Acoustic Positioning Beacons
Acoustic Positioning Beacons
Applied Acoustics acoustic positioning beacons provide the underwater reference used by compatible USBL systems to track divers, remotely operated vehicles, towfish and seabed equipment. The range spans compact units for shallow-water work through larger beacons intended for deep-water operations and long deployments. Selecting the correct beacon involves matching the acoustic protocol, beam pattern, power supply, physical installation and deployment duration to the complete positioning system.
1300 Series Micro
The compact Micro range is designed for diver tracking, shallow-water survey work, small ROVs and side-scan sonar positioning. The range includes 1329A and 1329D models. The supplied range specification lists a 600 m survival depth and a minimum listening life of 45 days, with operating life of 48–56 hours depending on the model and operating settings. Explore 1300 Series Micro Beacons.
1100 Series Mini
Mini beacons use Sigma 2 bidirectional spread-spectrum acoustics for range resolution and positional stability. They suit general tracking, ROV and side-scan sonar applications, with navigation and data monitoring for compatible third-party sensors. Models in the range have survival depths of 1,500–2,000 m; the stated listening life is 60 days.
1130 Series Midi and 1160 Series Fatboy
The Midi range is intended for Nexus 2 and Pyxis systems, including deep-water tracking, long-range survey work and cable burial applications. Fatboy beacons address deeper, noisier and acoustically challenging environments. Both families have a stated survival depth of 4,000 m and a listening life of 90 days. Their different dimensions and power characteristics make installation and acoustic requirements important selection factors.
1150 Series Seabed
Seabed beacons are intended for long-term reference points, USBL calibration and dynamic-positioning reference applications. Long-life battery options support extended deployments. The range specification states a 4,000 m survival depth, 120-day listening life and operating life of 100–400 hours, depending on configuration.
System selection and deployment
Survival depth is a housing rating, not an acoustic tracking range. Battery endurance depends on interrogation rate and operating mode. Kordil can help match the beacon to the transceiver, mounting arrangement, survey depth and required deployment period. Suitable testing and configuration equipment should be included in the mobilisation plan.
Acoustic beacon range specifications
| Series | Survival depth | Listening life | Operating life | Weight air / water |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1300 Micro | 600 m | 45 days minimum | 48–56 h | 1–1.2 / 0.44–0.55 kg |
| 1100 Mini | 1,500–2,000 m | 60 days | 35–55 h | 2.9–3.1 / 1.4–1.5 kg |
| 1130 Midi | 4,000 m | 90 days | 24–50 h | 6.9 / 3 kg |
| 1160 Fatboy | 4,000 m | 90 days | 24 h | 14.8 / 6.6 kg |
| 1150 Seabed | 4,000 m | 120 days | 100–400 h | 22.8 / 11 kg |
Figures compare the configurations in the product range; they are not interchangeable specifications for every model. Operating endurance varies with battery arrangement and acoustic settings. For a diver or small ROV, size and submerged weight may drive the choice. For towfish, cable burial or seabed reference work, consider acoustic coverage, mounting orientation, noise conditions and deployment duration together with the required depth rating.
View the Applied Acoustics product range
Contact Kordil for product selection and technical support.