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WSM 6+

USBL transponder and responder

Engineered for

AUV ROV Towfish
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Overview

Small, rugged, versatile.

WSM 6+ is a popular choice of transponder for tracking a mobile underwater target such as a towfish, crane wire, ROV or manned submersible. 2-way wideband signals ensure reliable acoustic performance in all conditions. Suitable for a range of applications from environmental surveys to deep water nodal positioning as well as tracking and communications.

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.

Watch our youtube video to learn more

Specifications table

Feature Type 8370-1111 Type 8370-4112
Depth Rating 1,000 Metres 4,000 Metres
Operational Frequency MF (20–34 kHz) MF (20–34 kHz)
Transceiver Beamshape Omni-Directional Directional
Transmit Source Level (External Power)
(re. 1 µPa @ 1 m) (Battery)
187 dB
184 dB
196 dB
193 dB
Tone Equivalent Energy (TEE*) (External Power) 193 dB 202 dB
Receive Sensitivity (dB re 1 μPa) <85 dB <80 dB
Power Supply Rechargeable NiMH battery or 
ext. 24 V via ROV umbilical Rechargeable NiMH battery or ext. 24 V via ROV umbilical
Operating Channels All Sonardyne Wideband 
HPR 400 Channels All Sonardyne Wideband HPR 400 Channels
Depth Sensor ±0.5% Full Scale (100 Bar) ±0.5% Full Scale (400 Bar)
Operating life ( 1 s update rate, max. power, WB2 ) >6 days >3 days
Maximum Update Rate >2 Hz >2 Hz
Quiescent Life (Battery) >35 Days >35 Days
Connector
5-Way (Standard)
8-Way (Burnwire/Motor Release )
Subconn MCBH5M
Subconn MCBH8F
Subconn MCBH5M
Subconn MCBH8F
Operating Temperature -5 to 40ºC -5 to 40ºC
Storage Temperature -20 to 55ºC -20 to 55ºC
Mechanical Construction Aluminium Alloy, Anodised Aluminium Alloy, Anodised
Dimensions (Length x Diameter) 420 x 79 mm 429 x 96.5 mm
Weight in Air/Water 3.2 kg/1.3 Kg 5.5 Kg/3.2Kg
Battery Charger 8370-011-01 8370-011-01

Did you know?

WSM 6+ is compatible with our Ranger 2 family of USBL systems: Micro, Mini and Standard