Silvercrest Submarines have taken delivery of a Sonavision Titan sonar and Minerva Sonar controller for operation in a dry transfer submarine which they will operate under contract in South East Asia
The system will be used on the manned submersible to locate underwater tunnels on the sea floor, then allow the submarine to mate with an entry/exit tower, before transferring technicians into the tunnel itself (all at one atmosphere, work sleeve conditions). The sonar will also be used for other target acquisition and obstacle avoidance submarine missions.
Using special wideband 1:3 Piezo Composite Transducers, and measuring only 226mm by 90mm, the TITAN is capable of ranges up to 250m and is the only sonar of its size with the performance of a high-resolution sonar.
TITAN is available as standard with a 250-500kHz tuneable head, allowing the user the choice of long range target identification and short range high resolution imaging.
More about Sonavision's Titan Scanning Sonar...
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100th RoxAnn GD-A Seabed Classification System Shipped
The 100th RoxAnn GD-A seabed discrimination system, manufactured with the latest miniature digital technology, was recently shipped to Flatoy Electronics a/s, Sonavision’s exclusive distributor for the system in the Norwegian, Swedish and Danish fishing industries.
Alastair Murrie, Sonavision’s International Distribution Manager commented, "RoxAnn has been the leading seabed discrimination system for over 20 years. However, the new RoxAnn GD-A, has set new standards for the 21st century.
Not only can the RoxAnn GD-A interface with any echosounder from 24kHz to 210kHz and a wide range of plotting systems, including Sonavision’s own RoxMap, MaxSea, Microplot, Trax, Sodena and Olex, but it can be switched from one echosounder to another. This is possible due to digital technology and in addition, the echsounder’s range can be changed without affecting RoxAnn data."
He added: "We are delighted to have had such a long and successful partnership with Henning Flatoy, Flatoy Electronics a/s whose knowledge of the fishing industry in Scandanavia is second to none and we look forward to continuing to work closely with him in the future."
Henning Flatoy stated: "The RoxAnn GD-A is invaluable in helping a skipper identify quickly and accurately whether his vessel is towing over rock, gravel, sand, silt etc. and to build up personal colour coded charts. More and more skippers tell us that it’s the most important invention for the fishing industry since the echosounder!"
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We are delighted to announce sales of the new Hermes MM-A Multiplexor to Global Contractor Oceaneering International.
Hermes is a ‘State-of-the-Art’ hardwired communications multiplexor for data transmission through 8 bi-directional channels over a single twisted pair. Data communication capability over the cable is 230kbaud in either RS232 or RS485 modes as selected or switched by the operator.
Although initially designed for the Sonavision suite of sensors, the communication link will easily carry communications to and from any other serial devices.
In addition to being used on copper umbilicals, Hermes MM-A has the added advantage of being able to bundle a number of serial devices for transmission over a single channel of fibre which will both free up capacity and allow operators to build in redundancy.
Set up of the data link is simple and achieved via USB at the surface. A PC based program allows the user to set up channels for format, baud rate & priority. Additionally, the Hermes can be supplied with hardware to distribute and switch power supplies via one channel to a total of 7 sensors.
Hermes is available as an OEM kit comprising 2 PCBs and software for integration into existing systems (both PCBs are identical, thus reducing cost of spares back up).
We can also supply the system in a ‘plug and play’ format comprising Topside Distribution Module and 1000m, 3000m & 6000m pressure rated underwater housings.
Alasdair Murrie, International Distribution Manager for Sonavision Ltd, explained: “This is an exciting development with excellent potential across the whole ROV industry. Not only are, the major ‘fibre only’ contractors talking to us about the Hermes MM-A but also ROV Manufacturers and small to medium size operators. The system is competitively priced which therefore also makes it a realistic option for the small one vehicle operator who is using numero
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Proof Piscatus 3D Seabed Classification Works!
Piscatus 3D Helps To Find Record Breaking Catch
Skipper Mike Sharp MFV Lady T Emiel grabbed back the port of Brixham's record catch on Monday 18/12/2006 with a record breaking catch of £63,500.00 snatching back the record that had been taken from him on the previous Friday.
Skipper Mike Sharp said Piscatus 3D / TMQ C-Plot MAXPro interfaced with RoxAnn GD undoubtedly gave him a huge advantage as he located his record breaking catch.
Piscatus 3D is the worlds highest resolution 3D Seabed Mapping system with its BathymetryNow TM technology gives you instant updates of small channels and gullies, what separated Piscatus 3D from the competition is not just the face it stores the data in such high resolution (2m grids) the vertical scale can detect changes in the seabed up to 0.1m Piscatus 3D allows you to select from a broad range of colours allowing you to spot channels and gullies rival systems miss, Skipper Mike Sharp commented "We were steaming and Piscatus 3D updated the seafloor display to show a small 0.5m gully, at 1st i thaught it was an error but after a few passes it had mapped the gully out, we fished the gully and our catch was of High Value Dover Sole, I have mapped out areas of ground I thought I knew like the back of my hand from looking at the sonar but Piscatus 3D have given me a new view of my fishing grounds no other system has been able to offer me."
Piscatus 3D Showing a seabed classification map created using a Furuno FCV-1100L interfaced with RoxAnn GD.
The Lady T was the 1st commercial beam trawler in the UK to be fitted with TMQ C-Plot MAX running the brand new MAXPro charts from C-Map, the new MAXPro charts offer very high resolution data and are excellently priced currently C-Plot MAX is the only system designed for the commercial fishing market and can convert data from MaxSea, Fishmaster and Transas.
Murray Marine Ltd. can convert most data formats on our premises. TMQ C-Plot MAX can display ARPA and AIS targets without the need for extra modules.
For further information on the ultimate fish finding system packages contact Murray Marine Limited:
Tel: 01752 811149 - www.murraymarine.co.uk
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Sonavision Ltd launches Centaur Bathymetric Systems
Sonavision Ltd announced the launch of the Centaur range of Bathymetric Systems at the recent UUVS Exhibition in Southampton, UK.
Sonavision claims a number of features for the system including for the first time, an annual calibration procedure which can be run by customer or rental company without having to be returned to the manufacturer.
The Centaur is based on the UK94 Bathymetric system and like its predecessor incorporates a digiquartz pressure sensor and a high resolution altimeter. It is a pin for pin replacement for this industry standard, but uses up-to date electronics and features auto-sensing RS232 / RS485 electronics.
The altimeter (also available as a standalone product "Echo") uses 16bit electronics, providing millimetric resolution.
In addition, the Centaur will interface with a CT probe, transferring this data to the surface or (if operator chooses), using it for calculations prior to transmitting the data. This feature enables locally corrected data, the speed of sound and temperature to be fed directly into the ROV's control computer.
Sonavision sonar software provides the basis for the Centaur’s data display and output, the data string being configurable for any survey computer.
Bob Wilkinson, Sonavision's Technical Director commented "after extensive studies and in close cooperation with leading ROV operators, we have developed a system which improves reliability, accuracy and ease of use."
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SMD Hydrovision licence Bathymetric System Technology to Sonavision Ltd.
Sonavision and SMD Hydrovision have reached agreement for the transfer of service and calibration the UK90 and UK94 Bathymetric systems and design and development of a successor.
A Bathymetric, or “bathy”, system, normally mounted on a remotely operated vehicle, measures depth of sea water, temperature and altitude above the seabed for display, logging and navigation at the surface. The UK90 and UK94 products were developed in the 1990’s and quickly became market leaders. Many remain in use today.
Sonavision will, under licence, offer service and calibration services for the systems from their Aberdeen base, and will introduce an updated version in late 2006 as part of their new complete ROV sensor package.
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Sonavision Ltd launches RoxAnn Groundmaster GD-X acoustic seabed classification system for scientists.
Following the recent launch of the RoxAnn GD-A Seabed Classification system, Sonavision announce the launch of the RoxAnn Groundmaster GD-X Seabed Classification system, a further enhancement of the world-renowned RoxAnn System.
RoxAnn was developed for scientific use and has been routinely used in many seabed mapping studies with applications as diverse as dredging, fisheries habitat management, environmental pollution control, sea grass and coral population research and assisting hydrographic offices in the generation of navigation charts.
The RoxAnn Groundmaster GD-X is a stand-alone system, utilising a small dual frequency fish-finder sonar as its host. Built into a watertight and sturdy case of 200mm * 110mm * 60mm and weighing only 4.5kg, it is considerably smaller and lighter than the previously available version. This is a consequence of using the latest surface mount components in the design.
RoxAnn Groundmaster GD-X is adaptable on power consumption and can be powered from 12-36VDC supply.
RoxAnn Groundmaster GD-X is supplied as dual channel to allow quick changeover between frequencies of 50kHz and 200kHz.
It has the ability to record changes in the transmit pulse allowing the user to change the range of the echosounder without affecting the RoxAnn data.
RoxAnn GD-A continues to interface to any and all types of echosounder of survey grade and a number of Navigation and data collection packages including Hypack, Sonavision's own RoxMap and many others.
Sonavision have created a distribution network around the world including representatives in the USA, Canada, Europe, Middle East, Far East and Australia.
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Sonavision Ltd launches RoxAnn GD-A acoustic seabed classification system for scientists
Simultaneously at Hypack 06 in Las Vegas and at Subsea UK in Aberdeen, in February 2006, Sonavision have launched the RoxAnn GD-A Seabed Classification system, the successor to the world-renowned RoxAnn System.
RoxAnn was originally developed over 20 years ago as an aid to the commercial fisherman and was the first system to automatically link the seabed type information available from an echosounder with the position of the vessel.
The system was further developed for scientific use and has been routinely used in many seabed mapping studies with applications as diverse as dredging, fisheries habitat management, environmental pollution control, sea grass and coral population research to assisting hydrographic offices in creation of navigation charts.
The RoxAnn GD-A is a radical re-design and contains a number of improvements. The most noticeable difference is the size of the system. At 200mm * 110mm * 60mm and 600g, it is considerably smaller and lighter than the older version. This is a consequence of using the latest surface mount components in the design.
RoxAnn GD-A is also small on power consumption and can be powered using the USB connection from the computer, although a 5VDC laptop style supply is also included.
RoxAnn GD-A is supplied with an installation CD that allows the user to "piggy-back" to any dual frequency echosounder, from 24kHz to 400kHz, and to switch from one echosounder to another, a feature that was not possible in the older system. It is supplied as dual channel to allow quick changeover from high to low frequency. A more advanced RoxAnn GD-A can accept interfaces for up to any 4 different echosounders, which can be installed and switched in software.
A further enhancement is the ability to record changes in the transmit pulse allowing the user to change the range of the echosounder without affecting the RoxAnn data.
RoxAnn GD-A continues to interface to any and all types of echosounder of survey grade and a number of Navigation and data collection packages including Sonavision's own RoxMap and Hypack.
Sonavision have created a distribution network around the world including representatives in the USA, Canada, Europe, Middle East, Far East and Australia.
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Sonavision introduces new low-light Hawkeye Camera
Sonavision Limited have completed the development and first delivery of an additional new model for the growing Hawkeye range of video cameras. The Hawkeye 25BT, is a lightweight titanium housed monochrome camera, capable of working in low light conditions.
Suitable for use on ROV's or by divers, and available in a long-line drive format for overcoming losses in long diving umbilicals, the camera at only 36mm diameter and 150mm long weighs only 300g in water.
The black and white module has a minimum light sensitivity of 0.0003lux and offers excellent resolution with 420 TV lines.
Sonavision's Technical Director, Bob Wilkinson commented "this new camera moves small module cameras closer to the performance of SIT cameras in low-light conditions and offers excellent performance and value for money in all but the lowest light conditions where SIT cameras are used. At under one tenth of the cost of a SIT camera and a fraction of the physical size, this camera will have many underwater applications".
The first delivery was made to a major diving contractor in early 2006.
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Sonavision launch RoxAnn GD
Sonavision, the manufacturers of RoxAnn announce that the new RoxAnn GD, the long awaited successor to the highly successful RoxAnn Seabed Classification System will be launched by Sonavision's UK Distributor at the UK Fishing Show in Glasgow 19th -21st May. The RoxAnn GD is not only technically superior but is more adaptable, is easier to use and less expensive!
Improvements include:
- The RoxAnn GD can be interfaced to any sounder at any depth, with frequency selection by software.
- The RoxAnn GD does not require the transmit pulse to be stable, so the user can adjust the range and power of the sounder, with the RoxAnn adjusting its echo processing with each change to keep results consistent.
- The RoxAnn calibration is by software - no more "red buttons" or complicated procedures.
- The RoxAnn GD is not supplied with a computer -it is a computer. The computer uses the most up-to-date industrial PC technology, with, internet and ethernet connections and a touchscreen display - no more mouse, trackerballs or keyboards to get in the way!
- Plotter package RoxMap 3D comes as standard with a real-time 3D display, but you can choose your own plotter alongside as they will run on the PC.
- The RoxAnn GD has a full echosounder display which can be simultaneously displayed with the plotter and 3D screens.
- It is less expensive with a Retail Price reduced by half.
Sonavision expect to announce more International Distribution Agreements over the next 6 months.
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Sonar Display Software - Beta Release
Sonavision have introduced a new version of software with improved
speed / resolution performance.
With the upgrade, you will find improved resolution at FAST and NORMAL
speed, giving you the resolution you would previously have seen only
at the slower scan rates.
This is the first step of our 2005 software development and we would
like to get feedback from our clients.
Remember the software is available free of charge and is not copy
protected.
To get your upgrade, please write to us at development@sonavision.co.uk,
giving us your name, sonar type and current software version. (To
find this look at Help> About Sonavision, when running the Sonavision
software. We will send you the upgrade program and instructions to
load which will not affect your current setup.
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Sonavision Launch Titan Scanning Sonar
Sonavision Ltd announce the arrival of the long range sonar TITAN, the latest member of the Sonavision Scanning Sonar family. Although, measuring only 226mm by 90mm, the TITAN is capable of ranges up to 300m and is the only sonar of its size with the performance of a high-resolution sonar.
TITAN uses a special wideband 1:3 Piezo Composite Transducer. Benefits of using composite transducers are enhanced beam control, optimisation of transmit and receive and suppressed side-lobes to reduce false returns.
TITAN is available as a 500kHz sonar (standard) with options for different frequencies and ranges. The transducer uses separate transmit and receive elements which maximises image resolution. TITAN is manufactured in a stainless steel pressure housing for use in water depths down to 1000m, or in a titanium housing for depths down to 6000m.
TITAN can be supplied with a 6 pin underwater connector (compatible with SV2000) or titanium shelled underwater mating connector (compatible with SV4000, SV3000 and SV6000). Communication is by RS232 or RS485 and TITAN can be used with PC, laptop or Minerva SCU with Sonavision Software, which is available from the web and does not require user licence or key. The TITAN is also backward compatible with SV2050, SV2055 and SV2060 Surface Units.
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Sonavision Divest Peripheral Activities to Concentrate on Product Development
Sonavision Ltd has completed an agreement with The Underwater Centre, Fort William, the UK's leading school for commercial diver training, for transfer of the management of one of the world's top ROV courses.
The arrangement completes Sonavision's strategy to divest peripheral activities to allow concentration on the core business of design, manufacture and supply of sonar, acoustics and video products.
The ROV course has run for over ten years, with practical sessions previously held at The Underwater Centre's dive site at Fort William and the theoretical element of the course taught at Sonavision in Aberdeen. From March 2005, both the practical and theory modules will be taught at The Underwater Centre.
In line with their new strategy, Sonavision will launch their new sonar, the TITAN, which is designed to provide the highest resolution and is suitable for larger ROV's and permanent installation, at Subsea UK (Aberdeen) and Underwater Intervention (New Orleans) in February 2005.
It is the first of two new major products planned for release in 2005, the other being for the commercial fishing industry and follows launch of RoxAnn® Swath Seabed Classification System in 2004.
Read more about the Titan Scanning Sonars...
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Sonavision supply SubCom2000 Emergency Through Water Communications System to Stolt Offshore SA
Sonavision have supplied a complete SubCom 2000 Emergency Through Water Communications system to Stolt Offshore Brasil SA for installation on the Seaway Harrier. The communications system will be installed on the saturation diving bells and will provide a communications link in the event of an emergency or if there is a failure in the wired communications system.
SubCom 2000 systems have a proven twenty year track record and are a familiar sight on saturation diving systems around the world. Using a range of frequencies from 8kHz to 37kHz, the SubCom 2000 system provides clear voice communications for divers and supervisors.
Sonavision will be exhibiting the SubCom 2000 range at UI2005 Stand 728.
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RoxAnn system delivered to Natashquan First Nations Quebec
Sonavision Ltd are delighted to have supplied a RoxAnn Seabed Classification System to the Conseil de Bande de Natashquan (Natashquan First Nations), Québec, Canada whose reserve is situated at the mouth of the Natashquan river, on the Gulf of St Lawrence.
The RoxAnn System is to be installed onboard the CNM Nutaskuan, a new build in Gaspé, which will operate out of Natashquan, Québec by leading local fisherman, Rock Beaudin. The system was supplied by Sonavision's Canadian Distributor Vision Marine and will be used to identify new grounds for crab, shrimp, scallops and clams.
RoxAnn is the world's leading selling seabed classification system, enabling the skipper to quickly to build up maps of the seabed, colour coded by material type, e.g. sand, mud, rock, mussel beds etc. These seabed maps can be used to increase catch, reduce by-catch or damage to gear. There are hundreds of RoxAnn systems in use world-wide and it has been used by fishermen for over a decade. This will be the twenty-fifth RoxAnn system sold into Canada.
Vision Marine's Dave Francis commented "RoxAnn has proved to be an important piece of electronics onboard fishing vessels over many years. The equipment is reliable, helping the skipper save time and consequently reduces their costs".
The RoxAnn System is available in a number of formats configured for specific uses including: Hydrography, Commercial Fishing, Dredging and Environmental Monitoring.
Read more about RoxAnn GD Systems for use in the fishing industry...
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