Modem 6 (surface)
Overview
Transferring data securely from subsea to surface
Modem 6 acoustic modems are a family of cost-effective solutions for simple point-to-point data transfer from a wide range of sensors including data loggers, ADCPs, CTDs and other subsea instruments. Suitable for a range of applications, including environmental surveys, aquaculture as well as tracking and communications
Overview
Built around our field-proven 6G hardware and Wideband 2 acoustic signal platforms, Modem 6 surface units support secure subsea-to-surface wireless data transfer at speeds between 200 and 9,000 bps.
This makes them ideal for applications such as: near real-time data streaming, data harvesting from third party sensors or subsea command and control of equipment.
Modem 6 acoustic modems are aimed at simple data transfer applications which do not require the more complex functions such as integrated (USBL) positioning, on-board sensors or complex multi-node array telemetry. If you need any of these capabilities, or an OEM solution which you can integrate into your own instrument or vehicle, our application experts will be happy to discuss your requirements and identify the right solution for you.
We offer a variety of surface deployed acoustic Modem 6 to suit any operational deployment scenario and data transfer mission. You can mount them on a variety of surface platforms ranging from buoys to all sizes of vessels – both manned and uncrewed – to interact with any of our subsea deployed Modem 6 instruments.
At a glance
- Transfers data at up to 9,000 bps
- Highly reliable – built around our Wideband 2 acoustic and 6G hardware platform
- Options for buoys, uncrewed surface vehicles and ships
Modem 6 Transceiver
Manufactured in Aluminium Bronze, the Modem 6 Transceiver is intended to be fitted temporarily or permanently to a vessel’s through-hull or over-the-side pole or mounted in a dunker cage assembly. The unit uses the same array as our HPT 5000/7000 transceiver so can be upgraded in the field to offer this capability if integrated communications and target tracking is required. As standard, the unit is supplied with Surface Interface Unit (SIU), deck cable, 100 m cable drum and a dunker cage which allows deployment over the side in the absence of a through-hull deployment pole.
Modem 6 Dunker
Modem 6 Dunker is a popular option for low-logistic data recovery missions using survey vessels-of-opportunity. Depth rated to 1,000 m, it can also be fitted to ROVs for close range data transfer from seafloor sensors. It’s available in MF and LMF, with omni-directional or directional transducer designed for excellent horizontal and shallow water communication. Modem 6 Dunker is powered using a supplied Surface Interface Unit (SIU).
Modem 6 Mini Dunker
Modem 6 Mini-Dunker is our smallest topside option. It is compact, easy-to-mount and suitable for transmission and recovery of data from a wide range of sensors including: current profilers, temperatures, depth and custom instrumentation. The Modem 6 Mini-Dunker is available in MF with an omnidirectional transducer designed for excellent horizontal and shallow water communication. The surface system comprises of a Modem 6 Mini-Dunker, Surface Interface Unit (SIU) and 20 m deck cable.
All of our family of underwater Modem 6 instruments benefit from same mechanics and electronics you’ll find in our other 6G transponders. These are trusted by leading offshore operators to perform in the most demanding marine environments and operational scenarios.
Specifications table
| Feature | Type 8244-3151 | Type 8244-3155 | Type 8307-1351 | Type 8307-1353 | Type 8307-1355 | Type 8307-1356 | Type 8182-0001 | Type 8193-0012 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Depth Rating | 3,000 m | 3,000 m | 1,000 m | 1,000 m | 1,000 m | 1,000 m | Up to 7,000 m (operating range) | Up to 12,000 m (operating range) |
| Operating Frequency | MF (20–34 kHz) | LMF (14–19 kHz) | MF (20–34 kHz) | MF (20–34 kHz) | LMF (14–19 kHz) | LMF (14–19 kHz) | MF (20–34 kHz) | LMF (14–19 kHz) |
| Beam Shape | Omni-directional | Directional | Omni-directional | Directional | Omni-directional | Directional | Omni-Directional | Directional |
| Transmit Source Level (dB re 1 µPa @ 1 m) | 181-187 dB | 187-190 dB | 187–196 dB (4 levels) |
190–202 dB (4 levels) |
187–196 dB (4 levels) |
187–202 dB (4 levels) |
200 dB | 200 dB |
| Power Supply | Lithium-ion or external 24 V | Lithium-ion or external 24 V | Lithium-ion or external 24 V | Lithium-ion or external 24 V | Lithium-ion or external 24 V | Lithium-ion or external 24 V | External Supply | External Supply |
| Battery Life | 30 Days | 30 Days | 3 Days | 3 Days | 3 Days | 3 Days | N/A | N/A |
| Operating Temperature | -5 to 40°C | -5 to 40°C | -5 to 40°C | -5 to 40°C | -5 to 40°C | -5 to 40°C | -5 to 40°C | -5 to 40°C |
| Storage Temperature | -20 to 55°C | -20 to 55°C | -20 to 55°C | -20 to 55°C | -20 to 55°C | -20 to 55°C | -20 to 55°C | -20 to 55°C |
| Dimensions (Length x Diameter) | 518 x 94 mm | 604 x 94 mm | 608 x 200 mm | 660 x 200 mm | 577 x 200 mm | 632 x 230 mm | 370 x 225 mm | 439 x 310 mm |
| Weight in Air/ Water | 5.1/ 2.2 kg | 7.0/ 3.5 kg | 24/ 16 kg | 26/ 17 kg | 20/ 14 kg | 28/ 17 kg | 28/ 15 kg | 41/ 20 kg |
Frequently asked questions
How is data validated with Modem 6?
What modes are available with Modem 6?
How is data sent over the MDFT link with Modem 6?
Is there a handshaking mechanism or other link-establishing sequence?
Does Modem 6 support the MODBUS protocol?
Is simultaneous broadcasting and reception of messages supported with Modem 6?
What data rates should i expect from Modem 6?
What is the typical power consumption of a Modem 6?
How many topside modems do i need?
Which Modem 6 product best suits my application?
Modem 6 (point to point) or 6G telemetry (network comms)
Integration guides
Did you know?
Modem 6 (surface) is depth rated up to 12,000 m
