C-POD specification

Angle sensing

The angle-from-vertical is recorded each minute, enabling the user to check after deployment that the C-POD was deployed in a vertical position, and giving information on currents. A range of angles at which the POD will log can be set.

Batteries

Battery packs hold 10 alkaline D-cells. The battery housing is sprung to reduce battery damage from end impacts.

Buoyancy

Approximately 0.7 kg. This makes C-PODs self-orientating and increases the chance of recovery if the mooring fails. A web link engraved on the outside has enabled many PODs to be returned to their owners by people who have found them on sea shores, sometimes more than 2,500 km from home.

Cetacean detection

Coherent click trains are extracted and classified by the KERNO classifier. This classifier is a fixed component of the process to give long term uniformity of performance. Secondary encounter classifiers are available to enhance performance in specific locations.

Click selection

Digital time domain waveform analysis, using duration (5μs resolution), intensity, bandwidth, frequency and envelope criteria to select possible cetacean clicks in the range 20-160 kHz.

Detection range

Maximum detection range for porpoises is approximately 400 metres. Dolphins may be detected at >1 km.

Dimensions and weight

Length: 670 mm. Diameter: 90 mm.
2.1 kg without batteries, 3.5 kg with batteries.

Hydrophone & housing

20 kHz to 160 kHz, omni-directional hydrophone in a large-diameter polypropylene housing to reduce surface noise. The transducer mounting and housing design gives high resistance to impact damage.

Maintenance

The external surfaces of the C-POD are simple and tough allowing robust methods of removing bio-fouling. The lids use a dual O-ring design with grease-free lubricants and these have proved highly reliable.

Memory

Removable 8GB SD card. Two SD cards are supplied with each C-POD.

Mooring

3 x 10 mm holes in the lid.

Operation time

Maximum autonomous running times seen are 200-212 days and depend on battery quality. With good quality, high capacity D-cells, more than 4 months can be expected.

Settings

The default settings cover all species and most environments. In locations with high levels of ambient noise, which are usually due to substrate transport by currents, standard low sensitivity settings may be required.

Species classification

Porpoises and other narrow-band high frequency (NBHF) species can be distinguished from broadband species. Some discrimination of groups of species within the broadband species may become possible when sufficient data is available.

Software app

The CPOD app (cpod.exe) carries out objective automated data analysis to find click trains in the data. It also provides fast display and export of data and enables users to change C-POD settings.

Temperature sensing

Temperature is recorded each minute.

Working depth

At least 100 metres. A single POD has been tested to destruction and failed at 220 metres.