SEACAL Digital Data Processing Buoy Acoustic Performance during BERMEX- 83: Quick Look Report

Abstract : A new multi-hydrophone digital buoy system with onboard FFT processing has been developed. Acoustic data from each of eight hydrophones is digitized and real time Fast Fourier Transformed by the buoy's micro-processor. Complex and ensemble averaged spectral results are then written onto a high density digital cartridge tape. An instantaneous dynamic range of at least 72 dB is available over the frequency band 4-350 Hz. The first open ocean test of the system occurred in September 1983 at a deep water location near Bermuda as a part of the BERMEX '83 sea trials. The system performed nearly flawlessly and was recovered intact. Over 75 hours of acoustic data were acquired, including both ambient noise and CW tow measurements. This technical memorandum presents a quick look review of the acoustic results of the sea test.