HydroBall®

Features & Specifications

The main features that set the HydroBall® apart from other unmanned systems are:
  1. The ‘pre-checked’ integrated design of the buoy presents an extremely effective alternative to the classic pole-mount used in conventional hydrographic surveys.  The operator no longer needs to 1) install the sensors on the platform, 2) power the sensors and data acquisition computer, 3) configure the sensors and measure the offsets between the different components.  This saves considerable time and greatly reduces the risk for human errors.
  2. An autonomous mode allowing the HydroBall® to start recording data the moment it is powered up.  This means the operator is not required to carry a field computer or remote control to start logging data.  Just turn it on and go!
  3. The inherent quality of the onboard sensors combined with the robustness of their physical mounting inside the buoy (known offsets) and time-synchronisation software allow the buoy’s hydrographic data to meet the highest quality standards as described by the IHO’s (International Hydrographic Organisation) S-44 standards.

Other exciting features include:
  • Streamlined and user-friendly DepthStar™ software for data post-processing (subscription-based).  Also compatible with HydroMagic, HYPACK and CARIS
  • HydroBall® Monitor application to monitor and control the buoy with Android devices
  • Support for post-processed kinematic (PPK) and precise point positioning (PPP) GNSS corrections
  • Built-in rechargeable battery packs offering more than 24 hours of logging time
  • Choice of two sonar systems for different depth ranges and frequencies
  • Attitude (pitch & roll) correction up to 20°.
  • Satellite-based recovery module for freely-drifting deployments (optional)
  • Various carrying options including custom-designed backpacks and rugged transit cases (optional)
  • Catamaran platform for towing at higher speeds (optional)
Product Description

History

Applications & Gallery
Specifications
Dimensions
Diameter: 0.4m (16 inches)
Weight
13kg (28 pounds)
Battery Life (in operation)
24+ hours of recording time with rechargeable battery packs
Connectivity
Serial/USB for data transfer
----------------------------------------------------
Bluetooth for real-time monitoring
Positioning
GNSS: L1/L2 & GLONASS
 
Accuracy:
  • Stand-alone (raw): 2.5m (95%)
  • PPP corrected: 0.50m (95%)
  • PPK corrected: 0.02m (95%)

NOTE: Receiver interference and other environmental factors can affect positioning accuracy
 
Update Rate: 1Hz -> 10Hz
Attitude
Tilt < ±20°: 0.5°

Pitch, Roll
Tilt < ±20°: 0.4°
Tilt > ±20°: 06°

Update rate: 10Hz
Depth Sounder
Shallow to mid-range model
Frequency: 675kHz
Beam width: 10°
Range: 0.50m – 50.0m
Range resolution: 20mm
Update rate: 1Hz -> 10Hz
----------------------------------------------------
Ultra-shallow model
Frequency: 500kHz
Beam width: 6°
Range: 0.10m – 10.0m
Range resolution: 0.025% of range
Update rate: 10Hz
Software
DepthStar™: Windows-based post-processing software (soon to be cloud-based)
HydroBall® Monitor: Android-based application for monitoring and controlling the HydroBall®
HOME                    HYDROGRAPHY                     CONTACT

M2OCEAN