Sonardyne ROV Homer
ROV-Homer is a miniature range and direction guidance system for small or large ROVs. Based on proven acoustic principles, it is specifically designed for fast, efficient relocation of underwater targets such as lost diving bells, divers, seabed equipment or small objects.
Description
It enables points of interest to be marked with an acoustic transponder so that a ROV pilot can be guided straight back to the target even in zero visibility. The system substantially reduces search time and therefore operating costs.
The system consists of an ROV mounted range and direction unit, PC control software and small, lightweight marker transponders. Once the pilot has selected the target he wishes to ‘home’ into, the ROV unit begins interrogating the designated transponder to determine its range and direction. The information is communicated back to the surface, via the ROV’s umbilical, and is displayed on the user’s PC. It indicates the range to the target and in which direction to turn in order to fly the ROV directly towards the selected transponder.
The ROV mounted unit is accurately aligned with the ROV’s heading sensor and is connected to spare cores either on the ROV’s umbilical or to the ROV’s communications multiplexer. The electronics inside the unit incorporate power regulation, an RS232 interface and a microprocessor all of which are galvanically isolated from the ROV’s electrical system. 12–36 V DC power supply is connected via the same connector. On smaller ROVs which do not have communications multiplexers and therefore cannot support RS232, a RS485 interface can be provided.
The transponders are compact so that they can be easily fitted to divers or equipment and have a long life battery pack making them ideal for use as permanent markers. Each transponder is individually encoded enabling many transponders to be used on the same site to unambiguously mark many targets.
Technical information
| Feature | Type 7832-000-01 | Type 7832-000-03 |
| Depth Rating | 4,000 metres | 12,000 metres |
| Operating Frequency | HF (34–40 kHz) | HF (34–40 kHz) |
| Transmit Source Level | 190 dB re 1 µPa @1 m | 190 dB re 1 µPa @1 m |
| Directional Indication (10° Wide Receive) | Left, right or ahead | Left, right or ahead |
| Range Resolution | 0.1 metre | 0.1 metre |
| Maximum Operating Range | 750 metres (dependent on conditions) | 750 metres (dependent on conditions) |
| Power Supply | 12–36 V DC 400 mA | 12–36 V DC 400 mA |
| Quiescent Life | Continuous when powered from ROV·· | Continuous when powered from ROV·· |
| Position Update Interval | 1.5 seconds | 1.5 seconds |
| Mechanical Construction | Anodised aluminium alloys and plastics | Titanium grade 5 |
| Diameter (LxDia) | 272 mm (10.7”) X 72 mm (2.85”) | 370 mm (14.57”) X 100 mm (39.4”) |
| Weight in Air | 2.1 kg | 8.0 kg |
| Weight in Water | 1.3 kg | 5.8 kg |
TRANSPONDER OPTIONS
| Feature | Type 7815-000-07 | Type 7835-000-01 | Type 7835-000-05 |
| Depth Rating | 500 metres | 4,000 metres | 12,000 metres |
| Operating Frequency | HF (34–40 kHz) | HF (34–40 kHz) | HF (34–40 kHz) |
| Battery Life (Listening) | 2 years (alkaline) 4.5 years (long-life lithium) |
2 years (alkaline) 4.5 years (long-life lithium) |
2 years (alkaline) 4.5 years (long-life lithium) |
| Mechanical Construction | Aluminium alloys and plastics | Aluminium alloys and s/steel | Titanium grade 5, anodised |
| Dimensions (LxDia) | 441 mm (17.3”) x 64 mm (2.5”) | 353 mm (13.8”) x 64 mm (2.5”) | 267 mm (10.5”) x ···80 mm (3.1”) |
| Weight in Air | 1.1 kg | 1.9 kg | 5.5 kg |
| Weight in Water | 0.75 kg | 1.2 kg | 3.8 kg |
