EdgeTech 6205s2 Multibeam Sonar
Multi-Phase Bathymetry and Side Scan Sonar
Description
The EdgeTech 6205s2 is a fully integrated wide swath bathymetry and dual frequency side scan sonar system that produces real-time side scan imagery and three-dimensional maps of the seafloor. The EdgeTech 6205s2 uses 4th generation Multi-Phase Echo Sounder (MPES) technology, which combines multiple receive arrays with beamforming and phase differencing to determine each sounding along the seafloor. The system also uses EdgeTech's Full Spectrum CHIRP technology, with CW and FM CHIRP pulse modulation.
Bathymetry is available at 540 kHz, with a 1° × 0.5° beamwidth, a max swath width of 200 m and an optimal operating water depth of < 50 m, or at 850 kHz, with a 1° × 0.4° beamwidth, a max swath width of 75 m and an optimal operating water depth of < 25 m. The EdgeTech 6205s2 has a max swath sector of 200°, up to 800 soundings per ping, equidistant and equiangular sounding patterns and a ping rate of up to 60 Hz (range dependent). According to the datasheet, the bathymetry data is IHO SP-44 Special Order compliant.
The EdgeTech 6205s2 records co-registered, simultaneous dual frequency side scan data together with bathymetry and bathymetry backscatter. The standard frequency configurations are 540/850 kHz side scan with 540 kHz or 850 kHz bathymetry, 540/1600 kHz side scan with 540 kHz bathymetry and 850/1600 kHz side scan with 850 kHz bathymetry. Side scan range resolution is 9 mm at 850 kHz and 6 mm at 1600 kHz, with a max range of 75 m at 850 kHz and 35 m at 1600 kHz, dependent on environmental conditions.
The EdgeTech 6205s2 sonar unit is built from polycarbonate and aluminium, measures 72.7 × 20.2 × 13.9 cm, weighs 14 kg in air and is rated to 50 m depth. The standard configuration includes an integrated sound velocity sensor and a 20 m deck cable, and an integrated OEM inertial navigation system is available as an option. Windows-based EdgeTech Discover Bathymetric acquisition and sonar control software is included, and the system interfaces to third-party acquisition and processing software and to standard position/attitude sensors. Listed applications include nautical charting and hydrographic surveys, benthic habitat mapping, military rapid environmental assessments (REA), cable and pipeline route surveys, dredging operations, marine debris search and port and harbour security.