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The SEEKER acoustic directional receiver is a small but rugged passive pinger receiver used to assist operators of ROVs and AUVs in tracking acoustic sound sources from 25Khz to 40Khz. In addition, the SEEKER receivers can function as an "acoustic transponder interrogator" and provide accurate range and bearing to targets marked with a line of custom acoustic transponders. There are two different models of SEEKER receivers. The VADR1000M operates to depths of 1000 meters and the VADR6000M can withstand depths of 6000 meters.
The VADR Receivers small size and rugged design allows for easy mounting on a ROV or AUV. Electronics and a highly directional hydrophone are contained in the pressure housing and are externally powered by the subsea vehicle through an 5-pin bulkhead connector. In addition, all telemetry data for controlling the VADR receivers and output data is accessed through this same connector.
A RS232 data interface is used to access the directional indication, range to target, and other operational information and control functions of the VADR receivers using an ASCII data string. Software is also provided to allow the operator easy access to control and receive the necessary directional information to track the acoustic sound source.
For tracking an acoustic sound source, like a "Black Box" beacon, the operator selects the proper frequency through the SEEKER software. The VADR receiver begins to look for that acoustic signal through a directional hydrophone which is mounted into the front of the pressure housing. Once received, the signal is processed by the electronics and fed to the software. Then bearing data and signal strength is provided to the ROV operator for navigating the ROV to the target area.
In addition, the ROV operator can also change the mode of the VADR receiver to track and locate ATT400 series acoustic transponders. This option allows the ROV operator to mark locations or equipment underwater with accuracies within one meter. Because the system is now operating as a transponder interrogator, the feedback to the ROV operator is more accurate as range and bearing data is delivered to the SEEKER software. Each ATT400 transponder can be programed to reply on eight(8) different frequencies allowing the marking of multiple locations within a operational range of up to 1000 meters.
- Specifications for VADR Receivers:
- Pinger Receiver Mode:
- Receive Bandwidth: 25 TO 40Khz in 100hz Increments
- Receiver Sensitivity: -100Db ref 1Upa @ 1 meter
- Transponder Mode:
- Receive Frequencies: 27,28,29,30,21,32,33,34Khz
- Interrogation Frequency: 26Khz
- Acoustic Output: 180db re 1uPa @ 1m
- Acoustic Signal: Coded
- System Range: up to 1000M
- Directional Hydrophone:
- Beam Width: 40 +- 5 degrees Conical
- Bearing Indication: 4 BINS: Left or right, 3, 8, 20 or > 20 degrees
- Bearing Accuracy: 5 degrees nominal in BINS 1 and 2
- Bearing Resolution: 2 degrees
- Control Interface:
- RS232: 9600 Baud, No Parity, 8 Data Bits, and 1 Stop Bit
- Connector: 5 pin Underwater Pluggable
- Interface Software: Microsoft OS, Provided
- Input Voltage: 18 to 32VDC, 24VDC nominal
- Mechanical/Environmental:
- Housing: Aluminum Hard Coat Anodized
- Depth Rating:
- VADR1000M.......1000m (3280ft)
- VADR6000M.......6000m (19,685ft)
- Weight:
- VADR-1000M.......3.8kg (8.5lbs) in air/3.2kg (7.0lbs) in water
- VADR-6000M.......6.8kg (15lbs) in air/5.5g (12lbs) in water
- Dimensions:
- VADR-1000M.. 11.4cm x L26.0cm (4.50in x L10.3in)
- VADR-6000M.. 12.7cm x L28.0cm (5.00in x L11.0in)
- Operating temperature range: -18C to 43C (0F to 110F)
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