3.4
Deployment hardware
The anchoring scheme used is very dependent on the goals of the data collection in combination
with the deployment environment. Thankfully SoundTraps are more easily deployed than traditional
acoustic recorders due to their small size. A SoundTrap ST500
’s weight in water is approximately
1.5
kg.
Most often the hydrophone is located near the sea floor, using an anchored line. This involves
running a line between a heavy anchor weight and either a surface or sub-surface float. A sub-
surface float is often best, as it is less affected by weather/swell and is less likely to be tampered
with. The SoundTrap should be attached to the line a couple of meters off the bottom. Two grooves
at the top and bottom of the housing provide attachment points for cable ties for this purpose. The
cable ties should be threaded through the associated holes so they cannot slip off.
Be mindful that a taut line combined with strong currents may result in ‘cable strum’ which may
disrupt your recordings. In this case a rigid frame may be more appropriate.
