AAE Micro Beacons 1300 Series

The Compact Evolution for Shallow-Water and Confined-Space Tracking

Product Overview 

The Applied Acoustic Engineering (AAE) 1300 Series Micro Beacon is an evolution of the industry-standard 300 Series, redesigned to offer enhanced versatility, improved battery life, and advanced acoustic protocols. These are the smallest beacons in the AAE range, purpose-built for applications where space is at a premium and high power is not required—specifically for diver tracking, small inspection ROVs, and mini-towfish like side-scan sonars.

The 1300 Series introduces Sigma Spread Spectrum technology (Sigma 2), providing a robust acoustic link with high resistance to interference. A key physical upgrade is the transition to an external connector for both power and communication, allowing for 24V ROV integration and easy channel configuration via a USB interface without opening the housing.

Key Models

• 1329A Micro Beacon: The standard high-versatility tracking unit.
• 1329D Micro Beacon: Includes an integrated depth sensor (600m rated) to provide vertical telemetry, significantly improving the positional accuracy of the USBL system in shallow water.
• 1320A / 1320D (Remote Transducer): Features a remote transducer head on a 1.5m cable. This allows the electronics "bottle" to be mounted inside an ROV's frame while the transducer is positioned away from thruster noise.

Why Choose the 1300 Series?

• Advanced Connectivity: Channel selection and charging are performed via a USB adaptor cable and the Beacon Editor app, eliminating the need for internal switches or complicated physical setup.
• Sigma 2 Digital Protocols: Optimized for use with Nexus 2 and Pyxis USBL systems, delivering highly stable and precise positioning data even in acoustically noisy environments.
• ROV Power Integration: In addition to its internal NiMH batteries, the unit can operate from an external 24V DC supply, making it ideal for permanent integration onto inspection-class subsea vehicles.
• Legacy Compatibility: While optimized for AAE systems, the 1300 series maintains "legacy" support for almost all industry-standard USBL systems, including Kongsberg (HiPAP/HPR) and iXblue (GAPS).
• Safety & Durability: Features a hard-anodized aluminum housing and an automatic Pressure Release Valve (PRV) as a safety precaution for internal pressure venting.