Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for monitoring at fishing vessels to detect blast fishing activity. A blast sensor is mountable to a vessel such that it produces a signal in response to pressure waves in water. A controller receives the signal and is operable to analyze the signal to detect blast events based on signal characteristics. A position measurement device measures a position of the vessel. A transmitter is provided to wirelessly transmit status information including a unique identifier of the monitoring unit and indicative of the position of the monitoring unit and to send a wireless alarm signal in response to a detected blast event.

Abstract: A charge pump device and method for providing power to a microcontroller where the voltage required to operate the microcontroller (VCCmin) is greater than the voltage of the power source, which may be a single galvanic cell. The invention utilizes a flying capacitor circuit having a flying capacitor, and a supply capacitor connected to the power supply terminal of the microcontroller. The invention utilizes firmware that runs on the microcontroller and which controls the flying capacitor circuit to repeatedly switch the flying capacitor from being connected in series with the power source to being connected in parallel with the power source so as to maintain the voltage provided to the microcontroller at a level of at least VCCmin.

Abstract: A charge pump device and method for providing power to a microcontroller where the voltage required to operate the microcontroller (VCCmin) is greater than the voltage of the power source, which may be a single galvanic cell. The invention utilizes a flying capacitor circuit having a flying capacitor, and a supply capacitor connected to the power supply terminal of the microcontroller. The invention utilizes firmware that runs on the microcontroller and which controls the flying capacitor circuit to repeatedly switch the flying capacitor from being connected in series with the power source to being connected in parallel with the power source so as to maintain the voltage provided to the microcontroller at a level of at least VCCmin.