RT 6-1000
Overview
Precision underwater monitoring & recovery
Deploy it. Track it. Locate it. Recover it. RT 6-1000 does it all. Our entry-level acoustic release transponder has features that are far from entry-level. Such as a 1,000 metre depth rating, battery life of over a year and release mechanism that won’t let you down.
Entry level – next level
What's possible
The RT 6-1000 is the versatile acoustic release transponder for your subsea operations. It can be commanded from multiple sources, including the Deck Topside, an Android app, or any Ranger 2 USBL system. This flexibility allows you to easily deploy, track, locate and retrieve your seabed equipment and ocean sensors.
One of the key advantages of the RT 6-1000 is its depth rating of 1,000 metres and weight load limit of 150 kg. This depth and payload capacity make it an ideal choice for scientists, surveyors, and military personnel who require a reliable and enduring solution for their underwater applications.
The RT 6-1000 is compatible with Sonardyne’s Ranger 2 USBL tracking systems, which are widely used on survey vessels around the world. This integration allows for seamless deployment, tracking, and retrieval of your equipment. No access to Ranger 2? No problem, the RT 6-1000’s NFC capability enables setup and control via its Android app or a dedicated Deck Topside unit.
Deploy. Track. Locate. Recover
At a glance
- The reliable choice to deploy, leave and recover seafloor equipment and sensors
- 1,000 metre depth rating; twice that of similar low-cost acoustic release transponders
- Tested, loaded, commanded and released using Deck Topside
- Also works with any Ranger 2 USBL to track it and activate it
- >13-month battery life means less time servicing it and more time using it
- 150 kg Working Load Limit to support your sensors and instruments
- Optional rope canister for heavy lifting
The RT 6-1000 offers impressive endurance, with a battery life of up to 13 months, making it well-suited for long-term deployments and year-long surveys. Its screw-off release mechanism ensures reliable recovery of the transponder and your equipment.
An optional rope canister attachment allows you to quickly and easily raise items left on the seabed, such as tools, cables and salvage. The canister deploys a high-strength rope as the transponder ascends, providing a convenient means of retrieval.
Acoustic
• Medium Frequency (20-34 kHz) band.
• Omni-directional transducer. Track it all the way to the surface
• Sonardyne Wideband 2 signal architecture supporting over 300 unique addresses. Perfect for very large surveys involving multiple moorings close to each other
Performance
• 1,000 m depth rated
• >13 months battery life; alkaline battery
• 150 kg Working Load Limit
• Compatible with Ranger 2 USBL systems
• Secure and robust two-way acoustic Communications. Only release what you want to release
Design
• 450 mm x 65 mm (max dia. 100 mm), 500 grams weight in water
• Field proven screw-off release mechanism
• NFC for setup using Android app
• Optional rope canister for lifting heavy items
• Plastic, super duplex stainless steel and anodised aluminium construction. ROHS compliant
Ownership
• Warranty: one year return to Sonardyne service centre
• ITAR Controlled: No
• UK Export Licence: Not required
• What’s in the box: RT 6-1000, shackles, release nuts (x10), manual on USB
Specifications table
| Feature | Type 8327 | |
|---|---|---|
| Depth Rating | 1,000 m | |
| Operating Frequency | MF 20–34 kHz | |
| Transducer Beam Shape | Hemispherical | |
| Transmit Source Level (dB re 1 µPa @ 1 m) | 187 dB | |
| Tone Equivalent Energy (TEE) | 193 dB | |
| Receive Threshold (dB re 1 µPa) | <100 dB | |
| Working Load Limit (4:1) | 150 kg | |
| Proof Load | 300 kg | |
| Breaking Load | 600 kg | |
| Maximum Safe Release Load | 150 kg | |
| Battery Life (Alkaline) | >13 months | |
| Inclinometer Accuracy | ±5° | |
| Mechanical Construction | Anodised aluminium alloy, plastic and super duplex stainless steel | |
| Operating Temperature | -5 to 40ºC | |
| Storage Temperature | -20 to 55ºC | |
| Maximum Dimensions (Length x Diameter) | 450 x 65 mm | |
| Weight in Air/Water | 2.0/0.5 kg | |
| Standards | CE Marked to EN-60945, EN-61010 | |
| Options | Shallow Water Deck Kit (Deck Topside) | 602-0175 |
| Rope Canister (longer lengths available) |
70 m (250 kg WLL), 120 m (250 kg WLL), 160 m (125 kg WLL) |
|
| Release Nut | Part No. 830-0073 (note: 10 nuts supplied with each new RT 6-1000) |
Frequently asked questions
What is an Acoustic Release and how does it work?
Why isn’t serial communication available using the iWand in RT 6 Dunker Mode?
RT 6-1000 NFC connection and operating information
6G Terminal Lite Range Test
How long can an RT 6-1000 be deployed for?
What is the safe working load for different RT 6 products?
What should i use instead of an LRT
How do I mark where my RT 6-1000 is deployed?
No NFC device is available to connect the battery
Why can’t my NFC device contact the transponder?
How to change the battery in an RT 6-1000
Which RT 6 is correct for my operations?
Why should I use a rope canister and what is it?
Where can I find the RT-6 release app
How to release an RT 6 acoustic release transponder using Ranger 2
How to use a rope canister
How to recover an RT 6-1000
Deployment
STP files
Software and firmware
Software and control hardware
Manuals and quick start guides
Did you know?
RT 6-1000 can be used with our Ranger 2 USBL family or Deck Topside
