Normally it would have a very limited range, but in underwater environments such as on Manaan the signal would be amplified. The weapon was designed to be attached to an envirosuit, and used when wildlife go too close. The Jedi Revan found one in the station and it proved to be a vital piece of equipment in order for him to reach the Star Map on the ocean floor. Sonic emitter were also used on the planet Taris, centuries later, to repel wildlife from supply routs.