High-speed mid-range communication and positioning for depth-to-surface operations


PRO USBL 42/65
The PRO USBL 42/65 transceiver is a PRO modem with a built-in USBL antenna for combined communication, navigation and positioning with our field-proven S2C technology. With the highest bitrate in the PRO product line, it supports fast data links up to 31.2 kbit/s over 1000 m, ensuring reliable performance for depth-to-surface operations.
PRO USBL 42/65
42/65 offers wide-angle coverage with its 100-degree beam pattern. It is suitable for USBL tracking and fast data transfers in slanted and vertical directions, such as from the seafloor to the surface.
[01]
High-speed
42/65 models achieve the fastest data rates across our PRO, MINI and USBL lines - great for efficient positioning and data exchange in demanding environments
[02]
Maximum flexibility
Full-fledged PRO modem inside, offering the widest selection of configuration options and add-ons
[03]
Communication and positioning in one
Pair with 42/65 modems as transponders for USBL or hybrid positioning and simultaneous data transfers - no mode switching needed
PRO USBL 42/65
Speed Range
Fast short- and mid-range devices
Range
Mid-range
Transducer Beam Pattern
wide-angle (100 degrees)
Frequency Band
42 - 65 kHz
Acoustic Connection
up to 31.2 kbit/s
Listed bitrate refers to performance in optimal acoustic conditions and varies with the environment.
Delrin Housing
200 m
Aluminium Alloy Housing
2000 m
Stainless Steel Housing
2000 m
Titanium Housing
2000 m
OEM Build Transducer
2000 m
Bit Error Rate
less than 10
-10
Internal Data Buffer
1 MB, configurable
Host Interface
Ethernet or RS-232
Interface Connector
up to 4 connectors, Ethernet and serial combinations
The RS-232 Interface can be replaced with a RS-422 interface upon request.
Slant Range Precision
0.01 m
USBL Bearing Accuracy
0.25 deg RMS
USBL Nominal SNR
10 dB
Slant range accuracy depends on the availability and accuracy of the sound velocity profile.
Power Consumption | Stand-by Mode
2.5 mW
Power Consumption | Listen Mode
5 - 285 mW
Power Consumption | Receive Mode
1.4 W
Max. Output Power
up to 55 W
Max. Transmit Source Level (dB re 1 µPa @ 1 m)
188
The transmit source level is adjustable in 4 levels. Listed values correspond to a device with 24 VDC nominal input voltage. Source level and achievable range are lower for other power supply options.
User-configurable Listen Mode is only available with a Wake-Up module installed. Power consumption in Listen Mode depends on the Listen Mode settings.
Listed power consumption values correspond to a device with RS-232 interface. Add 500 mW if an Ethernet interface is installed. Add 300 mW if the Wake-Up Module is installed.
Power Supply Options | External
24 VDC or 12 VDC
Power Supply Options | Internal Battery
Rechargeable NiMH or Li-ion battery, up to 342.8 Wh
Various battery capacities and charger options available for devices with internal batteries.
Housing Dimensions
Ø 110x218 mm
Total Length
355 mm
USBL Antenna Dimensions
Ø 130x137 mm
Weight, dry/wet
4500/500 g
Reference dimensions and weight of a build in Delrin housing without an internal battery. Other builds are larger and heavier, depending on the selected housing, configuration, and add-on options.
Naming and compatibility notice
Before mid-2025, this model was offered as S2C R 42/65 USBL. Our product naming has been streamlined for consistency - the PRO USBL 42/65 modems are acoustically compatible with all existing S2C 42/65 devices.
Acoustic Performance Factors
Please note, that listed bitrate and operating range values refer to performance under optimal acoustic conditions and may vary with the environment. These figures indicate the upper limits of modem performance rather than guaranteed real-world results. Acoustic performance - including achievable range and data rate - depends on both environmental factors and the installation setup. It can be influenced by multipath propagation, variations in the sound velocity profile, ambient noise levels, and interference from vessel systems or nearby machinery. Optimal conditions typically include a calm sea state, low background noise, a uniform sound velocity profile, line-of-sight geometry, minimal multipath, and proper transducer placement.
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
PRO USBL 42/65
Category
Build type
Technical Details and Options
Rather than being integrated directly into the housing, the transducer connects to the modem unit with a cable. This allows for flexible placement of the transducer on the carrier structure, ensuring unobstructed signal transmissions away from sources of noise.
Technical Details and Options
Integrations with UUV platforms, sensor stations, infrastructure
Series Compatibility
PRO, PRO USBL, MINI, TINY
Category
Build type
Technical Details and Options
A housing-free modem build with separate electronics and a cable-mounted transducer, designed for seamless integration into third-party systems and custom platforms.
Technical Details and Options
Integrations with UUV platforms, sensor stations
Series Compatibility
PRO, PRO USBL, MINI, TINY
Category
Positioning
Technical Details and Options
Measures water pressure to provide accurate depth information for improved positioning accuracy or georeferencing sensor data.
Technical Details and Options
Positioning and navigation of UUVs, georeferencing sensor data from subsea instruments
Series Compatibility
PRO, PRO USBL
Category
Power management
Technical Details and Options
Enables power-saving sleep mode: the low-power Wake-Up Module turns on the modem when incoming acoustic signals or data interface input are detected. After data transmission or reception, the modem powers down automatically to save power. The acoustic channel is monitored periodically, with adjustable cycle settings to optimize power management.
Technical Details and Options
Power saving for long-term deployments, integrations with low-power platforms
Series Compatibility
PRO, PRO USBL, MINI, TINY
Category
Power management, External instrument control
Technical Details and Options
Provides power supply to up to three external instruments, allowing them to be switched on or off with commands to the modem. Enables remote control and efficient power routing to connected devices.
Technical Details and Options
Power management and remote control for external sensors and instruments
Series Compatibility
PRO, PRO USBL
Category
Release and recovery
Technical Details and Options
Reliable release mechanism for recovering underwater assets to the surface is activated with an acoustic command to release an anchor or other mooring. Also available as a cable-mounted OEM version for system integration.
Technical Details and Options
Automated recovery of submerged assets to the surface - seafloor sensor stations, postioning nodes
Series Compatibility
PRO, PRO USBL
Category
External instrument control
Technical Details and Options
A built-in optocoupler enables transmitting a software configurable (under special request) trigger electric pulse to external instruments, activating action with an acoustic command to the modem.
Technical Details and Options
Remote activation of external equipment such as sensors, instruments, actuators, lights, cameras
Series Compatibility
PRO, PRO USBL
Category
Research and development, Positioning
Technical Details and Options
Enables highly precise timekeeping of the modem to prevent its internal clock from drifting. Accepts 1 PPS input from an external GNSS and optionally includes a CSAC (Chip Scale Atomic Clock) or OCXO (Oven Controlled Crystal Oscillator) clock for stable, accurate timekeeping required for synchronized operation of modems.
Technical Details and Options
Applications requiring precise time synchronization between modems: enhanced LBL performance, custom positioning solutions, research and development of underwater networking protocols.
Series Compatibility
PRO, PRO USBL, MINI, TINY
Category
Research and development
Technical Details and Options
Software Defined Modem (SDM) mode is a firmware add-on that allows the modem to transmit user-defined acoustic waveforms, trigger reception with a customizable reference signal, and receive the incoming waveforms. SDM functionality complements the standard S2C communication protocol without affecting the modem’s base capabilities.
Technical Details and Options
R&D on signal modulation and communication protocol standardization
Series Compatibility
PRO, PRO USBL, MINI, TINY
Category
Research and development
Technical Details and Options
Open developer environment (sandbox) built into the modem, allowing custom software to run directly onboard while maintaining full modem functionality. Provides a container for integration of user applications.
Technical Details and Options
Development of custom applications for underwater acoustic modems, testing and embedding custom software on actual modem hardware.
Series Compatibility
PRO, PRO USBL, MINI, TINY
Category
Positioning
Technical Details and Options
Built-in Attitude and Heading Reference System (AHRS) measuring roll, pitch, and yaw angles to compensate for vessel or vehicle motion, ensuring accurate positioning. Provides real-time orientation data to enhance USBL performance and stabilize navigation in dynamic environments.
Technical Details and Options
Enhances positioning accuracy, supports UUV navigation, stabilizes sensor measurements, and improves USBL tracking for mobile operations.
Series Compatibility
PRO USBL
PRO USBL 42/65
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