Introduction
This manual provides the product description of the Tersus TheDuck™ USV, introducing the product overview, usage scenarios, features, and instructions for use.
Overview
TheDuck™ represents a smart, efficient, and productive unmanned surface vessel equipped with a single-beam echo sounder. It provides a fast, dependable, and portable solution to perform bathymetric surveys in various environments, such as rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and coastal areas. With its advanced capabilities and user-friendly design, TheDuck™ is a powerful tool for professionals in bathymetry, offering unparalleled accuracy and precision in the collection of positioning and depth data.
Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Compact Survey USV | Designed for bathymetric surveys in lakes, rivers, and coastal areas — efficient and easy to deploy |
| Durable M-Shaped Hull | Lightweight PP alloy structure ensures strength, speed, and excellent stability |
| Anti-Entanglement Propulsion | Twin ducted propellers reduce risks from fishing nets, weeds, and surface debris |
| Reliable Long-Range Control | Dual 2.4 GHz antennas enable up to 2 km transmission with stable signal and auto-return safety |
| Effortless Operation | Portable and easy to handle — from transport to setup and full mission execution |
| Expandable GNSS Capability | Supports Oscar/LUKA GNSS receivers and PPP function for precise positioning even in weak network areas |
| Optional Echo Sounder | Available in 100 m/455 kHz or 300 m/200 kHz models to suit different survey depths |
Safety Information
Make sure that you have read and understood all safety requirements before you start using the Tersus product.
Conventions
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Note | Information that supplements or clarifies text |
| Caution | Actions, operation or configuration may lead to incorrect or improper use of the hardware |
| Warning | Actions, operation or configuration may result in regulatory noncompliance, safety issues or equipment damage |
Scope of Application
This manual is intended for technicians in the field of high-precision navigation and positioning, timing, and other related fields.
Support
If there is any problem and the information needed cannot be found in the product documentation, log a technical support ticket at https://tersus.supportsystem.com, or email support@tersus-gnss.com.
Device in the Package
The devices in the package may vary according to customer requirements. The major parts are described below.
TheDuck™ USV Components
| No. | Component | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Millimeter Wave Obstacle Avoidance Radar | Range 0.2–40 m, 77 GHz; Pitch × Azimuth: 15.6° × 112° |
| 2 | HD Camera | White light night vision 30 m, FOV 120°, Resolution 1080P |
| 3 | 2.4 GHz RF Antenna Connector | — |
| 4 | Battery Compartment Cover | — |
| 5 | GNSS Receiver Mount | — |
| 6 | Power Button | — |
| 7 | Serial Cable | For Oscar/LUKA |
| 8 | Propeller Plug | Plug in when working; pull out when transporting |
| 9 | Battery Compartment | — |
| 10 | ES200 Single Beam Echo Sounder (SBES) | Default 0.15–100 m, 455 kHz; Optional 0.15–300 m, 200 kHz; with 16 GB SD card |
| 11 | Battery Connector | Type: XT90S Male |
H20 Remote Control
The H20 remote controller provides manual navigation, operational control, and mode management for the USV.
| No. | Button | Function |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Main Joystick (Left/Right) | Left: Forward/Backward; Right: Left/Right steering; deflection controls speed |
| 2 | 3-Stage Switch (Left) | Arm/Disarm — default Disarm (propellers disabled); press once to Arm |
| 3 | 3-Stage Switch (Right) | Up: Fast Return; Middle: Hold; Down: Remote (Manual) mode |
| 4 | Power Button | Power on: press 1 s to light indicator, then hold 2 s to start. Power off: hold 2 s then tap Power Off icon. Force shutdown: hold 8 s |
| 5 | Connection Indicator | On: connected to USV; Off: not connected |
| 6 | Battery Indicator | Displays remaining battery level |
USV Battery
There are two rechargeable lithium batteries in the package. The USV requires only one battery to operate; the other is provided as a backup. The lithium battery features two ports: the MR60-3P is dedicated to charging, and the XT90S is for connection to the USV.
2.4G Omnidirectional RF Antenna
The two omnidirectional 2.4 GHz RF antennas must be installed on the USV to facilitate real-time peer-to-peer data transmission between the USV and the remote control.
LUKA-TAP GNSS Receiver
The LUKA-TAP GNSS Receiver is a new-generation GNSS RTK system — small, light, and easy to carry and operate. It adopts TAP, the satellite-based precise point positioning service developed by Tersus GNSS, which allows users to achieve centimetre-level high-precision positioning worldwide without a local RTK base station or CORS network.
TC80 Controller
The TC80 is a rugged 8-inch Android tablet controller used to run the Tersus Captain survey software.
Quick Release Adapter
The quick release adapter secures the GNSS receiver to the USV mount and allows fast installation and removal without tools.