VigilArc · USBL positioning
VigilArc ultra-short baseline navigation system
Locating up to 16 underwater objects with a patented technology
Overview
The system is operated with the AzimuthConsole host application: it configures the devices, displays their data, and runs on Windows and Linux. The earlier AzimuthSuite application is also still available, but we recommend switching to AzimuthConsole.
What it does
- Absolute and relative positioning of objects
- Long range of up to 3,000 m
- Tracking the position of up to 16 objects
- Easy to use, with no complex setup required
- Telecontrol: send up to 32 commands to underwater objects
- Straightforward integration with third-party software and heading/attitude systems
- Compact: small size and light weight
- Can be used to track any underwater object — robots, divers, measuring instruments, and more
How it works
Easy to prepare for operation
The system is easy to set up and needs no wiring. Simply attach the autonomous responder-beacon to the object to get its coordinates. A single direction-finding antenna can locate up to 16 separate underwater objects
Easy installation on a vessel
The direction-finding antenna weighs no more than 0.5 kg and needs no lifting gear on the vessel. One person can install it even on a small boat!
Easy connection and integration
The system has its own autonomous power supply and connects to virtually any PC over USB. It is compatible with most heading and attitude systems available on the market. Connect it and start working with no additional setup!
How the VigilArc system is used
VigilArc is used successfully for geographic and oceanographic survey work, search operations, underwater construction, diver training, and many other subsea tasks.
- Battery packs are included in the set
- Locate beacons with the open host software or write your own software
- Operate without limitation at temperatures from -2 to +50 °C
- Save object tracks in Google KML format
- Use the GPS emulation function of your software for any of the selected beacons
- Receive base station location data on the beacon — useful for autonomous vehicles
- Connect a GNSS receiver and a compass to get absolute coordinates and record object tracks
- Send telecontrol commands to the beacons and receive telemetry data
How to buy the VigilArc Tag responder-beacon
The VigilArc Tag responder-beacon is available as part of the VigilArc system, in the quantity and version you need. The system includes the VigilArc Array direction-finding antenna and the VigilArc Deck power supply and linking station.
To receive a detailed commercial offer, please submit a request
VigilArc Tag system composition
Standard delivery set:
- VigilArc Array base station with a cable of 10 m or longer
- VigilArc Tag responder-beacon with an autonomous power supply
- VigilArc Deck power supply and linking station
- Case for storing and transporting the system
The set can additionally include:
- Responder-beacons (in a standalone version and for mounting on a carrier)
- A heading/attitude system
Key advantages
The key distinction of the VigilArc system is its patented two-way navigation technology. It lets the base station and the responder-beacons determine the mutual distance and also transmit the azimuth angle. This means your autonomous vehicle or diver can navigate back to the support vessel precisely, even in zero visibility.
- Compact
- Easy to connect
- Easy to integrate
System components
VigilArc · device
VigilArc Array
The direction-finding station of the VigilArc USBL ultra-short baseline system — determines the direction, range and depth of responder beacons at distances of up to 3000 m
Key features
- Extremely small size and weight
- Communication range of up to 3000 meters
- Highly reliable digital hydroacoustic communication, resistant to multipath propagation
- Code division of subscribers — up to 16 responder beacons
- Low power consumption (Rx/Tx) 0.5/10 W
- Built-in pressure and temperature sensor
- Patented monoblock design
VigilArc Array is the direction-finding station of the VigilArc USBL ultra-short baseline system. The device uses a fixed-length, code-divided signal to determine the direction, range and depth of VigilArc Tag responder beacons.
When an external GNSS receiver and compass are connected, VigilArc Array determines the absolute coordinates of the responder beacons; sequential operation of up to 16 responder beacons is supported.
An ideal solution for determining the direction and distance to ROVs, AUVs and divers. Its extremely small size, low power consumption and ease of use make the VigilArc USBL system convenient for working with autonomous and remotely operated vehicles, as well as for determining the relative position of divers.
The design is patented (patent RU2659299C1).
| Dimensions (Ø x h) | 64 x 128 mm |
|---|---|
| Weight (dry) | 0.44 kg |
| Depth rating | 40 m |
| Nominal depth accuracy | 0.1 m |
| Max. acoustic communication range | 3000 m |
| Nominal horizontal angle-of-arrival accuracy | 1° |
| Slant range measurement resolution | 0.15 m |
| Nominal slant range accuracy | 0.1% |
| Max. tilt from vertical compensated by the built-in inclinometer (roll/pitch) | ± 30° |
| Working cone (from horizontal) | 0 .. 85° |
| Carrier frequency | 20100 Hz |
| Acoustic source level | 170 dB re 1 μPa @ 1 m |
| Built-in temperature sensor accuracy | 0.1°C |
| Bit error rate | 10⁻⁶ |
| SNR | -3 dB |
| Max. relative velocity | ± 2 m/s |
| Startup time | 100 msec |
| Working temperature range | -5 .. 50 °C |
| Battery life when powered from the VigilArc Deck | 8 h |
| Power consumption (Rx/Tx) | 0.5 / 10 W |
| Pairing interface | USB (COM) 9600 bps |
| Pairing protocol | NMEA 0183 PAZM |
| Cable length | 10 m |
| Max. number of responder beacons | 16 |
VigilArc · device
VigilArc Tag
The responder beacon of the VigilArc USBL ultra-short baseline system — determines the real-time location of an underwater object at distances of up to 3000 m
Key features
- Extremely small size and weight
- Communication range of up to 3000 meters
- Highly reliable digital hydroacoustic communication, resistant to multipath propagation
- Code division of subscribers — up to 16 isolated addresses
- Low power consumption (Rx/Tx) 0.33/10 W
- Built-in pressure and temperature sensor
- Patented monoblock design
VigilArc Tag is the responder beacon of the VigilArc USBL ultra-short baseline navigation system. The device is mounted on an underwater object to determine its location in real time using the VigilArc Array direction-finding antenna.
The beacon can operate autonomously — with an additional battery pack — or be powered from the carrier.
Its extremely small size, ease of use and low power consumption make the VigilArc USBL system a convenient solution for working with autonomous and remotely operated vehicles, as well as for determining the relative position of divers.
In its autonomous configuration, the beacon is fitted with an SB-24-48-LF battery pack based on LiFePO4 cells, providing more than 3,000 charge-discharge cycles and operation at low ambient temperatures. The design is patented (patent RU2659299C1).
| Dimensions (Ø x h) | 64 x 62 mm |
|---|---|
| Weight (dry) | 0.3 kg |
| Depth rating | 300 m |
| Depth resolution | 0.6 m |
| Max. acoustic communication range | 3000 m |
| Acoustic source level | 170 dB re 1 μPa @ 1 m |
| Carrier frequency | 20100 Hz |
| Built-in temperature sensor accuracy | 0.1°C |
| Supply voltage | 12 V |
| Data lines voltage | 0 .. 3.3 V |
| Bit error rate | 10⁻⁶ |
| SNR | -3 dB |
| Max. relative velocity | ± 2 m/s |
| Startup time | 100 msec |
| Working temperature range | -5 .. 50 °C |
| Power consumption (Rx/Tx) | 0.33 / 10 W |
| Pairing interface | UART 9600 bps |
| Pairing protocol | NMEA 0183 PAZM |
| Cable length | 0.5 m |
| Max. number of addresses | 16 |
VigilArc · device
VigilArc Deck
Power supply and switching hub of the VigilArc USBL system in one compact enclosure
Key features
- Minimal dimensions and weight
- Shock-resistant design — IP67 with the lid closed
- Durable built-in LiFePO4 power source
- Can run from an external power source
- Stainless steel front panel, 3 mm thick
- Compact: 110×260×210 mm, 2.5 kg
VigilArc Deck combines the functions of an autonomous power source for the VigilArc Array direction-finding antenna and a switching hub for pairing it with the user's PC, as well as for connecting course-and-position data sources. The device includes protection circuits against reverse polarity and overvoltage of the connected instruments.
The unit is housed in a compact, shock-resistant plastic case (IP67 with the lid closed) with a 3 mm thick stainless steel front panel. The built-in lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery supports operation at sub-zero temperatures and more than 3,000 charge-discharge cycles.
If needed, the VigilArc Deck can run from an external 16 V DC power source while simultaneously charging the built-in battery from its standard charger; the delivery set includes a 220 V mains adapter.
Purpose of the VigilArc Deck
Provides autonomous power to the VigilArc Array direction-finding antenna, as well as to a course-and-position system or a GNSS receiver with compass functionality, via USB-B connectors. To get started, simply connect the required devices to the VigilArc Deck and switch them on.
How to buy the VigilArc Deck
The VigilArc Deck is supplied as part of the VigilArc USBL system together with the VigilArc Array direction-finding antenna and the required number of VigilArc Tag responder beacons. Send a request and we will send you a detailed commercial offer.
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 110 x 260 x 210 mm |
|---|---|
| Weight | 2.5 kg |
| Working temperature range | -10 .. 50 °C |
| Built-in battery capacity | 40 Wh |
| Built-in battery type | LiFePO4 |
| External supply voltage | 16 V |
| Low charge indication | Yes |
| External power quality indication | Yes |
| Connectors and interfaces — single-channel version | 1 x USB-B, 1 x RS-422 (full) |
| Connectors and interfaces — dual-channel version | 2 x USB-B, 1 x RS-422 (full), 1 x RS-422 (TX only) |
Other systems
Request a quote
Configure the VigilArc system for your task
Tell us about your project and we will help you specify the right VigilArc configuration and quantity, and send a commercial offer.
- hello@seaguild.ae
- Phone
- +971 55 107 3725
- Office
- Office 403–404, Dubai Hills Estate Retail
Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Gardens
Dubai 3190, United Arab Emirates