Subsea Systems, Inc.

General Description

The CTP-800 Underwater Cable Tracker is a replacement for the earlier model CTP-250 which was developed for the U.S. Navy Underwater Construction Team in the early 1980’s. The CTP-800 has improved upon this successful design by adding Digital Signal Processing (DSP) capabilities. All probes are tested to 125 psi and are shipped in a rugged, waterproof carrying case with waterproof operation and maintenance manual. The CTP-800 locates and tracks most cables on which an AC signal can be impressed. Four tracking frequencies allow differentiation between nearby live cables.  

The CTP-800 is equipped with a high intensity LED display for dark water conditions and a diver earphone. Additionally, data can be transmitted to the surface via an RS-485 interface umbilical. Power can also be supplied through the umbilical. 

For ROV operations the CTP-800 is mounted in a compact aluminum housing without the battery compartment. Power is supplied from the ROV and RS-485 data is transmitted to a surface PC for display and storage. Optional Left/Right sensors can be added to simplify the tracking process. 

Diver Operation 

Prior to deployment with the diver, the CTP-800 is preset to the specific frequency that is impressed on the cable to be tracked. Upon determination of the general location, the diver slowly waives the probe across the ocean floor while watching the display or listening for an increase in the earphone signal. 

The tracking operation uses the “null” signal method. To either side of the cable, the indicator lights are at maximum level (peak). However, as the probe nears the cable, the number of display lights that are lit decrease. When the probe is directly above and pointed straight down the cable, the display lights decrease to a minimum reading and the cable position is very accurately determined.  

The electronics are sensitive enough that in many cases, the cable can be located from the surface, saving valuable time and resources. After cable location, the diver can be deployed for precise tracking.

 ROV Operation 

The ROV tracking operation is similar to the diver method and also uses the “null” method for accurate determination of cable position. The tracking sensor and electronics canister are mounted on the ROV. Power is supplied from the ROV and the RS-485 sensor data are transmitted to a surface PC display. To simplify operations, optional left and right direction sensors may also be installed on the ROV. 

Specifications

Maximum Operating Depth for Diver Tool: 250 feet (76.2 meters)

Weight in Air: 4.1 pounds (1.9 kg)

Weight in Seawater: 0.4 pounds (0.18 kg) negative

Outputs:16 Led light bar display in 6 db steps, Audio to diver earphone, RS-485 data to surface

Battery Type: 6 each, AAA Alkaline

Battery Mission Life: 8 hours minimum

Applications

Telecommunications

Survey/Mapping

Maintenance and Inspection

Cable Fault Location

Features

Locates and tracks surface-laid and buried cables

Four standard preset frequencies (25, 50, 60, 1024 Hz)  

Frequency and Gain set by Optical Touch Switch or software command via umbilical (option)  

45 Degree Tilt Sensor enables estimation of Cable Burial Depth

Warning lights: Leak detection and Low Battery

Options

Special Frequency Settings

Computer Display Configurations for Surface Monitoring

ROV Configuration with Right/Left Direction and Center Null Indication

DOWNLOAD PDF FILE:     CTP800-ds01.pdf