Category: News & Events

VOX-IM OEM, BASE now available

Posted on by Veronique VanNiekerk

VOX-IM OEM, BASE is a compact version of the VOX-IM which is the necessary link between your Sonic Series or Voxometer sonar, peripheral survey sensors and survey-driving PC. Powered from 9 – 60VDC and features raw connectors and pins for I/O and sensor connectivity, giving users ultimate flexibility when embedding the VOX-IM into custom AUV or USV applications. Available as either a standalone unit with housing, or rackmounted option for installation in standard Eurocard rack.

VOX-IM OEM Base model with housing

Further info here

TruePix®versus Side Scan Sonar

Posted on by Veronique VanNiekerk

TruePix® is a technical mode exclusively available on all Sonic®-V Series systems. The main advantages of using this technology over side scan sonar include:

  • Accurate geolocation: TruePix® provides precise spatial positioning for each pixel of imagery, as the sonar’s position is tightly coupled with GNSS/INS sensors on the vessel. This enables centimeter-level geo-referencing of detected features, whereas side scan sonar is more prone to slant-range errors and layback uncertainties
  • Simultaneous bathymetry and imagery: TruePix® collects both high-resolution bathymetry and backscatter imagery in a single run, maximizing survey efficiency. Side scan sonar provides mainly imagery, requiring additional equipment or passes to acquire depth/bathymetry data
  • Water column data: TruePix® captures compact water column information, allowing detection and analysis of targets suspended in the water (large objects, gas plumes etc.), a feature not available with conventional side scan sonar
  • Uniform data quality and simpler processing: TruePix® creates uniform quality records with one sample per range bin per side, reducing file sizes and simplifying data handling compared to side scan data, which often contains overlapping records that require additional processing
  • High coverage rates: MBES systems sweep wide swaths, enabling faster and more complete area coverage than most towed side scan systems—this is particularly valuable for large or time-sensitive surveys
  • Superior performance in shallow and complex environments: Thanks to sophisticated beam-focusing, MBES with TruePix® can maintain accurate mapping and feature detection in shallow and complex terrain, where side scan may suffer from multipath interference, poor shadow contrast, or geo-referencing issues
  • Versatility: TruePix® can be easily enabled for multi-mission surveys, and it supports multispectral and pipeline inspection modes, enhancing its utility for characterization of the seafloor and infrastructure monitoring
Wreck debris

Sonic-V+ integration on USV

Posted on by Veronique VanNiekerk

The mission capable class of USV’s from Chance Maritime Technologies changes the narrative in uncrewed surveys inland and offshore, offering both power and endurance in an efficient vehicle.

A Sonic 2022-V+ was easy integrated on the MC29 USV moon pool with retractable mount, for ease of transit, launch and recovery. During survey, it deploys reliably 1.5ft below the hull. Large survey regions can be quickly and efficiently surveyed with minimal logistical burden. Surveys are conducted from the remote operations center, in the comfort of the office. This remote operations center enables safe and efficient control of survey operations 24/7 for USV’s operating anywhere in the world.

Mobilization of the Sonic 2022-V+ multibeam is extremely straightforward. The team was able to integrate, mobilize and complete testing within 2 days.

The Sonic-V Series, combined with USV, can survey an extraordinary amount of area efficiently to achieve every survey mission.

Sonic 2022-V+ mounted on USV