Hydrophones
Hydrophones are just like microphones, but designed to detect sounds and vibrations in fluids.
They are usually made of a piezoelectric sensor, that can be cylindrical, flat or spherical, and may have a preamplifier or not. They are usually moulded in polyurethan resin, or assembled in a waterproof container. They do their work at best when immersed in a fluid, and work poorly when in air. They usually perform down to pressures of a 100 bars, or more, or less, depending on models.
In water they are used to detect acoustic signals and vibrations. They are also used to receive echoes from active acoustic sources, like sonars and fish-finders. Often fish-finders and sonars use the same transducer to both transmit and receive the signal.
Signals can be man-made (sonars and a million other underwater instruments produce acoustic signals), can have a biological origin (not only Cetaceans produce underwater signals!), or may have a geological origin, like earthquakes.
In the industry hydrophones are used to detect and measure vibrations in pools, pumps, tanks and pipes. Vibration detection is considered an excellent diagnostic tool to follow plant maintenance. Hydrophones are a tool to detect and measure the quality and intensity of sounds that man-made activities produce in the water at sea, in lakes and rivers.
This noise can have heavy and hard-to-predict effects not only on cetaceans but on many other animals.
While underwater bioacoustics is mostly known for its studies on Cetaceans, during zoological research hydrophones are used when investigating on Amphibians, Reptiles, Fish and other Mammals too.
◦ Choosing the right hydrophone? what to consider.
◦ New to hydrophones? No panic, read the hydrophone starter guide.
Signals can be man-made (sonars and a million other underwater instruments produce acoustic signals), can have a biological origin (not only Cetaceans produce underwater signals!), or may have a geological origin, like earthquakes.
In the industry hydrophones are used to detect and measure vibrations in pools, pumps, tanks and pipes. Vibration detection is considered an excellent diagnostic tool to follow plant maintenance. Hydrophones are a tool to detect and measure the quality and intensity of sounds that man-made activities produce in the water at sea, in lakes and rivers.
This noise can have heavy and hard-to-predict effects not only on cetaceans but on many other animals.
While underwater bioacoustics is mostly known for its studies on Cetaceans, during zoological research hydrophones are used when investigating on Amphibians, Reptiles, Fish and other Mammals too.
◦ Choosing the right hydrophone? what to consider.
◦ New to hydrophones? No panic, read the hydrophone starter guide.
Basic sets
Three sets with hydrophone and digital wideband recorder for your first steps into underwater acoustics.see them...
For professional and demanding users, we have a full range of sensors and equipment:
NAUTA systems
Nauta designs and prepares custom setups for your applications.
We have a wide experience in underwater bioacoustics problem solving, together with experience in acoustic mitigation policies compliancy during off-shore operations.
We have a range including:
RASP underwater acoustic recorders;
Towed hydrophones streamers and components for towed hydrophones; Underwater noise measuring setups.
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Cetacean Research Technology
Reliable and inexpensive instruments, expressly manufactured on the requests related to underwater bioacoustics.
General use hydrophones, with waterproof connector on the hydrophone body, high frequency sensitivity and very low self-noise.
All models are sold as single components. Cables and battery boxes can be purchased separately. Additional filtering modules and powering units are available.
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Aquarian Audio Hydrophones
Based on a proprietary technology, this is the best low-cost equipment on the market.
Offers versatility in a wide range of applications.
The Aquarian system offers a low-noise preamplifier and is very sensitive.
It is easy to integrate into any recording or amplifier system.
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Sensor Technology
Sensortech is a Piezoelectric materials manufacturer located in Canada.
Over the years they have become very adept at developing and manufacturing custom products, and also have the most varied product line of any piezoelectric material. They manufacture sensors and conditioning electronics under ISO9000.
At NAUTA we stock their basic system for underwater bioacoustics. All other systems are available on request.
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