Un sistema ultrasónico de bajo costo para la localización de equipo oceanográfico en aguas someras

This paper describes the most important features of the first prototype of an ultrasonic system capable of detecting frequencies of 26 kHz in depths slightly greater than 30 m. The system arises from the need to support the fieldwork of locating and recovering oceanographic equipment moored without surface buoy in shallow waters. The elements of the system are: an electronic circuit for transmitting and receiving acoustic signals, a piezoelectric acoustic transducer and a pressure resistant housing. The electronics in the transceiver contains an algorithm that calculates the distance between a pair of transceivers based on the propagation time of the ultrasonic signal. Housing is made of PVC, a material inexpensive and easy to machine. The results of operational tests indicate a root mean square of ± 0.4 m for the distance between transceivers, being an order of magnitude less than the precision error location in global positioning systems. The ultrasonic system is an ideal support tool to reduce the risk of loss of oceanographic equipment caused by hydrometeorological events or fishing activities in shallow water bodies.