Integrated Acoustic Control

SMELTS integrates multiple acoustic command systems into Lift Raft and Science Raft platforms through a standardized mechanical and electrical interface. This approach allows operators to use familiar topside tools while maintaining consistent lift performance, serviceability, and secure command control across deployments.

What We Integrate

SMELTS integrates acoustic systems at the mechanical, electrical, and control levels to ensure predictable performance in subsea environments. Integration includes ensuring a pressure rated mounting strategy, sealed electrical interfaces, power management compatibility, and hardware that connects the acoustic receiver to the buoyancy system. Each configuration is tested & validated to ensure reliable actuation, corrosion resistance, and straightforward service access between deployment cycles. The result is a unified subsea platform that can accommodate multiple acoustic command systems without altering lift performance or structural behavior.

Secure Communication

All integrated systems operate using proprietary acoustic command structures to prevent unintended activation. Each unit responds only to its assigned ID, allowing multiple operators to work within proximity without cross activation. When supported by the topside interface, command confirmation and range validation provide an additional layer of operational assurance. The system remains dormant while deployed and activates only upon receipt of a verified command, maintaining controlled and predictable retrieval timing.

Topside Control

Acoustic control can be managed through a range of topside configurations depending on vessel size and operational preference. Options include portable deck units for smaller vessels, fixed in hull systems for dedicated installations, and integrated helm based interfaces embedded directly within multifunction displays. Integrated systems allow operators to transmit commands, monitor unit status, and manage gear positioning from a centralized control environment without relying on separate standalone hardware. This flexibility allows harvesters and researchers to match their acoustic workflow to the scale and complexity of their operations.

Multi Manufacturer Control

SMELTS platforms are engineered to interface with multiple acoustic command systems through standardized mechanical and electrical integration points. This architecture allows operators to deploy gear from different manufacturers without changing lift performance, deck procedures, or maintenance requirements. By separating the lift mechanics from the acoustic control layer, the system maintains consistent retrieval behavior while preserving flexibility in topside equipment selection. Multi manufacturer compatibility reduces operational friction, supports mixed fleets, and allows harvesters and researchers to adapt as technology evolves without replacing core hardware.

Research Applications

Acoustic integration also enables applications beyond basic fixed gear activation. When paired with compatible modems and sensor packages, the platform can support subsea data reporting, environmental measurements, and limited telemetry between deployed units and the vessel. This capability opens pathways for instrument recovery, distributed subsea sensing, and coordinated research deployments. The same infrastructure that supports on demand retrieval can also function as a foundation for subsea data exchange, extending the utility of the platform into oceanographic and marine technology applications.

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