KONGSBERG MST 319/324/342 series mini SSBL responder

KONGSBERG MST 319/324/342 series mini SSBL responder

Product Overview

The MST series is an intermediate frequency micro responder designed specifically for use with Kongsberg HiPAP systems and HPR series underwater positioning systems. Its core advantages lie in its compact size and light weight, making it suitable for deployment scenarios with limited space or load sensitivity, such as ROVs (remotely operated vehicles), AUVs (autonomous underwater vehicles), underwater towed vehicles, and fixed installations on the seabed.

Each responder comes with a molded protective plastic coating (optional uncoated version) at the factory, and all switches and connectors are recessed into the end caps to prevent accidental collision damage. Standard configuration includes a pigtail cable with connectors for easy integration.

Model Analysis

The MST series consists of three main models, whose naming conventions clearly reflect technical parameters: MST [frequency band] [depth level] [beamwidth]/[battery type].

MST 319: operates in the 30kHz frequency band, with a rated depth of 1000 meters and a beam width of ± 90 °, providing near omnidirectional coverage.

MST 324: operates in the 30kHz frequency band, with a rated depth of 2000 meters, a beam width of ± 45 °, and a balanced operating distance and directionality.

MST 342: operates in the 30kHz frequency band, with a rated depth of 4000 meters and a beam width of ± 20 °, suitable for long-distance positioning in deep water.

Taking "MST 319/N" as an example: 30kHz frequency band, 1000 meters depth, ± 90 ° beam, built-in rechargeable NiMH battery.

Acoustic performance parameters

Source Level

MST 319:190 dB (relative to 1 μ Pa @ 1m)

MST 324：197 dB

MST 342：203 dB

The source level can be reduced by 6 dB through internal links to extend battery life.

reception sensitivity

The standard sensitivity is 100 dB (relative to 1 μ Pa), which can be reduced by 10 dB through internal links to adapt to different environmental noise levels.

Channel compatibility

HiPAP/HPR 400 series: 56 channels

HPR 300 series: 14 channels

Rich channel selection facilitates the deployment of multi responder networks and avoids signal interference.

Physical specifications

Model total length, air weight/water weight, outer diameter

MST 319 348 mm 2.4 kg / 1.0 kg 76 mm

MST 324 368 mm 2.7 kg / 1.2 kg 76 mm

MST 342 349 mm 4.1 kg / 2.0 kg 85 mm

Design and Construction

Modular architecture

The MST series adopts advanced surface mount technology, integrating all electronic components into two circuit boards, improving reliability and reducing spare parts inventory. Modular design allows for individual replacement of electronic units, battery packs, transducers, and end caps, simplifying on-site maintenance.

Materials and Protection

Shell: Hard anodized aluminum, corrosion-resistant and lightweight.

Coating: Polyurethane protective layer, resistant to impact and seawater erosion.

Connectors: Subcom MCBH5M (responder end) and MCIL5F (tail cable end), compliant with marine industry standards, ensuring a watertight connection.

Transducer beam

MST 319: ± 90 ° wide beam, suitable for close range omnidirectional coverage.

MST 324: ± 45 ° medium width beam, balancing coverage and gain.

MST 342: ± 20 ° narrow beam, suitable for deep-water long-range directional positioning.

Power and battery management

battery options

Rechargeable NiMH battery: economical and environmentally friendly, supports fast charging.

Disposable lithium batteries (lithium thionyl chloride): long lifespan, suitable for long-term deployment.

Battery life and recovery times

Parameters: Lithium ion battery, NiMH rechargeable battery

Static time 40 days 20 days

MST 319 replies 129600 64800

MST 324 replies 129600 64800

MST 342 replies 64800 32400

Note: The number of replies is based on the standard source level, and reducing the source level can further increase the number of replies.

external power supply

Supports 22-26 Vdc external power input (40W), which can be used when continuous or high-intensity operation is required.

battery charger

Charging method: constant current

Charging rate: 0.5C (fast charging)

Allowable fast charging temperature range: 10 ° C to 40 ° C

Buoyancy options

To meet different buoyancy requirements, the MST series provides dedicated buoyancy collars:

MST 319/MST 324: buoyancy collar model 119-099206, rated depth of 2000 meters, buoyancy of 4.5kg (MST 319)/4kg (MST 324), with a cage height of 549mm and a diameter of 275mm.

MST 342: Buoyant Collar Model 119-217083, rated depth of 4000 meters, buoyancy of 3.5kg, with cage height of 597mm and diameter of 290mm.

The buoyancy collar allows the responder to approach neutral buoyancy in water, making it easy for ROV to carry or deploy freely floating.

System Integration and Application

Collaborate with HiPAP/HPR system

MST responder seamlessly integrates with Kongsberg HiPAP (high-precision acoustic positioning system) and HPR series. The HiPAP system combines ultra short baseline and short baseline technologies to achieve high-precision positioning within a single probe, while MST serves as an underwater responder, responding to interrogation signals and returning ranging information.

Response/Response Dual Mode

MST can not only serve as a traditional responder (responding to inquiry signals), but also switch to responder mode (actively transmitting signals) through external power supply to adapt to different positioning strategies.

Sensor Expansion

The built-in expansion capability allows for the addition of various sensors in the future, such as pressure sensors (depth), temperature sensors, etc., upgrading the responder to a multifunctional underwater node.

Operational advantages

External selection switch: Channel and parameters can be set without opening the cover.

Fast charging: NiMH batteries can be fully charged within a few hours, reducing downtime.

Long life design: Low power electronics and efficient power management ensure long-term deployment.

Easy to maintain: modular structure, no need for professional tools for on-site component replacement.

Application scenarios

Underwater target tracking

MST can be installed on ROVs, AUVs, or trailers, and its underwater position can be tracked in real-time through the HiPAP system for deep-sea exploration, pipeline inspection, or search and rescue missions.

Underwater reference point

In offshore oil and gas exploration, MST can be used as a seabed acoustic reference point for dynamic positioning (DP) reference or seismic exploration cable positioning.

Marine Science Research

Oceanographers use MST tagging instruments, anchoring equipment, or underwater gliders to accurately recover data.

National Defense and Security

Used for mine detection, underwater surveillance, and frogman positioning, its low power consumption and small size make it easy to deploy covertly.