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.

Overview

TZT is compact, simple to fit and easy to operate, making it the ideal choice for shallow-draft workboats, RHIBs and uncrewed surface vessels (USVs). Onboard, the splashproof (normally surface-mounted) transceiver electronics module is cable connected to your PC equipped with our HydroPos software (or third-party software) and remote acoustic transducer.

The remote transducer is normally attached to a rigid pole and deployed over the side of the craft you’re using. A GNSS receiver is typically attached to the top of the pole but, aside from that, there’s no need for any other ancillary equipment, such as a gyro or attitude and reference system, and the complexities that integrating them would involve.

At a glance

• Accurately positions your Sonardyne MF or HF seismic node and ocean bottom cable-mounted transponders
• Provides high-accuracy positioning right into the surf zone: <1 m water depth
• Designed for small work boats, RHIBs and USVs working in parallel with your node laying vessel
• Choice of frequencies depending on your transponder inventory: HF for Type 7815s or MF for SST 6s

On command from your PC, the TZ Transceiver acoustically interrogates up to nine TZ/OBC transponder or up to 95 SST 6 transponders at a time and the acoustic responses are used to generate range measurements to each of them.

By combining the many acoustic range measurements made to each transponder, with GNSS data input into HydroPos, it is possible to generate accurate positions of all transponders to better than 1 m absolute precision.

Mounting TZT onto a USV unlocks the opportunity to reduce the risk, cost and environmental impact of your surveys by reducing the number of crewed vessels required to support your survey.

Overview

HPT 3000 is a high performance Wideband 2-enabled Ultra-Short BaseLine (USBL) tracking and telemetry transceiver compatible with our range of 6G transponders.

The transceiver’s acoustic performance is optimised for operations in coastal and near shore where high elevation tracking of targets is often required in low noise environments.

This unit is easy to install on a simple over-the-side pole arrangement enabling a wide range of vessels to take advantage of Mini-Ranger 2 including: anchored barges, small survey craft and uncrewed surface vessels.

HPT 3000 has an internal MTi-30 Xsens sensor which provides pitch, roll and heading data for search and salvage applications which are time critical requiring turn on and track functionality. Shallow water and pipelay from anchor barges also benefit from the internal sensor being calibration free.

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, external heading and inertial navigation sensor, class leading performance is achieved.

At a glance

• Use it with Mini-Ranger 2 USBL
• Acoustically optimised for tracking targets in shallow water
• Simple to install on all types of vessel including uncrewed
• Ethernet comms for fast position updates
• Excellent corrosion resistance

‘Discovery Mode’ enables users to automatically detect previously deployed transponders including their configured address and channel, making the system easier to use. The HPT 3000 is a highly capable acoustic USBL tracking transceiver. Its multiple simultaneous channels enable robust tracking of 10 targets.

Manufactured in Aluminium Bronze, the HPT 3000 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.

Power and communications are contained in a single cable and because communications transmit from the transceiver to control-room ESH, data rates of up to 100 Mps can be achieved. Ethernet-based communications also enable the unit to interface with your vessel’s existing network for rapid installation.

Overview

MRT is supplied as part of our Micro-Ranger 2 USBL system, a complete one-box underwater diver, ROV, AUV and equipment tracking solution. Everything you need, including two transponders, is supplied in a battery-powered IP-67 rated carry case for portable, go-anywhere marine operations.

MRT is supplied with a moulded 10 m underwater cable that is connected up to your Micro-Ranger 2 command case. The cable provides both power and comms to the MRT.

At a glance

• Easy to deploy off a pontoon or RHIB
• Optimised for high elevation tracking in shallow water
• Internal magnetic compass for instantaneous and calibration free motion compensation
• Built in health checks including array and electronics diagnostics
• Supplied with 10 m of deck cable

Deployment is as simple as it gets. Off a pontoon, over the side of your RHIB or even fixed to a USV. It can be suspended using its cable or on a simple pole arrangement. We even offer a lightweight carbon fibre pole with fixation clamp and a top bracket to mount the system’s included GNSS antenna.

MRT uses an integral AHRS sensor which 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. It’s multi-element processing enables transponders to be accurately positioned at ranges of 995 metres.

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.