User Manual for the Type 8300 Compatt 6
(and Variants)
UM-8300-Compatt 6
Issue B3
When the transponder has replied to the interrogation signal it will return to sleep mode after a
controlled period of inactivity. The transponder can be programmed with an activity time, the length of
the inactivity time depends on how the transponder is being used. The activity time is restarted after
each valid interrogation. If the transponder has not gone into its sleep mode a wake-up signal is not
required.
A.1 Transceivers
Wideband transponders are being used for general acoustic navigation and special projects where the
efficient command structure is required to save time during position and sensor measurement cycles.
Transceivers which are compatible with the new command structure are as follows:
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Type 8309Dunker 6 is an ‘over-the-side’ navigation transceiver used for LBL array calibration,
ROV navigation and data telemetry.
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Type 8310ROVNav 6 is a vehicle mounted navigation transceiver used for LBL array
calibration, ROV navigation and data telemetry.
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Type 8142HPT USBL transceiver with a multi-element array provides both range and bearing
information. The transceiver is capable of receiving Sonardyne’s high data rate (HDR)
telemetry, supported rates including 3 kbps and 6 kbps
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Type 8220AvTrak 6 is versatile AUV transceiver with omni-directional or directional
transducers used for self-navigation, tracking and acoustic telemetry.
For testing and maintenance, the Type 8063 Deck Test Unit can perform basic WBv1 interrogation
acoustic checks, but cannot command or configure the transponder. The transponder should be
configured using the 6G Terminal Lite and if required another 6G instrument can be used for a basic
acoustic check.
A.2 Command and Telemetry Functions
‘Command’ is the remote control of operating modes of transponder by coded acoustic signals,
transmitted from a surface vessel..
The Wideband transponders use Wideband digital telemetry to send commands and transmit data
replies. This allows multiple parameters to be set in one command, giving a faster set-up than previous
command systems. Wideband digital telemetry has error detection and correction to improve reliability
and security.
When the command function has been executed by the transponder, a telemetry signal is transmitted
to acknowledge the operation is complete.
Example commands include the ability to change power levels, gain and navigation turnaround time
for the beacon; to collect sensor readings and / or baseline measurements or (when fitted) actuate a
release drive. All acoustic commands are initiated from an acoustic transceiver which is in turn driven
by bespoke Sonardyne software.
A.3 Communicating via RS232
The transponder can be configured and tested via the RS232 link from a PC running the Sonardyne
software. An acoustic and serial protocol document that describes the acoustic and serial commands
supported by each transponder is available on request from Sonardyne Support.
Appendix A – Basic Principles of Transponder Interrogation and Reply
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