New Dolphin makes a splash at Oceanology

The new Dolphin 2D sonar from Marine Electronics Ltd (MEL) is making a splash on the
company’s stand at Oceanology (E200) where designers of small AUVs and ROVs are able to
see what can be achieved when using such a small, low cost package.A prototype of the
new sonar was first presented to the industry a year ago since when it has been refined and
tested to the point where it is now ready for operational use.

The new Dolphin 2D sonar has been based-on MEL’s existing longer-range Dolphin
3001 model which operates at 250 kHz. The new Dolphin 2D is a 720 kHz model which
introduces some important new benefits. The most notable of these are its compact size and
light weight which make it an ideal choice for use on small ROVs and AUVs as well as for
other applications on surface craft. Its versatility and ease of use is also improved by an
Ethernet connection to the underwater unit.



Introducing the new addition to the company’s range, MEL director, Brian Evans said;
“It features a one-piece composite ceramic unit with 96 elements which means that the new
Dolphin produces 192 acoustic beams which create a 120 degree horizontal display. For AUV
use it is significant that it has a low power consumption of less than 15 watts yet we are very
pleased that our development programme has resulted in it being able to provide clear
imagery at most ranges. For very close range work at less than 1-metre it can provide clear
images at 30 frames per second and when it is used for longer ranges up to 100 metres it can
generate imagery at 7.5 frames per second. In addition, if a customer needs a 2D sonar for
targets at a specific distance we can also adapt the basic model so that it meets their needs
exactly,” he said. “Despite its compact size the new Dolphin also contains a nine-axis MEMS
motion sensor and its output requires no surface image processing. This means that
whatever leaves the unit via its Ethernet connection is what the user sees on the surface.”

The new Dolphin 2D now joins a range of sonar products developed by Marine
Electronics Ltd. The company is based in Guernsey, UK and is well known for its ability to
design and build specialised acoustic products that are tailored to meet the specific needs of
clients around the world. Visitors to the company’s stand at Oceanology will have the
opportunity of discovering the full specifications of the new sonar and discussing how it
might meet their needs for high performance technology at a competitive price.

For more information visit www.marine-electronics.co.uk

Location: London, UK