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Hydroid’s Gateway Buoy represents
the leading edge in remote AUV tracking, communication,
and navigation.
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Gateway buoy is used in conjunction with the REMUS
vehicle system to provide the operator with the
ability to remotely track, monitor, command, and
interact with the vehicle while it is underway.
This allows operators to maintain communication
with the vehicle, and share information with all
interested parties, whether they’re in the
next room, or around the world. |
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The low-power, long-life Gateway buoys
run off standard alkaline battery packs, and includes
an on-board power management system that automatically
puts the buoy to sleep during periods of inactivity.
The compact yet powerful buoys can
be easily deployed from a small boat without special
handling equipment. The standard Gateway Buoy includes
the following capabilities:
| Vehicle Tracking
and Navigation:The Gateway Buoy is an anchored
buoy that serves as a standard REMUS multi-channel
digital transponder that allows anywhere from 1
to 4 REMUS vehicles to navigate acoustically within
the survey area. When multiple buoys are deployed
in known positions, simple triangulation techniques
can be used to provide precise vehicle position
information throughout the mission. |
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This vehicle information can then
be transmitted via an installed FreeWave Radio Modem
to a ship or shore-based control station that may be
up to 5 miles away. This station, running the standard
tracking software, triangulates the latitude and longitude
position, and displays it in real-time on any Windows
laptop.
The Gateway Buoy can also be upgraded
to include a variety of options to enhance the systems
capabilities. Upgrades include:
GPS Receiver (optional):
For highly accurate navigation information, the Gateway
Buoy and REMUS AUV can be upgraded to include GPS capability.
The buoy is installed with an on-board GPS receiver,
which is used to monitor the buoy ’s exact position
after it has been deployed. The REMUS VIP can then query
the buoy to obtain its GPS position.
Iridum Satellite Modem (optional):
For highly remote or long-range deployments, the Gateway
Buoy and REMUS AUV can be upgraded to include an Iridium
Satellite modem to allow for communications with the
Gateway buoy from anywhere in the world via the Iridium
Satellite network.
Micro-Modem Acoustic Communication
(optional):
The Gateway Buoy and REMUS AUV(s) can be equipped with
an acoustic modem to provide a digital communication
link between the buoy and the subsea vehicle, allowing
the operator to exchange information with the vehicle
throughout the deployment.
The topside modem, installed in the
Gateway Buoy, transmits this information to the operator
via the FreeWave radio or an optional Iridium satellite
modem. The REMUS VIP user interface software includes
the ability to make the acoustic/radio connection to
the vehicle, and to display its status and position
to the operator. A convenient pop-up window allows the
operator to send commands and mission re-direct messages
to the vehicle during its mission.
Gateway
Buoy Specifications:
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