UNDERWATER TIMED RELEASE SYSTEM
This underwater release system is used to release one or more lines underwater after a specified period of time. It is commonly used for the release of a float and coil of line that is attached to an object of interest. System features high timing accuracy.
To view the pictures below click on them and use your back arrow to return.
The first picture shows the TRP-45C programmer with a release (TR-45) hand held
in the correct position for programming it. Programming transfers the
time-until-release (TUR) from the programmer into the release. The second
picture shows 10 underwater release units (TR-45) with links (LK-40) removed for
display on the five units on the left. The third picture is a close up of
the links (LK-40) which perform the release action by eroding away at the two
exposed stainless steel spots at the base of the yellow painted hoop. The
fourth picture shows the replacement battery access on the programmer (TRP-45C).
This picture
is a side view showing how to make the connection between the programmer (on the left)
and a release unit (on the right). This connection is held for about three seconds
permitting the programmed time-until-release (TUR) to transfer to the release unit. The
programmer is the newer TRP-45C which supercedes the older TRP-45B. Click to enlarge use back arrow to return.
This picture shows how an erosion link is installed and held in place.
The two small exposed places at the base of the stainless steel erosion loop can
be seen on the two LK-40 links. Click to enlarge use back arrow to return.
1. Worst case timing error of +/- 2 minute per month to initiation of release. (Upon initiation of release it takes an additional time of 10 to 20 minutes for the erosion to complete and the associated release to occur.)
2. User selectable time-until-release from zero to 170 days in 7.5 minute steps. ( Model TRP-45C)
3. Adjustable time-until-release (TUR) by pressing the INCREASE or the DECREASE switch on the programmer (TRP-45C).
4. Simple programming of a release unit by first setting the desired time-until-release (TUR) in the programmer, selecting 'Transfer time into release.' from the menu, pressing the 'ACCEPT' switch and then touching the two contacts to the release. Within 3 seconds the transfer is complete and the message 'Successfully programmed unit.' is displayed.
5. Full verification upon each programming that the time-until-release (TUR) transferred correctly.
6. During programming the batteries in the release are measured under load and the voltage displayed.
7. A release unit can be reprogrammed at any time.
8. Many release units can be quickly programmed to the same time delay.
9. Simple replacement of an expired erosion link by unscrewing retainer cap on the release.
10. Only need to stock one kind of erosion link which is good for all time-until-release times.
11. Operating depth is 0 to 800 feet (244 meters).
12. Release can use either three Lithium L91 Energizer AA batteries (in series) or four Alkaline AA batteries (in series). The Lithium batteries are recommended and are supplied with the TR-45 underwater release. They should give an average of 100+ releases over a period of years without having to change them (assumes using the LK-40 release link). They have a shelf life of 15 years and work well in cold water. (Expect 33+ releases with the LK-80).
13. Battery contact failure in the release is prevented by using welded connections (or special battery-specific soldered connections). (Note: A special battery replacement procedure is required but is unlikely to be needed due to the long battery life of the unit).
14. Programmer uses two 9 volt alkaline batteries of the commonly available type. One set of programmer batteries are good for 50 hours of continuous use. An auto shutoff makes programmer battery usage negligible.
MODEL TR-45 RELEASE UNIT. This release unit is deployed underwater and contains a micro computer and batteries and holds a replaceable release link with a screw on retainer cap. It is programmed to the time delay desired by electrical contact with the contacts on a programmer before deployment underwater. Release is initiated with +/-2 minute per month of accuracy. After release initiation it takes typically another 10 to 20 minutes for the link erosion to complete with link LK-40 (15 to 30 minutes for link LK-80). (Note: This release works in ocean water and typical bay water. It will not work in fresh water since the electrolytic erosion will not occur at a fast enough rate). Size: 1.3 inch diameter by 17 inches long.
MODEL LK-40 EROSION LINK. The erosion link is a small loop of stainless steel wire encapsulated in a holder. The erosion link effects the release by fast electrolytic erosion of the exposed stainless steel part of its loop thereby freeing any line passed through it. This occurs when a positive voltage is connected to it by the internal electronic timer. It is partially coated with an epoxy coating to restrict the intended erosion to two points at the base of the loop to speed the release and save on battery drain. The erosion links are replaced after each release. An O-ring is used to keep salt water out of the contact cavity. The model LK-40 erosion loop is made from 0.025 inch diameter stainless steel alloy 308 wire and will accept a 1/8 inch diameter line. The model LK-40 is rated at 40 lb on-axis load and breaks at approximately 160 lb.
MODEL LK-80 EROSION LINK. This erosion link is the same as the LK-40 except it is rated at 80 lb on-axis maximum and is made of 0.035 inch diameter stainless steel alloy 316L.
MODEL TRP-45C PROGRAMMER. This programmer is used for entering the desired time delay into the release unit. It has an LCD display (two 16 characters rows). It holds the time-until-release (TUR) as set using an 'INCREASE' / 'DECREASE' momentary switch. Once set this time-until-release (TUR) is transferred to a release unit (TR-45) by hand held contact. At this moment the timing starts. The display reports 'Successfully programmed unit.' only if programming was successful including verification. After programming, the display shows the battery voltage of the release batteries (tested under electrical load).
Click one of the following to view the full Instruction Manual with Specifications:
TR-45 with TRP-45C (new model). [xxx.htm format]
TR-45 with TRP-45C (new model). [xxx.pdf format]
(Use back arrow to return).
| Release unit TR-45 | $165.00 |
| Programmer TRP-45C | $595.00 |
| Replaceable release link LK-40 (40 lb load) | $4.50 |
| Replaceable release link LK-80 (80 lb load) | $6.00 |
| Battery replacement at factory for TR-45 release unit | $45.00 |
SUB SEA SONICS
5485 55th Street, Suite 21A
San Diego, CA 92115-1240
Phone (619) 286-7546
CONTACT: Dave Brem at (619) 286-7546
