# Scanning Sonar Testing **URL:** \ **Category:** Adventure Log\ **Created:** [September 7, 2017, 5:13pm UTC](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/scanning-sonar-testing/1467 "2017-09-07T17:13:39Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![rjehangir](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/discuss.bluerobotics.com/rjehangir/32/671_2.png) [@rjehangir](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/u/rjehangir)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2017, 5:13pm UTC](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/scanning-sonar-testing/1467/1 "2017-09-07T17:13:39Z")
Hi everyone, We recently did some tests with the BlueROV2 with a Tritech Micron Scanning Sonar. It’s a mechanical scanning sonar that provides a 360 degree picture of features around you underwater. Here’s a video of the test: [![](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/uploads/bluerobotics/original/2X/9/9bbb19fd05552130e0e6e2d1388b1ffc2d92e372.jpeg "BlueROV2: Tritech Micron Scanning Sonar Testing") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOSdlKhUEyk) The sonar was integrated through an extra twisted pair in the tether using RS485. We used the Tritech software on the surface to view the data. Here’s a few take aways for us: - We’ve tested a few scanning sonars and this one definitely provides the cleanest image and least noise. - We were able to find a bunch of objects on the bottom that were detected by the sonar (tire, ropes, scrap, another ROV) - It was incredibly useful for navigation purposes. With the sonar and compass, we could “fly by instruments” and navigate easily, using the dock pilings for reference. Any thoughts? -Rusty ---
**Author:** ![paul-unterweiser](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/discuss.bluerobotics.com/paul-unterweiser/32/697_2.png) [@paul-unterweiser](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/u/paul-unterweiser)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2017, 6:42pm UTC](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/scanning-sonar-testing/1467/2 "2017-09-07T18:42:10Z")
How does the Tritech Micron compare, price wise, to the Imagenex 852? The last I checked it was considerably more expensive. Also, is the sonar image overlay post-processed or does their software support this? ---
**Author:** ![rjehangir](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/discuss.bluerobotics.com/rjehangir/32/671_2.png) [@rjehangir](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/u/rjehangir)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2017, 6:54pm UTC](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/scanning-sonar-testing/1467/3 "2017-09-07T18:54:30Z")
Hi Paul, The Micron is definitely more expensive than the Imagenex. Tritech was nice enough to loan us one for free for a few weeks 🙂 The sonar image shown in the video is post-processed in Adobe Premiere. In actual usage we had the video window and sonar window side-by-side. -Rusty ---
**Author:** ![kevink](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/discuss.bluerobotics.com/kevink/32/686_2.png) [@kevink](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/u/kevink)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2017, 7:14pm UTC](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/scanning-sonar-testing/1467/4 "2017-09-07T19:14:16Z")
I agree with Paul, price is a bit more of the discriminator here than image resolution and usability at least for the recreational/hobbyist side. If the commercial guys can afford one, this definitely looks like the better sonar. You get what you pay for with marine tech…even if it’s worth more than it’s weight in gold. ---
**Author:** ![Ben](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/df788c/32.png) [@Ben](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/u/Ben)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2017, 11:06pm UTC](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/scanning-sonar-testing/1467/5 "2017-09-07T23:06:40Z")
Looks nice. Where on the BlueROV2 did you mount the sonar? Was there any concern about the vehicle structure interfering with the acoustics? ---
**Author:** ![rjehangir](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/discuss.bluerobotics.com/rjehangir/32/671_2.png) [@rjehangir](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/u/rjehangir)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2017, 12:05am UTC](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/scanning-sonar-testing/1467/6 "2017-09-08T00:05:43Z")
Ben, we mounted the sonar on the top left side of the vehicle. The head of the sonar was about 1.5-2" above the top of the ROV to avoid interference. I don’t have any pictures, unfortunately. ---
**Author:** ![clyde](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/discuss.bluerobotics.com/clyde/32/8563_2.png) [@clyde](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/u/clyde)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2017, 4:35pm UTC](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/scanning-sonar-testing/1467/7 "2017-09-08T16:35:24Z")
Thanks for posting this video! Do you have video from the other scanning sonars you tested? ---
**Author:** ![rjehangir](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/discuss.bluerobotics.com/rjehangir/32/671_2.png) [@rjehangir](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/u/rjehangir)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2017, 6:49pm UTC](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/scanning-sonar-testing/1467/8 "2017-09-08T18:49:32Z")
Hi Clyde, We don’t have any other videos available right now. We do have access to an Imagenex 852 sonar and we could do a similar test at some point. -Rusty ---
**Author:** ![julesh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/aca169/32.png) [@julesh](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/u/julesh)\ **Post date:** [September 8, 2017, 11:12pm UTC](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/scanning-sonar-testing/1467/9 "2017-09-08T23:12:59Z")
Rusty Way to go. In the past when using the above as an OAS we have had problem with the mechanical head. I have used one on these Blueview on a LBV a while ago and the imagery was fantastic. > **[ProductPage](http://www.teledynemarine.com/blueview-mb2250-n-mb2250-w-multibeam-profiler-sonar)** > > Teledyne Marine is a group of leading-edge subsea companies with technologies divided into 5 core segments; Imaging, Instruments, Interconnect, Seismic and Vehicles. When funds allow I want to put one of these oculus on my ROV. > **[Blueprint Subsea | Products](https://www.blueprintsubsea.com/oculus/index.php)** > > Specialising in multibeam and sidescan imaging sonars, acoustic positioning beacons and diver navigation systems. An OAS is essential especially when the vis. is sub 4.0m where I live. In the Southern North Sea when carrying out inspection work the vis. is that bad that the main tool used is a Tritech Gemini sonar. The detail picked up by the sonar is spot on. It never ceases to amaze me the amount of detail that can be seen with sound. When I first started it was a single beam echo sounder. Do you have an pictures of the set up you had on the BlueROV please, and is that with the new camera? ---
**Author:** ![rjehangir](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/discuss.bluerobotics.com/rjehangir/32/671_2.png) [@rjehangir](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/u/rjehangir)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2017, 12:42am UTC](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/scanning-sonar-testing/1467/10 "2017-09-09T00:42:11Z")
Hi Julian, Thanks! Sadly, I don’t have any pictures of it on the ROV. Forgot to take any and we have returned the demo unit to Tritech. -Rusty ---
**Author:** ![julesh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/aca169/32.png) [@julesh](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/u/julesh)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2017, 12:07pm UTC](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/scanning-sonar-testing/1467/11 "2017-09-09T12:07:26Z")
Rusty, that video above is that the new camera? Julian ---
**Author:** ![k-deboer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/e8c25b/32.png) [@k-deboer](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/u/k-deboer)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2017, 12:18pm UTC](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/scanning-sonar-testing/1467/12 "2017-09-09T12:18:14Z")
Julian, How does that Oculus product compare to the others for price? Ken ---
**Author:** ![julesh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/aca169/32.png) [@julesh](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/u/julesh)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2017, 1:05pm UTC](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/scanning-sonar-testing/1467/13 "2017-09-09T13:05:35Z")
Ken The list price of the M750d is £15,950 GBP and the M1200d is £21,500 GBP. Jules ---
**Author:** ![rjehangir](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/discuss.bluerobotics.com/rjehangir/32/671_2.png) [@rjehangir](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/u/rjehangir)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2017, 2:57pm UTC](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/scanning-sonar-testing/1467/14 "2017-09-09T14:57:52Z")
Hi Julian, Yes, the video was all recorded on the new [Low Light HD USB Camera](http://www.bluerobotics.com/store/electronics/cam-usb-low-light-r1/). -Rusty ---
**Author:** ![nmau](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/e68b1a/32.png) [@nmau](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/u/nmau)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2017, 8:17am UTC](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/scanning-sonar-testing/1467/15 "2017-09-11T08:17:37Z")
Hi everybody, very useful topic…Can anybody provide the price of Imagenex system? Rusty, it would be very useful a comparison test between Tritech and Imagenex systems, please setup something in the future… Best Regards, N.M. ---
**Author:** ![sanchit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f17d59/32.png) [@sanchit](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/u/sanchit)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2017, 9:25am UTC](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/scanning-sonar-testing/1467/16 "2017-09-11T09:25:53Z")
Hi Rusty, Great work. This video, displaying the practical working of Micron SONAR is of tremendous use. Just a small query. Are you sure about Micron system being highly expensive in comparison to Imagenex System? As per the information I have, Micron DST (750m) is 4497 GBP, where as Imagenex 852 is 5800 GBP. Thanks Sanchit ---
**Author:** ![paul-unterweiser](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/discuss.bluerobotics.com/paul-unterweiser/32/697_2.png) [@paul-unterweiser](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/u/paul-unterweiser)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2017, 9:42am UTC](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/scanning-sonar-testing/1467/17 "2017-09-11T09:42:54Z")
The Micron is made in the UK while the Imagenex is made in Canada. The Micron is definitely more expensive than the Imagenex in the US, but pricing in your country might be different. Contact the manufacturer or a representative in your country for pricing. ---
**Author:** ![rjehangir](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/discuss.bluerobotics.com/rjehangir/32/671_2.png) [@rjehangir](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/u/rjehangir)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2017, 1:49pm UTC](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/scanning-sonar-testing/1467/18 "2017-09-11T13:49:17Z")
@sanchit - I’m glad you liked the video! It’s cool to see the sonar imagery side by side with the video. The “Micron” product line also includes an echosounder and a USBL. Perhaps you are looking at the price of the echosounder. @nmau - We’ll work on putting together a video with the Imagenex as well. ---
**Author:** ![kevink](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/discuss.bluerobotics.com/kevink/32/686_2.png) [@kevink](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/u/kevink)\ **Post date:** [September 11, 2017, 2:49pm UTC](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/scanning-sonar-testing/1467/19 "2017-09-11T14:49:47Z")
Without sending an inquiry to TriTech, this is what I’ve found for an off the shelf list price: [https://www.deeptrekker.com/product/tritech-micron-sonar/](https://www.deeptrekker.com/product/tritech-micron-sonar/) Let us know if you guys find a better price! ---
**Author:** ![apinsker](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/discuss.bluerobotics.com/apinsker/32/1126_2.png) [@apinsker](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/u/apinsker)\ **Post date:** [September 12, 2017, 2:10pm UTC](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/scanning-sonar-testing/1467/20 "2017-09-12T14:10:25Z")
HI Ken, I am a reseller for Blue Robotics, Echologger and Blueprintsubsea. Check the MRS900 a scanning sonar from Echologger ([http://www.echologger.com/products/11](http://www.echologger.com/products/11)) or the Blueprintsubsea Oculus an imaging sonar ([Blueprint Subsea | Oculus](http://www.blueprintsubsea.com/oculus/index.php)). If interested in any of these I am sure I offer them at an interesting price 😉 Thanks, Andreas [Next page](https://discuss.bluerobotics.com/t/scanning-sonar-testing/1467.md?page=2)