A multiple function sonar rangefinder for divers

The rangefinder described here is a self-contained instrument for hand-held operation by a diver for searching, tracking, navigation and surveying applications. It has four modes: 1 — to measure range to a passive target directly to ± 1 m; 2 — to measure range to a passive target indirectly to ± 0.1 m; 3 — to measure range to a coded transponder to either ± 1 m or ± 0.1 m; 4 — to indicate the presence of multiple targets downrange where each target occurs in a selected range interval. The pulse echo principle is employed, with pulses typically 250 μs long. The carrier frequency of 300 kHz can be altered easily if required by changing the transducer array.