Marine Magnetics
Applied Acoustics Micro Beacons 1300 Series
The Applied Acoustics 1300 Series Micro Beacons are compact acoustic positioning beacons developed for shallow-water operations, diver tracking, small ROVs, towfish and applications where installation space is limited.
The series supports Applied Acoustics Sigma spread-spectrum acoustic protocols for stable and reliable positioning while retaining compatibility with many legacy and third-party USBL systems. Models are available with integrated or remote transducers, and depth-telemetry versions provide measured target depth to improve three-dimensional subsea positioning.
Rechargeable nickel-metal hydride batteries, USB configuration, external 24 V operation, responder capability and automatic pressure-relief valves make the 1300 Series suitable for both independent deployment and permanent installation on subsea vehicles.
Features & Benefits
- Compact and lightweight construction
- Sigma spread-spectrum acoustic technology
- Stable positioning with Applied Acoustics USBL systems
- Compatible with numerous legacy and third-party USBL systems
- Transponder and responder operation
- Depth telemetry available on “D” models
- Rechargeable nickel-metal hydride battery
- Minimum listening life of 45 days
- USB charging and configuration
- Channel configuration through Beacon Editor software
- External 24 V operation and trickle charging
- Automatic pressure-relief valve
- No external mechanical power switch
- Integrated shorting-link on/off control
- Remote-transducer options for confined installations
- Suitable for mounting away from ROV thrusters and other acoustic-noise sources
Typical Uses
- Diver positioning and tracking
- Dive-bell operations
- Inspection-class ROV and AUV tracking
- Side-scan sonar positioning
- Towfish tracking
- Underwater survey and inspection
- Subsea construction
- Marine archaeology
- Confined-space positioning
- General-purpose static and dynamic target tracking
Available Models
1329A Micro Beacon
The 1329A is a self-contained Micro Beacon incorporating the electronics, rechargeable battery and ±90° transducer within a single compact housing. It is suitable for general positioning, diver tracking and installation on small subsea vehicles.
1329D Micro Beacon with Depth Telemetry
The 1329D has the same compact physical configuration as the 1329A but includes a depth sensor with ±1 m precision. The measured depth can be transmitted acoustically to compatible USBL systems, improving target-position quality and providing additional operational information.
1320A with RM91S or RM91SR Remote Transducer
The 1320A separates the electronics housing from the acoustic transducer. The remote head can be mounted where it has a clear acoustic view and is isolated from thruster noise, while the electronics housing is installed in a protected or space-efficient location.
1320D with RM91S or RM91SR Remote Transducer
The 1320D adds depth telemetry to the remote-transducer configuration. It is particularly suitable for compact ROVs and other installations where both flexible transducer placement and target-depth information are required.
Key Specifications
1329A and 1329D Self-Contained Beacons
| Parameter | 1329A | 1329D |
|---|---|---|
| Configuration | Integrated transducer | Integrated transducer with depth telemetry |
| Beam pattern | ±90° | ±90° |
| Source level | 183 dB re 1 µPa at 1 m | 183 dB re 1 µPa at 1 m |
| Survival depth | 600 m | 600 m |
| Depth-sensor precision | Not fitted | ±1.0 m |
| Diameter | 52 mm | 52 mm |
| Length | 298 mm | 298 mm |
| Weight in air | 1.2 kg | 1.2 kg |
| Weight in water | 0.55 kg | 0.55 kg |
| Housing | Hard-anodised aluminium | Hard-anodised aluminium |
1320A and 1320D Electronics Housings
| Parameter | 1320A | 1320D |
|---|---|---|
| Configuration | Remote transducer | Remote transducer with depth telemetry |
| Survival depth | 1,000 m | 600 m |
| Depth-sensor precision | Not fitted | ±1.0 m |
| Diameter | 51 mm | 51 mm |
| Length | 292 mm | 292 mm |
| Weight in air | 1.28 kg | 1.28 kg |
| Weight in water | 0.40 kg | 0.40 kg |
| Housing | Hard-anodised aluminium | Hard-anodised aluminium |
Remote Transducer Options
| Parameter | RM91S | RM91SR |
|---|---|---|
| Beam pattern | ±90° | ±90° |
| Source level | 183 dB re 1 µPa at 1 m | 183 dB re 1 µPa at 1 m |
| Survival depth | 1,000 m | 1,000 m |
| Diameter | 54 mm | 54 mm |
| Length | 150 mm | 136 mm |
| Weight in air | 600 g | 570 g |
| Weight in water | 340 g | 320 g |
| Cable exit | Straight | 90° |
| Connection | MCIL2M | Male EO connector |
| Mounting | 4 × M4 isolated nylon screws | 4 × M4 isolated nylon screws |
| Standard interconnection lead | 1.5 m | 1.5 m |
Acoustic and Electrical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Transmit-frequency range | 21.5–30.5 kHz |
| Receive-frequency range | 16–26.5 kHz |
| Acoustic protocols | Tone, Chirp, MFSK, DSSS and FHSS |
| Battery type | Rechargeable nickel-metal hydride |
| Minimum listening life | 45 days at 2°C |
| Depth-telemetry operating life | Approximately 48 hours at 1 ping per second |
| Standard non-depth operating life | Approximately 56 hours at 1 ping per second |
| External connector | Micro Wet-Con MCBH5M, five-way |
| Remote transducer connector | Micro Wet-Con MCIL2F |
| Responder-key input | +5 to +20 V |
| External power/charge input | 24 V at 50 mA |
| USB interface | USB 2.0 or later |
| On/off control | Connector shorting link |
| Configuration software | Applied Acoustics Beacon Editor |
| Pressure protection | Automatic pressure-relief valve |
Charging Times
| Configuration | Computer USB port | Dedicated mains USB charger |
|---|---|---|
| 1329A/1329D | Approximately 16 hours | Approximately 8 hours |
| 1320A/1320D | Maximum 8 hours | Maximum 4 hours |
USBL Compatibility
The 1300 Series supports multiple acoustic protocols for compatibility with:
- Applied Acoustics Pyxis
- Easytrak Nexus 2 and Nexus 2 Max
- Easytrak Nexus 2 Lite
- Easytrak Vesta using Sigma 3
- Earlier Easytrak tone-based systems
- Exail/iXblue GAPS systems
- Kongsberg HPR and HiPAP systems
- Other compatible industry-standard USBL systems