F-POD,    LF-POD,   Deep F-POD

 

The different hardware versions of the F-POD all have the same hydrophone and the same main circuit board and pre-amplifier board.

 

The significant differences are in size, running time, and battery types.

 

All F-PODs  and C-PODs with their hydrophones are individually standardised producing a detailed report including the radial senstivity graph shown here.

 

The F-POD and LF-POD are buoyant to assist deployment and recoveries, and these can be fitted with the integral Acoustic Release.

 

.. more specification details..

Standard D-cell F-POD

F-POD dolphin monitoring instruments

The standard F-POD takes 12 (previously 10) D-cells and runs for 5 months on alkaline cells or 9 months on primary (none-rechargeable) lithium cells.

Polypropylene housing. Depth:  100m (or more for older PODs!)

The image shows the slightly longer 12 D-cell F-POD next to the original 10 D-cell F-POD.

Rechargeable Lithium F-POD

The Lithium Rechargeable F-POD is externally identical in length and appearance to the 12 D-cell version but takes 25x 21700 lithium cells and runs for 9+ months.

With 5Ah cells, logging alternate minutes, the running time is over 12 months.

To meet vessel safety standards lithium packs should not be changed at sea. They are in 5 stacks that have built-in short-circuit protection, and diode protection against cells being inserted the wrong way round.

Cells must be bought locally.

Polypropylene housing. Depth:  100m

Little F-POD (Rechargeable Lithium only)

marine acoustic instrument housing

Easier for deployments by fishers on nets.

3+ months continuous running time.

Takes a shorter version of the F-POD's lithium pack to carry 10x 21700 lithium cells.

Polypropylene housing. Depth:  150m

Deep F-POD

Deep water dolphin monitoring instrument

For depths to 2000m

Heavy aluminium housing, as shown. This is supplied with a thick silicone sheath to prevent any metal:metal contacts when deployed.

Battery options are D-cells, which can be alkaline or primary lithium cells. On alkalines the running time is 4-5 months, or 8 months on primary lithiums, and can be nearly doubled by logging alternate minutes - as with all current F-POD versions.

F-POD Acoustic Release

This integral acoustic release will be available in 2025. It will fit as an alternative to the normal lid on enabled standard F-PODs.

Each POD has its own acoustic release code that is sent by a deck unit and actuates the release which has a 160kg breaking strain line for retrieval of the anchor.

A default release date can be set in the POD before deployment, so the POD would release and remain tethered by the retrieval line. This option can be used without a deck unit.

If the batteries are failing release is forced so that it does not become inaccessible.

Veteran C-POD

C-POD porpoise monitoring instruments

This old C-POD is still working normally with a very good calibration result after 15 years of use.

C-PODs are no longer manufactured, but are still in use and there is a supply of replacements as they are released from projects converting to F-PODs.