Transducer Frequency:
GAPS: from 22 to 30 kHz; Transponder: 19.5, 20.0, 20.5 or 21 kHz
Contacts
Name
Institution
Role
Ralf Krocker
Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research
Engineer In Charge, Data Provider
Components
The system consits of the GAPS itself, mounting for installation in box keel, Easy Connect Box (ECB) and monitoring software "GAPS MMI - Man Machine
Interface". Also available on board is one transponder of type MT832E-R and one transponder of type MT832E-HD-R with removable head. The system is
hard-wired and the software is installed an configurated. GAPS will typically be installed through moonpool in box keel. The transponders can be mounted
to winch wire or to a submarine vehicle. GAPS underwater communication is conducted by using various frequencies, interferences with simultaneously
operating Echo Sounders are possible.
GAPS:
GAPS is a bi-directional acoustic positioning system, which communicates between ship (antenna) and one or more transponders. Positions of the
transponders are determined relative to the ship or absolute in geographic frame. GAPS must be installed with custom-built mounting through moonpool in
box keel and is operated below the ship's hull.
Transponders MT832E-R and MT832E-HD-R:
The acoustic transponders must be mechanically attached to underwater objects or vehicles.
The transponders are synchronized to the GAPS and can be operated in transponder-mode (acoustic transmission and receiving) or in responder-mode
(electric transmission and acoustic receiving; cables and plugs for responder-mode are *not available on board). Special mounting for operations of the
MT832E-R on winch wire is available, e.g. for determination of exact sampling locations in deep water. The transponders can be operated in water depth
up to 3000m. Communication frequency can be selected to be 19.5, 20.0, 20.5 or 21 kHz.
