MicronBattery Modem, battery powered underwater acoustic modem - Tritech

The Micron Battery Modem is ideal for subsea data transfer applications where an external power supply may not be readily available. Utilising the internal battery power the Modem will operate in standby mode, where it’s always listening, for approximately 30 days and when transmitting with an update rate of 1 transmission every 2 seconds then the Modem will run for approximately 7 days. When the Modem is connected to an external power source, the internal batteries act as a backup to ensure the Modem continues to operate in the event of loss of external power. The Modem provides robust spread spectrum low data-rate transmission from a compact and low cost unit with communication ranges out to 500m horizontally and 150m vertically. The Modem can be configured for use as a data Modem, transponder or responder by using the Tritech Genesis software, while the rotary selector on the Modem allows for selection of 1 of 16 transponder IDs. For diver tracking, the Modem is configured as a Transponder and yet allows for an external switch to be connected which can be used to send an urgent message to the surface.

Applications

• Through Water data communications
• AUV control and data collection
• Diver tracking (with MicronNav 200 USBL)
• ROV tracking (with MicronNav 200 USBL)
• Lost ROV Locator (with MicronNav 200 USBL)

Benefits

• Self-powered
• Multipath noise rejection
• Compact size
• Low error rate

Features

• Integral rechargable battery pack
• On/off rotary switch
• Transponder address selector rotary switch
• Integral pressure relief valve

Key Specification

• Range 500m horizontal, 150m vertical
• Doppler tolerance ±5m/s Battery NiMH 4.8V 4500mAh (21.6Wh)
• Dimensions 56mm x 206mm
• Depth rating 750m
• Weight in water 450g

Acoustic specification

• Frequency band 20 - 28kHz
• Data rate 40bits/s or 100bits/s (spread spectrum)
• Range 500m horizontal, 150m vertical
• Addressing - Transponder ID 1 - 16 set by integral rotary switch
• Beamwidth - Omni-directional
• Transmitter source - 169dB re 1μPa at 1m

Electrical and Communication

• Communications protocol RS232 or RS485 (internally set)
• Data transfer Simultaneously with USBL positioning Comms buffer: 256 bytes
• Power supply 12 - 48V DC External power consumption 18W charging 3.5W transmitting 0.05W receiving
• Battery NiMH 4.8V 4500mAh (21.6Wh) Full charge time: 3.5h Run time: 700h (receiving), 160h (transmitting 0.5Hz) Integral on/off rotary switch and pressure relief valve

Physical specification

• Diameter 56mm
• Height 206mm
• Weight in air 885g
• Weight in water 450g 
• Depth rating 750m
• Temperature rating (operating)-10 to 35°C
• Temperature rating (storage)-20 to 50°C

Mains charger

• AC input 90V to 264V, 47Hz to 63Hz, IEC 320-C14 connector
• DC output 12V
• Power consumption 18W charging IP rating Indoor use only, no protection against water ingress
• Temperature rating (operating) 0 to 65°C
• Temperature rating (storage)-20 to 85°C