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 sensitivity 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.
F-POD D12
The original F-POD which took 10 D-cells has now been replaced with a new version which takes 12 D-cells. We no longer manufacture the 10 D-cell version (referred to as F-POD D10). The new F-POD D12 is 50mm longer and runs for at least 5 months on alkaline cells or 9 months on primary (none-rechargeable) lithium cells. In every other way the D12 is identical to the D10.
Polypropylene housing. Depth: 100m (or more for older PODs!)
The image shows the 50mm longer F-POD D12 next to the original F-POD D10 version.
F-POD R25
The Lithium Rechargeable F-POD, now referred to as the F-POD R25, is externally identical in length and appearance to the F-POD D12 but takes 25x 21700 lithium cells and runs for 8+ months.
With 5Ah cells, logging alternate minutes, the running time is over 14 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.
Please note that if you are redeploying straight away, and therefore cannot avoid changing to a new set of batteries at sea, you can purchase a second battery holder to allow you to pre-load the cells on land and transport them safely.
Polypropylene housing. Depth: 100m
LF-POD R10
Easier for deployments by fishers on nets.
3+ months continuous running time.
Takes a shorter version of the F-POD R25's lithium pack to carry 10x 21700 lithium cells.
Cells must be bought locally.
Please note that if you are redeploying straight away with a second set of batteries you can purchase a second battery holder to allow you to pre-load the cells on land and transport them safely.
Polypropylene housing. Depth: 150m
Deep F-POD
New Deep F-POD coming soon!
We've discontinued the original model and are developing it's replacement.
The download is for existing users of the old model.
F-POD Acoustic Release
This device screws into the POD in place of the lid. It is in an advanced stage of development.
It enables you to use a small anchor and no line up to a surface buoy. When the POD gets its individual acoustic code from the deck unit it releases and the POD floats up on line that can be used to retrieve the anchor.
Veteran C-POD
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.