A new, compact and lightweight acoustic release beacon has been launched by Applied Acoustic Engineering based in Great Yarmouth, UK. The model, the omni-directional 1519, is part of the company’s 1500 Series that employs spread spectrum technology for added ‘uplink’ reliability.

The release beacon can be operated by both the Applied Acoustics’ Easytrak USBL system and a dedicated PAM 3510 Acoustic Command/Configure unit. The PAM 3510 has the added advantage of being convenient for on-deck operations as it is housed in a water-proof, rugged case with a clear LCD display.

The 1519 Acoustic Release Beacon has a Safe Working Load of 75kg (including a 4x factor of safety) and a nylon release block incorporating a positive drive-off mechanism that is field proven to have a low susceptibility to biofouling. Long life alkaline batteries, with a listening life up to 12 months, ensure the release beacon is ideal for long term environmental and metocean observations in waters down to 400m.