Description
the SonarPoint SP300‑2 is a high‑performance passive acoustic recorder designed to record underwater sounds and determine where those sounds come from. It works by capturing acoustic signals with a hydrophone and storing them internally for later analysis. Each recorder also includes an internal GPS module that synchronizes the recorder’s clock to GPS time before deployment. This precise time synchronization is essential for accurate localization across multiple recorders.
When multiple SP300‑2 recorders are deployed together in an array, they can localize sound sources (for example marine mammal vocalizations). The system measures the small differences in when a sound reaches each recorder (time difference of arrival). From those differences, the system can estimate the sound’s location, direction, and movement with sub‑meter accuracy in ideal conditions. It doesn’t just record underwater sound — it can map where the sound is coming from, which is the main capability that sets it apart. This model is the short‑duration version of the SonarPoint family, designed for deployments where endurance is measured in weeks rather than months.
Key Features:
- Depth rating: 300 m for shallow to mid‑water deployments.
- Storage: Up to 2 TB using 2 SD card slots.
- Battery: Internal SPIB‑10.4 Ah battery included.
- Localization: GPS-enabled models support array-based acoustic localization (standalone, submerged array, or buoy array).
- Design: Non‑corrosive housing with bio‑fouling resistant Delrin and titanium screws.
- Use case: Best suited for drifter arrays and short‑duration deployments
Unique feature:
its acoustic sound source localization capability, It can determine where an underwater sound came from (for example whale calls or vessel noise) when multiple recorders are deployed together in an array. The system measures the time difference when a sound reaches each recorder (called differential time of arrival). From those differences, it calculates the sound’s location, direction, and movement.
In ideal conditions, this localization can reach sub‑meter accuracy, the internal GPS module, which synchronizes each recorder to atomic‑clock GPS time before deployment. This precise timing is what makes accurate localization possible. it doesn’t just record underwater sound — it can map where the sound is coming from, which is the main capability that sets it apart. This model is the short‑duration version of the SonarPoint family, designed for deployments where endurance is measured in weeks rather than months.
Field‑serviceable:
- Yes — the SonarPoint SP300‑2 is field‑serviceable,
- SD cards can be swapped to retrieve data or replace storage,
- Internal lithium‑ion battery can be replaced
- Hydrophone endcap can also be replaced or tuned for different recording frequencies.
Because the system is small and modular, maintenance and servicing can be done from a boat during deployment or recovery, even from small vessels like Zodiacs
Compatible accessories:
Main accessory kit - SP-ACCSY (SonarPoint Accessory Kit) – includes spare screws, O‑rings, silicone grease, Allen wrenches, a USB hub, SD‑to‑USB stick, and other small parts. It also includes a Windows laptop with the SonarPoint software pre‑installed and tested with the equipment.
Software- SP‑SW (SonarPoint software) – used to configure the recorders and download recorded acoustic data after deployment. The software is included with the accessory kit.
This model is the short‑duration version of the SonarPoint family, designed for deployments where endurance is measured in weeks rather than months.