S2C USBL Buoy

Fully integrated positioning solution 

S2C USBL Buoy 

The USBL buoy is a fully integrated deployment-ready unit based on EvoLogics S2C USBL devices. All system components are pre-configured, calibrated and ready-to-go:

  • USBL transceiver with a built-in battery, mounted to a floating unit with on-board PC, dual-antenna GNSS receiver and Wi-Fi access point 

  • On-board PC runs pre-installed SiNAPS, the EvoLogics positioning software

  • USBL data and control over Wi-Fi

  • NMEA data stream for custom processing

  • Light and compact no-foam buoyancy

  • Packs up into a single case and can be easily transported, assembled and deployed by a single operator

Buoy configuration is available for all S2C USBL-series devices.

Applications include

  • Positioning, navigation and communication for unmanned underwater vehicles

  • Diver tracking

  • Underwater acoustic sensor networks

The design concept of the system derives from fishing floats that remain highly stable even in rough seas thanks to their long stems and minimal cross-section near the surface. This allows the elongated buoy to remain stable in harsh conditions, and when deployed close to a vessel hull or pier walls, where the waves are taller.

The buoyant body of the unit is made of carbon and glass fiber composites, making it lighter, more compact and robust than conventional designs with foam-based floatation collars. 

The system packs up into a single case and can be easily transported, assembled and deployed by a single operator.


Odoo • Image and Text

The integrated system eliminates the need to use external GNSS receivers for geo-referenced positioning of underwater targets. Dual GNSS antennas provide accurate yaw measurements without being affected by magnetic interferences. The optional RTK increases precision and accuracy. Moreover, as both sensors are part of the same hardware assembly, it is not necessary to calibrate the relative position of the USBL and the GNSS receiver.

The on-board PC runs the pre-installed SiNAPS, EvoLogics positioning software. The user can access USBL positioning data by connecting to the Wi-Fi access point of the buoy and opening the web-based SiNAPS interface. SiNAPS allows to operate the system and visualize the location of the buoy and target transponders. Furthermore, positioning data can be streamed as NMEA strings and input into other applications that can process this information in real-time.

S2C USBL Buoy - CONFIGURATION EXAMPLE

S2C R 18/34 USBL Buoy
Housing
Delrin

Operating range
up to 3500 m
Acoustic connection
up to 13.9 kbit/s


 S2C USBL Buoy -  TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

General

Operating range
1000 - 10 000 m depending on the model*
Frequency
High-, mid- and low-frequency models*
Transducer Beam Pattern
Directional and omnidirectional models*

USBL Transceiver

Type
S2C USBL Device
Slant range accuracy
0.01 m
Bearing resolution
0.1 degrees
Nominal SNR
10 dB
Host interface
Ethernet
Integrated AHRS Integrated xSens MTi 30

Integrated units

GNSS
Dual antenna, GPS, GLONASS, optional RTK or Base-Rover configuration
Radio communication
WiFi 2.4 GHz, dual antenna
On-board PC
Pre-installed SiNAPS Software

Power

Power Consumption
Stand-by Mode
2.5 mW
Listen Mode
5 - 285 mW
Receive Mode
0.8 W
Transmit Mode
up to 70 W depending on model*
Power Supply
Internal  Internal rechargeable Li-Ion battery, 156 Wh (NiMH optional)

Physical

Dimensions**
Total/main body 1138 x 280 x 2240 mm / Ø 180 mm
Over-/underwater 690 mm / 1550 mm
Weight  in air/buoyancy
Delrin 19 kg/ TBC
Buoyancy
Composite carbon and glass fiber body
Assembly
Dismantles into 3 parts, quick-release fasteners

Configuration options

Remote station
Direct connection from a PC (up to 50 m)
or an optional rugged unit with a powerful WiFi module, antenna, rechargeable
battery, Ethernet (up to 200 m range)


*  See S2C R USBL-series flyer for details
** Dimensions and weight for S2C 18/34 USBL Buoy in Delrin housing. Dimensions and weights of other builds vary

S2C USBL Buoy -  DOWNLOADS

S2C USBL Buoy Datasheet