• Bluetooth technology integrated with Windows Pocket PC devices
• Proven 'Smart' transducer design with QA output
• Heave, Pitch and Roll measurement using 6 axis accelerometers
• Internal rechargeable battery for all day use in the field
• Easily integrated with other modern software and GPS technology

Throughout the Hydrographic world the term 'Black Box' has become a euphemism for a device that has a minimal user interface and normally requires connection to a PC to be of any use ! In most cases these boxes are a cut down version of a more conventional instrument without all the features of the full system. The SonarMite extends this idea of a rugged design and minimalist interface to produce a 'Blue Box' system where the user interface is provided by integrated software running on a portable computer connected via a Bluetooth link. The use of wireless technology enables the instrument to be waterproof and used in a hostile environment while the more sensitive computer features can be located in a more user friendly environment up to 50m away from the instrument.

The SonarMite instrument uses the same 'Smart' integrated transducer technology used in the SonarLite system, in addition to highly reliable bottom tracking algorithms using DSP techniques the system also outputs a quality value associated with every depth measurement made. A new feature of the SonarMite is the inclusion of a six axis solid-state accelerometer with calculated output of integrated Heave, Pitch and Roll measurements. The popular Sonar2000 software has been updated to SonarXP, in addition to the standard post-processing and editing features found in the SonarLite software the program now includes extended features to implement the additional measurements produced by the SonarMite such as Heave calibration/compensation. Software for the 'front end' of the SonarMite is available to run on a wide range of devices from Pocket PCs through to the full range of desktop systems running the Windows operating system.

The SonarLite uses active transducer technology manufactured exclusively for use with the Ohmex Instruments range of survey quality equipment. All the signal generation, data processing and filtering is performed digitally within the transducer element, thus overcoming problems associated with old analogue technology ...

• Low Signal Drift - High immunity to temperature and environmental induced drift
• Low EMC - Transducer cable carries only power supply and data
• Smart Filtering - Smart filtering algorithms controlled by external processor
• Low Drop Out - Drop out rate ten times lower than analogue devices

The Active Transducers are available in the standard 'Boat' shape transducer using a 'Knock-off' body design patented by Airmar, this allows a transducer shoe to be mounted on the rear transom of a boat alongside outboard motors, the active transducer tracking and filtering algorithms are not effected by the acoustic noise generated by the motor. The Airmar patent design allows the transducer to kick its mounting if grounded and thus avoid serious damage.

The standard SonarLite 'Smart' transducer has been updated using the new Airmar P66 shell and ceramic element. This design offers an improved 'slipstream' design together with a simple 'clip-on' fixing clamp enabling easier transducer mounting/removal. The active processor has been updated to a flash memory processor which enables the later reprogramming of the transducer to incorporate new firmware features as they arrive. The SonarLite active transducer is a specially designed Ohmex transducer with firmware designed for survey applications to IMO standards, IT IS NOT THE SAME TRANSDUCER AS THE AIRMAR SMART NMEA DEVICE although it uses the same shell.

The SonarMite system is a portable hydrographic survey system so by definition the boat used will be either a light portable boat or a vessel of opportunity. The SonarMite transducer mounting is designed to fit on to a vertical pole although the actual fitting will vary with the numerous different types of vessel.

Click picture to enlarge.

• Transducer Frequency - 235KHz Active Transducer
• Beam Spread - 8 to 10 Degrees
• Depth Range - 0.30m to 75.00m (Software limited)
• Accuracy - +/-0.025m (RMS)
• Sound Velocity Range - 1400 to 1600 m/sec
• Data Output Range - 2Hz
• Ultrasonic Ping Rate - 3 to 6 Hz (Depth dependent )
• Internal Power - 10.0v x 1.5AHr Internal Nickel Metal Hydride sealed battery (NiMh)
• Power Consumption - 70ma to 120ma (temp dependent)
• Usable Battery Life - 8Hrs to 12Hrs between charging
• Stand-By Battery Life - 10000 Hours
• Battery Charge - Switch mode charger for 90..250vac, 40..60Hz
• Work Anywhere - 2/3 Round/Square pin charger adaptor
• Data Format - RS232C 9600 baud 8 bit 1 stop bit No parity
• Operating Temperature - 0 to 45 degree Centigrade
• Overall Dimensions - 100w x 220h x 45d (mm)
• Weight - 0.75Kg