Ice Beacon

Overview

The family of MetOcean Telematics Ice Beacons consists of a group of products that use two basic hull shapes and a wide variety of sensors. Ice Beacons measure ice movement (GPS position), atmospheric parameters, ice thickness and temperatures, and subsurface parameters.

Depending on the requirements, either a tubular hull (10 cm diameter by 70 cm) or a large canister hull (54 cm diameter by 30 cm) can be chosen. All hulls are constructed of aluminum. Heights of either hull type can be increased to accommodate additional batteries and/or a larger sensor payload. The tubular hull is intended to be secured in a hole drilled into the ice, providing excellent stability and eliminating the need for guide lines. It has a satellite antenna mast with the GPS antenna located on top. It is particularly compact and light. The canister hull rests directly on the ice surface and has a 10 cm diameter mast containing the satellite antenna.

If external sensors are used, then either waterproof connectors or potted fittings are used to route signal cables. Both beacon types are fully watertight and are activated by the removal of a magnet, which is affixed with Velcro to the outside of the hull.