Sonardyne: RT6 Oceanographic Acoustic Release

RT 6-1000 has both receive and transmit functions, enabling accurate slant ranges and position to be accurately determined, and release actuation confirmed with a Working Load Limit (WLL) of 150 kg.

A wide variety of options, including Deck Topside, Ranger 2 or the RT6 app are available to control RT 6-1000. Sonardyne’s intuitive IP67 Deck Topside can be used with a dunking transducer and NFC reader to configure, release, geo-reference and report upon RT 6-1000. RT 6-1000 can also be tracked and released using all Medium Frequency (MF) band Ranger 2 6G
USBL systems. When used with a USBL system, the release is configured with the RT6 AndroidTM App. The App can also be used with an RT 6-1000 in Topside Control Mode to release another subsea RT 6-1000. The NFC link also provides the ability to enter RT 6-1000 into a storage mode when not in use, thereby significantly increasing the overall battery endurance.

A ‘screw-off’ release mechanism ensures a positive release action that overcomes any biological growth. All external parts are made of high strength plastics that provide excellent environmental corrosion resistance.

An optional attachment for the RT 6-1000 is a rope canister that allows items left on the seabed, for example, tools, cables and salvage, to be quickly and easily hauled up. This works by mooring one end of the rope to the item on the seabed and the other end to the RT 6-1000 via the attached canister of rope. As the transponder ascends to the surface, high strength rope is deployed from the canister. This line can then be used to pull up the item directly or retrieve heavier tag lines.