External GNSS:

The CEE-USV™ can accept GNSS data from an external, third party receiver by Bluetooth or cabled connection.

Decimeter Accuracy (SBAS or L-Band):

The basic positioning solution is a highly flexible system that may be specified at several levels of accuracy depending on the geographic location and project requirements. Using the H-10 subscription L-Band GNSS option brings better than 10cm accuracy to the CEE-USV™ position data with no requirement for a base station. Using both GPS and GLONASS satellites, performance with a restricted sky view is greatly superior to submeter SBAS-only systems.

Hemisphere Phantom (SBAS) – This GNSS option has the capability to access all of the Atlas L-Band signals but is supplied without any activations. This may be selected when a third party GNSS receiver is to be used on the USV, or when SBAS-only positioning is adequate.

Hemisphere Phantom (Atlas BASIC) – This GNSS option offers cost effective worldwide 0.5m accuracy, with an activation subscription loaded at the CEE HydroSystems factory for the life of the receiver.

Hemisphere Phantom (Atlas H-10) – This GNSS option presents a new approach to obtaining accurate decimeter positioning anywhere in the world. The CEE-USV™ with Hemisphere Phantom  is supplied with L1 capability – with or without the Atlas BASIC lifetime activation. A separate subscription to the the Atlas L-Band correction service activates the multi constellation dual frequency L1/L2 receiver operation, and the Atlas H-10 corrections to give better than 10cm accuracy.  This approach allows the user to minimize capital investment in GNSS hardware, and only pay for required accuracy when needed.

Centimeter Accuracy – NovAtel:

These multi frequency NovAtel OEMV7 receiver options offer centimeter-level precision and accurate elevation measurements for recording of “RTK tides”. Both options allow internal recording of raw GNSS pseudorange data for post processed precise positioning using Continuously Operating Reference Station (CORS) derived corrections.

NovAtel 729 PPK– Multi frequency L1/L2/L5 GNSS option with internal RAW data recording to allow post processing to an accurate solution without the need for a local RTK base station. L-Band corrections for better than 10 cm accuracy with a subscription to the TerraStar corrections service are available. Supplied with the NovAtel GPS-702-GGL antenna.

NovAtel 729 RTK – Multi frequency L1/L2/L5 GNSS receiver with RTK capability, allowing the CEE-USV™ to connect to a local RTK base station and receive real time kinematic differential corrections for cm-level precision. Typically selected when water surface elevation (tide) is being measured using the satellite positioning system and not traditional (eg tide gauge) methods. Also may be used  in PPK mode.

Centimeter Accuracy – Trimble:

For hydrographic surveying within existing Trimble® infrastructure, the CEE-USV™ RTK-BD990 using the Maxwell™ 6 receiver technology will facilitate trouble-free connectivity with Trimble base station receivers. For users who are keen to maintain equipment consistency and interoperability, the Trimble CEE-USV™ option was developed to fit seamlessly into existing networks.

Trimble BD990 – This advanced receiver installed inside the CEE-USV™ data module features an Ethernet input allowing use of cell phone network corrections (Trimble CenterPoint™ RTX) from an NTRIP caster, and will receive CMRx – and all other –  format RTK corrections from a Trimble base station. The latest generation rugged GA 830 antenna is supplied, although this option may also be ordered without an antenna or firmware activation for dealer supply.

RTK UHF Radio:

A Satel 400-470 MHz UHF radio is installed inside the CEE-USV™ data module to seamlessly receive RTK correction from the base station for all RTK GNSS options.

Real Time Navigation Display

The complete survey dataset is available on the shore PC in real time – including the full water column echogram. Perform quality control on the fly and follow pre-planned survey lines whether using HYPACK® or Hydromagic software.

Point Cloud XYZ Output

After data editing is complete, the survey results may be exported as a soundings point cloud of position and elevation or depth. Alternatively, TIN modeling may be used to produce a contour or matrix surface for dredge or water volume calculations.

Trouble-Free Communications with the CEE-LINK™

A key feature of the CEE-USV™ is its integrated data management and telemetry package. The CEESCOPE-LITE™ echo sounder is paired with one (or more) CEE LINK™ shore radio modules to allow the operator to communicate with the echo sounder and any connected instruments. Simply turn on the CEE LINK™ and communication is immediately established with the CEESCOPE-LITE™ on the remote survey boat.

The CEE-USV™ uses a 5.8 GHZ WiFi telemetry system to transmit survey data to the shore CEE LINK™ base station. The telemetry link is two-way and acts just like an Ethernet LAN cable connection. The network connection allows the operator to remotely adjust echo sounder parameters or communicate with any ancillary equipment connected to the CEESCOPE-LITE™ Ethernet data input port.

Interference-free operation – The data telemetry link will not interfere with standard 2.4 GHz FHSS remote-control boat systems. Auto-link operation – The CEE-USV™ and CEE LINK™ shore module automatically connect whenever powered-up and in range. Long range – 1km range using antennae suitable for small USVs. Network architecture – Other network-enabled devices such as an Ethernet camera may be connected to the CEE-USV™. Antenna flexibility – Use low-gain antennae for short range surveys and directional panel antennae for optimum performance at long range. High bandwidth – Offers substantial additional data telemetry capacity if needed, subject to appropriate antenna selection.

Download the CEE-LINK™ data sheet HERE.