Page 60: of Marine Technology Magazine (November 2012)

Products WFS Tests Wireless Subsea ModemA new wireless subsea modem has been trialed at The Underwater Center, a subsea testing and training facility in Fort William, Scotland. WFS Technologies trialed the Seatooth S100, a mobile, wireless subsea mo- dem suitable for a variety of underwa- ter applications from 100m - 4000m. The modem is designed to provide a reliable digital wireless communica-tion link or logging device up to 5m range, even in challenging deep water conditions.It is equipped with standard data communication interfaces, making it suited to sensor and underwater ve- hicle applications. It can be deployed swiftly on temporary or permanent installations to support safety and ef- Þ ciency in a range of subsea applica- tions including data logging, upgrad-ing subsea equipment and wireless backup. The key factor in the company?s deci- sion to test the new Seatooth S100 at Fort William was The Underwater Cen- ter?s 1.5m liter indoor seawater tank which allowed the WFS team to both observe and monitor its equipment in one location without tidal drift. Ian Crowther, Executive Vice Presi- dent of WFS, said: ?We are always on the look-out for good quality under- water testing facilities, and have tried various harbors, marinas and even an aquarium. No one else has been able to offer the facilities and professional set-up that The Underwater Center can. The Centre also provides a great chance to get good footage of the test pieces in the water ? whether video or stills photography, which is great for showing to our clients.? www.wfs-tech.com November/December 201260 MTRMTR #9 (50-64).indd 60MTR #9 (50-64).indd 6012/3/2012 11:02:43 AM12/3/2012 11:02:43 AM