When choosing an Oculus sonar, it’s essential to select the right model based on your specific application and the environmental conditions you'll be operating in. The Oculus line-up includes three product series each with a different maximum depth rating. Within each series we offer various model options, each tailored for different purposes and performance ranges. To help you choose the best Oculus for your project, take a look at the guide below.
Depth Rating
Choosing the right sonar starts with understanding the depth requirements of your project, we offer three depth variations to cover applications from 500m - 4000m.
M-Series
Designed for shallow to mid-depth underwater operations, the M-Series is rated for depths of up to 500 meters. It offers reliable performance for applications such as coastal surveys, shallow water inspections, and other mid-range subsea tasks where durability and efficiency are essential.
MT-Series
Built for more demanding underwater environments, the MT-Series is rated for depths of up to 1000 meters. It is ideal for mid-to-deep water operations, such as offshore inspections, underwater construction, and challenging subsea tasks that require enhanced durability and performance in harsher conditions.
MD-Series
Engineered for the most challenging deep-sea environments, the MD-Series is rated for depths of up to 4000 meters. It is perfectly suited for extreme deep-water applications, including deep-sea exploration, scientific research, and complex subsea operations where maximum depth capability and robust performance are critical.
Range and Resolution
When selecting an Oculus model you will need to consider both range and resolution. It is important to note that increased range capability generally results in reduced resolution, so it’s crucial to choose a model that balances these factors according to your specific needs. By understanding the range-resolution trade-off you can ensure you achieve the best possible performance for your specific application.
370s
(M370s, MT370s, MD370s)
Single frequency: 375kHz
Maximum Range: 200m
Best for: Long-range navigation and general situational awareness, providing effective coverage over extended distances. Ideal for applications where range is more critical than resolution.
750d
(M750d, MT750d, MD750d)
Dual frequency: 750kHz / 1.2MHz
Maximum Range: 120m / 40m
Best for: ROV and AUV navigation. These versatile sonars offer high-resolution imaging of nearby targets in the 1.2MHz mode, while allowing for situational awareness, with a balance between range and detail.
1200d
(M1200d, MT1200d, MD1200d)
Dual frequency: 1.2MHz / 2.1MHz
Maximum Range: 40m / 10m
Best for: Short-range navigation and detailed inspection work. These sonars deliver clearer images at closer ranges, prioritizing resolution for precision-focused tasks over longer distances.
3000d
(M3000d, MT3000d)
Dual frequency: 1.2MHz / 3.0MHz
Maximum Range: 30m / 5m
Best for: Ultra-high-resolution imaging for specialist inspection tasks, ideal for projects where image clarity and detail are paramount over range.
Selecting the Right Oculus
When deciding which sonar is best for your task, consider both the depth rating and the range / resolution capability of each model to ensure you choose a system that best suits operational requirements.
Examples:
• For long-distance obstacle avoidance in shallow water, the M370s offers extensive range but lower resolution and has a depth rating of 500m.
• For high-detail inspections between 1000m - 4000m the MT3000d is robust enough to operate at this depth, and also provides the best image clarity, sacrificing range to achieve ultra-high resolution imagery.
Need more support?
Our team are on hand to help you choose the best Oculus for your next project.
Download the Oculus datasheet to compare all the features of each model.