MicronNav 200
The MicronNav 200 system is the latest generation of UltraShort Base Line (USBL) positioning system from Tritech. The system is designed for small vehicles and diver supporting applications.
The system benefits from a number of new features including data transfer interleaved with USBL positioning, software integration into Google Maps™, smaller, more accurate USBL head and compatibility with the new Micron Battery Modem.
The system comprises a subsea Micron Modem or Battery Micron Modem, a surface USBL transducer with integral magnetic compass and pitch/roll sensors, a surface MicronNav 200 interface hub and bespoke operating software under control of a topside PC/laptop.
The MicronNav 200 uses spread spectrum acoustic technology. This provides a robust method for communication between the dunking transducers and the vehicle Micron Modem/Micron Battery Modem.
The USBL transducer can provide 180 degree hemispherical coverage below the transducer, which allows vehicle tracking in very shallow water. Omni-directional coverage is provided by the Micron Modem and Micron Battery Modem.
The Micron Modem is a stand-alone device which either responds to acoustic interrogation from the USBL head (transponder mode), or is triggered by RS232 / RS485 (responder mode) through the main port. The responder trigger can come either from the auxiliary port on a Tritech Micron Sonar, or directly from the MicronNav 200 interface hub.
Both the USBL transducer and the Micron Modem/Micron Battery Modem can be commanded to switch from positioning mode to data transfer mode, allowing the same hardware to be used to establish an underwater acoustic communications link.
Resources:
Article: Diving With Sensors (External Site)