Pinger Datasheet
Pinger Datasheet
Pinger Datasheet
ALP-365 Series
Acoustic Locator
Pingers
ALP-365
ALP-365/EL
ALP-365/SW
USER'S Manual
January, 2002
Revision A
(PIN 006222)
BEN7HGS
Benthos, Inc.
49 Edgerton Drive
www.benthos.com
www.pmgers.com
Fax: (508)563-6444
e-mail: sales@benthos.com
pingers@benthos.com
Benthos ALP-365 Series Acoustic Locator Pingers
Preface
This user's manual provides the necessary information needed to operate and maintain the
Benthos ALP-365 Series Acoustic Locator Pingers. The manual covers the following
models:
ALP-365 - The base model
ALP-365/EL - The base model ALP-365 configured in a longer housing
for additional batteries and extended operating life.
ALP-365/SW - The base model ALP-365 configured in a flashlight-style
housing featuring both a manual ON/OFF switch and a
water-activated ON/OFF switch.
If this is the first time using the ALP-365 Series Acoustic Locator Pingers, please read the
entire manual to become familiar with the unit's operation before deployment. The manual
is divided into four sections:
Section 1 Introduction describes the pinger and its typical uses.
Section 2 Specifications lists general specifications for all standard ALP-365
Series Acoustic Locator Pingers.
Section 3 Deployment covers unpacking, battery installation and pinger
configuration for the ALP-365 Series Acoustic Locator Pingers. The section
concludes with brief notes on pre-deployment and maintenance.
Section 4 Warranty Information.
Proprietary Information
The information, descriptions, and illustrations in this manual are the property of Benthos,
Inc. Materials may not be reproduced or disseminated without the prior written consent of
Benthos.
Changes
Benthos reserves the right to make changes to meet new specifications at any time without
incurring any obligation to modify previously installed units. This manual is provided for
informational and reference purposes only and is subject to change without notice.
~> Note: A reminder to check that certain criteria are met before proceeding further in a
step or sequence.
ffi Caution: A reminder that dangerous consequences could result if certain recommended
procedures are not followed.
Table of Contents
Section 1 Introduction ................................................................................................ 1
1. I Overview .............................................................................................................. 1
List of Figures
Figure 1 The Benthos ALP-365 Series Acoustic Locator Pingers ................................................... 1
List of Tables
Table I Model ALP-365 Specifications ........................................................................................... 3
Table 5 ALP-365, ALP-365/EL and ALP-365/SW High Band Transmit Frequency DIP Switch Settings .. 7
Table 6 ALP-365/SW Mid Band Transmit Frequency DIP Switch Settings ................................... 8
Table 7 ALP-365/SW Low Band Transmit Frequency DIP Switch Settings ................................... 8
Section 1 Introduction
1.1 Overview
The Benthos ALP-365 Series Acoustic Locator Pingers, offer a versatile array of low-cost sub
sea acoustic markers (Figure I). Each model in the series features user-selectable transmit
frequencies, acoustic outputs and pulse repetition rates, and provides a consistent reliable
beacon to locate underwater instrumentation, geographical features, structures and sites.
:ALP-365
T~iRMINALS
AFR TURN-ON -;/
W Ii CLOSUR[ CA'
II
~ I
I
7.25 --------1
ALP-365/EL
I
CAP
2.00
. L88
ALP-365/SW
WATER TeRN-ON
TERMINALS
I
03.50
I
!
The ALP-365 Series Acoustic Locator Pingers are small, self-contained acoustic beacons
housed in cylindrical, hard-anodized aluminum pressure housings. A removable end-cap
assembly includes a transducer and two tem1inals for the pinger's water-activated switch. The
ALP-365/SW has a manual switch on the housing in addition to the water-activated switch in
the end-cap assembly.
On the ALP-365 and the ALP-365/EL, the end cap is attached to the housing with
a threaded Delrin closure cap.
On the ALP-365/SW, the end cap is attached to the housing with three
thumbscrews.
With both styles, the end cap can be easily removed to provide access to the battery clips and
electronics mounted on the inside of the end cap. A drill-through flange at the other end of the
ALP-365 is provided for tethering the pinger to instrumentation or an anchor.
The product label affixed to the housing lists the unit's model number and serial number.
The internal components include an electronics assembly and connections for 9-Volt batteries
mounted on a single printed circuit board. Two Customer-supplied 9-Volt batteries power the
ALP-365 and the ALP-365/SW and six Customer-supplied 9-Volt batteries power the ALP
365IEL There are three user selectable hardware settings also located on the printed circuit board,
acoustic output, repetition rate and transmit frequency, providing the flexibility needed for many
applications. Instructions for battery installation and hardware settings are given in Section 3.2.
Base Model - The base model ALP-365 features a range of selectable operating
frequencies and repetition rates. This general-purpose pinger is suited
for applications such as long-term deployment on offshore moorings.
Manual Switch - The ALP-365/SW includes both the water-activated switch on the end
cap and a manual ON-OFF switch mounted on the housing. A jumper
on the circuit board determines the switch used to activate the unit.
Section 2 Specifications
'i.tIli't ",~"";i!\";1lI~
~'E1i6ImiM~
"~~" ..J~ YiiL.~ ... .
""".. .. fiIC.3 lQQ'%ii
Transmit Frequency Factory-set and user-selectable at:
25 kHz to 40 kHz in 0.5 kHz increments
Acoustic Output Factory-set and user-selectable at:
162 dB re 1 IlPa @ 1 meter; 0.125 W
168 dB re 1 IlPa @ 1 meter; 0.5 W
174 dB re 1 IlPa @ 1 meter; 2.0 W
177 dB re I IlPa @ 1 meter; 5.0 W
Transmit Pulse Length 4 milliseconds
Transmit Repetition Rate Factory-set and user-selectable at:
0.512 seconds
1.024 seconds
2.048 seconds
Operational Depth 2,460 feet (750 meters)
Dimensions 7.25 in (18.5 cm) long
2.0 in (5.1 cm) diameter
Weight 1.5 pounds (0.68 kg) in air
0.5 pound (0.23 kg) in water
Power Two 9- Volt alkaline or lithium batteries (Customer supplied)
Operating Life Varies depending on battery type, acoustic output and repetition
rate; sec Table 4.
Specifications are subjeci to change.
Operating Life
Operating Life
Acoustic Output
These specifications are based on a pingel' transmitting a 4 millisecond pulse (::!:: 10%) at the specified
repetition rate and trallsmittinz between 25 kHz and 40 kHz.
Section 3 Deployment
Each ALP-365 Series Acoustic Locator Pinger is packed in cushioning material and shipped in
a sealed cardboard carton. Every effort is made at the factory to pack the equipment to prevent
damage during shipment.
The pinger is shipped without batteries and is set to the operating parameters specified by the
Customer or randomly set if not specified.
As with any sophisticated electronic equipment, Benthos products should be handled with a
reasonable amount of care during unpacking, transporting and storing.
Carefully inspect the pinger for physical damage when unpacked, and report any such
damage to the freight carrier and to the Benthos sales office at (508) 563-1000.
The seal between the top end cap and the pressure housing is intact.
The infoffi1ation on the product label tag affixed to the pinger matches the
Customer's requested specifications.
Preparing the ALP-365 Series Acoustic Locator Pingers for deployment involves:
Check all switch, push-on-jumper settings and battery connections before use to ensure the
settings best match the deployment application.
For an ALP-365/SW, remove the three thumbscrews holding the end cap to the
housing.
~> ~ote: Make sure the unit is thoroughly dried before removing the end cap.
ffi Caution: Never use a screwdriver or other prying device to separate the end cap
from the housing. Damage to the end cap or housing could result in leakage
when deployed.
Gently slide the electronics and battery assembly out of the housing.
Note the location of the push-on-jumpers and switches for setting the operating
parameters (Figure 2).
ACOUSTIC OUTPUT
JUMPER SELECTION.
FREQUENCY SELECT
Dli' SWITCH.
Jl
[]
.: '" -, .~ J2
J3
BT 1 J4
r--oooooooooooooo
ALP-365
TP3
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~- 0 I'~ -OR
uooooooo~ ~O
~IPo .l 2D ALP-36S!EL
~OOO--~_OOOQ~_
0 ....... _ 0 0 _ _ 0 0
0
(S;~~<""'O
~8vv
I
ffi NI,;l
'" -OR
<f)
<S) N
TRANSDUCER
'" ASSEMBLY
REPETITION RATE
ACTIVATION SWITCH JUMPER
\
j
(SHOWN IN WATER
JUMPER SELECTION.
ACTIVATION POSITION).
The ability to select the ALP-365 transmit frequency eases compatibility with specific
receivers or differentiates the pinger from others deployed in the area. The frequency is set
with the seven-switch DIP on the circuit board adjacent to the transducer (see Figure 2).
To set the transmit frequency, set the DIP switch for the selected frequency as specified in
one of the following tables:
Selecting the acoustic output provides flexibility for multiple applications where low
power, long life is needed or high power and shortened life is required. The pinger's
acoustic output level is set by connecting one of the four jumpers (Jl through J4) located
at the end of the board near the transducer (Figure 2). Table 8 gives the resulting output
for each push-on-jumper position.
~> Note: Increasing power level significantly reduces the battery life (see Table 4).
Series
Jl J2 J3 J4
All 177 dB 174 dB 168 dB 162 dB
Selecting the repetition rate provides the flexibility to increase the interval between pulses
to extend the battery life or, if battery life is not an issue, decrease the interval for quicker
receiver updates. The pinger's repetition rate is set by connecting one of the three jumpers
(J7 through J9) located at the edge of the board near the battery terminals (Figure 2). The
resulting repetition rate for each jumper position is given in Table 9.
~> Note: Increasing the repetition rate reduces the battery life (see Table 4).
Series
J8 J9
All 1.024 seconds I 2.048 seconds
The ALP-365 Series Acoustic Locator Pingers have two modes of activation that are easily
set by moving a push-on jumper located on JPl on the electronic assembly (Figure 2).
Water-Tum-On: All Series - The water turn on mode allows the unit to activate only
when submerged in water and turn off when removed from the water.
Refer to Figure I for the location of the water-tum-on terminals.
Battery/Switch: ALP-365 and ALP-365/EL Activating the unit when the batteries
are installed reduces the corrosion build up on the water-tum-on
terminals for long term deployments. Verify the hard-wired jumper
was installed in location J10 on the board before selecting (Figure 2).
The resulting switch activation for each jumper position is given in Table 10.
ALP-365
"1 ........... __ I ,.
~,.,': (
:ALP-365/EL
BATTERY CLIPS
PVC BASE
ON/OFC
,
'l T.,UM3
SWITCH
SCREWS
ALIGN ARROW
WITH KNOB
\:
Figure 3 The ALP-365 Series Battery Installation
~:
Position the plastic battery clip(s) onto the battery (The clips are held to the board
via O-rings during shipment).
Install the one battery clip on the recessed battery for the ALP-365 or the ALP
365/SW to prevent the battery from unplugging (Figure 3).
Install the 5 battery chps on the recessed batteries for the ALP-365/EL to
prevent the batteries from unplugging (Figure 3),
Verify the foam disk is in place inside the base of the housing, ".
;""
Belllhos ALP-365 Series Acoustic Locat(Jr Pingers 12
Inspect the O-ring and O-ring surface before screwing the end cap on. Lubricate the
O-ring with a light coat of O-ring lube (silicone or barium grease).
Gently slide the electronics and battery assembly into the housing
For the ALP-365 or the ALP-365/EL, gently screw the Delrin closure cap onto
the housing until the closure is finger-tight.
ffi Caution: Take care to avoid scratching the O-ring surface or cross-threading the
Delrin closure cae..
For the ALP-365/SW, re-install the three screws that secure the end cap to the
housing. Verify the proper switch alignment of the ALP-365/SW (Figure 3).
ffi Caution: Take care to avoid scratching the O-ring surface. The unit will not tum
on if the switch is not aligned properly.
Check the pinger operation before deployment using a Benthos APR-272B Acoustic Pinger
Receiver, a DPL-275A Diver-operated Pinger Locator or other compatible receiver equipment.
Suspend the pinger over the side of the vessel or immerse it in a bucket of water
to activate the pinger.
Immerse the test transducer in the same water as the pinger (place it next to the
water bucket, if an in-air transducer being used) to verify the pinger is
transmitting.
ALP-365 and ALP-365/EL: Place the test in-air transducer next to the pinger to
verify the pinger is transmitting (the water-turn-on test can also be performed).
ALP-365/S\V: Tum the knob on the housing to the ON position and place the
test in-air transducer next to the pinger to verify the pinger is transmitting (the
water-tum-on test can also be perfomled).
If the ALP-365 does not operate according to specification, take these steps:
Verify there are no objects between the pinger and the locating equipment
hydrophone that would obstruct the acoustic transmission.
Check the battery and jumper connections (see Section 3.2), and test again.
If the unit is still not functioning properly, call Benthos, Inc. (508) 563-1000.
3.4 Maintenance
The Benthos ALP-365 Series Acoustic Locator Pingers are factory set and shipped ready for
use. No maintenance is required other than cleaning the unit and replacing the batteries.
At the conclusion of each deployment, take these steps to assure continued reliable
performance from the ALP-365 Series Acoustic Locator Pingers:
Clean the Water-Tum-On contacts thoroughly (use water or a solvent safe for PVC) and
inspect the contacts for excessive corrosion. Contact Benthos if the contacts need to be
replaced.
Remove the transducer end cap and gently slide out the electronic assembly. ~ i
~> Note: Make sure the unit is thoroughly dried before removing the end cap.
Remove the batteries if the pinger will be stored for a week or more.
Replace the batteries when needed. If the remaining battery life is unknown to meet the
deployment life, replace them with new.
Clean and inspect the O-ring and O-ring surfaces. Replace the O-ring if it is nicked,
cracked or gouged.
Section 4 Warranty
LIMITED WARRANTY. Benthos warrants that the products sold hereunder shall be free from
defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and service when correctly installed,
used and maintained for a period of 12 months from date of shipment from Benthos.
Purchaser's receipt of any product delivered hereunder shall be an unqualified acceptance of
and a waiver by Purchaser of the right of Purchaser to make a claim with respect to such
product unless Purchaser gives Benthos notice of any claim within 12 months after the receipt
of such product. This warranty is limited to repair or replacement of the said product at Benthos'
option, F.O.B the Benthos plant in North Falmouth, Massachusetts, providing the product was
not abused or operated other than in accordance with the Benthos instruction manuals. Since
all Benthos oceanographic instruments are pressure tested to rated depth prior to shipment,
Benthos does not assume responsibility for any damage due to leakage or implosion. Benthos
reserves the right to modify its warranty at any time, in its sole discretion. THIS LIMITED
WARRANTY IS NOT TRANSFERABLE.
BENTHOS DOES NOT ACCEPT LIABILITY BEYOND THE REMEDIES SET FORTH HEREIN
INCLUDING ANY LIABILITY FOR PRODUCTS NOT BEING AVAILABLE FOR USE OR FOR
LOST OR CORRUPTED DATA, LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS OF USE
OF THE PRODUCT OR ANY ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT, COST OF CAPITAL, COST OF
SUBSTITUTE OR REPLACEMENT PRODUCT, FACILITIES OR SERVICES, DOWN-TIME,
CHARGES FOR PURCHASER'S TIME AND EFFORT, THE CLAIMS OF THIRD PARTIES,
INJURY TO PROPERTY, OR ANY OTHER DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, RELIANCE,
INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, REGARDLESS OF THE NATURE OF THE
CLAIM AND WHETHER OR NOT FORESEEABLE AND WHETHER OR NOT BASED ON
BREACH OF WARRANTY, CONTRACT OR TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE) OR STRICT
LIABILITY, EVEN IF BENTHOS HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
DAMAGES, OR FOR ANY CLAIM BY ANY THIRD PARTY EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY
PROVIDED HEREIN. THIS LIMITATION OF LIABILITY APPLIES BOTH TO PRODUCTS AND
SERVICES AND SUPPORT PROVIDED PURCHASER UNDER THIS AGREEMENT. NO
ORAL OR WRITTEN INFORMATION OR ADVICE GIVEN BY BENTHOS, ITS AGENTS OR
EMPLOYEES SHALL CREATE A WARRANTY OR IN ANY WAY INCREASE THE SCOPE OF
THE LIMITED WARRANTY PROVIDED ABOVE. ANY AND ALL LIABILITY OF BENTHOS IS
EXPRESSLY LIMITED TO THE PRICE PURCHASER HAS PAID FOR THE PRODUCTS.
PURCHASER'S SOLE REMEDY AGAINST BENTHOS IN ANY DISPUTE UNDER THIS
AGREEMENT SHALL BE TO SEEK RECOVERY OF THE AMOUNTS PURCHASER PAID,
PURSUANT TO THE LIMITED WARRANTY PROVIDED ABOVE, UPON THE PAYMENT OF
WHICH BENTHOS, ITS AGENTS AND EMPLOYEES, AND AFFILIATES, WILL BE
RELEASED FROM AND DISCHARGED OF ALL FURTHER OBLIGATIONS AND LIABILITY
TO PURCHASER.