1973
Mesotech Systems Ltd. founded in North Vancouver, BC by four local entrepreneurs. The original office was located at 1174 Welch Street, North Vancouver. The name "Mesotech" was derived from the Auguste Piccard "mesoscaphe".
Kongsberg Discovery Canada designs and manufactures a range of underwater acoustic products. The sea is our natural environment. For decades, we have worked to explore and harness its potential.
Our dedication to the sea has fostered deep knowledge of this demanding environment, helping us to deliver extreme performances for extreme conditions and solve operational challenges.
We know and understand the challenges the world is facing with sustainability. We develop solutions and products that are key to understanding environmental implications on the ocean ecosystem. With decades of in-house competence and experience, we are a trusted technology partner for our customers.
Mesotech Systems Ltd. founded in North Vancouver, BC by four local entrepreneurs. The original office was located at 1174 Welch Street, North Vancouver. The name "Mesotech" was derived from the Auguste Piccard "mesoscaphe".
From 1973 to 1974, Mesotech Systems develops the first Underwater Telephone, first Pinger (27kHz), first Pinger Receiver, first Acoustic Release Transponder, and first Transponder Interrogator.
Geophysical Logging Trucks for uranium exploration: Downhole probe with resistivity and gamma sensors, and a van with a winch and boom and instrumentation for recording and control. Custom design for Wyoming Minerals.
Recall Buoy: An acoustic release system built for Dome Petroleum and deployed in the Beaufort Sea. These recall buoys were attached to the drillship anchors before they had to leave before freeze-up. The anchors were left in place and in the spring, the buoys could be recalled and would pop up with a rope attached to the anchors. This way the drill ships could be anchored in the exact position they left, and the drill shaft would line up perfectly with the drillhole.
EEL: Geophysical Logging Instrumentation similar to the logging trucks, but deployed in a 20’ flexible tube (which we named “EEL”). It was pulled by a boat along the bottom of a lake in Saskatchewan.
The 952 Profiling Sonar released: Sonar for bottom profiling with plotter records 0.225 deg resolution using stepper motor.
Mesotech Systems moves to 2830 Huntington Place, Port Coquitlam.
The 515 Microprocessor-based Transponder released: Modular system with motherboard and plug-in boards (like the 1071 stack but the boards were about 6” in diameter).
The 961 Profiling Sonar released: Fast sector profiling using a DC motor and encoder for angular position; profiles displayed on a monitor.
The 440 Navigation System was developed, consisting of: 440 Processor, 520 Telemetry Module (for tethered submersible of tow fish), 516 Range Module (long baseline), 518 Bearing Module (short baseline), 517 Orientation Module (compass), 515 Transponders, 519 Responder, 265 Remote Responder, and 315 Power Supply. This was a huge and challenging project for Mesotech. We had an order from IOS that covered some of the development cost and they also provided their research vessel for sea trials.
The 965 released: High Precision (0.1deg beam) Dual Axis Profiler, nicknamed Underwater Theodolite. Designed to place seabed mats and install locks in the Netherlands.
The 514 Ice Keel Profiler released: An up-looking sounder deployed on the seafloor over the winter to measure the depth of icebergs floating by.
Mesotech celebrates its ten-year anniversary.
The 971 released: The first commercially-available Color Imaging Sonar head (675kHz, 0.225 deg resolution). The 971 Processor utilized off-the-shelf Intel CPU and Matrox video boards. Mesotech added telemetry boards and a sample & store board for the sonar range data.
New Altimeters are manufactured and are available in 200 and 675 kHz versions, these have an analog output signal and available in a 2000m and 6000m depth rating.
New High-Frequency Altimeters are manufactured and are available in 1 MHz, 2.25 MHz, and 5 MHz versions, these have an analog output signal and available in a 2000m depth rating. These are used by the scientific community.
New Altimeter with digital output is available in 200 and 675 kHz versions, these have an ASCII output and available in a 2000m and 6000m depth rating.
New Altimeter with digital output, pre-set ranges and user-controlled thresholds and modes. Are available in 200 and 675 kHz versions, these are available with a 2000m and 6000m depth rating.
Mesotech received the “Special Meritorious Award for Engineering Innovation for the 971 by Petroleum Engineering International.
Obstacle Avoidance Sonar for AUVs developed. Based on an array of 200kHz forward looking sounders. Custom designed for the ARCS vehicle developed by ISE.
Bathymetry system developed for the arctic winter. Temperature sensors attached to a long cable floating off a seabed platform. Periodic temperature readings were recorded on non-volatile bubble memory for retrieval in the summer. A bubble memory is based on magnetic bubbles (tiny cores) and therefore doesn’t use power. Now superseded by flash memory.
Re-entry Sonar built for Texas A&M. Had to pass through 8000m of drill pipe and peek out at the end so the pipe, dangling off the ship, could be guided into an existing drillhole. Titanium design with 2.25” diameter motor end to fit through the drill bit. Had to operate on 11,000m of cable. This is when we designed the LF telemetry later used for the trawl sonars and 11k sonars.
The 977 Hybrid Multibeam Sonar released. 7.2 deg sector beamformed with 0.225 deg resolution (32 beams). 360 deg coverage was achieved by mechanically rotating in 7.2 deg steps. This design achieved 971 resolutions in a fraction of time. This was our first entry into multibeam sonars. Beamforming was all done in hardware by using magnetic delay lines!
Cavity Sonar developed: Slim design to fit through a 2.5” pipe, required innovative motor end and electronics designs, +/-180 deg tiltable transducer design to take 360 deg vertical and horizontal profiles of a completely enclosed cavity.
The 978 released: A version of the 977 with a 1kW and steerable narrow beam transmitter, developed for harbor protection in the Baltic Sea.
The FS3300 released: Trawl scanning Sonar head operating at 120 or 330kHz with LF telemetry. An additional sensor module measuring depth, temperature and monitored the catch sensors mounted on the cod end. The system used an external power supply box and the FS3300 Processor.
Neutrally buoyant Side Scan System (the 972) was developed with Offshore Systems for use by the Canadian Navy. The sonar head featured switchable side scan frequencies (120 kHz or 330 kHz), as well as a 200 kHz altimeter, and a 10 kHz Sub-bottom profiler.
Simrad purchased Mesotech and we became known as Simrad Mesotech to enter the Fisheries market.
Ash Pitt Sonar developed: 2.25kHz sonar system to monitor the ash build-up in the hopper of coal-burning power plants.
Kongsberg Mesotech received a contract to supply the Swedish Navy with twelve 971 Scanning Sonar Systems.
The MS940 released: A PC-Based Sonar processor for running under Windows 3.0. The system featured a plugin ISA HF telemetry board and an external power supply/interface box for connecting the sonar head.
Mesotech moved to 1598 Kebet Way, Port Coquitlam.
The MS900 released: In-House designed sonar processor to replace original 971 processor (HF telemetry).
New FS900 processor (LF Telemetry) was designed to replace the original FS3300 processor (based on 971 processor).
New 90 kHz Domed sonar head with Fan/Cone transducer to operate with new FS925 Processor (LF2 Telemetry) which would operate as a forward-looking sonar in conjunction with vertical trawl sonar mounted on Head Rope.
New MS990 Processor (HF Telemetry) was designed to operate up to four scanning sonar heads.
Mesotech celebrates its twenty-year anniversary.
New 992 Simultaneous Dual Frequency Side Scan sonar (120kHz & 330 kHz) was developed to replace the old 972 side scan sonar head and processor. The new 992 utilized a new Interface board for existing MS990 processor and an 8-channel DAT machine for both recording & playback of sonar data.
The MS1000 software released: New software-based sonar processor to operate under Windows 3.1 and NT. The MS1000 software is still in use today!
The 971 heads were introduced with digital telemetry, either RS232 or RS485.
The 50-year anniversary of Operation Hailstone, the massive US attack on Truk Lagoon as an offensive drive against the Imperial Japanese Navy. Mesotech was asked to assist in the search for one outstanding vessel, Katsuragisan Maru, that was never located. Dr. Peter Fox, using our 992 Side scan sonar located the vessel in 32 minutes. Dr Fox had to the opportunity to dive on the vessel, touching it at a depth of 194 ft.
The standard 1000m and 2000m 971 heads with analog and digital telemetry were replaced with a ‘domed’ 6000m design.
Simrad became a part of Kongsberg Maritime AS and we became known as Kongsberg Simrad Mesotech Ltd.
The SM2000 was Kongsberg Mesotech’s first Multibeam sonar. The product was available in both 90 kHz and 200 kHz and was packaged in either aluminum or titanium. The depth ratings ranged from 500m, 3,000m and 6,000m. The SM2000 processor used a modified Industrial Rackmount computer and In-house processing software. The 200 kHz 150-degree configuration was also sold to KM Horten to become part of the EM2000. It was in use until 2011.
807 Altimeters were replaced with a new hardware platform called 1007. They were available in 3,000, 6,000 and 11,000m versions.
Kongsberg Mesotech supported the St Roch II – Voyage of Rediscovery and received an appreciation award from the Vancouver Maritime Museum and the RCMP.
A new High Resolution scanning head (the 1071) was conceived, proto-typed, and sent out to several key customers in the Gulf of Mexico area for testing and feedback. These Hi-Res heads provided customers with their best sonar images! The 1071 was in use until 2010.
The old FS3300 Trawl scanning sonar heads were replaced with the newer 1071 electronics platform. These heads operated at the same FS3300 frequencies of 120 kHz or 330 kHz. The FS3300 sensor module was still in use with the new TS series (the TS10 and TS15). In use until 2008.
Kongsberg Mesotech responded to Search & Recovery teams with a SAR-specific Hi-Res sonar system.
The SL35: A new 90-kHz Hull-Mounted ‘Searchlight’ sonar was developed for the fishing industry. The system included a 90-kHz dome assembly, hydraulic hoist, transceiver box, user-interface box and specific SL35 software running under a Windows platform. In use until 2007.
Kongsberg Mesotech celebrates its thirty-year anniversary.
Kongsberg Mesotech suppled a significant number of 90-kHz 180 & 360 degree SM2000 heads to the Space & Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) as well the Applied Research Laboratory (APL) at the University of Texas. These sonar heads were being used for swimmer detection.
The FS70 released: The old TS series of sonar heads were replaced with a new single unit called FS70. This design used a domed oil-filled assembly and incorporated an updated sensor module within the sonar head housing. The FS70 is still in use today!
1171 released: 1071 Domed Scanning heads were replaced with a new wide-band transceiver platform and called 1171. These heads used two monolithic transducers and have a 4,000m depth rating.
The DDS9000: A new 90-kHz statically mounted Diver Detection system was sold to help protect high-value assets in ports and harbours. The system was available in different configurations, some with 200 degrees of horizontal coverage or others with 360 degrees. A Steerable transmit transducer (STT) was also available. In use until 2014.
The 1171 High Resolution sonars released: The Hi-Res heads are still a winner, still being manufactured for over 20 years. The platform changed from 1071 to 1171, the transducer changed from monolithic to composite around 2015. The Hi-Res heads are still providing customers with their best sonar images!
The DFS75 released: A successor to the FS70 design was released using ADSL digital telemetry. These heads were available in either 120 kHz, 330 kHz, and 675 kHz. The 120 and 330 kHz versions were available in either 40 kHz or 70 kHz catch systems. The 675k kHz unit was available in a 40 kHz configuration. These heads were a part of the FX80 system that added a live video view of the net. The Bridge Control Unit and Power & Telemetry Hub were manufactured by KM Aberdeen. In use until 2020.
1007 Altimeters were replaced with modified firmware and called 1007D. They continue to be available in 3,000, 6,000 and 11,000m versions.
The M3 Sonar released: The SM2000 multibeam product was replaced with a new smaller Multibeam called M3. The M3 operated at 500 kHz and was available in both a 500m and 4,000m package. The M3 operating software required a PC or Laptop running Windows 7. It is still in use today!
The M3 sonar was used in a study funded by British Petroleum to study gas seeps shortly after the Macondo “Deepwater Horizon” incident.
Kongsberg Mesotech was chosen to provide sonar equipment for the DEEPSEA CHALLENGER, the submersible vessel used by James Cameron for his record-breaking solo dive to 10,900m, the first human to dive that depth since Jacques Piccard & Don Walsh dove the Trieste in 1960.
Kongsberg Mesotech celebrates its forty-year anniversary.
Dual M3 sonars were used to successfully capture sediment flows in real-time for what was belived to be the first time. The work has been done by John Hughes Clarke.
An alternative to propeller driven ROVs and AUVs, the Crabster robot is designed to walk along the sea floor on six legs, providing a more stable platform for sonar imaging. Kongsberg Mesotech supplied our Hi-Res scanning head for the Crabster, being operated by the Korean Institute of Science & Technology (KIOST).
The DAS released: A new Dual-Axis Profiling head was initially developed for the Offshore Wind farms and has found a great deal of success in the Ports and Inland Waterways markets. The sonar head operates at 330 kHz and can be operated with the MS1000 software or in Stand-Alone mode. It is still in use today!
The M3 Sonar with Tag activator was designed and used with custom Sonotronics transponder tags, a system that dramatically increased the accuracy for fish identification and abundance survey work when combined data from the Simrad EK80 echo sounder.
1171 Domed Scanning heads were upgraded from monolithic to Composite transducers.
The FM90 released: A new fisheries multibeam head to provide real-time picture of the net and bottom. The FM90 operated at 200 kHz, with 80 beams, each being 3 x 20 degrees. The FM90 included depth, pressure, pitch & roll sensors and was compatible with the PI/PX 40 kHz sensors. The FM90 used VDSL telemetry. In use until 2021.
Clariscan released: 1171 Domed Scanning heads with Composite transducers were fitted with an ‘Acoustic’ lens to provide sharper images. The acoustic lens was a revolutionary step to solve the issue of beam defocusing due to pressure & temperature in domed oil-filled sonar heads. Still in use today.
Kongsberg Mesotech supplied an 11,000m rated sonar head and altimeter to the DSV Submersible ‘Limiting Factor’. This DSV was used by Victor Vescovo to successfully dive to the deepest point in each of the five oceans. This became to be known as the Five Deeps Expedition.
Kongsberg Mesotech was hired by Aquatica Submarine Inc to profile an underwater sink hole off Belize called the Great Blue Hole. The profiling was done with our DAS sonar, operated by Mark Atherton. Sir Richard Branson was also in the expedition team.
1007D Altimeters were replaced with a new hardware platform and called 1107. They continue to be available in 3,000, 6,000 and 11,000m versions.
Kongsberg Mesotech supplied our M3 Sonar head to Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd. for their SPICE AUV (Subsea Precise Inspector with Close Eyes). The AUV is primarily used for pipeline inspections.
The Flexview released: A new smaller 500 kHz M3 Sonar variant specifically designed for small Observation Class ROVs operating between 700 – 1400 kHz. Available in both a 500m and 4,000m package.
The M3 Sonar HF developed: A new High Frequency M3 Sonar multibeam operating between 700 – 1400 kHz. Available in both a 500m and 4,000m package.
Shell Offshore funded the development of a custom M3 Sonar forward-looking sonar (The M3 Sonar FLS) for improved gas seep detection and mapping. Over 80 gas seeps were documented in the Gulf of Mexico.
Kongsberg Mesotech Ltd. re-structured to become Kongsberg Maritime Canada Ltd. but still doing business as Kongsberg Mesotech.
Kongsberg Mesotech has been a supplier to Lockheed Martin for many years. A recent delivery included a 6,000m rated altimeter for their Orca XLUUV (Extra Large Unmanned Undersea Vehicle).
The FX System released: A new FX Surface Telemetry Unit (STU), Headrope Unit, Camera Unit, and underwater telemetry & power Hub were designed & manufactured as an improvement to the original FX80 components.
FM90i released: As part of the FX System, The FM90i uses the more robust ADSL 2 telemetry. The sonar head is compatible with SIMRAD’s PX Trawl Eye system and uses the SR15 sensor receiver.
The M3 Sonar HF was used for the Shell SINAN survey to locate gas and oil seeps. It performed exceptionally well. The fastest time from initial detection to locating the vent source on the seabed was just five minutes.
Kongsberg Mesotech celebrates its fifty-year anniversary.
The M3 Sonar HF and a new four-axis forward-looking sonar called the Cerberus FLS were selected for the new Hugin Edge AUV.
The Sensors and Robotics division was separated from Kongsberg Maritime to become Kongsberg Discovery, an exciting new business area. Kongsberg Mesotech is now known as Kongsberg Discovery Canada Ltd.