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Founded in 1971, Sonotronics is THE Pioneer in Acoustic Telemetry for Animal tracking. Providing Ultrasonic Transmitters, Receivers and Hydrophones for Tracking Animals and Equipment underwater. Active Tracking Sonotronics, Inc is dedicated to providing state-of-the-art ultrasonic transmitters, receivers, and hydrophones for tracking animals and equipment underwater. Our products are designed to meet the highest standards of performance and reliability, ensuring accurate and efficient animal tracking. Passive Tracking Explore some of our featured projects where our acoustic telemetry solutions have played a pivotal role in advancing research and conservation efforts. From tracking marine mammals to monitoring underwater equipment, our technology has been instrumental in various scientific studies and environmental projects. Equipment Tracking Acoustic equipment tracking is a crucial aspect of marine research and exploration. With our advanced technology and expertise, we provide reliable and accurate tracking solutions for your equipment. Trust us to help you achieve your underwater research goals. *NEW* USR25 ANNOUNCEMENTS What's New! *NEW* DH-ROV Scholarship The Don L Brumbaugh Memorial Equipment Scholarship Join our mailing list Email* Subscribe I want to subscribe to your mailing list. ABOUT SONOTRONICS, INC Founded in 1971, Sonotronics is THE Pioneer in Acoustic Telemetry for Animal tracking. Providing Ultrasonic Transmitters, Receivers and Hydrophones for Tracking Animals and Equipment underwater. Sonotronics products are used around the world in every ocean, and in rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. Sonotronics is a lead manufacturer of acoustic transmitters and acoustic receivers. We strive to provide excellent service to our customers while working together to make a difference in the world we share. How Sonotronics and our Customers are Making a Difference in the World we Share…* Learn More

The DH-4 provides the greatest range and precision in locating transmitters from 30kHz to 100kHz. The parabolic reflector provide 16db of gain over a comparable omnidirectional hydrophone, and yields a calculated DI of nearly 25db, reducing the effect of environmental noise. The DH-4 is the primary hydrophone for manual/active tracking. MODEL DH-4 DIRECTIONAL HYDROPHONE The DH-4 provides the greatest range and precision in locating transmitters from 30kHz to 100kHz. The parabolic reflector provide 16db of gain over a comparable omnidirectional hydrophone, and yields a calculated DI of nearly 25db, reducing the effect of environmental noise. The DH-4 is the primary hydrophone for manual/active tracking. Sensitivity: -84 dBV ref 1 uBar (-184dBV ref 1 uPascal). Beam Width: +/-6 degrees at half power points. Shaft Length: User supplies mounting shaft. (1 inch PVC) Output: BNC connector. Cable: Replaceable 10’ RG-58 C/U. Links: DH-4 Manual VIDEOS

The TH-2 provides a simple method for mobile active tracking: its small size and hydrodynamic shape allows for trolling at speeds up to 5 knots, while the long cable length minimizes the affect of engine and prop noise. Eyelets allow attachment of small weights or diving lures to ensure the hydrophone is kept at depth while trolling. This design, though simple, rivals more elaborate and expensive systems in actual field trials. MODEL TH-2 TOWED OMNIDIRECTIONAL HYDROPHONE The TH-2 provides a simple method for mobile active tracking: its small size and hydrodynamic shape allows for trolling at speeds up to 5 knots, while the long cable length minimizes the affect of engine and prop noise. Eyelets allow attachment of small weights or diving lures to ensure the hydrophone is kept at depth while trolling. This design, though simple, rivals more elaborate and expensive systems in actual field trials. Sensitivity: -100 dBV ref 1 uBar (-200 dBV ref 1 uPascal) Beam Width: Omni-directional +/- 2 dB. Output: BNC connector. Cable: 50’ RG316/U. Links: TH-2 Manual VIDEOS

Sonotronics proudly introduces the picoTag family. They represents the smallest acoustic transmitters in the Sonotronics product line, beginning at .6g in weight in water. These tiny transmitters will allow researchers to gain valuable information on small species never possible before. PT SERIES SUBMINIATURE TRANSMITTERS Range 300m – 750m+ Sonotronics proudly introduces the picoTag family. They represents the smallest acoustic transmitters in the Sonotronics product line, beginning at .6g in weight in water. These tiny transmitters will allow researchers to gain valuable information on small species never possible before. The PicoTags come standard in bullet shaped packaged shown in the photo. This packaging is more commonly used for internal implant or in cases where gluing the transmitter is appropriate. Slightly elongated packages are available that can contain small drill holes for external mount. Packaging changes result in changes in the weight and dimension specifications. Note that quoted ranges are when manual tracking. Notes The typical rule of thumb is to use transmitters that have a weight in water that is 1.5 – 2% of the fish weight in air. Weight in O2 (air) is put only as additional reference. -E is the extension denoting external mount, -I denotes internal implant. You must specify internal or external when ordering transmitters. Links: VIDEOS

Sonotronics’ depth telemetry transmitters transmit their depth by varying the pulse interval time between pings. For example, a tag at 0psi at the surface may have an interval time of 650ms, and a full scale pressure of 100psi with a corresponding interval time of 2050ms. Depth transmitters come in 50, 100, 200, 300, and 500psi models. The accuracy of these transmitters is +/- 2% of full scale. DT AND IBDT TRANSMITTERS – DEPTH TELEMETRY Sonotronics’ depth telemetry transmitters transmit their depth by varying the pulse interval time between pings. For example, a tag at 0psi at the surface may have an interval time of 650ms, and a full scale pressure of 100psi with a corresponding interval time of 2050ms. Depth transmitters come in 50, 100, 200, 300, and 500psi models. The accuracy of these transmitters is +/- 2% of full scale. Depth Telemetry Transmitters IBDT: Range up to 1km+ DT-97: Range up to 3km+ Links: VIDEOS

Coded High Power transmitters generate a unique aural sequence, as well as unique combinations of frequency and ping interval allowing detection by both passive and active receivers. The CHP series of transmitters provide maximum detection ranges for use with pelagic studies or in areas of high noise. CHP TRANSMITTERS Coded High Power transmitters generate a unique aural sequence, as well as unique combinations of frequency and ping interval allowing detection by both passive and active receivers. The CHP series of transmitters provide maximum detection ranges for use with pelagic studies or in areas of high noise. Coded High Powered Transmitters Notes Range is typical under good conditions, using a Sonotronics active receiver and directional hydrophone. Autonomy based on a ping rate of once per second. Extened lifetimes are available by cycling the transmitters, please contact Sonotronics for more details CHP transmitters are by default produced with flat ends and small holes for an external mount, but may be ordered with rounded ends for internal implant. Links: CHP Datasheet VIDEOS

Sonotronics temperature telemetry transmitters transmit their current temperature by varying the pulse interval time between pings CTT TRANSMITTERS – CODED TEMPERATURE TELEMETRY Sonotronics temperature telemetry transmitters transmit their current temperature by varying the pulse interval time between pings. For example, a tag at 0 deg Celsius may have an interval time of 700ms, and at 25 deg celsius it may have a pulse interval time of 1450ms. Temperature tag instruction sheets are sent with temperature tags. The temperature transmitters have an accuracy of +/-2 deg C and a resolution of.5 deg C. The transmitters can be user calibrated for accuracies greater than +/- 2 deg C. Temperature Telemetry Transmitters CTT: Range up to 1km+ Notes The typical rule of thumb is to use transmitters that have a weight in water that is 1.5 – 2% of the fish weight in air. Weight in O2 (air) is put only as additional reference. -E is the extension denoting external mount, -I denotes internal implant. You must specify internal or external when ordering transmitters. Links: CTT Manual VIDEOS

Frequently Asked Questions | How do I uniquely identify Sonotronics’ transmitters? | What are the source levels for Sonotronics’ transmitters? | What range should I expect when manual tracking? FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS How do I uniquely identify Sonotronics’ transmitters? Sonotronics uses multiple methods to identify its transmitters. First, the combination of Pulse Interval (PI) and frequency uniquely defines a particular transmitter. Given the availability of over 25 different frequencies, and the allowing 10mS spacing to allow unique intervals from 870mS to 1500mS, this allows for over 1500 simple combinations, and custom intervals and frequencies are available to allow for more than double this amount. In addition, Sonotronics transmitters employ a unique aural code that sounds as a distinct pattern of pings when listening via a receivers’ speaker or headphone. This feature is similar in concept to the use of Morse code in radio communications, allowing for detection and identification under adverse conditions or at extreme ranges. What are the source levels for Sonotronics’ transmitters? Because source level is only a portion of information necessary to evaluate the performance of an acoustic system, Sonotronics quotes achievable ranges rather than source level in most publications. The combination of very narrow band receivers (500Hz total) and directional hydrophones provide for excellent detection ranges with even modest power transmitters. An expression used to predict range is: NL-DI = SL-TL, where NL is the noise level, and is bandwidth dependant, DI is the directivity index of the hydrophone, TL is the transmission loss between transmitter and hydrophone due to range and absorption, and SL is the source level of the transmitter: range is inferred by the distance component of TL. Note that NL is a function of bandwidth (10*logBW) – the difference between an SUR with a bandwidth of 500Hz and a receiver with a 6000Hz bandwidth is over 10db, With that said, the normal source levels (ref 1uPascal @ 1m) of Sonotronics' transmitters are as follows: PT-1 128-132db PT-2,3; IBT96-1,2 134-136db CT-82-2, CT-05-36, EMT-01-1 142-144db CHP87, DT97, EMT01-2 146-149db EMT-01-3 161-167db What detection range should I expect from my SUR? As mentioned in the FAQ above, this depends on several factors, including the losses in between transmitter and receiver, and the transmitter source level. Some real life examples follow: St. Claire River Near Detroit, MI. 6/23/2005: SUR deployed in 5 feet of water near the shore, depth increases to 50m, CT-05 suspended at 1m. Reliable detections at 400m. Lake Pleasant at Cave Creek, AZ: CHP transmitters detected regularly between 400m and 500m with an array of 6 SUR's. What range should I expect when manual tracking? Ranges stated in the Product Guide (up to 1km, up to 3km, etc.) are stated for manual tracking, using a narrow band receiver such as USR-23, and a directional hydrophone such as the DH-4, under ‘reasonable conditions’. These include calm sea states, and waters favorable to acoustic propagation. A few factors that reduce range include: Shallow environments - Environments in less than 10m of water can reduce the range you can achieve from acoustic transmitters. For example, transmitters with a range of up to 3km were detected at around 500m in 3m depth water. Temperature or Salinity stratified environments - When there is a temperature or salinity gradient in the water column where a transmitter is located, there is an effect called ray bending that occurs. Because the speed of sound in water is a function of temperature and salinity, you can end up with "layers" in which the speed of sound is different. Due to Snell's law, the sound signal is bent at the interface between each layer. The end result of this is that sound can be warped downward, reducing range. Additionally, a thermocline (distinct division between two temperature layers) may reduce ranges significantly: under extreme cases, sound may not reach the surface at all. One technique to overcome this is the use of an omnidirectional hydrophone (such as a TH-2) with a long cable to penetrate the thermocline. What is the difference between ultrasonic (acoustic) transmitters and radio transmitters, and when do you use each? Ultrasonic (acoustic) transmitters emit high frequency sound which propagates mechanically, while radio transmitters emit electromagnetic energy. Generally acoustic transmitters are preferred in deep (>5m) and/or conductive waters. Radio transmitters are preferred in shallow water, especially ‘babbling’ waters. What size transmitter should I use on the animals in my study? Common rule of thumb is the weight of the transmitter measured in water should not exceed 1.25% of the weight of the animal measured in air. In other words, taking the published “water-weight” of a transmitter, then multiplying by 80, will indicate the smallest weight animal to be tagged. Do you have any citations to support this data? Please reference the following for supporting data, and for general information: THE LIMITATIOINS OF FISH TRACKING SYSTEMS: ACOUSTIC AND SATELLITE TECHNIQUES . By 1. G. Priede, NOAA Technical Memorandum, published May 1986 D.L. BRUMBAUGH: AFS PRESENTATION ON ACOUSTIC TRACKING SYSTEMS. By D. L. Brumbaugh FISHERIES TECHNIQUES , edited by Larry Nielsen and David Johnson, available from American Fisheries Society

Underwater Acoustic Equipment Tracking - Our pingers have been used to relocate current meters, ROV/AUV/UUV vehicles, deep ocean sites, divers, and many other subsea applications. EQUIPMENT TRACKING Equipment Marking Tracking Products “Recover Your Assets” Sonotronics is the leader in pinger development for a variety of oceanographic needs. Our pingers have been used to relocate current meters, ROV/AUV/UUV vehicles, deep ocean sites, divers, and many other subsea applications. This page provides an overview of our equipment marker pinger product line. Links to specific pages about products are found here. EMT-01 Series Low cost, long life, durable pingers. Lifetimes from months to 4 years. More… Products include: EMT-01-1: 48 month, 1km range, 2.5km depth rating EMT-01-2: 18 month, 3km range, 2.5km depth rating EMT-01-3: 6 month, 4km range, replaceable batteries EMT-AR Series Tilt reporting pingers. Monitor your deployment angle as equipment arrives on the ocean floor in real time. Pinger continues to ping for its lifetime allowing for monitoring and relocating of the equipment. More… Products include: EMT-AR: Angle reporting pingers TILT-Tracker: Complete kit for monitoring tilt angle UDR Underwater Diver Receiver This robust unit is used for locating Sonotronics pingers, even in low visibility environments. The UDR now has a visual signal strength indicator on the display. The UDR is also capable of receiving telemetry from Sonotronics transmitters. More… MANTRAK Kit This is the most common set used for locating and monitoring pingers from a surface vessel. It contains a receiver, hydrophone, test pinger, and all other accessories necessary to locate pingers. More…

The ETN, together with industry (being Thelma Biotel, Sonotronics, and Lotek), have worked on the development of new open tag protocols, which are available for all telemetry users across the world. As stated in the compatibility note , it is now clear that encrypted protocols in acoustic telemetry should be avoided by all means. To move forward towards a much-needed pan-European collaborative network that could provide relevant information in support of decision-making processes related to conservation and management, compatibility between brands and agreements on transmission protocols and ID allocation are imperative. Therefore, the ETN, together with industry (being Thelma Biotel, Sonotronics, and Lotek), have worked on the development of new open tag protocols, which are available for all telemetry users across the world - this technology is NOT restricted to Europe. This resulted in two robust and energy-efficient transmission protocols aimed for the aquatic research community, being OPi and OPs, for ID and sensor tags respectively. The Open Protocol: OPi supports over 1 million unique IDs, while OPs supports over 64 000 unique IDs with up to 4096 data points resolution. Both protocols are short and effective to reduce issues with transmission collisions. The protocols are available for all interested manufacturers after agreeing with the terms of references. Opening the infrastructure networks of acoustic telemetry to all manufacturers of different types of sensors and tags will drive innovation, and boost availability of new solutions for future research. The Manufacturers handed over OP to the ETN, who assigned the Flanders Marine institute as a third party to control the ID allocation related to these protocols.