Overview

Acoustic release transponders are a vital pieces of ocean equipment – relied upon by energy, defence and science users to moor valuable equipment strings for years at a time, and when commanded to do so, reliably return equipment and logged data to the surface.

Transponders need to be tough, reliable and easy to work with. The RT 6-HD meets these requirements.

Part of our new range of acoustic releases, RT 6-HD combines the extensive mechanical design track record with the flexibility of our 6G platform, resulting in enhanced battery life and perhaps most significantly, compatibility with our Ranger 2 USBL system.

At a glance

• Tested, loaded, deployed and released with Deck Topside
• Also works with Ranger 2 USBL to lift, lower and track heavy subsea structures in deep water
• Working Load Limit 2,500 kg (4:1)
• Depth rated to 7,000 m
• Highly reliable release mechanism
• Compact and rugged design

With RT 6-HD, you use your vessel’s Ranger 2 USBL to deploy, track, locate and command the instrument – removing the need for a separate topside unit. If you don’t have access to a Ranger 2 USBL, our rugged and lightweight Deck Topside with an over-the-side dunker is all you need to both configure and command RT 6-3000s.

With a WLL of 2,500 kg (at 4:1), twice that of our RT 6-3000 and RT 6-6000, RT-HD is designed for specialist heavy lift application scenarios such as deep water construction and salvage.

RT 6-HD is also our deepest rated acoustic release transponder at 7,000 m. Excellent corrosion resistance is achieved by using super duplex stainless steel for the housing materials.

RT 6-HD is configured with our iWand hand-held acoustic transponder test and configuration device.

Overview

SST 6 is a small rugged transponder designed to acoustically position of ocean bottom seismic cables and nodes, where high performance, small size, low cost and ease of programming are all important operational factors.

SST 6 incorporates our Wideband 2 digital acoustic signal processing architecture to deliver substantial performance gains over the previous generation SST, ensuring robust positioning performance in the most challenging of operational environments.

Innovations such as built-in, near field communications (NFC) technology, allow SST 6 transponders to be checked and programmed without human intervention, supporting operators’ vision for fully automated node handling and efficient back-deck ocean bottom seismic (OBS) operations.

At a glance

• Accurately positions seismic cables and nodes in water depths to 3,000 m
• Designed on 6G hardware and Wideband 2 technology platforms
• Compatible with Mini-Ranger and Ranger 2 USBL positioning systems
• Choice of depth ratings: 1,000 m or 3,000 m
• Over 1,520 unique acoustic transponder addresses supports large surveys
• Automated programming using NFC link without human intervention

SST 6 operates in the Medium Frequency (MF) band and is compatible with our Ranger 2 USBL systems. Ranger 2 USBL systems measure both range and bearing to SST 6 in the same operation, so an accurate position of the node or cable can be determined very quickly and at a high update rate.

Combining the use of Ranger 2 USBL and SST 6 in this way results in considerable savings in vessel time and new standards of efficiency for seismic operations.

NFC allows fast programming of 16 group interrogation addresses and 95 reply channels providing more than 1,520 unique acoustic identities.

This allows the marking of seismic cables and other applications demanding dense transponder coverage. SST 6 is configured using NFC with a suitable NFC-enabled handset (including NFC enabled Android™ handsets with the Sonardyne NFC App) or a dedicated HF radio frequency identification (RFID) reader.

The NFC link provides the ability to enter SST 6 into a storage mode when not in use,  significantly increasing the overall battery endurance.

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

Prior to deployment from a cable lay boat, the transponders are attached to the seismic cable at each ground station, typically every 50 metres. Once the bottom cable is laid, the acoustic system measures the ranges from the surface transceiver to the transponders to enable their exact positions to be established. This positioning process can either be conducted while laying the cable or later while shooting.

The transponders are small and lightweight and have been proven to be able to withstand the demanding and varied operational environment of OBC and TZ surveys.

At a glance

• Use it to position OBS cables in water depths up to 500 metres
• Built to withstand rugged operational environments
• Thousands of unique acoustic addresses
• Up to 18 months’ listening life
• Optional RFID tag for easy asset tracking

Standard features include a depth rating of 500 metres, a unique acoustic ‘address’ enabling thousands of units to be laid in a single deployment and automatic battery voltage monitoring to allow users to better plan their maintenance schedules.

In OBC operations using a ‘squirter’ cable deployment system, ‘carapaces’ are available that provide a fast and secure means of attaching transponders to the cable. The carapaces are manufactured from tough plastic that encapsulates the transponder and optional RFID asset tracking tag, clamping it securely to the cable whilst protecting it from the high cable deployment and recovery speeds.

The carapace design, which is now in use with many crews around the world, has been proven to be easy to fit and reduces long term maintenance when compared with traditional tie-wrap and tape methods. The low profile shape of the carapace also reduces the risk of snagging and as it is acoustically ‘quieter’ in the water, creating less noise interference down the cable.

Overview

WMT is a 6G compatible, high acoustic output power USBL transponder available in two depth versions: 3,000 m and 7,000 m. The 7,000 m version has a higher acoustic output power level for improved long-range operation.

For ROV and towfish tracking, WMT supports responder trigger for faster position updates, an integrated rechargeable Li-Ion battery pack that is charged from the ROV’s power supply and full RS232 communications enabling channel set up, power and gain etc. to be changed from the surface.

At a glance

• Use it with Ranger 2 for deep water, long layback tracking tasks
• High power acoustic output and directional transducer
• Responder mode for fast position updates
• Full two-way Sonardyne Wideband 2 interrogation and reply
• Li-Ion rechargeable battery pack
• Optional remote transducer

An on/off switch (3,000 m only) helps to ensure the battery pack is not discharged when not in use. If an umbilical trigger is not available, then the full Wideband transponder mode provides excellent USBL performance in a small, lightweight package.

Remote omni or directional transducers are available for WMT. These make installation on a ROV easier as the remote transducer can be installed where there is good line-of-sight and is easily replaced if damaged. The main body of the transponder can then be installed within the ROV frame where it is well protected from damage.

Overview

WSM 6+ is one our most popular USBL transponders, selected by customers for its small size, value and dependable performance in all environments, shallow or deep.

It’s the perfect choice for fitting to observation and work-class ROVs, towfish, submersibles and equipment being deployed onto the seabed for short durations.

WSM 6+ is compatible with all of our Ranger 2 USBL systems and we even include one with every Ranger 2 Standard – as standard.

The compact and rugged design is based on the field proven mechanics from previous generation designs and is available with omni-directional or directional transducers. The omni version is depth rated to 1,000  m and the directional is depth rated to 4,000 m.

At a glance

• Rechargeable USBL transponder designed for tracking ROVs, towfish and equipment
• Choice of 1,000 m (omni-directional) and 4,000 m (directional) depth ratings
• Compatible with our family of Ranger 2 USBL systems: Micro, Mini and Standard
• Transponder or responder operating modes
• Depth sensor for improved USBL positioning performance
• External on/off switch for battery saving

Both versions support transponder and responder operating mode if an external trigger from your platform is available. Responder mode provides significantly faster position updates than transponder mode.

WSM 6+ supports Wideband 2 acoustic signals and legacy Wideband 1 and HPR 400. The configuration is programmable using supplied software and a serial link or it can be configured acoustically via our back deck handheld test unit – iWand. This allows the WSM 6+ to be configured for use with all of the popular MF frequency acoustic navigation systems.

Both types of WSM 6+ are also fitted with a depth sensor fitted as standard to aid USBL positioning accuracy and an external on/off switch to save battery power when not in use.

WSM 6+ variants are available with acoustically controlled output lines suitable for external motor drive, burnwire or contact closure releases.

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

Compatt 6+ is used for high precision survey and construction operations in all water depths, including: spool piece metrology, pipeline touchdown monitoring, structure installation and dynamic positioning reference.

Compatt 6+ offers significant time saving with fast update rates (up to 1 Hz LBL tracking), all made possible using the Wideband 3 acoustic telemetry protocols. Support of Wideband 2 ranges maintains backwards compatibility. This makes any system operating with Compatt 6+ significantly easier to operate therefore de-risking operations, reducing vessel time and reducing training requirements for offshore personnel.

At a glance

• Compatible with all 6G LBL, INS and USBL systems
• Wideband 3 enabled
• Versatile, flexible and cost-effective
• Over 3,600 different configurations available
• Choice of depth ratings to 7,000 m

Our Wideband advanced signal processing offers improved acoustic performance in challenging conditions, longer ranges, improved multipath rejection around structures and real-time range diagnostics for quality control. Wideband also reduces the interference to and from adjacent Sonardyne and other acoustic positioning systems.

The integrated communications and navigation technology allows the transponder to be used as a multi-purpose modem, autonomous data logger and navigation reference transponder.

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.

Reassuringly reliable Ranger 2

Ranger 2 is more than just an acoustic tracking and positioning system. It goes way beyond tracking; it can be part of a dynamic positioning system, it supports robust two-way data communication with a range of seafloor sensors to collect data, it can support AUV command and control and will even release seabed moorings.

Ranger 2 can even be run from an uncrewed surface vehicle (USV) enabling truly remote, autonomous operations. Whether your mission involves seabed surveys, offshore energy site inspections or commanding a fleet of AUV’s, Ranger 2 can help you expand them over the horizon and to the edges of your imagination.

It comes with an impressive list of standard features, our award-winning 6G (sixth generation) acoustic hardware platform and Sonardyne Wideband 2 digital signal architecture. The flexibility of the Ranger 2 family is further extended by our range of 6G transponders to support a wide variety of applications.

Why should you invest?

Our Ranger 2 family gives you the versatility you need, at the investment level you can afford, to get your project completed quickly and efficiently. It’s engineered like no other USBL on the market. Adaptable, scalable and always compact, there is a Ranger 2 USBL to suit any size vessel or project. As your needs grow, bolt-on software packs unlock additional capability and protect your investment. Whichever size suits you best, they will always be compatible with our full range of 6G transponders and many other vessel systems.