> Can any subscribers help with the name of suppliers who manufacture acoutic
> release devices for, eg, fish traps?

Hi Ross,

        Your above request for information on acoustic release devices
indicates a fish trap application. This suggests to me that you are
probably looking for a small low cost device rather than an
oceanographic instrument release.  Other than their high cost, the
other potential problem with an oceanographic type release is that
they placed in line with a mooring system below the equipment to be
released. This requires that the equipment be suspended off the
bottom with subsurface floats.

        Alternatives to such release types are pop-up floats which simply
release a small float on a light line. The line can then be used to
haul up the equipment, or the end of a heavier hauling line from a
rope canister.

        Another alternative is to purchase the acoustic release electronics
and design your own mechanism. This allows some unique devices to be
constructed such as forced galvanic corrosion links, balloon
inflation, exploding bolt etc.

Best regards



Fred Voegeli

VEMCO Limited
100 Osprey Drive
Shad Bay, Nova Scotia
Canada, B3T-2C1
Phone: 902-852-3047
Fax:   902-852-4000