Description
The S500 sonar is a multipurpose single-beam echosounder. It can be used as an altimeter for ROVs and AUVs, for bathymetry work aboard a USV, as an obstacle avoidance sonar, and other underwater distance measurement applications.
The S500 implements CHIRP modulation, which sends a varying frequency ultrasonic pulse. The advantages of CHIRP include better signal to noise ratio, and much higher range resolution than non-CHIRP devices.
The S500 can report a simple distance measurement, or It can also provide the full signal profile for display as a “waterfall” plot like the display of a fishfinder. S500 is supported by SonarView, Cerulean Sonar’s sonar viewing application available for free download. Raw signal strength data profiles can also be provided for advanced analysis in technical applications.
The S500 uses a high frequency 500kHz transducer giving about 5° beam width for ROV and AUV altimeter and bathymetry applications. It has a measurement range of over 100m. A bottom-tracking algorithm runs on the device to determine the distance to the seafloor.
Three communication interfaces include Ethernet (100Mb/sec), USB (12Mb/sec), and 3.3-5.0V serial (115kbaud).
What’s in the Box
1 Sounder Control Board
1 Transducer with 1m cable (1 shield + 2 signal wires)
1 2-wire power cable with installed JST GH connector (60 cm)
1 extra JST connector
1 Oil-Resistant Buna O-Ring (McMaster-Carr part-number 9452K94)