D+ Neptune

HF & ARIANE

HF Fish Marking Radio Buoy

The SC-HF GPS marking buoy is specifically designed to mark flotsam as used for tuna fishing. The buoy is moored to a flotsam released at sea to mark shoals. The SC HF GPS buoy is a sturdy half sphere made of moulded plastic (400mm diameter). The standard model is equipped with an antenna 2,5 m high, an HF transmitter, a Global Positioning System, a flashlight and a temperature sensor. A second model exists with a sounder. Buoy characteristics make it difficult to spot.

Operating Principle: The buoy transmits its GPS position automatically several times a day, with the water temperature as well as battery voltage level. Each buoy transmits a ciphered message under flash form on specific frequencies to avoid undesirable deciphering.

ARIANE Reception System

The ARIANE reception system has been specifically developed to process the data transmitted by the HF-GPS buoys. It is installed in the wheelhouse of the tuna fishing vessel to monitor the flotsam position and drift on display. Moreover, the system indicates the water temperature and the battery level. The ARIANE system is composed of a receiver rack and a PC. It is connected to a GPS on board, a HF receiving antenna (wire or whip) and a VHF antenna. The receiver is protected against HF returns.

Operating Principle: Each buoy has its own parameters stored in an electronic key. Once the parameters are downloaded in the PC, the reception system decodes automatically every hour the messages transmitted by the buoy. The buoy position and information (water temperature, battery level) are automatically displayed on the PC.

Remote Control: The localisation of flotsam can be made easier with a remote control to increase the number of transmissions received from a buoy on approach and activate its flashlight (action range = 4NM). In remote control mode, the buoy is transmitting 18 positions per hour.

The ARIANE receiver is supplied with a NMEA output to communicate with outside systems. Software interfaces are available to export the buoy positions to GECDISTHON software.