Marine Technology - Assets & Development

Standards being adopted:

* The Professional standard for full research and recovery of Marine sites mandates a need for archeological integrity and a priority interest in preserving and assuring provenience of in situ documentation prior to moving or removing any shipwreck material. With the advent of hi resolution digital in camera grid processes and real time ability to establish exact coordinates and the addition of AUV and ROV equipment -this reduces and often eliminates entirely the hazards and pitfalls of human error or risk by eliminating the need for underwater human presence during much of this hereto fore intensive and tedious process. Indeed, this frees up the manpower to analyze and observe the overall site and allows the social scientists more time to do hands on in the field Marine Archaeology. Advanced technology has profoundly improved our cost effectiveness of recovery and the Ocean frontier is vastly more accessible now than it ever was.

New technology being used:

220 Foot Research Vessel

Vector M5 is a portable high performance ROV system, combining superior power, telemetry and payload with each of use, ruggedness and reliability - providing a powerful overall performance envelope and versatility compared to other vehicles of its class. It has five high performance thrusters - four vectored and one vertical.
*The power and control system is network architectured for simplicity and ease of use, with multiple micro-processors providing redundancy and expanded capabilities. The design incorporates intuitive, computer-aided, always active diagnostics facilitating maintenance of the system in the harshest environments by technicians with a minimum of training.
*Specially designed high performance brushless thrusters provide the highest power to weight ratio and reliability vs. other vehicles in this class.
*The graphical user interface (GUI) with multiple menu screens, provides intuitive feedback and active user control for ease of vehicle handling, navigation, collection and display of sensor data, as well as setting and storing custom system configurations.
*Fabricated using modern marine grade aluminum and composite materials, the chassis is totally modular with quick access to all the parts for ease of servicing and replacement as required. Constructed from polypropylene, the chassis is resilient, non-corroding and maintenance free. Ancillary equipment is easy to mount and integrate.

Camera Unit: DOE 18:1 color zoom camera unit.
Depth rating: 1000m
Resolution: 470 lines of TV
Sensitivity: 1 Lux @ f1.4
Viewing angle: 7 degrees-58 degrees
Length: 241mm (9.5in)
Diameter: 89mm (3.5in)
Weight in water: Neutral
Air-weight: 1.4kg (3lb)
Camera tilt platform: DOE electrically driven tilt actuator providing a smooth tilt speed. Operational are ± 90 degrees from horizontal, with adjustable stops.

User Interfaces: The Graphical User Interface (GUI) provides intuitive feedback and active graphics for easily controlling vehicle handling, navigation and sensor data collection. The GUI includes several menu screens with readily accessible information to guide connectivity, setup, pre-dive checklist, navigation, inspection, post-dive checklist, diagnostics and an online searchable technical manual. The ergonomic hand controller can override the GUI/OSD (On Screen Display) computer, providing redundancy and back-up.

On Screen Display: This is a continually updated video display, which provides the operator with intuitive compass rose heading, depth, turns count, elapsed time, water leak alarm and much more information, allowing the vehicle to be operated safely. It may also be used to display sensor data such as temperature, altitude or GPS position on the screen. Additional digital and analog I/O channels and vehicle data may be exported to the navigational or survey computer.

Chassis: A modular chassis manufactured from polypropylene. This extremely rugged material is maintenance free, self-supporting in water and non-corroding - providing the vehicle with an energy absorbing protective framework. Ancillary equipment are easily mounted on the frames and bottom panel.

Propulsion: Fully pressure compensated, high performance DC brushless thrusters. The high torque, gearless thruster design is highly robust and quiet. A hydrodynamic nozzle provides symmetric thrust with a compact form factor. Careful attention to component design and materials for reliability and ruggedness, such as the use of high quality industrial mechanical seals, provide a long, dependable and near maintenance-free operational life.

Vehicle Electronics/Telemetry: Continuous full control and diagnostics of onboard vehicle functions through a digital communications link. Standard configuration includes up to three continuous video channels over TSP (Twisted Shielded Pair), and expandable digital telemetry over copper including RS232, RS485, Ethernet and options for fiber-optic.

Navigation: Rate gyro stabilized, solid-state magnetic compass unit: resolution ± 0.1 degrees, accuracy ± 0.5 degrees, update rate 50mS. Electronic depth sensor: accuracy 0.25% of fsd.

Auto-pilot: Selectable automatic pilot for auto-heading, autodepth and optional auto-altitude.

Lighting: 2 x 250 watt Quartz-halogen lamp units. The control is On/Low/Medium/Full.

Power requirements: Input 230V AC, 50/60 Hz, 10 kVA, single or 3-phase. On-board user power available - instrumentation 24 VDCC, auxiliary power at up to 400 VDC.

Umbilical cable A supple, rugged cable, designed for harsh ocean environment with a 1000lb working load: neutrally buoyant in fresh water, diam. 0.6in (16mm); or optional smaller diameter without floatation jacket (heavy) at 0.5in (12.5mm).

Options Fiber-optic telemetry, sonar systems, tracking systems, specialized cameras, cable reels (manual or powered), various manipulators, additional tools and sensors, spares kits, technical training.

A basic Side Scan Sonar System is shown above. It consists of a topside processing unit, a cable for electronic transmission and towing, and a subsurface unit (a tow fish) that transmits and receives acoustic energy for imaging.
Side scan sonar is a method of underwater imaging using narrow beams of acoustic energy (sound) transmitted out to the side of the tow fish and across the bottom. Sound is reflected back from the bottom and from objects to the tow fish. Certain frequencies work better than others, high frequencies such as 500kHz to 1MHz give excellent resolutions but the acoustic energy only travels a short distance. Lower frequencies such as 50kHz or 100kHz give lower resolution but the distance that the energy travels is greatly improved.
The tow fish generates one pulse of energy at a time and waits for the sound to be reflected back. The imaging range is determined by how long the tow fish waits before transmitting the next pulse of acoustic energy. The image is thus built up one line of data at a time. Hard objects reflect more energy causing a dark signal on the image; soft objects that do not reflect energy as well show up as lighter signals. The absense of sound such as shadows behind objects show up as white areas on a sonar image.

Sub Sea's 4100 Side Scan Sonar System is the long lasting workhorse of hydrographic surveying. The topside processor is either a 19-inch rack mountable case (4100) or a water resistant portable system (4100-P). EdgeTech's DISCOVER Side Scan Sonar software runs on the 4100 and 4100-P.
The Model 272 towfish is a hydro dynamically stable, towed body that contains the electronics and transducers necessary to generate and receive side scan sonar signals. It is designed for use at depths up to 1000 meters. Various tow cable systems provide the mechanical means for towing the fish near the seafloor and the electrical means for powering the fish, triggering the transmitters, and sending the return signal to the topside for processing and display.
The Model 272-2 towfish incorporates circuits for transmitting and receiving the 100kHz side scan sonar frequency. The Model 272-TD towfish operates at either 100kHz or the higher resolution 500kHz selectable in the DISCOVER software.
Both the Model 272-T and 272-TD towfish feature the patented Saf-T-Link shear pin feature. When cable tension on the towfish exceeds 180 Kg (400lbs.) due to snagging on the seafloor or mooring lines, the nylon pin shears and the electrical connector between the cable and towfish separates. The towfish then "flips" 360 degrees, transferring the tow point to the nose of the towfish and allowing it to be pulled clear of the obstruction. Normal operation is easily restored by remounting the towing arm with a new shear pin and refastening the connector. If only the tail fins snag, they will fall away and be loosely held by a nylon cord. The cord is designed to break if the snag persists to avoid loss of the towfish.
Both the 272-T and the 272-TD features a patented Time Varied Gain (TVG) circuit that compensates for the known signal losses versus range. This not only facilitates processing, but also reduces the dynamic range requirements of the tow cable, thus reducing the susceptibility to electrical nose pickup.
The Model 272-T and 272-TD can both be towed with lightweight Kevlar tow cable or, for deeper waters, by double armored steel-cables.

The 4200 Series utilizes EdgeTech's Full Spectrum CHIRP technology to provide crisp, high resolution imagery at longer ranges than conventional side scan systems. The 4200 Series comes available in two different versions; the 4200-SP and 4200-MP. The 4200-SP acts as a traditional side scan system whereas the 4200-MP is a dual mode system with an added High Speed Mode (HSM) of operation.
The two software selectable modes of operation for the 4200-MP are as follows:
*High Definition Mode (HDM) - conventional dual simultaneous frequency operation with extra long array for superior resolution; excellent tool for Mine Countermeasures (MCM).
*High Speed Mode (HSM) - utilizes EdgeTech's Multi-Pulse technology which places two pulses into the water rather than one. This allows the system to be towed at speeds of up to 10 knots while meeting NOAA and IHO-44 requirements for minimum 3 pings on a 1 meter target compared to conventional systems at only 4 knots.
The array configuration for the 4200-MP's two modes of operation is dynamically reconfigured by the system to suit the user's immediate application. Real time selection of the 2 modes allows the user to choose the mode best suited to his task at hand.
The 4200 Series utilizes EdgeTech's Full Spectrum CHIRP technology to deliver wide band, high energy transmit pulses, coupled with high resolution and superb signal to noise ratio echo data. The systems employs wide band, low noise front end electronics which reduce system induced phase errors and drift to negligible levels. The sonar data is also available as a complex, fully coherent data set suitable for advanced user applied post processing.
The 4200 Series is also designed to allow efficient integration of other optional sensors. The EdgeTech telemetry link allows the sonar signals that are digitzed in the towfish to be transmitted over long coaxial cable lengths with no loss of signal quality.
The 4200 Series offers two towfish options based upon the user's desired applications; a stainless steel or lightweight aluminum version. The stainless steel towfish is ideal for deeper water operation of up to 2000 meters and the lightweight aluminum towfish for shallower operation of depths up to 500 meters.
Along with the choice of towfish, the 4200 Series also offers three different topside processor options which again allows the user to customize the system to best suit his needs. All of the topside processors come installed with EdgeTech's DISCOVER software, which serves as the control and data acquisition sub-system for display, storage and printing of sonar data. You also have the option of configuring the system for third-party interface and/or utilizing your own PC/laptop.
The EdgeTech Model 4200 Topside Processor is a standard 19" rack mountable topside that is ideal to use on larger vessels or when portability is not a main concern. In this configuration, all of the electronics are housed within a 19" rack mounted Windows based PC system and the data is displayed on a high resolution flat screen color monitor.
The EdgeTech Model 4200-P Topside Processor is a portable unit that is ideal for smaller ships or when operating outside of a protected area. All of the electronics are mounted within a waterproof "suitcase-style" housing and the data is displayed on a splashproof laptop computer via a wired or wireless Ethernet connection.
For customers who would prefer to use their own 3rd party topside processor, EdgeTech offers the 701-DL (Digital Link) which acts as the interface between the 4200 Series towfish and the display and acquisition software. Witht his option the user supplies the PC and runs the 4200 System using EdgeTech's DISCOVER software.
The 4200 Series sets new standards in the industry for seafloor mapping by integrating key performance and safety features, the dual mode feature along with EdgeTech's Secondary Recovery System, Standard Heading, Pitch & Roll, optional Depth, Magnetometer interface and Acoustic responder for accurate towing positioning at a price which is commercially sensitive.

The integration maintains the basic system integrity of each subsystem, allowing each to be used separately or together. In integrated mode, power and data multiplexing are supplied from the System 2000 to the G-880G, which is towed eight meters behind the side scan sonar. At the surface the magnetometer data is separated from the sonar data by the System 2000 Display/processor unit and transmitted to the Data Display and Processing Unit. The magnetic gradients and sonar data are concurrently logged with DGPS position data acquisition and processing station. The combined data affords improved target acquisition, accurate spatial plotting and characterization of target size and depth.

Magnetometers detect ferrous metals that could be attracted by a magnet. Steel, iron and iron rich rocks. A good way to remember this is that ferrous metals (detectable) rust or stain yellow/orange. A vessel towed magnetometer will read the earth's magnetic field and when towed in an area of ferrous metals (such as rusted debris from a shipwreck) the magnetometer will detect the magnetic disturbance the rusted metals generate and produce readings to allow the operator to distinguish size and location.

Magnetometers will not detect or "see" nonferrous metals. Gold, silver, lead, copper, aluminum, and some stainless steel. A highly sensitive proton magnetometer is capable of detecting ferrous metals utilizing an omni-directional detector towed behind either a ship or plane. In Marine applications it is advised to tow the sensor at least 3 times the vessel length to minimize the ship's influence on readings. Magnetic measurements, taken at an interval between 0.5 seconds and 999 seconds, are displayed on an LED display, recorded into a computer via an RS232 interface.

The model G-882 cesium-vapor marine magnetometer provides the same high performance as our airborne instruments delivering high resolution results in all types of survey applications. The G-882 is a low cost, compact system designed for professional surveys in shallow or deep water.

The G-882 magnetometer's digital output can be recorded with any serial data logger but its full potential is obtained when used with our MagLog Lite software to log, display and print GPS positioned measurement results. The price, performance, and reliability of the G-882 make it the best value of any marine magnetometer today.

The G-882 is designed for operation from small vessels for shallow water surveys as well as for large survey vessels for deep tow applications (4,000 psi rating, telemetry over steel coax available to 10Km). Being small and lightweight (40 lbs net, no extra weights) it is easily deployed and operated by one person. Power may be supplied from a 24 to 30 VDC battery power or the included 110/220 VAC power supply. The standard G-882 tow cable includes a Vectran strength member and can be built to up to 700m (no telemetry required). The shipboard end of the tow cable is attached to an included junction box or optional onboard cable for quick and simple hookup to power. Output data can be recorded on any Windows 98, ME, NR, 2000 or XP computer equipped with RS-232 serial ports. Best of all, the rugged G-882 is designed for and has been used successfully everywhere in the world for all types of applications.

The G-882 Cesium magnetometer provides the same operating sensitivity and sample rates as the larger deep tow model G-880. MagLogLite Logging Software is offered with each magnetometer and allows recording and display of data and position with Automatic Anomaly Detection! Additional options include: MagMap2000 plotting and contouring software and post acquisition processing software MagPick.

Our Geometrics Cesium 881 Marine Magnetometer
Cesium detects variations in the magnetic field Used to detect ferro-magnetic objects Depressor and fin keep mag near seafloor Towed concurrently with side-scan sonar
A view of the Gradiometer towed array used to locate ferrous metals
Fastest sampling at high sensitivity means even small targets can be detected Cesium vapor technology provides furthest detection range. highest sensitivity at 0.004 nT/aHz New streamlined design improves safety, less chance of snagging on rocks or debris Convertible nose or CG tow mechanism, lets you choose survey style, gets fish deeper. Flash memory stores all parameters, eliminates need for oh-board reprogramming New echo sounder and altimeter shows height above sea bottom and depth in water column in real time 2700 m (9000') depth rating lets you use one mag for all surveys Easy portability and handling - no winch required- single man operation, 44 lbs with 200 ft cable (without weights or depressor wing), new carrying handle Combine two systems for increased coverage– Internal CM-221 Mini-Counter provides multi-sensor data concatenation allowing side by side coverage which maximizes detection of small targets and reduced noise

Our Edgetech Sonar Dual Frequency System
100 kHz/400 kHz Operating Frequencies Lower Frequency = Low resolution, greater range Higher Frequency = High resolution, less range Location determined by layback calculation from vessel
4200-FS Side Scan System	Configuration Diagram
	APPLICATIONS Mine Countermeasures ( MCM's ) Geo-hazard surveys Geological/geophysical surveys Archeological surveys Cable and pipeline surveys Search and recovery FEATURES Selectable dual mode of operation: High Definition Mode (HDM) or High Speed Mode (HSM) HDM- Conventional simultaneous dual frequency operation HSM- Multi pulse mode on either selected frequency Extra long array (90 cm) for superior resolution (HDM) Multi pulse mode (HSM) 120 & 410 kHz dual frequency 1000+ m depth rating Single coax tow cable over 6000 m Integrated with other sensors Full Spectrum chirp processing AUV/ROV adaptable
DESCRIPTION The New Edgetech 4200-FS Side Scan System provides a unique advantage over conventional dual frequency 100/500 kHz side scan systems by combining EdgeTech's Full Spectrum and MultiPulse technologies into one unit. The new 4200-FS offers two software selectable modes of operation. · High Definition Mode (HDM) - conventional mode operation with extra long array (90 cm) for superior resolution; excellent tool for Mine Countermeasures ( MCM's ). · High Speed Mode (HSM) - dual pulse operation for speeds up to 10 knots, while meeting NOAA and IHO requirements for "hits on target" compared to conventional systems at 4 knots. This is an additional feature for high-speed navy patrol vessels. The 90 cm array configuration for these two modes of operation is dynamically reconfigured by the system to suit the user's immediate application. Real time selection of the 2 modes allows the user to choose the mode best suited to his task at hand. The 4200-FS uses EdgeTech's Full-Spectrum chirp technology to deliver wide band, high energy transmit pulses, coupled with high- resolution and superb signal to noise ratio (SNR) echo data. The system employs wide band, low noise front end electronics which reduce system induced phase errors and drift to negligible levels. The sonar data is also available as a complex, fully coherent data set suitable for advanced user applied post processing. The 4200-FS Side Scan System offers simultaneous dual frequency operation in high definition mode and is designed to allow efficient integration of other optional sensors. The Edgetech telemetry link allows the sonar signals that are digitized in the tow fish to be transmitted over the long coaxial cable (6000m) with no loss of signal quality. The 4200-FS sets new standards in the industry for seafloor mapping by integrating key performance and safety features, the dual mode feature along with EdgeTech's Secondary Recovery System, Standard Heading, Pitch & Roll, optional Depth and acoustic responder for accurate towing positioning.
SPECIFICATIONS
Tow Fish Model 4200 Frequency 120 / 410 kHz dual Horizontal Beam Width (HDM) 120 kHz - 0.64°, 410kHz - 0.3° Horizontal Beam Width (HSM) 120 kHz - 1.26°, 410 kHz - 0.4° Operating Range (Maximum) 120 kHz - 500 meter p/side; 410 kHz 150 meters p/side Operating Depth (meters) 1000+ Towing Speed (max safe) 12 knots Towing Speed * 4.8 knots in HDM, 9.6 knots in HSM Tow Cable Length 6,000 meters Tow Cable Type Co-axial Tow Fish Diameter 11.4 cm. (4.5") Tow Fish Length 125.6 cm. (49.5") Weight (in air) 52 kg (116 lbs.) Weight (in sea water) 36 kg (80 lbs.) Options Pressure, Temperature, Magnetometer, USBL Acoustic Tracking System, Acoustic Responder, Depressor and Custom Sensors * Meets NOAA Shallow Water Survey Specification- Min 3 pings on a 1-meter target at 100 meters range.
Hard targets reflect more sound energy, appear lighter in sonar image Soft targets and shadows absorb sound energy, appear darker Individual track lines are combined to create a sonar mosaic

Excalibur 1000

FEATURES Length Maximum 1220mm   Minimum  1040mm Weight Excalibur 1000* 2.05kg Configuration  Shaft mount (Optional Hip mount) Technology  Broad Band Spectrum (BBS) Transmit Frequency  17 Frequencies (1.5, 3, 4.5....25.5 kHz) Ground Rejection  Automatic Ground Tracking NiCad Battery Pack  12V, 600 mAh Mains Charger 110V ( USA ), 230V (EU), 240V (AUS) Headphones 8 ohms Dive Shaft Detector Stand   Controls On/Off; Threshold 1 turn control & switch Sensitivity  1 turn control & switch (Auto or Manual) Volume 1 turn control Discriminate   1 turn control Pin-point/Discriminate  2 pos. switch Discriminate  1 turn control Accessories Alkaline Battery  Pack 8 x 1.5V (AA) Car Charger  12V, Cigarette lighter plug