Acoustic modem
The majority of system failures from 1997–1999 can be attributed to acoustic
modem and electrical cable failures. Acoustic modem hardware and software
developments progressed through four distinct phases as noted in Fig. 2.
Each phase was marked by extensive lab and field testing and ultimately
resulted in a more reliable communication link. Many versions of hardware
and software evolved through four primary phases of development. The
acoustic transducer was moved from a wire-mounted version to a buoy bridle
depth of 1.8 m and greatly improved the longevity and deployment ease of
the system. The amount of ship time is dramatically reduced per station by
having all transducers and cable mounted to the buoy bridle.