Lightweight Subsea Optical Modem

The AQUAmodem® Op2L provides lightweight optical communication for divers and inspection-class ROVs, giving operators a practical way to access underwater equipment without a physical data cable. Designed for short-range interrogation, command and data download, it supports RS232-compatible instruments, including Aquatec’s HYDROlog® hydrotest monitoring range.

Compact and neutrally buoyant, the Op2L offers a cost-effective alternative to ROV-mateable connectors and cables. This helps reduce operational costs while giving operators greater flexibility when accessing deployed underwater equipment.

DATASHEET

Features

Discover the innovative features that set our products apart, designed to streamline your workflow, enhance efficiency, and provide a seamless user experience tailored to your specific needs.

01

Lightweight subsea data access

• Enables access to underwater equipment without a physical data cable.
• Supports short-range interrogation, command and data download.
• Provides a practical solution for deployments where cable access or instrument recovery is impractical.

02

Optical communication for diver and ROV use

• Designed for divers and inspection-class ROVs.
• Provides wireless optical communication through water using cyan visible light.
• Supports straightforward access to deployed instruments during subsea operations.

03

Cost-effective cable alternative

• Offers an alternative to ROV-mateable connectors and permanent subsea cables.
• Helps reduce operational costs by removing the need for physical data connection hardware.
• Increases deployment flexibility for compatible underwater instruments.

04

Compatible with RS232 instruments

• Compatible with instruments using an RS232 serial interface.
• Suitable for use with Aquatec’s HYDROlog® hydrotest monitoring range.
• Provides a transparent link for instrument interrogation, command and data download.

05

Flexible configuration options

• Available as complete, ROV-side or subsea-side configurations.
• External battery pack, Y cable, ROV cable and test cable options available depending on configuration.
• Supports setup, testing and field use for diver and inspection-class ROV operations.

Specifications

InterfaceRS232 levels
ProtocolAny format – transparent link (link deals with the communication protocol)
Baud rate115,200 baud
Transmission typeDigitally coded telemetry with error detection
Data throughput*10.2 kBytes/s
Light bandCyan visible light
Operating rangeTypically 1 m depending on environment
Maximum depth500 m
TemperatureOperating: -5°C to 40°C | Storage: -40°C to 65°C
External powerROV unit: 9 VDC to 36 VDC | Subsea unit: 6.5 VDC to 32 VDC
Serial wake-upOn receipt of RS232 serial data for subsea unit | Optional on receipt of RS232 serial data for ROV unit
Optical wake-upOn receipt of optical interrogation
Dimensions285 mm length x 72 mm maximum diameter | 60 mm main housing diameter
Weight~1 kg in air | ~0 kg in water
MaterialAcetal with Perspex window

*Measured by transmitting 2,000-byte packets at 250 ms intervals. Data throughput is calculated as an average of 100 transmissions.

FAQs

What is the AQUAmodem® Op2L used for?

The AQUAmodem® Op2L is used for short-range optical communication with underwater equipment, enabling interrogation, command and data download without a physical data cable.

How is the AQUAmodem® Op2L different from the Op2?

The Op2L is a lighter, near-neutrally buoyant version designed for divers and inspection-class ROVs, while the Op2 is the deeper-rated system suited to work-class ROV operations.

Can the AQUAmodem® Op2L download data without recovering the instrument?

Yes. The Op2L enables data download from deployed underwater instruments without requiring a physical data cable or instrument recovery.

What instruments is the AQUAmodem® Op2L compatible with?

The Op2L is compatible with RS232 instruments, including Aquatec’s HYDROlog® hydrotest monitoring range.

What is the depth rating of the AQUAmodem® Op2L?

The AQUAmodem® Op2L has a maximum depth rating of 500 m.

What is the operating range of the AQUAmodem® Op2L?

The typical operating range is 1 m, depending on environmental conditions.

Is the AQUAmodem® Op2L suitable for diver use?

Yes. The Op2L is designed for diver and small ROV access to deployed underwater instruments.

What configurations are available for the AQUAmodem® Op2L?

The Op2L is available in complete, ROV-side and subsea-side configurations, with external battery pack, Y cable, ROV cable and test cable options depending on the configuration.