RigidEnhancer Hydrophone Preamplifier

Product Description

The Preamplifier RigidEnhancer 1 has a low noise level which is provided by using the low noise, precision Op Amp chip LT1792. This chip is specifically designed for hydrophone preamplifiers. The hydrophone preamplifier circuit is specifically balanced for use with all of our hydrophones AquaHear 1, AquaHear 1.5, and AquaHear 2 with a capacity of up to 40nF.

The internal shielding of the circuit also guarantees a low noise level.

The output provides the required signal value for connecting the hydrophone to an amplifier, recorder, or other sound equipment.

The preamplifier requires a power of 9V DC from the standard battery which can be connected through a snap connector clip lead wires holder. The external snap connector is designed like so to provide you with the quickest and easiest way to change the battery. To keep the battery visible, accessible, and close to the preamplifier the holder cavity is designed to be semi-open. The battery’s external dimensions usually vary so the battery holder is designed to be a little bit wider. To adjust the holder size to the specific battery size if it is less than the holder, the user can put a small piece of insulating tape on one internal holder side if required.

The preamplifier provides adjustable gain from 10Db to 26Db. According to our experience, this gain is enough to get the required sensitivity in 99% of user requirements. If another gain value is required you can contact us and we can provide a custom design in the framework of electrical circuit capability. The preamplifier has an external 4-position switch for the manual gain adjustment. It provides the gain options of 10Db, 15Db, 20D, and 26Db.

The case is produced by 3D printing and provides the required durability for long-term use.

The preamplifier has a BNC female input connector therefore a hydrophone can be directly connected to it.  The output is a 3.5mm audio socket so the device can be directly connected to any audio equipment by using a 3.5mm to 3.5mm Aux adapter cable.

RigidEnhancer 1 Preamplifier Specification

Electrical

• Supply voltage: 9V DC
• Adjustable gain: 10Db, 15Db, 20Db, and 26Db
• Input capacity: ≤40nF

Connections

• Input: BNC female connector
• Output: 3.5mm audio mono socket
• Battery: 9V snap connector clip lead wires holder

Physical

• External dimensions: Length – 82mm, Width – 51.5mm, Hight – 30.2mm
• Weight: 43g

Quick Start

To start the recording, all you need is the simplest kit including a hydrophone (Optimally one of our home models: AquaHear 1, AquaHear 1.5, or AquaHear 2), the RigidEnhancer 1 preamplifier, 3.5mm to 3.5mm Aux cable, and any sound recorder. For headphone users, we recommend using a headphone amplifier.