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Accurate and reliable position information is key to successful ROV operations. Be it underwater inspection, construction, or search—you need a good tracking system to complete your job with confidence, efficiency, and speed. Pilot™ is the ideal tracking system for small and mid-size ROVs. Its reliable SBL technology provides ROV position with confidence. Over-the-side transducers and the ability to operate from battery power or line voltage will minimize setup time on any “vessel of opportunity.” A state-of-the-art user interface and extensive self tests make operation simple. And with starter systems available for just a little over $5,000, Pilot™ will grow with your needs all the way to precision surveying, multi-vehicle tracking, plus GPS and Chart integrated operation.
PILOT Specifications & Performance Data
| Tracking Technology | Short baseline acoustic tracking with three 'over the side' sonar transducers complemented by depth telemetry. |
| Applications | Optimized for tracking small & mid-size ROV, but also suitable for diver & AUV tracking or instrument recovery. |
| Max. Range & Depth | 500 meter range & 300 meter depth in basic configuration - extended range & depth available |
| Tracking Accuracy | Slant range +/- 0.15 meter typical; depth +/- 1.5 meter; bearing accuracy depends on transducer separation: +/- 0.4 degrees with 50 meter baseline to +/- 4 degrees with 5 meter baseline. |
| Number Of Targets | Basic configuration tracks one target; with software upgrade up to ten targets can be tracked. |
| Surface Stations | Use splash-proof STM-10 surface station (picture) for vessel of opportunity and small boat operations. STM-10 is optimized for use with Rocky ruggedized notebook computer by Amrel, but will work with other notebooks. The STM-10 runs for about 20 hours on internal batteries, including power to notebook. Can also be powered by 95V to 250V AC. Use STM-1 tracking module in dry environments. STM-1 module may be mounted in a drive bay of a PC or used as a tabletop device. STM-1 is powered by PC 12V power or external supply. |
| ROV Transponders | TLT-1 transponder (picture) and similar TLT-2 transponder attaches to ROV. Both are powered by a set of six user replaceable 'AA' cells which last about 40 hours. Battery condition is transmitted per telemetry and is diplayed by the surface station. The TLT-1 and TLT-2 transponders are rated for depths of up to 300 meters. Use the VLT series transponders for greater depth. |
| Software Features | Standard PILOT systems are shipped with the entry-level ROV tracking version of DiveBase (DiveBase-R). This software runs on Windows 95 and NT machines. Features include tracking a single vehicle, ROV trace, color coded depth, numerical range, depth and bearing display, zoom and pan, various position filters, dive replay capability, extensive self tests and system status displays. Upgrade to DiveBase Level 1 for multi-vehicle tracking, long baseline operation and diver/AUV navigation functions. DiveBase Level 2 extends capabilities to vector and bitmap chart overlays and GPS integrated operation. |
| Operational Strengths | Multi-channel operation and short baseline technology yield excellent results in shallow, constricted and noisy waters with high multi-path as well as deep and open waters. Rugged design, battery operation capability and simple setup is compatible with small boat and 'vessel of opportunity' jobs. |
| Operational Limits | Due to geometric factors, tracking accuracy is limited at significant depth directly below surface vessel. A ROV located 300 meters below the surface directly below the tracking system may appear at an angle of up to 8 degrees from the vertical. Accuracy is generally considered appropriate for ROV piloting tasks, but not for precision surveys. Use long baseline configurations (AquaMap ROV) for positioning applications requiring sub-meter accuracy. PILOT is readily upgraded to support long baseline operations. |
PILOT Standard Configurations And Order Numbers
Similar to PILOT PT-1, but uses the STM-1 surface tracking module instead of the STM-10 ruggedized surface station. The STM-1 module can be mounted in the drive bay of a PC, or used as a table-top device. It requires 12V PC power or will run on 95V to 250V AC (power supply included). Use this system for permanent installation in dry locations.
Includes: STM-1 surface tracking module, TLT-1 ROV Transponder, DiveBase-R, Accessories
This extended capability system will track up to ten vehicles. The VLT-1 ROV transponder is rated for depths to 1000 meters. The DiveBase Level 2 software supports GPS (and heading sensor) integrated operations as well as vector and bitmap chart overlays. Use this system for permanent installation in a dry location.
Includes: STM-1 surface tracking module, VLT-1 ROV Transponder, DiveBase Level 2, Accessories
* Prices are for customers in the United States & Canada. Pricing for overseas customers is 10% higher to account for the higher cost of customer support.
Additional Information & Demo SoftwareClick here to download the DiveBase Level 2 surface tracking demo software