via a single connection and/or the DVL can be interfaced separately depending on requirements. Continuous on-board data storage supports post-mission diagnostics and post-processing.