The SEAS XBT Data Recorder component of the AMVERSEAS version 9.2 and the new Iridium modem dual GPS combo were installed and successfully tested on the Horizon Navigator during the August 2014 AX10. A total of 120 XBT's were deployed and transmitted in real-time using the new setup. Meteorological observations and AMVER reports were also transmitted.

PhOD employees Caridad I Gonzalez and Pedro Peña were on board the Horizon Navigator to test the XBT Data Recorder component of the AMVERSEAS version 9.2 and the data transmission via Iridium. The SEAS XBT Data Recorder is a real-time data acquisition application that operates on Ship of Opportunity Program (SOOP) vessels. The subsurface temperature profiles sampled with XBTs are typically transmitted in real-time and distributed globally.

Screenshot of the SEAS XBT Data Recorder component of the AMVERSEAS version 9.2

The ship departed Philadelphia to San Juan, Puerto Rico. Two data collection systems were assembled - the primary and the development system. The primary system included a Windows 7 computer with AMVERSEAS 9.2 installed, connected to the primary AOML auto launcher and to the Iridium modem dual GPS combo.

The development system included a Windows 7 computer with the development environment installed and a debug version of AMVERSEAS, which allowed the evaluation of the software and the correction of errors during the cruise. The development system was connected to the secondary AOML auto launcher mounted on the stern, the GPS position was provided by the primary system.

New Iridium modem dual GPS combo

The transmissions were done using the self-developed and stand-alone java FTP transmission program "IridiumFTP" that has been fully integrated into AMVERSEAS 9.2 with success. This new Iridium-based transmission setup will replace the Thrane & Thrane setup, which has been used for the past few years, and will result in a reduction of transmission costs.