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Underwater Acoustic Release System
Acoustic Release Model AR-50-AA
(underwater release unit)
Acoustic Release Interrogator Model ARI-50
(topside command unit)
Sub Sea Sonics, San Diego, CA
(619) 223-3921 (www.subseasonics.com)
OVERVIEW:
This underwater acoustic release system permits the underwater release of such items
as an instrument package lifted by a float, a bungee that when released performs a
desired action, etc. The acoustic release interrogator (ARI-50) sends a command to the
underwater acoustic release (AR-50-AA). An additional feature includes a command to
make the release unit become a very low power pinger to acknowledge operation or
permit tracking (requires a special pinger tracking receiver and antenna not included
with this system).
Each underwater release has a specific four digit unit identification number assigned to
it by Sub Sea Sonics. To send an action command to the underwater release unit the
following three steps are performed. First, the four digit identification number is
selected using the interrogator keys while viewing it on an LCD display (two line by 16
character each line). Second, the specific action command is selected using the keys
and LCD display. Third, both are transmitted to the underwater release unit.
The interrogator comes with a transducer on a cable that is placed in the water for use.
The interrogator must be connected to a 12 VDC battery such as a gell cell or lead acid
battery adequate to supply 5 amps during transmit.
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Summary of Contents for Sub Sea Sonics AR-50-AA
- Page 1 Each underwater release has a specific four digit unit identification number assigned to it by Sub Sea Sonics. To send an action command to the underwater release unit the following three steps are performed. First, the four digit identification number is selected using the interrogator keys while viewing it on an LCD display (two line by 16 character each line).
- Page 2 DEPLOYMENT OF A RELEASE UNIT: A. Installation of batteries inside a release unit: 1. OPEN UNIT. Remove the two ¼-20 x 5/8” button head screws from the end plug (Use caution; see SAFETY WARNINGS herein). To aid in the removal of the end plug use a tool such as a Phillips head screwdriver inserted into the non- threaded clear through hole in the external part of the end plug.
- Page 3 0.1 volt drop which occurs across the internal switch inside the acoustic release AR-50-AA at 50 mA]. Each 5 minutes of a 270 ohm load will use up about 0.2% of the battery life while in release mode. To prevent this drain...
- Page 4 (the contact that the link makes contact to). Damage to this contact may make the AR-50-AA release unit worthless for future releases and may be irreparable. Tighten the retainer cap as tight as possible by hand.
- Page 5 4. Verify that no metallic material is touching the link (e.g. a metal hook) as this could radically extend the erosion time and even prevent a release. 5. Verify that the pull on the link will be steady in one direction as continual bending of the link metal might eventually break it off.
- Page 6 OPERATION OF THE INTERROGATOR: Hookup of the acoustic release interrogator (topside command unit): Supply 12 VDC from a gel cell battery or equivalent (needs 12 VDC at 5 amps for transmit, but only 10 mA when not transmitting). Connect the transducer to the interrogator and place the transducer in the ocean or very near the release unit if testing in air.
- Page 7 "Brief Erosion…" by pressing NEXT until "Brief Erosion…(10 sec erosion)" is displayed and then press ACCEPT. [BEWARE: This example, when transmitted in the next step, will cause the release unit (AR-50-AA) to apply the battery voltage to the release link (LK-xx) for 10 seconds. In this 10 seconds some of the link will erode away if unit is in salt water.]...
- Page 8 15 MINUTES SINCE THE LAST RELEASE COMMAND WAS SENT. An alternative to waiting 15 minutes is to reset the unit by keeping the water switch contacts dry for 60 seconds or more. Release unit time-out (busy) times: The following time-outs are used to free the release unit for another command. Pinger Action = 60 sec (one ping per sec).
- Page 9 If a sensitive pinger receiver with tracking antenna is available the direction to the release unit can be obtained. Note that the AR-50-AA acoustic release units internal pinger only puts out about 10 mW of power. Accordingly, if there is too much ocean noise the pinging mode may not be able to be picked up.
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Page 10: Miscellaneous Information
leaked, pressure on the removable piece will be apparent as the two ¼ - 20 x 5/8” bolts are removed. If pressure is apparent then the housing has leaked and the battery pack has been destroyed. At this point, to relieve the pressure safely, use common sense and point the end plug at a solid wall or the floor and keep it very close to the wall or floor while removing the two bolts. -
Page 11: Theory Of Operation
NOTES REGARDING THE CHECKOUT OF AN AR-50-AA RELEASE UNIT: Unit Identification Number: Each underwater release unit has a specific "unit identification number" or unit... - Page 12 It also keeps the assignment of numbers under the control of Sub Sea Sonics and reduces the chance of two users selecting the same unit identification in the same region of the ocean.
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