Sonardyne
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Overview

Forward looking sonar

Venturing into unchartered waters? Proceed with confidence! Vigilant forward looking sonar transforms your vessel’s underwater situational awareness, alerting you to hidden threats.

Navigating the unknown

Key benefits:

  • Real-time 3D terrain mapping of seabed and water column
  • Extended detection range up to 1.5 km with a 120-degree field of view
  • Automated collision hazard warnings
  • Compatibility with autonomous vessel systems
  • Depth mapping capabilities to 100 metres
  • Two operational modes: 3D mode and Sonar mode

Engineered for versatility, Vigilant offers unrivalled underwater situational awareness with a cutting-edge long-range detection system. This compact, powerful system provides unprecedented underwater detection and mapping capabilities for energy, defence, scientific, and autonomous marine operations. Designed by Wavefront Systems and commercialised by Sonardyne, Vigilant forward-looking sonar revolutionises maritime navigation and safety across multiple sectors. Its compact 31 cm-wide design weighing just 14 kg allows for easy installation on vessels ranging from exploration cruises and private yachts to naval ships and research vessels. The system can be seamlessly retrofitted to existing vessels or integrated into new builds.

How it works

The system consists of a sophisticated sonar projector and receiver array mounted at the vessel’s bow, complemented by advanced bridge software. Its proprietary Altitude Confidence Filter (ACF) generates precise, colour-coded depth imagery, enabling crews to navigate challenging environments with confidence.

Seaborne collision avoidance is also a vital consideration for autonomous ships and an ever-increasing number of unmanned surface and underwater vessels in the offshore energy, ocean science and naval market sectors. Vigilant can be integrated into these autonomous platforms to provide essential information to autopilots and command and control systems, to aid safe navigation and manoeuvres around hazardous obstacles.

Vigilant has two principal operating modes, 3D mode and Sonar mode. 3D mode produces stunning 3D bathymetry and colour coded depth imagery using our proprietary Altitude Confidence Filter (ACF), out to 600 m and down to 100 m. Sonar mode processes the intensity of the acoustic data to extract long-range positional data out to 1.5 km and over a 120 degree field of view. In this mode, the sonar returns are used to generate alerts to the operator (or a third-party system) to the presence of a navigationally relevant obstacle.

For naval and security applications, Vigilant can be combined with Sentinel intruder detection systems, providing comprehensive underwater threat protection. Whether exploring secluded bays, navigating busy shipping lanes, or venturing into polar regions, Vigilant delivers unparalleled maritime intelligence and safety.

Comprehensive engineering support is available to ensure seamless installation and commissioning, making Vigilant your essential tool for modern marine operations.

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Overview

Intruder Detection System

Close the gap in your situational awareness by specifying the world’s most widely deployed underwater intruder detection sonar, Sentinel, to help safeguard your vessels, oil platforms, waterside facilities and national infrastructure.

Over 2km coverage from one unit

Key benefits

  • Up to 2,400 m diameter protection zone using a single sonar head
  • Detects divers up to 900 m away and UUVs up to 1,200 m away
  • Up 10 targets tracked and classified simultaneously
  • Helps protect ports, harbours, naval bases, private yachts, residences, power stations, offshore platforms
  • Rapidly deployed for instant protection
  • Low false alarm rate
  • In service globally since 2007
  • One of the smallest IDS solutions on the market; take it and deploy it anywhere
  • Commercial-off-the-shelf technology that integrates seamlessly with your existing security systems
  • No specialist sonar experience needed; software automates most of the heavy lifting
  • Can be remotely monitored from anywhere in the world

Discover Sentinel, the cutting-edge maritime security system designed to revolutionise your underwater threat detection and protection. Our innovative technology combines unparalleled flexibility with intelligent threat assessment, offering you comprehensive security solutions for diverse maritime environments. From compact deployments on patrol vessels to extensive networked systems protecting expansive naval bases and container ports, Sentinel adapts seamlessly to your operational requirements. With its lightweight design, advanced algorithmic discrimination, and seamless C2 system integration, Sentinel empowers security personnel to monitor critical areas with unprecedented precision and efficiency, dramatically reducing false alarms while ensuring comprehensive threat detection. It is suitable for:

 

  • Vessel security
  • Naval ship protection
  • Port and harbour security
  • Naval base protection
  • Protecting your maritime assets from underwater threats

How it works

Sentinel is your cutting-edge underwater security system designed to detect and track potential underwater threats across a wide range of environments. Designed by Wavefront Systems and commercialised by Sonardyne, this innovative technology provides comprehensive protection for your critical infrastructure, naval vessels, ports, and private properties.

With remarkable detection capabilities, Sentinel can identify divers up to 900 metres away and uncrewed underwater vehicles (UUVs) at distances of 1,200 metres. The system is versatile and easy to deploy, whether protecting a commercial harbour, critical national infrastructure, or a private yacht. Its advanced sonar technology can be quickly installed on boats, ports, or coastlines, creating an instant underwater security shield that operates autonomously.

Its user-friendly design sets Sentinel apart. The complex sonar technology is packaged into intuitive software, allowing security personnel without specialised technical expertise to operate the system effectively. For enhanced threat response, an optional accessory called Scylla can broadcast pre-recorded or live audio messages to divers up to 600 metres away, providing an additional layer of deterrence. Whether dealing with busy harbours, shallow waters, or strategic infrastructure sites, Sentinel offers you reliable, real-time monitoring and threat tracking in virtually any marine environment.

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Overview

The industry standard for seismic surveys

Positioning rope connected seismic nodes or ocean bottom cables accurately and efficiently is often accomplished in challenging underwater environments. Our shallow and deep water positioning systems are scalable for small or large surveys and have an impressive global track record of use in the offshore seismic industry.

Designed to work in any depth

From less than 1 m in the transition and surf zones to 3000 m for ultra-deep-water seismic applications.

Our shallow and deep rated acoustic positioning systems improve the speed, accuracy and efficiency of positioning seabed marine seismic nodes and cables, enabling the positioning of thousands of transponders in parallel with deployment and shooting operations.

The system uses a network of low cost, rugged transponders that can withstand fast deployment through mechanical ‘squirters’ to provide users with an efficient method of collecting the positions of thousands of seabed nodes in real-time.

A typical system comprises of acoustic positioning transponders attached to the seismic node or cable and a vessel or USV based acoustic range only or full USBL transceiver interfaced to a PC running our HydroPos seismic positioning control software application. Third party software applications that incorporate an acoustic control module can also be used with the system.

Once the nodes are deployed on the seabed, the system precisely measures the acoustic range (distance) or 3D position (USBL) from a surface transceiver on the pinging vessel to each transponder to enable its exact position to be established. The range and USBL positioning processes are more accurate than traditional first break techniques, 1-2 m absolute, and can either be conducted during node or cable deployment operations or later whilst shooting.

Configurations

Shallow water (range only or full USBL)

Uses HF band vessel or USV-mounted TZT or HPT2000 USBL system with Transition Zone Transponders and LRTs attached to seismic nodes or ocean bottom cable receivers. Offers ranging precision of better than 50 mm in up to 500 m water depth.

 

Deep water (range only or full USBL)

Uses MF band vessel or USV-mounted TZT or HPT 5000 USBL system with SST 6 and RT6-1000 transponders. Offers ranging precision of better than 15 mm in up to 3,000 m water depth.

 

OEM integration

Get all the benefits of of our deep water system but with an OEM version of our SST 6 integrated in to your seismic node.

At a glance

  • Enables you to position thousands of nodes or cabled seismic receivers in real-time
  • Operational in 1 to 3,000 m of water
  • Uses low cost acoustic transponders and acoustic releases
  • Scalable for both small and large surveys
  • Scalable for both small and large surveys

Transponders

The transponders developed for the system are small and lightweight and are proven to withstand the demanding and varied operational environment of surveys.

Standard features of the popular Type 7815 TZ Transponder include a depth rating of 500 metres, a unique acoustic ‘address’ enabling thousands of units to be laid in a single deployment and battery voltage monitoring to allow users to better plan their maintenance schedules. TZ Transponders operate in the HF band.

The LRT is a release transponder option for this system. It incorporates an acoustic release mechanism and is typically used at rope or cable ends to aid recovery of seabed seismic equipment after shooting is complete.

SST 6 incorporates our Wideband 2 digital acoustic signal processing architecture ensures robust positioning performance with high levels of ranging precision. It can be provided in 1,000m and 3,000m depth rated housings and is fitted with a handy Near Field Communications (NFC) link as standard for programming and battery status checking.

RT 6-1000 is a release transponder option for this system. It incorporates an acoustic release mechanism and is typically used at rope or cable ends to aid recovery of seabed seismic equipment after shooting is complete.

Both SST 6 and RT 6-1000 are MF band transponders, compatible with our family of Ranger USBL acoustic positioning systems.

Transceivers

Two surface transceiver options are available for this system. TZ Transceiver (TZT) is small and lightweight making it perfect for use vessels-of-opportunity and uncrewed surface vessels which are increasingly being used in support of offshore seismic operations. It can operate in the HF or MF frequency band.

TZT is able to interrogate and calculate acoustic ranges to nine TZ Transponders or 95 SST 6 transponders at a time.

HPT 2000 (HF) and HPT 5000 (MF) are USBL transceivers configured to measure range and bearing to TZ Transponders and SST 6 transponders respectively. They are particularly well suited to high elevation tracking scenarios and offers true simultaneous tracking of multiple transponders providing superior position update rates.

Our team is here to advise you which configuration of transponders and transceivers your offshore seismic positioning system should be configured with to meet to operational requirements.

Design

• Incorporates almost three decades of operational and client feedback
• Supports new generation (6G) and legacy hardware transponders inventories – thousands in service globally
• Suitable for small survey vessel or USV operations; safer, greener, lower cost
• Works with all major seismic software platforms
• Optional asset tracking with transponder RFID technology

Performance

• Operate in <1 m to 500 m water depth • Operates in with Sonardyne HF (35-55 kHz) or MF (19-34 kHz) bands • Up to 18 month battery life for TZ/OBC transponders • Position 3,600 transponders in real time • Range-range or range-bearing (USBL) operating configurations available

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Overview

Seamless remote control for offshore operations

ROAM is our solution to those times when you need expert support with your Sonardyne technology, but it’s not possible to have an engineer present with you. It connects your team to ours, meaning support is just a click away.

Support is just a click away

Remote Offshore Access Module (ROAM) delivers you a suite of Sonardyne operational survey services without us physically attending your worksite.

Our experienced engineers can provide help with your calibrations, box-ins, system health checks and more at the click of a button. Using ROAM, Sonardyne engineers located anywhere in the world can provide you with expert, pre-arranged technical guidance during live marine operations, simplifying travel logistics, decreasing environmental impact and reducing your operational costs.

This one-box, pay-as-you-go solution can be used to access a range of Sonardyne systems used within the offshore energy, science and defence sectors. Depending on the services required, ROAM can interface to Fusion 2 LBL, Fusion 2 INS, Ranger 2 USBL, Sentinel IDS, Vigilant FLS and other Sonardyne systems.

At a glance

 

  • Less people offshore reduces risk, costs and logistics
  • Connects your offshore team to our experts onshore
  • No need to pay for engineers waiting offshore; remote engineers can stand down during non-operational periods
  • Safe and secure: you’re in control of our access to your Sonardyne system
  • Adaptive communications; automatically switches between communication links
  • ROAM operates on a monthly charge enabling for easy OpEx accounting
  • PAYG remote operational support

PAYG remote operational support

ROAM allows our engineers to take control and operate your Sonardyne system as though they were in the control room with you.

ROAM achieves the remote connections by setting up an online portal through a secure VPN connection. The hardware then connects via either cellular data connections, Wi-Fi or your satellite communications, and can be configured to automatically switch between these connections, minimising the risk of disruption in the sea-to-shore link, and ensuring the most effective service is being used. All access is logged, and remote sessions are tracked allowing for a full audit trail.

Sonardyne engineer access via ROAM to your equipment can be restricted or removed by you at any time providing you with full control. If required, we can also arrange a portal for your engineers to access your systems on the vessel via the ROAM box.

By not having to travel to support your operations, we’re all helping to cut down the emissions footprint associated with working offshore, less flights, car journeys, boat and helicopter transfers. There’s also no delays or costs in arranging travel, security or visas

Specifications

Feature Specification
Dimensions 240 x 180 x 90 mm (9.4 x 7.1 x 3.5”)
Cable length (Ethernet) 2 x 5 m
Weight 1.3 kg (2.9 lbs)
Power 240 V ac
Supported Communication Networks Customer satellite system via vessel network, 3G, 4G or Wi-Fi
Service and Pricing Structure ROAM is rented on a 30-day basis.
Engineers work 12-hour shifts.
The 30-day rental includes 2 free of charge engineer shifts, additional shifts will be charged extra

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

Datasheets

Design

• Supplied in rugged, splash-proof carry case
• Integrated router, antennas, glanded ethernet cables

Communications

• Supports 3G, 4G, LTE, WiFi and your satellite via LAN
• Requires client-supplied service if connecting via satellite
• Extra data charges apply when using 3G, 4G, LTE
• Cloud portal offering secure sea-to-shore access

Ownership

• ROAM hardware remains property of Sonardyne
• Flight carry-on: Yes
• ITAR Controlled: No
• UK Export Licence: Not required
• What’s included (charged per month): rental of ROAM hardware, secure customer portal account, 2 x 12 hour shifts per month (additional shifts pay-as-you-go), user documentation

Example operations

• Compatt box-in
• Baseline calibration
• SLAM calibration
• Ranger 2 USBL calibration
• Fusion 2 LBL and SPRINT INS operational services
• System optimisation

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Overview

Elevate your operations with Marksman LUSBL

Experience the power of our pioneering acoustic positioning and tracking system, engineered to meet the needs of mission-critical station keeping activities. Marksman LUSBL combines ultra-short baseline (USBL) and long baseline (LBL) techniques to deliver unparalleled performance and redundancy.

Precise, seamless, robust

Precision engineered, Marksman leverages the strengths of both USBL and LBL acoustics, providing enhanced precision and range redundancy through seabed transponder networks.

Marksman seamlessly integrates with your existing DP system, whether you’re running GE, Kongsberg, MT, Navis, Rolls-Royce or Wärtsilä.

Robust and reliable dual independent hardware configurations provide redundancy to ensure your critical operations can continue even if part of the system becomes unavailable. There is also option of operating in triple redundancy configuration through the augmentation of our inertial navigation technology – known as DP-INS.

DP-INS has been developed to meet regulatory requirements which state that deep water drilling units must be equipped with three independent positioning reference inputs to their DP system. Traditionally, an acoustic positioning system and two separate GNSS systems are used.

However, vulnerability remains should the acoustics be affected by aeration and noise and both GNSS systems simultaneously affected by signal disruption. The latter is particularly common around equatorial regions and during periods of high solar radiation. Marksman removes this vulnerability by reducing the reliance on GNSS.

How Marksman elevates your operations

The Marksman system, built on ground-breaking 6G and Wideband 2 technology platforms, offers a comprehensive solution that combines faster, more robust data transmission with precision acoustic ranging that remains immune to vessel and ROV noise.

This trusted system, widely adopted by leading offshore energy operators in the Gulf of Mexico, Brazil, and West Africa, delivers uncompromising precision and global tracking capabilities at any depth, while seamlessly integrating with DP systems. Its dual and triple redundant configurations, immunity to GNSS disruptions, and extended battery life make it ideal for semi-permanent seabed deployments.

The system excels in mission-critical applications including riser monitoring and dynamic positioning reference, while offering valuable additional capabilities such as acoustic riser angle monitoring, backup BOP acoustic control, and data recovery from seafloor sensors. With its future-proof platform, simple user interface, and proven reliability, Marksman is the premier choice for operators requiring robust performance in demanding offshore environments.

Marksman at a glance

  • Optimised for precise, repeatable positioning to save on fuel costs
  • Compatible with all leading DP systems – Class 2 and 3 certified
  • Dual and triple redundant configurations for ultimate reliability
  • Global tracking capabilities in any water depth
  • Precision operations in the harshest environments

Design

• Can be configured for DP2 and DP3 class vessels
• Dual and triple (INS) independent equipment configurations available
• Works with all makes of DP system; GE, Kongsberg, MT, Navis and Wärtsilä
• Suitable for new build and retrofit installations; drill ships, semi-subs, heavy lift, well intervention

Performance

• 7,000 m operating range
• DP telegrams; all industry standard supported
• Supports tracking of one surface and multiple subsea targets
• 1 second position update rate (dependent upon water depth)

Technology

• Compatible with all 6G vessel and subsea transceivers and transponder
• Long battery life; 6G transponders use low power electronics to extend battery life
• Wideband 2 signal processing ensures robust acoustic performance in noisy environments
• Hundreds of unique operating channels enable simultaneous operations in busy offshore areas

Additional capabilities

• Riser profiling (requires additional hardware and software)
• Recovery of data from Sonardyne seafloor sensors
• Riser angle monitoring (requires additional hardware and software)

Specifications

Marksman System Performance LUSBL Tracking USBL Tracking
Water Depth LBL Array Radius Expected Repeatability Expected Repeatability
1000 m 175 m 0.16 m 1.5 m
2000 m 350 m 0.17 m 2.9 m
3000 m 525 m 0.39 m 5.1 m
Expected repeatability values are 1 drms assuming quiet vessel (84 dB//μPa.m) with standard size USBL transceiver at centre of an array of 5 directional beacons, correct sound speed, rigid deployment and Lodestar AHRS.
Number of Targets Tracked 1 surface, unlimited subsea
Position Update Rate 1 second, dependent upon water depth
Gyro Data Formats NMEA HDT, SG Brown (ASCII, BIN), Robertson SKR82
VRU Data Formats SON2, TSS1, TSS2, EM1000, EM3000, PRDID
GPS Data Formats GPGGA, GPGLL

Manuals and quick start guides

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Overview

A new generation of command and control topside

Deck Topside is our new generation of command and control topside for your RT 6 and IT 6 transponders. Compact and rugged, it’s designed for use in the workshop or on the back deck and is packed with innovative design features to keep you working in any weather, on any type of vessel, all day long.

Pick your kit, operate at any depth

Deck Topside is the robust and versatile solution for commanding and controlling your Sonardyne acoustic release or initiation transponders, empowering you to navigate your operations with confidence and efficiency. The ability to support both types of transponder ensures you have the flexibility to meet your specific needs, whether it’s releasing underwater equipment or initiating mine neutralisation operations.

Deck Topside is supplied with cabled Nano dunker transceivers to enable command and control at any water depth and over any range. They simply plug into the transceiver port on the side of Deck Topside and are suspended over the side of your vessel. Ten metres of cable are supplied as standard with a 20-metre extension cable also available.

Depending on which RT6 you have, there are different deck kits available, from shallow to deep. The shallow water deck kit is a workhorse for your operations requiring ranges of less than 1, 000 m, so perfect with RT 6-1000. For operations deeper than this, our mid water and deep water deck kits are perfect. Use the mid water kit with RT 6-3000.The deep water deck kit utilises our long range, LMF-frequency band for use with RT 6 HD.

Tough and simple to use all day long

Deck Topside is completely portable and perfectly at home working in harsh marine environments.

It features a high brightness, full colour 7-inch resistive touch screen display and an easy-to-use user interface (UI) which allow a host of parameters to be set, including environmental. The unit is IP67 rated when closed and IP66 when open and being operated.

Power up and choose which mode you want Deck Topside to work in; RT 6 or IT 6. The UIs are easy to use and require no special knowledge of underwater acoustics. As touch screens are not suitable for every weather or stage of a marine operation, physical buttons are used for critical tasks such as arming, initiating and releasing.

Power comes from an 12/24 V dc external input, and for those situations when you’re operating from a vessel with no external power, a Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery provides up to 8 hours of continuous use.

After a successful operation, you can download system logfiles and operational reports. Deck Topside can export a complete set of activity logs for all activities, and a PDF report for releases.

Futureproof your investment with expandable capabilities

Deck Topside has been engineered to allow the addition of future features and developments via in-field software upgrades, protecting your investment in Sonardyne underwater technology.

At a glance

  • Provides full configuration, testing and control of all RT 6s and IT 6
  • Use it in the workshop, back-deck or from a small boat
  • Engineered using industry standard ruggedised case; IP67 rated
  • Rechargeable battery provides 8 hours of use; supports external power input
  • 7-inch full colour touchscreen display; daylight readable
  • Physical buttons for safety critical operational sequences
  • Supplied with 10 m cabled Nano dunker
  • Portable, rugged, secure

General

• One-box solution for the command and control of RT 6s and IT 6s deployed for equipment mooring, recovery and UXO operations
• Wireless: built using secure and robust digital acoustics communications suitable for any environment
• Small and rugged case engineered for use on the back deck
• Embedded, bespoke user interface for each mode – no special training needed

Design

• 7” resistive touch screen 1000cd/m2
• 340 x 295 x 152 mm, 4.8 kg weight in air
• IP rating: IP67 closed, IP66 open
• Power: 12/24 V dc input /8-hour lithium-ion battery (66 Wh)
• Built-in GNSS receiver and speaker (functionality currently not enabled)

Interfaces

• 2 x Ethernet connectors
• 1 x RS232/RS485 (to Sonardyne dunker, including power out)
• 1 x 12/24 V dc power input connector
• 1 x USB for data offload
• 1 x RS232 DB9 port
• Physical buttons: Power, Home, Safety Critical (x2)

Ownership

• What’s in the box: Deck Topside box, Nano dunker, 10 m deck cable
• Accessories: 20m deck extension cable, DC charging cable
• Warranty: 1 year return to Sonardyne service centre
• ITAR Controlled: No
• UK Export Licence: No

Specifications

Feature
Screen 7” resistive touch screen 1000cd/m2
Interfaces 2 x Ethernet connectors,
1 x RS232/RS485 (to Sonardyne transceivers, including power out),
1 x 12/24 V dc power input connector,
1 x USB for data export,
1 x RS232 DB9 port
Buttons Power,
Home,
2 x multi-function safety critical keys
Positioning Built in GNSS
Sound Built in speaker
Power 12/24 V dc input 81 W max, 24 W charging, 8 W on external power, >8-hour lithium-ion battery (66 Wh)12/24 V dc input, >8-hour lithium-ion battery (66 Wh)
IP rating IP67 closed, IP66 open
Dunker cable 10 m
Operating temperature -20°C to +55°C
Storage temperature -20°C to +60°C
Additional tests Salt fog testing
Dimensions (length x width x depth) 340 x 295 x 152 mm
Weight 4.8 kg
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Overview

Revolutionise your underwater operations with Fusion 2

It’s not just software; it’s a game-changer for your underwater operations, streamlining workflows, maximising efficiency and empowering your operations with our 6G+ and Wideband 3 technology.

Control all your subsea Long Baseline (LBL), Sparse LBL, and SPRINT Inertial Navigation System (INS) projects from a single software suite. That’s the power of Fusion 2.

Unite your navigation and positioning for seamless efficiency

Fuse your workflow and control all your Long BaseLine (LBL), Sparse LBL, and SPRINT Inertial Navigation System (INS) projects from one intuitive interface. No more juggling multiple programmes – Fusion 2 simplifies your operations.

From subsea structure installation, metrology, pipeline and spool piece monitoring to pipeline positioning and more, Fusion 2 streamlines your subsea navigation and positioning. It connects LBL, Sparse LBL, and SPRINT INS for smooth workflows, real-time calibration and efficient deployments. This future-proof technology unlocks the potential of 6G+ and Wideband 3 instruments.

Real-Time Calibration: For faster, more efficient Sparse LBL operations, Fusion 2 allows real-time calibration of seabed transponders using Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping (SLAM). Eliminating delays and ensuring you collect accurate data from the start.

Enhanced efficiency through optimising hardware mobilisation. By consolidating control under one program, you require less equipment offshore, reducing costs and simplifying logistics, as well as saving you valuable setup time.

Built for our latest 6G+ instruments, Fusion 2 unlocks the full potential of Wideband 3 signal technology, ensuring your operations are at the forefront of subsea navigation.

Fusion 2 – fuse your systems for optimal performance

Why Fusion 2 is perfect for your operations

Do more with less – no need to operate two independent software and hardware systems to control your 6G LBL and SPRINT INS – Fusion 2 does it all in a single interface.

Fusion 2 LBL allows you to run calibrations in real time. Meaning you spend less time calibrating and more time collecting the right data, first time.

Lower your start-up costs: for practical, reliable LBL INS, Fusion 2 supports use of our SPRINT 300 with fewer transponders.

Why choose it/us

Backed by over 40 years of LBL system experience, Fusion 2 is the obvious choice for your offshore installation projects. Its 6G+ technology allows centimetric subsea positioning in all water depths. Highly robust and accurate instruments, professionally supported by our in-house engineers and surveyors, have made it the system of choice for subsea structure installations for decades.

Used with products such as GyroCompatt 6+, it provides you with centimetric positioning along with class leading Lodestar gyroscopes for heading, pitch and roll measurements all in a single, easy to deploy instrument.

If your underwater operations require precise measurements, an acoustic metrology system using several Compatt 6+ transponders can be placed in a network on the seabed / structures / hubs. The depths of the Compatts can then be accurately measured and 6G+ Wideband acoustic ranges collected between them.

Fusion 2 enables your seabed transponders to be SLAM calibrated in real-time for easier and faster Sparse LBL operations. And by embedding sensor data with high-update navigation ranging data, there’s no more interruptions to positioning updates at critical moments.

You’ll begin to see the benefits even before your project teams head offshore. Acoustic and INS projects can be configured and checked onshore prior to vessel mobilisation – saving you time, streamlining procedures and helping you to further de-risk operations.

If you need to tailor your operations, Fusion 2 enables multiple computations, comparing different set-ups, allowing you to pick the one you want. Sparse LBL might suit one operation more than LBL and vice versa. Now it’s easy to check, on-site, which works best for you.

"The Kit"/technology/software

For optimal performance, Fusion 2 can be used with a number of our products – including Gyro Compatt 6+, Compatt 6+, SPRINT-Nav, ROVNav 6+ / mini ROVNav.

To further increase operational efficiency, digital signal processing protocol, Fusion 2 is best paired with Wideband 3, which you’ll find inside our trusted 6G platforms, Compatt 6+ and ROVNav 6+.

Wideband 3 gives you sensor data alongside navigation ranging data, providing your operators with real-time positions and sensor data at the same time. This allows the acceleration of update rates by a factor of ten, eliminating latency issues.

Support

• Work side-by-side with our Projects Group from concept to deployment
• Systems are manufactured and tested at our world-class in-house facilities before delivery
• Talk to our experienced team about our USV data harvesting service
• 24-hour support, wherever you are in the world

Design

• Optimised for 6G+ and Wideband 3
• Combined acoustic LBL and INS navigation
• Intelligent troubleshooting built-in
• Reduced hardware requirements
• Subsea hardware options
• High precision Compatt 6+
• High power, long-range ROVNav 6+ transceiver
• Combined LBL transponder and Lodestar AHRS Gyro Compatt 6+

Specifications

Feature Specification
Design The most powerful INS and LBL system on the market
Seamlessly combines INS and LBL positioning techniques
Incorporates 50 years of subsea navigation innovation and know-how
Positioning for all phases of construction survey
Full range of real-time array calibration options: SLAM, Baseline and Box-In
Comprehensive EPSG geodesy database
Calibration and positioning calculations in scale-free reference frame
Performance Better than 4 times precision improvement over USBL with SPRINT INS
Up to 3 cm Range-aided positioning accuracy with SPRINT INS
Up to 3 cm LBL positioning accuracy
Simultaneous LBL tracking of ROVs and structures with heading computation at up to 1 Hz
Acoustics Sonardyne Wideband 3 digital acoustics for reliable performance in all environments
Support for Multiuser Compatt 6+
Embedded Wideband 3 sensor data retrieval from Compatt 6+ for seamless tracking and faster calibration

Frequently asked questions

Planning 6G beacon deployments

How to mount and extract an ISO image

SPRINT, SPRINT-Nav, Lodestar and Lodestar-Nav troubleshooting

How to use Fusion 2 LBL and INS dongles

Frequency management is obsolete. Here’s why.

What should I do if my Sonardyne security dongle expires or reports a problem?

How to download or upload files using Filezilla

Why am I getting old / incorrect data from my GyroCompatt 6+?

How to turn on a Lodestar Gyro Compatt using Ranger 2 or Fusion 2

I’m outputting a GGA from Fusion 2 / Ranger 2 to NaviPac but the position isn’t appearing in the correct location?

Will Compatt 6+ work with Ranger 2 and Marksman?

Can Compatt 6+ be used in the same LBL array as standard Compatt 6?

What is the difference between Compatt 6 and Compatt 6+?

If I’m using Fusion 2, can I choose to use Wideband 2 or Wideband 3 telemetry?

Will my ROVNav 6 work with Compatt 6+?

Will my ROVNav 6 work with Fusion 2?

How sparse is a sparse LBL array?

What software and firmware is compatible with SPRINT and Fusion 2 Systems?

Do I need to upgrade to Compatt 6+ and ROVNav 6+?

How to QC a Sound Velocity (SV) in Fusion 2

How far can my Compatt 6+ be above the seabed?

How to plan my sparse LBL array (guidance note)

How do I calibrate my sparse LBL array?

How do I set up structure deflection monitoring (SDM) in Fusion 2?

Do I need to use a scale factor in Fusion 2?

Can I use Compatt 6+ Multiuser in Fusion 2?

How do I perform a SLAM calibration in Fusion 2?

How to input or output time in Fusion 2

How do I perform an LBL calibration in Fusion 2?

How do I set up SPRINT-Nav in Fusion 2?

How do I set up sound speed collection and pressure to depth conversion in Fusion 2?

How to connect a SPRINT-Nav in Fusion 2

Manuals and quick start guides

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Overview

Real-time monitoring for drilling operations

Marine Riser Angle Monitoring System (MRAMS) is your high-accuracy solution for monitoring the differential angle between your drilling risers and blowout preventers (BOPs) to reduce excessive wear on your wellheads. MRAMS provides high update, low latency data updates ensuring you know exactly what is happening. Unlike expensive cabled solution which are vulnerable to damage, MRAMS is a wireless acoustic solution. Simple and intuitive software Provides clear and unambiguous data on a riser’s angle and profile.

For safer deepwater drilling

Designed for use from both Dynamically Positioned (DP) and moored drilling rigs, MRAMS uses our low-risk, field-proven 6G hardware and Wideband 2 acoustic technology to maintain an uninterrupted wireless data link between a rig and BOP, even in the high-noise environments typically associated with drilling operations.

Suitable for real-time monitoring for drilling operations and riser movement, MRAMS provides high update, low latency data updates ensuring you know exactly what is happening during your operations. Unlike expensive cabled solution which are vulnerable to damage, MRAMS is a wireless acoustic solution. Simple and intuitive software provides clear and unambiguous data on a riser’s angle and profile

Designed for use from both dynamically positioned (DP) and moored drilling rigs, MRAMS uses our low-risk, 6G hardware and Wideband 2 acoustic technology to maintain an uninterrupted wireless data link between a rig and BOP, even in the high-noise environments typically associated with drilling operations.

Developed from field-proven components, MRAMS is based on the integration of our USBL acoustic positioning technology and BOP-mounted transponders fitted with high resolution inclinometers. This provides clear and unambiguous data on your vessel’s position and riser angle status.

At a glance:

  • Helps prevent costly damage to riser and BOP
  • Provides clear information for users to maintain riser angles within operational limits
  • Integrated USBL acoustic positioning for DP reference
  • Designed for deep water operations
  • Standalone system or integrated with Marksman LUSBL

Marine Riser Angle Monitoring System

How it works

MRAMS comprises of four key elements; a Navigation Sensor Hub (NSH) and computer for controlling the transmission and decoding of acoustic signals, a vessel-based HPT 5000 or HPT 7000 transceiver which acts as an interrogator/receiver and responds to commands from the NSH, and a pair of DPTi 6 transponders; one fitted to the riser and one to the BOP.

On command from the NSH, one of three angles can be measured: the riser, the BOP or differential riser/BOP angle. During drilling operations, the riser and BOP angles are continuously measured by each DPTi 6 and the differential riser/BOP angle calculated. The angles are transmitted to the vessel using high speed digital acoustic telemetry, where they are received by the HPT transceiver, decoded, and then displayed on the bridge or drill floor. The vessel’s position and bearing relative to the BOP is also calculated and the information displayed to your DP operator or barge engineer. This data enables them to steer the rig and return the riser flex joint back to vertical.

In addition to its stand-alone capability in accurately monitoring the riser and BOP differential angle during drilling operations, MRAMS integrates seamlessly with our dynamic positioning (DP) reference system, Marksman LUSBL, to provide reliable and accurate vessel positioning for mobile drilling units.

Design

• Operating depth range 3,000 m
• Robust two-way communications
• Medium Frequency (18-36 kHz)
• Compatible with all makes of DP system

Hardware list

• 2 x DPTi 6 transponders
• Riser mounting buckets
• HPT transceiver (5000 or 7000)
• Marine Computer (running MRAMS software)
• Navigation Sensor Hub (NSH)

DPTi 6 at a glance

• High accuracy inclinometer range: ±90°
• Accuracy: 0° to ±15° = ±0.05°; 0° to ±45° = ±0.2°
• Depth rated to 3,000 m
• Tilt switch ±30-45°
• Strain gauge pressure sensor ±0.01%
• High precision strain gauge (optional) ±0.01%

Support

• Comprehensive and flexible training for system operators
• 24-hour support, whenever and wherever you are in the world
• Work side-by-side with our project and applications group from concept to deployment
• Systems are manufactured and tested before delivery at our world-class in-house facilities

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Overview

Real-time subsea asset monitoring

Providing a wireless vertical profile of current speed and direction, temperature and inclination, our Riser Profiling system (RPS) is your solution for real-time subsea asset and riser monitoring. Whether your risers are deployed from drilling or production vessels, our RPS gives you confidence in their integrity with real-time observations.

Precision depth monitoring for offshore operations

The Riser Profiling system can be used as a standalone, integrated within a Marksman LUSBL acoustic position reference system, or with a third-party integrated monitoring system.

6th Generation (6G®) DPTi or SMART transponders wirelessly mounted along the length of the riser, provide highly accurate data. These are clamped onto the riser during deployment or installed via ROV subsea. Up to ten transponders are mounted on a riser. Each transponder is fitted with the following sensors:

  • High-resolution dual axis inclinometer
  • Water temperature
  • Pressure and depth
  • Optional single point Doppler current meter (speed, direction)

The gathered data is transmitted wirelessly from the transponders using our Wideband 2 acoustic signals to a transceiver on the vessel, eliminating the need for expensive umbilical cables to fitted up each riser.

At a glance

  • Designed for monitoring your riser’s integrity
  • Helps prevent critical damage during operations
  • Removes need for expensive cables
  • 6G hardware and Wideband 2 acoustic delivers robust performance during operations
  • User configurable update rates

Advanced monitoring for subsea success

Topside software makes changing monitoring regimes easy. You can even set an alarm to activate when the calculated riser angle exceeds a predefined limit.

At the update rate you choose, inclination, current speed and direction, pressure, temperature measurements are requested from each transponder. All data is processed, logged and displayed graphically and numerically on the topside computer software for your instant analysis. When SMART transponders are used, the data is processed within the transponder and wirelessly transmitted to the vessel’s transceiver.

 

Specifications

Rider Profiling System Equipment Required
Topside Computer Hardware Sonardyne Navigation PC (marine approved)
Operating System Windows®10
Acoustic Sensor Interfacing and Time Sync Sonardyne Type 8098 Navigation Sensor Hub (NSH)
Vessel Transceiver Sonardyne Type 8142 HPT (LMF band)
Riser Transponders Sonardyne Type 8300 DPTi 6 (LMF band)
Sensor Accuracies Temperature (PRT) ±0.1°C
Pressure/Depth (Strain Gauge) ±0.01%
Dual Axis Inclinometer (Pitch/Roll) ±0.05° over 0 – ±15°; ±0.2° over 0 – ±45°
Current/Water Velocity
(Single Point Doppler)
1% of measured value ± 0.5 cm/s

Support

• Comprehensive and flexible training for system operators
• 24-hour support, whenever and wherever you are in the world
• Custom configured to meet your exact operational requirements
• Systems are manufactured and tested before delivery at our world-class in-house facilities

Design

• Operating depth range 3,000 m (5,000 m)
• Robust two-way communications
• Compatible with all makes of DP system

DPTi 6 at a glance

• High accuracy inclinometer range: ±90°
• Accuracy: 0° to ±15° = ±0.05°; 0° to ±45° = ±0.2°
• Temperature ±0.1°C
• Tilt switch ±30-45°
• Strain gauge pressure sensor ±0.01%
• High precision strain gauge (optional) ±0.01%

Hardware overview

• Compatt 6 DPTi riser transponder
• Riser Profiling software
• HPT Transceiver
• Marine Computer
• Ethernet Serial Hub (ESH)
• Riser mounting buckets available

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Overview

Revolutionising your subsea navigation

SPRINT is the acoustically aided subsea inertial navigation system (INS) for all your ROV, towed platforms and AUV operations. Giving you flexibility, cost-effectiveness and ease of use, it embodies our commitment to bringing you innovation in subsea navigation.

Get the SPRINT advantage

SPRINT gives you:

  • Robust performance in challenging subsea conditions
  • High-precision outputs for enhanced vehicle control
  • Instantaneous start-up without lengthy alignment periods
  • Seamless integration with your existing equipment

SPRINT optimises acoustic aiding data from USBL, LBL, Doppler Velocity Log (DVL) and pressure sensors, improving position accuracy, precision, reliability, and integrity. It extends the operating limits of your vessel’s USBL and enhances LBL efficiency by enabling sparse seabed transponder arrays. All while reducing operational time and vessel costs.

Choose your SPRINT

  • SPRINT 300: Perfect for dual ROV and survey use, standalone ROV guidance, and mid-water station keeping. It’s the most cost-effective subsea INS available, with less than 0.1° Sec Lat Heading accuracy.
  • SPRINT 500: Ideal for your demanding multibeam survey operations. Supports tightly integrated sparse LBL range aiding from Sonardyne 6G transponders, with automatic pressure and swell compensation.
  • SPRINT 700: Our highest-performance INS system, designed for your most challenging subsea survey tasks. Supports mobile laser mapping and acoustic inertial metrology with tight integration to Sonardyne acoustics.

The technology

Inertial navigation is inherently self-contained and robust with very good short term accuracy, but it can drift over time. Therefore, the SPRINT INS is supported by complementary acoustic positioning to provide long term accuracy and robustness. This significantly reduces operational delays during periods of challenging subsea acoustic conditions such as aeration and noise. The precision and update rate of the output allows greater subsea vehicle control and makes SPRINT suitable for ROV station keeping.

SPRINT shares a hardware platform with our Lodestar AHRS and runs both AHRS and INS algorithms concurrently. This allows instant INS start or restart upon receiving a position update, eliminating the lengthy ‘alignment’ period common in other systems. The system monitors AHRS and INS orientation separately to assess its health. All calculations are performed internally, protecting against communication issues. The system maintains a 15-day backup of navigation and raw data on an onboard SD card, while topside software concurrently logs all data, ensuring data integrity.

DVL and AHRS/INS

Our Syrinx DVL provides tight beam-level aiding to SPRINT, giving superior positioning performance even with partial beam availability. Standalone 3rd generation SPRINT and Syrinx DVL can be joined together for pre-calibrated, interchangeable use, or combined into the compact SPRINT-Nav unit. This integrated solution, optionally including an internal pressure sensor, is suitable for various ROV and survey tasks. The combined unit features depth-rated water blocks for each transducer to protect the internal components and when supplied together typically doesn’t require re-export licensing, simplifying your shipping logistics.

Performance

• Heading accuracy 0.02° (secant latitude)
• 0.01° Pitch/Roll accuracy
• 0.03% Typical survey accuracy
• USBL/LBL aided: 4.5 x precision improvement
• USBL/LBL and DVL aided: 6 to 13 x precision improvement
• INS Aiding supported: USBL, depth, DVL, zero velocity, manual position, LBL (position), GNSS

Design

• Titanium housing construction
• Provides concurrent AHRS and INS capability for dual use
• In field remote performance upgrades: Yes
• Onboard data storage and battery backup to ride through brown outs
• Navigation outputs: position, depth, attitude, velocity, accelerations, rotations

Ownership

• Warranty: 1 year return to Sonardyne service centre
• ITAR Controlled: No
• UK Export Licence: Yes
• What’s in the box: SPRINT, mounting plate, test lead and cable tail, Fusion 2 software

Typical applications

• ROV and towfish positioning
• Hydrographic and multibeam survey
• ROV DP including mid-water station keeping
• Offshore construction; trenching, as-laid, OOS, touchdown monitoring, structure placement

Specifications

Performance SPRINT 300 SPRINT 500 SPRINT 700
Heading 0.05° secant latitude 0.04° secant latitude 0.02° secant latitude
INS Initialisation Instantaneous Instantaneous Instantaneous
Roll and Pitch 0.01° 0.01° 0.01°
INS Aiding Supported USBL, Depth, DVL, Zero Velocity, Manual Position, LBL, GNSS USBL, Depth, DVL, Zero Velocity, Manual Position, LBL, GNSS USBL, Depth, DVL, Zero Velocity, Manual Position, LBL, GNSS
USBL/LBL Aided 3x precision improvement 3.5x precision improvement 4.5x precision improvement
USBL/LBL and DVL Aided 3 to 7 x precision improvement 4 to 10 x precision improvement 6 to 13 x precision improvement
LBL/DVL Aided Typical Survey 0.05% 0.03% 0.02%
Distance from Origin 0.15% 0.10% 0.08%
DVL Aiding Loss/Drift 1.2 m over 1 minute,
5 m over 2 minutes
0.8 m over 1 minute,
3.2 m over 2 minutes
<0.5 m over 1 minute,
2 m over 2 minutes
Station Keeping <1 m over 24 hours (Syrinx DVL) <1 m over 24 hours (Syrinx DVL) <1 m over 24 hours (Syrinx DVL)
Power
Power Requirement 20–50 V dc, 15 W nominal (35 W maximum) 20–50 V dc, 15 W nominal (35 W maximum) 20–50 V dc, 15 W nominal (35 W maximum)
Power Pass Through 3x for external aiding sensors (up to 3 A per sensor) 3x for external aiding sensors (up to 3 A per sensor) 3x for external aiding sensors (up to 3 A per sensor)
Back Up Battery Type/Life Li-ion/5 minutes Li-ion/5 minutes Li-ion/5 minutes
Data/Comms
Data Storage 8 GB internal memory 8 GB internal memory 8 GB internal memory
Serial Ports/Protocol 4x RS232 or RS485 4x RS232 or RS485 4x RS232 or RS485
Other Ports Ethernet, 4x Triggers Ethernet, 4x Triggers Ethernet, 4x Triggers
Output Rate Up to 100 Hz Up to 100 Hz Up to 100 Hz
Mechanical
Connector Options 4x Seacon/Seanet
1x Seacon/Seanet
4x Seacon/Seanet
1x Seacon/Seanet
4x Seacon/Seanet
1x Seacon/Seanet
Mechanical Construction Titanium Titanium Titanium
Dimensions
(Diameter x Height)
4,000 m (Seacon) 205 x 260 mm 205 x 260 mm 205 x 260 mm
6,000 m (Seacon) 205 x 280 mm 205 x 280 mm 205 x 280 mm
4,000 m (Seanet) 205 x 250 mm 205 x 250 mm 205 x 250 mm
Weight in Air/Water 4,000 m 18.5/11.5 kg 18.5/11.5 kg 18.5/11.5 kg
6,000 m 22/14 kg 22/14 kg 22/14 kg
Environmental
Depth Rating 4,000/6,000 m 4,000/6,000 m 4,000/6,000 m
Operating Temperature -20 to +55°C -20 to +55°C -20 to +55°C
Storage Temperature -20 to +60°C -20 to +60°C -20 to +60°C
Shock Rating 22 g, 11 ms half sine 22 g, 11 ms half sine 22 g, 11 ms half sine