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Merged
thilo-huck merged 5 commits into from
Sep 22, 2026
Merged

Locator u1 charging led #125

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db7038a
Locator U1 update ++
wl-estensd Sep 17, 2026
3089d28
fix tables
wl-estensd Sep 17, 2026
1cee1ad
added color
wl-estensd Sep 17, 2026
c146f99
Updated based on feedback
wl-estensd Sep 21, 2026
5d67782
Time sync
wl-estensd Sep 21, 2026
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77 changes: 76 additions & 1 deletion docs/css/extra.css
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Original file line number Diff line number Diff line change
Expand Up @@ -148,7 +148,7 @@ html {
/* Wire-colour / LED swatches — drawn in CSS instead of emoji so they look pixel-identical
on every OS & browser. Emoji such as ⬜/⚪ are rendered by each device's own emoji font
(white/silver ones can look pink or oddly bordered on some platforms); these boxes don't
depend on that font. Used in dvl/electrical.md. Squares = wire colours, circles = LEDs. */
depend on that font. Used in dvl/electrical.md and the underwater-gps pages. Squares = wire colours, circles = LEDs. */
.swatch {
display: inline-block;
width: .85em;
Expand All @@ -165,11 +165,86 @@ html {
.c-orange { background: #ef6c00; }
.c-brown { background: #5d4037; }
.c-silver { background: #c0c0c0; }
.c-white { background: #fff; }
.c-blue { background: #1565c0; }
.c-ledon { background: #2ecc40; }
.c-ledoff { background: #3a3a3a; }
.c-green-white { background: linear-gradient(90deg, #2e7d32 50%, #fff 50%); }
.c-orange-white { background: linear-gradient(90deg, #ef6c00 50%, #fff 50%); }
.c-brown-white { background: linear-gradient(90deg, #5d4037 50%, #fff 50%); }
.c-blue-white { background: linear-gradient(90deg, #1565c0 50%, #fff 50%); }

/* --- Animated LED indicators ---------------------------------------------------------
Visualise how a status LED behaves (solid, blinking, breathing) next to its written
description. Pure CSS, no JavaScript. Usage in Markdown:
<span class="led led--blink" role="img" aria-label="LED flashing once per second"></span>
Modifiers: led--off, led--on, led--blink (1 Hz), led--blink-slow, led--blink-fast, led--breathe.
Timings are illustrative, not exact firmware values. Used in underwater-gps/locators/locator-u1.md
and underwater-gps/interface/ugps-led.md. Under prefers-reduced-motion the animations stop and
each pattern is shown as a static half-lit LED with a dashed ring, so the text carries the meaning. */
.md-typeset .led {
--led-on: #2ecc40;
--led-off: #3a3a3a;
--led-glow: 0 0 .35em .1em rgba(46, 204, 64, .75);
display: inline-block;
width: .9rem;
height: .9rem;
border-radius: 50%;
border: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, .45);
background: var(--led-off);
vertical-align: middle;
}
[data-md-color-scheme="slate"] .md-typeset .led { border-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, .5); }
.md-typeset .led--on { background: var(--led-on); box-shadow: var(--led-glow); }
.md-typeset .led--blink { animation: led-blink 1s steps(1, end) infinite; }
.md-typeset .led--blink-slow { animation: led-blink 2.5s steps(1, end) infinite; }
.md-typeset .led--blink-fast { animation: led-blink .25s steps(1, end) infinite; }
.md-typeset .led--breathe { animation: led-breathe 3s ease-in-out infinite; }
@keyframes led-blink {
0% { background: var(--led-on); box-shadow: var(--led-glow); }
50% { background: var(--led-off); box-shadow: none; }
}
@keyframes led-breathe {
0%, 100% { background: var(--led-off); box-shadow: none; }
50% { background: var(--led-on); box-shadow: var(--led-glow); }
}
@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) {
.md-typeset .led--blink,
.md-typeset .led--blink-slow,
.md-typeset .led--blink-fast,
.md-typeset .led--breathe {
animation: none;
background: linear-gradient(90deg, var(--led-on) 50%, var(--led-off) 50%);
outline: 1px dashed currentColor;
outline-offset: 2px;
}
}
/* Static timing strip shown next to an animated LED: 3 seconds of the pattern drawn as a bar
(green = on, dark = off), so patterns can be compared at a glance, in print, and with reduced
motion. Decorative: mark it aria-hidden, the LED span carries the accessible label.
<span class="led-wave led-wave--blink" aria-hidden="true"></span>
Scale: the strip is 4.5rem wide = 3 s, so 1 s = 1.5rem. */
.md-typeset .led-wave {
--led-on: #2ecc40;
--led-off: #3a3a3a;
display: inline-block;
width: 4.5rem;
height: .5rem;
margin-left: .4rem;
border-radius: .15rem;
border: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, .45);
background: var(--led-off);
vertical-align: middle;
}
[data-md-color-scheme="slate"] .md-typeset .led-wave { border-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, .5); }
.md-typeset .led-wave--on { background: var(--led-on); }
.md-typeset .led-wave--blink { background: repeating-linear-gradient(90deg, var(--led-on) 0 .75rem, var(--led-off) .75rem 1.5rem); }
.md-typeset .led-wave--blink-slow { background: repeating-linear-gradient(90deg, var(--led-on) 0 1.875rem, var(--led-off) 1.875rem 3.75rem); }
.md-typeset .led-wave--blink-fast { background: repeating-linear-gradient(90deg, var(--led-on) 0 .1875rem, var(--led-off) .1875rem .375rem); }
.md-typeset .led-wave--breathe { background: repeating-linear-gradient(90deg, var(--led-off) 0, var(--led-on) 2.25rem, var(--led-off) 4.5rem); }

/* Keep the LED column of indicator tables narrow and centred. */
.md-typeset table td:has(> .led-wave) { white-space: nowrap; }

/* In dark mode, paint a white backing behind content images so any transparent PNG with
dark content (line art, diagrams) stays legible on the dark page; for the many photos and
Expand Down
68 changes: 9 additions & 59 deletions docs/explorer-kit/locators/locator-u1.md
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Expand Up @@ -2,66 +2,16 @@

[Buy Locator-U1 here!](https://waterlinked.com/product/locator-u1/)

## Description
The Locator-U1 is a battery-powered, digital hydroacoustic locator device with an internal GPS-based time-sync module, so no tether is required. It has its own pressure sensor and measures its own depth.

The Locator-U1 is a battery powered, digital hydro acoustic locator device. It carries an internal GPS based time sync module, which means no tether is required. This Locator fits well for divers, ROVs where power is not easily accessible, or other underwater applications.
The Locator-U1 used with the Explorer Kit is the same device that is used with the Underwater GPS G2 system, and it is documented in one place:

The internal battery is rechargeable using the USB-C cable that follows and standard 5V USB charger. Before deployment in water, the Locator-U1 needs to achieve a GPS lock. The integrated status-LED shows the condition of the GPS lock. Once the Locator-U1 has lock it can operate for approximately 6 hours befor needing resync with GPS.
[**Locator-U1 documentation**](../../underwater-gps/locators/locator-u1.md){ .md-button }

The Locator-U1 has a rotary switch located on the inside of the cap. This switch is used to change the channel on which the Locator is transmitting. The same channel needs to be selected in the Water Linked Underwater GPS GUI.
That page covers charging (including the LED behavior for each serial-number range), powering on and off, the LED signals, channel selection, operating time, troubleshooting, and the dimensions.

The Locator has 3 mounting holes on each side for M3 screws. A default bracket is included.

## Charging

Insert included USB-C cable into a wall adapter (2A/5V) and connect it to the Locator-U1. The Locator LED will normally start pulsating while charging and turn solid green once charging has finished.

*Note*: If battery is fully discharged the pulsating will not be activated. The Locator will still charge regardless of the LED not showing the charge indication. The Locator will in this cause show searching for GPS lock or GPS lock achieved indication.

*Note*: Some Locator-U1 units are produced with a fault that causes them to never be able to show the charge indication. The Locator will still charge and operate as normal during use.

Charging time is 7 hours.

## Powering on/off

To power **on** the Locator-U1 simply tighten the lid over the charging port. The the LED will start to blinking indicating that the Locator is searching for GPS lock. The Locator is ready to use when the LED stops blinking and turns solid.
Before powering on, ensure the O-ring within the lid is without damage.

To power **off** the Locator-U1 unscrew the back lid until the LED turns off.

## LED Signals

* No green light: Power is off and the unit is **not ready** for diving.

* Flashing green light (once a second): Searching for GPS lock. The unit is **not ready** to dive.

* Fixed green light: GPS lock is acheived. The unit is ready to dive.

* Flashing green light (slow): GPS lock has been acheived but lost. The unit is ready to dive.

* Pulsating green light : The Locator-U1 is charging. The unit is **not ready** to dive. See charge description above.

* Fast flashing green light (multiple times pr second): Error indication. The unit is **not ready** to dive. Typically this is caused by exceeding dive time and the pressure sensor needing to dry. Charging the Locator is the fastest way to dry the pressure sensor.

!!! warning
The Locator-U1 can only be submerged for about 6 hours. It then needs to dry the pressure sensor in order to give correct depth readings.

## Wiring interface

Because the U1 is battery powered the only interface for it is the charing port which is a standard USB-C type connector.

## Included in package

* Locator-U1

* USB-C charging cable

* Bracket for mounting

## Dimensions

![u1_dimensions](../../img/u1_dimensions.png)

## Datasheet

[Datasheet](https://waterlinked.com/underwater-gps-accessories#Downloads%2FResources)
!!! Note
The Explorer Kit is retired. On the Explorer Kit, the channel of the Locator-U1 is selected in
[Settings](../gui/settings.md) in the Explorer Kit GUI, and it must match the rotary switch inside
the cap of the Locator-U1. Other references on the Locator-U1 page point to the Underwater GPS G2
interface.
16 changes: 8 additions & 8 deletions docs/underwater-gps/integration/bluerov-integration-a1.md
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Expand Up @@ -15,8 +15,8 @@ It contains the following parts (purpose in parentheses)
* rubber pad
* 2 M4x35 Socket head cap screws
* 2 M4 Lock Nuts
2. A female-to-female jumper wire, white/Blue (for locator connection in FXTI)
3. A Binder-connector-pigtail-assembly, with [Binder 770 Series NNC Miniature Cable Connector](https://octopart.com/99-0771-002-08-binder-39031370), pins 1/2: white/blue, pin 7/8: white/brown (analog connection and Powerline connection in FXTI)
2. A female-to-female jumper wire, white/blue <span class="swatch c-white" aria-hidden="true"></span><span class="swatch c-blue" aria-hidden="true"></span> (for locator connection in FXTI)
3. A Binder-connector-pigtail-assembly, with [Binder 770 Series NNC Miniature Cable Connector](https://octopart.com/99-0771-002-08-binder-39031370), pins 1/2: white/blue <span class="swatch c-white" aria-hidden="true"></span><span class="swatch c-blue" aria-hidden="true"></span>, pin 7/8: white/brown <span class="swatch c-white" aria-hidden="true"></span><span class="swatch c-brown" aria-hidden="true"></span> (analog connection and Powerline connection in FXTI)
4. Powerline communication (PLC) module [LX200V30](https://www.rakwireless.com/en-us/products/plc-boards-and-modules/lx200v30-plc-homeplug-av-module) (for Powerline communication in UGPS Topside)
5. 30cm Cat5e cable (for Powerline connection in UGPS Topside)
6. 8 m cable with [Binder 770 connectors](https://www.binder-connector.com/en/products/miniature-circular-connectors/bayonet-ncc-1/99-0771-002-08-bayonet-ncc-male-cable-connector-contacts-8-60-80-mm-unshielded-solder-ip67) "deck extension cable"(for analog connection and Powerline communication between FXTI and UGPS Topside))
Expand Down Expand Up @@ -73,7 +73,7 @@ It contains the following parts (purpose in parentheses)

## Modifications to the BlueROV2

The Locator-A1 will use one of the spare cable penetrators in the back of the BlueROV2 and will connect to the spare green and white twisted pair in the tether. The locator is attached with a mounting bracket included in the BlueROV2 Integration Kit.
The Locator-A1 will use one of the spare cable penetrators in the back of the BlueROV2 and will connect to the spare green and white <span class="swatch c-green" aria-hidden="true"></span><span class="swatch c-white" aria-hidden="true"></span> twisted pair in the tether. The locator is attached with a mounting bracket included in the BlueROV2 Integration Kit.

### Open the electronics enclosure

Expand Down Expand Up @@ -132,7 +132,7 @@ Install the WetLink penetrator with the Locator-A1 cable onto the end cap in the

### Connect Locator-A1 wires to ROV tether

One pair of twisted wires from the Locator-A1 (blue/white) must be connected to a spare twisted pair on the BlueROV2 tether. To solder the wires together you will need:
One pair of twisted wires from the Locator-A1 (blue/white <span class="swatch c-blue" aria-hidden="true"></span><span class="swatch c-white" aria-hidden="true"></span>) must be connected to a spare twisted pair on the BlueROV2 tether. To solder the wires together you will need:

* A soldering iron and solder
* A utility knife, or a sharp blade
Expand All @@ -146,7 +146,7 @@ Remove 5mm wire insulation on both the tether wires and the locator wires with a

Put heat shrink tube onto the wires before soldering.

Connect the Locator-A1 wires (blue/white) to a spare twisted pair of the tether (recommended: green/white) by soldering.
Connect the Locator-A1 wires (blue/white <span class="swatch c-blue" aria-hidden="true"></span><span class="swatch c-white" aria-hidden="true"></span>) to a spare twisted pair of the tether (recommended: green/white <span class="swatch c-green" aria-hidden="true"></span><span class="swatch c-white" aria-hidden="true"></span>) by soldering.

Pull the the heat shrink tube over the solder-connection and shrink it with a hot air gun or alternatively with your soldering iron turned to low.

Expand Down Expand Up @@ -260,7 +260,7 @@ In this step the FXTI will be modified to firstly connect the analog signal of t
In order to make these connections, you will need the following parts and tools:

* Binder-connector-pigtail-assembly (included in the BlueROV2 Integration Kit)
* A female-to-female jumper wire, white/green (included in the BlueROV2 Integration Kit)
* A female-to-female jumper wire, white/green <span class="swatch c-white" aria-hidden="true"></span><span class="swatch c-green" aria-hidden="true"></span> (included in the BlueROV2 Integration Kit)
* 2 mm hex key

Unscrew the connector panel from the FXTI with the hex key and remove one of the black plastic plugs from one of the auxiliary ports.
Expand All @@ -271,11 +271,11 @@ Thread the Binder-connector-pigtail-assembly into the open port and secure in pl

![fxti-add-bulkhead](../../img/fxti-add-bulkhead.png)

Connect the green and white twisted pair of the tether connector to the brown and brown/white pair on the new Binder-connector-pigtail-assembly with the included female-to-female jumper wire.
Connect the green and white <span class="swatch c-green" aria-hidden="true"></span><span class="swatch c-white" aria-hidden="true"></span> twisted pair of the tether connector to the brown and brown/white <span class="swatch c-brown" aria-hidden="true"></span><span class="swatch c-brown-white" aria-hidden="true"></span> pair on the new Binder-connector-pigtail-assembly with the included female-to-female jumper wire.

![fxti-connect-locator-a1](../../img/fxti-connect-locator-a1.png)

Connect the blue and white twisted pair of the Binder-connector-pigtail-assembly to the FXTI Tether Connection PCB, matching the orientation of the pre-installed blue and white wire connections.
Connect the blue and white <span class="swatch c-blue" aria-hidden="true"></span><span class="swatch c-white" aria-hidden="true"></span> twisted pair of the Binder-connector-pigtail-assembly to the FXTI Tether Connection PCB, matching the orientation of the pre-installed blue and white <span class="swatch c-blue" aria-hidden="true"></span><span class="swatch c-white" aria-hidden="true"></span> wire connections.

![fxti-connect-plc](../../img/fxti-connect-plc.png)

Expand Down
4 changes: 2 additions & 2 deletions docs/underwater-gps/integration/bluerov-integration.md
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Expand Up @@ -11,15 +11,15 @@ The Water Linked Underwater GPS G2 (from now UGPS) system can be integrated with
## Alternative integration methods
* If you wish to use a [Locator-A1](../locators/locator-a1.md), however you wish to avoid purchasing the full integration kit then this can be done. The Locator-A1 must be installed on the ROV and connected to the G2 Topside and then it is necessary to set-up a network bridge. The steps in these sections are relevant
* [Modifications to the BlueROV2](bluerov-integration-a1.md#modifications-to-the-bluerov2)
* [Modifications to the FXTI](bluerov-integration-a1.md#modifications-to-the-fxti) with the deviation that the blue/white twisted pair between Tether Connection PCB and Binder-connector-pigtail-assembly does not need to be connected.
* [Modifications to the FXTI](bluerov-integration-a1.md#modifications-to-the-fxti) with the deviation that the blue/white <span class="swatch c-blue" aria-hidden="true"></span><span class="swatch c-white" aria-hidden="true"></span> twisted pair between Tether Connection PCB and Binder-connector-pigtail-assembly does not need to be connected.
* [Establish a network connection with a network bridge](bluerov-integration-u1.md#establish-a-network-connection-between-ugps-topside-bluerov2-and-topside-computer)
* [Final steps](#final-steps-of-integration-independent-of-locator)


* If you wish to use the [Locator-U1](../locators/locator-u1.md), however you wish to avoid the complication in setting up a network bridge, it is possible to integrate by using the [BlueROV2 Integration Kit](https://waterlinked.com/shop/underwater-gps-g2-bluerov2-integration-kit-103). The steps in these sections are relevant
* [Mount the Locator-U1 to the BlueROV2 frame](bluerov-integration-u1.md#mount-the-locator-u1-to-the-bluerov2-frame)
* [Modifications to the UGPS Topside](bluerov-integration-a1.md#modifications-to-the-ugps-topside)
* [Modifications to the FXTI](bluerov-integration-a1.md#modifications-to-the-fxti) with the deviation that the green/white twisted pair between tether and Binder-connector-pigtail-assembly does not need to be connected.
* [Modifications to the FXTI](bluerov-integration-a1.md#modifications-to-the-fxti) with the deviation that the green/white <span class="swatch c-green" aria-hidden="true"></span><span class="swatch c-white" aria-hidden="true"></span> twisted pair between tether and Binder-connector-pigtail-assembly does not need to be connected.
* [Establish a network connection with powerline communication](bluerov-integration-a1.md#establish-a-network-connection-between-ugps-topside-bluerov2-and-topside-computer)
* [Final steps](#final-steps-of-integration-independent-of-locator)

Expand Down
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