What is possible

As our mainstay USBL system for nearshore operations, Mini-Ranger 2 is a tracking, positioning and communications system with robotic capability. Straight out of the box it can track and communicate up to 995m. With an extension pack, this can be extended to 4,000m making it suitable for any AUV, diver, ROV, towfish, USV or vessel in shallow to mid-depth waters across many operational areas.

For ocean science and environmental campaigns, its survey-grade accuracy adds precision to your operations whether they involve; environmental surveys, aquaculture, coastal science, research vessels, sensor tracking or site survey and characterisation for offshore renewable energy.

For Naval test ranges and military diving – Mini-Ranger 2 allows you to track up to ten divers simultaneously, bringing precision and safety to maneuvers.

It offers more than just tracking – with the addition of a robotics pack – Mini-Ranger 2 allows you to communicate with, command and control up to ten vehicles simultaneously within your marine robotics fleet.

USBL tracking without the complexity – when micro is too small, but Ranger 2 is too big – mini is just right

Why choose it?

• Portable and quick to mobilise; a great choice for small survey vessels, moored barges and uncrewed vessels
• 995 m operating range; extendable to 4,000 m (requires export license)
• System accuracy 0.2%–1.3% of slant range, depending on system configuration
• Optional Marine Robotics software feature pack provides command and control of AUVs
• Works with a wide range of 6G transponders including RT 6 acoustic releases
• Simple to configure and easy to use, even with no experience of acoustic tracking technology
• Developed and supported by a company with over 50 years of experience in innovative underwater technology

The kit

HPT 3000

HPT 3000 is the highly capable surface deployed USBL transceiver at the heart of the Ranger 2 system. It’s suitable for all your operations, whether they involve shallow water, high elevation, long lay back operating scenarios, or data telemetry.

You can choose to deploy it over the side of your vessel on a simple pole arrangement or under the hull of a USV. If your operations demand a permanent deployment, a through-hull deployment setup is possible. Simply fit a transponder to each target you want to track and you’re ready to go!

HPT 3000 simply connects to your PC running the Ranger 2 software – the same process and software applies across the whole Ranger 2 family. As standard, it enables data harvesting from seafloor instruments, using crewed or uncrewed vessels, and works with a wide range of 6G transponders including RT 6 acoustic releases.

Transponder options

A wide range of our 6G transponders can be used with Mini-Ranger 2, allowing you to select the right one for your operations. If you’re tracking divers, small to medium sized AUVs or micro-class ROVs, Nano is a popular choice. When tracking larger targets such as a towfish, a crane wire lowering a structure, or an observation-class ROV, WSM 6+ will meet your requirements. If you need to release and retrieve seabed assets, our RT 6 allows you to deploy, track and recover seafloor equipment – all in one instrument.

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.

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.