Applied Acoustics has been advancing the development of MiniPods for several years.
The MiniPod series is distinctive for its capability to provide precise positioning by leveraging global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), allowing for effective operation even in the challenging conditions of the splash zone.
The company provides a variety of MiniPods suitable for different project requirements, but it is important to determine which MiniPod aligns with a project’s specific requirement.
101G
The 101G MiniPod is a robust GNSS receiver designed to withstand submersion at depths of up to 50 meters. This model serves as the foundational version upon which the MiniPod family is established and is the most favored product in the series.
The 101G delivers accurate surface positioning to within 1 cm when utilizing the RTK option. Its internal electronic components are fully shock-mounted, ensuring functionality in harsh environments and reliability in positional accuracy. Positional data can be transmitted wirelessly up to 2000 meters or through cables supporting various formats.
Housing
Compact and lightweight, the 101G MiniPod is rated for operation at depths of up to 50 meters. Weighing only 2 kg, it has a height of 170 mm and a diameter of 115 mm.
GNSS Receiver and Integrated Antenna
With an integrated high-gain antenna and GNSS receiver, the MiniPod connects directly to power without requiring any additional external antenna, providing positioning data within 60 seconds of activation.
Worldwide Wireless Data
The built-in wireless RF module operates on the ISM 2.4 GHz frequency band, adhering to IEEE 802.15.4 standards to transmit MiniPod positional data back to the vessel over a standard range of up to 800 meters. This bi-directional link enables the vessel hardware to send RTCM corrections to the MiniPod, enhancing positional precision.
Optional Standalone Correction Service
For improved positioning accuracy in scenarios where RTCM corrections cannot be transmitted wirelessly, the MiniPod can utilize the Atlas correction service, a subscription-based satellite service that achieves positional accuracy of up to 10 cm.
Typical Applications
The 101G MiniPod serves as an ideal choice for seismic positioning. Its lightweight, rugged design allows for straightforward mounting via a pole, facilitating precise positioning of seismic sources, head, and tail buoys in real-time. This capability enhances data acquisition and minimizes errors compared to traditional methods, such as layback.
Crane Tip Monitoring
The MiniPod can be positioned at the crane tip for accurate crane tip location. This application is commonly employed on cable-laying vessels to guarantee that cables, protective mats, and other related equipment are placed correctly.
The 101G MiniPod is also effective for positioning transition or shallow-water subsea vehicles and towed sensors, particularly in environments unsuitable for underwater USBL positioning.
Unique to the 101G, its submersible capability allows it to function effectively at depths of up to 50 meters, ensuring positional data is gathered when the vehicle or towed sensor emerges from the water’s surface—a scenario where underwater positioning systems would typically fail. Its quick acquisition time and warm/hot start functionality help maintain continuous positional data, reducing delays and downtime.
Top Tips
- Elevate your MiniPod to optimize satellite signal reception, minimizing reflections from the sea surface or obstructions from nearby structures.
- Ensure the antenna logo faces the vessel; this is where the internal directional RF antenna is located, identifiable by a cut-out in the MiniPod’s base.
- When feasible, position the MiniPod close to the center of rotation to enhance positional accuracy and reduce the effects of movement.
- Regularly verify that the latest firmware updates are installed on both the GNSS receiver and MiniPod to ensure optimal operational performance.
- Clean the top of the MiniPod frequently with mild detergent and warm water to ensure optimal satellite signal reception.
103G
The 103G MiniPod represents the next tier in the MiniPod series. Its chassis is reinforced to allow for operations at depths of up to 1000 meters while maintaining the same operational features as the 101G.
Housing
The dimensions of the 103G are 218 mm by a diameter of 125 mm, with a weight of 2.5 kg. Its lightweight construction is rated for submersion at depths of up to 1000 meters, making it ideal for surface positioning of subsea vehicles and towed sensors deployed beyond 50 meters, such as magnetometers or cable trenchers.
The deeper rating also makes the 103G suitable for AUVs and ROVs operating at depths between 50 and 1000 meters.
Upon surfacing, the 103G MiniPod can lock onto a signal and start providing positional data within 60 seconds, aiding in the prompt relocation of AUVs or ROVs back to operational status or to the vessel.
106G
The 106G MiniPod boasts the highest depth rating within the MiniPod series. Its lightweight titanium chassis with a glass radome enables the 106G MiniPod to withstand ocean depths of up to 6000 meters. This device is a cabled surface positioning GNSS receiver, designed to complement standard subsea positioning beacons.
Housing
Constructed from toughened glass and titanium, this MiniPod can endure deep-water operations down to 6000 meters. Its robust shock-mounted design makes it an ideal choice for activities like trenching and UXO crawling.
Battery Power
Equipped with an onboard battery, the 106G provides up to four hours of operational time when not connected to an external power source. This feature is beneficial for deep-water transition zone operations, trenching, and construction.
Its rugged, shockproof design enables positional data to be cabled back to the vessel, ensuring the vehicle is on the correct entry trajectory before transitioning to underwater positioning systems.
The 106G is also ideal for surface positioning of deep-water vehicles, whether manned or unmanned, offering accurate location data within 60 seconds of surfacing. If the device is in a warm state, it can achieve a positional fix in under 30 seconds before submersion.
107GS
The 107GS MiniPod differs from other models in the series. It is a shock-mounted, rugged, and submersible satellite transceiver combined with a GNSS receiver. Its primary function is asset recovery and tracking at the sea surface. Unlike other MiniPods that utilize RF wireless to relay positions, the 107GS employs satellite communications, allowing assets to be tracked from anywhere globally.
Automatic On/Off Function
The 107GS is equipped with a factory-set sensor that activates the unit at pressures below 15 psi. This design prevents unnecessary energy consumption when submerged, thereby extending battery life for optimal operation.
Global Remote Tracking
Position data and transfers can be conducted globally using the Inmarsat Isatdata Pro service. This two-way data service is capable of sending 6400 bytes of data and receiving 10,000 bytes.
Housing
The 107GS features a titanium outer body, an acetyl protective guard, and a toughened glass radome. Its internal components are shock-mounted to ensure functionality in demanding environments. The 107GS MiniPod weighs 14 kg in air, with an outer diameter of 203 mm and a length of 285 mm.
The 107GS MiniPod is ideal for remote asset monitoring of larger deep-water vehicles. The global satellite location capability allows for easy access to location data through a subscription service, which can be viewed from various locations at any time, facilitating asset tracking and recovery.
