Remote Operated Vehicles
What is an ROV?
A Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) is essentially an underwater robot that allows the vehicle's operator to remain in a comfortable environment while the ROV works in the hazardous environment below. The total ROV system is comprised of the vehicle, which is connected to the control van and the operators on the surface by an umbilical cable, a handling system to control the cable dynamics, a launch system (such as the A-frame shown in the photo to the right) and associated power supplies. The umbilical carries the power and the command and control signals to the vehicle and the status and sensory data back to the operators topside. In many cases, the umbilical includes additional strength members to allow recovery of heavy devices or wreckage.
ROVs can vary in size from small vehicles with TVs for simple observation up to complex work systems, which can have several dexterous manipulators, TV's, video cameras, tools and other equipment. The range of ROV sizes is shown in the photo below, where several classes of Perry Tritech's vehicles are displayed along with a top hat handling system (cage to right). The mechanism of the top hat handling system, which contains deployable neutrally buoyant cable for local excursions, can be easily seen in the photo above. Such handling techniques allow the heavy umbilical to remain vertical in the water column while the ROV maneuvers with the smaller cable, free of the surface dynamics, which in many cases, can pull the ROV from its work station.
A Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) is essentially an underwater robot that allows the vehicle's operator to remain in a comfortable environment while the ROV works in the hazardous environment below. The total ROV system is comprised of the vehicle, which is connected to the control van and the operators on the surface by an umbilical cable, a handling system to control the cable dynamics, a launch system (such as the A-frame shown in the photo to the right) and associated power supplies. The umbilical carries the power and the command and control signals to the vehicle and the status and sensory data back to the operators topside. In many cases, the umbilical includes additional strength members to allow recovery of heavy devices or wreckage.
ROVs can vary in size from small vehicles with TVs for simple observation up to complex work systems, which can have several dexterous manipulators, TV's, video cameras, tools and other equipment. The range of ROV sizes is shown in the photo below, where several classes of Perry Tritech's vehicles are displayed along with a top hat handling system (cage to right). The mechanism of the top hat handling system, which contains deployable neutrally buoyant cable for local excursions, can be easily seen in the photo above. Such handling techniques allow the heavy umbilical to remain vertical in the water column while the ROV maneuvers with the smaller cable, free of the surface dynamics, which in many cases, can pull the ROV from its work station.
The Value In Videoray Products
Durability
VideoRay's design has been perfected over years of extensive field experience. VideoRays have been deployed all over the world - from the warm, clear, calm waters of the Caribbean to hostile environments in the Arctic. VideoRays have been used in water too polluted for humans and in many places too confined or dangerous for divers to enter.
Materials And Construction
Tough materials -- acrylic domes, anodized aluminum, stainless steel, and Kevlar - used in the VideoRay ensure it will withstand repeated and extended use. The careful assembly, quality controls, and pressure testing in our assembly plants ensure that each unit will continue to provide service for years.
Research and Development
Our ongoing R&D, extensive spare parts supplies, and trained technicians ensure that our customers stay productive with VideoRay technology for years to come.
Warranty
Every VideoRay comes with a two-year, bumper-to-bumper warranty. This covers any failure due to defects in materials and workmanship, so long as maintenance described in the manual is performed. VideoRay also offers an Extended Warranty Program. This meets the needs of our many customers who need a plan where they can count on absolute minimal downtime, a known cost for all repairs and maintenance, and an assurance of the latest technology at all times. Please click here to learn pricing and details about our Extended Warranty Program
Quality Cameras
All VideoRays come equipped with a color camera. The Scouts use a fixed 420 line, 0.3 lux color camera, accompanied by two 20-watt adjustable halogen lights. The Explorers, Pro and Deep Blue Series come with high resolution 570 line, 0.1 lux color cameras, which can be tilted 160 degrees. The Pro and Deep Blue models also include rear-facing black and white cameras with 430 lines, 0.1 lux and a high-powered LED array for illumination.
Sensors
All models, except the Scout Series, include compass, depth sensor and auto depth holding capability. Pro and Deep Blue models can be augmented with a wide assortment of accessories, including grippers, positioning systems, scanning sonar and other sensors. Computer control and instrumentation are available, along with many customizations to meet the needs of diverse underwater professions.
Depth
Scouts and Explorers are depth rated to 76 m (250 ft). The Pro models are depth rated to 152 m (500 ft), and the Deep Blue 305 m (1000 ft).
Weight
The submersible units all weigh less than 4 kilograms (9 pounds) out of the water, and each can be easily deployed by a single person by simply hanging it from its tether and lowering it in the water. The total system weight ranges from 32 kilos (70 pounds) for the Scout to 81 kilos (180 pounds) for the Deep Blue.
Durability
VideoRay's design has been perfected over years of extensive field experience. VideoRays have been deployed all over the world - from the warm, clear, calm waters of the Caribbean to hostile environments in the Arctic. VideoRays have been used in water too polluted for humans and in many places too confined or dangerous for divers to enter.
Materials And Construction
Tough materials -- acrylic domes, anodized aluminum, stainless steel, and Kevlar - used in the VideoRay ensure it will withstand repeated and extended use. The careful assembly, quality controls, and pressure testing in our assembly plants ensure that each unit will continue to provide service for years.
Research and Development
Our ongoing R&D, extensive spare parts supplies, and trained technicians ensure that our customers stay productive with VideoRay technology for years to come.
Warranty
Every VideoRay comes with a two-year, bumper-to-bumper warranty. This covers any failure due to defects in materials and workmanship, so long as maintenance described in the manual is performed. VideoRay also offers an Extended Warranty Program. This meets the needs of our many customers who need a plan where they can count on absolute minimal downtime, a known cost for all repairs and maintenance, and an assurance of the latest technology at all times. Please click here to learn pricing and details about our Extended Warranty Program
Quality Cameras
All VideoRays come equipped with a color camera. The Scouts use a fixed 420 line, 0.3 lux color camera, accompanied by two 20-watt adjustable halogen lights. The Explorers, Pro and Deep Blue Series come with high resolution 570 line, 0.1 lux color cameras, which can be tilted 160 degrees. The Pro and Deep Blue models also include rear-facing black and white cameras with 430 lines, 0.1 lux and a high-powered LED array for illumination.
Sensors
All models, except the Scout Series, include compass, depth sensor and auto depth holding capability. Pro and Deep Blue models can be augmented with a wide assortment of accessories, including grippers, positioning systems, scanning sonar and other sensors. Computer control and instrumentation are available, along with many customizations to meet the needs of diverse underwater professions.
Depth
Scouts and Explorers are depth rated to 76 m (250 ft). The Pro models are depth rated to 152 m (500 ft), and the Deep Blue 305 m (1000 ft).
Weight
The submersible units all weigh less than 4 kilograms (9 pounds) out of the water, and each can be easily deployed by a single person by simply hanging it from its tether and lowering it in the water. The total system weight ranges from 32 kilos (70 pounds) for the Scout to 81 kilos (180 pounds) for the Deep Blue.
Why Videoray?
With ROVs starting under $10,000 (in the US), the cost is quickly justified when compared to commercial dive missions or funding the purchase, mobilization, staffing, and operation of larger ROVs.
Portability
One person can transport the tiny 8-pound sub, control box and tether. The Scout system weighs less than 70 pounds and packs neatly in one rolling Pelican case. All other systems fit in two Pelican cases that can be transported in a car trunk or helicopter, or checked as airline baggage.
Usability
Driving the VideoRay is similar to operating a video game. A specially trained ROV pilot is not needed. (In fact, kids raised on video games routinely put adults to shame piloting VideoRay.). VideoRay is equally at home with a search and rescue team as it is with a yacht owner enjoying live views of a coral reef in St. Thomas. Additional controls on advanced models include front camera focus and tilt, rear camera selection and automatic depth holding (see the product detail pages for complete lists of features and capabilities of each model).
Safety
Since VideoRay uses less than 500 watts of power, a car or marine battery with inverter, small gasoline generator, or any 100-240 VAC outlet powers the control box and submersible. The current running through the tether to the submersible is a comparatively safe 48 VDC, rather than the possibly lethal 360-plus VDC used by other ROVs. This makes it safe for divers to handle the submersible in the water, and for kids to swim with it in a pool.
Reach
Standard tether lengths vary by model, but additional neutral, negative, and positively buoyant tethers can be added to extend the overall reach of the VideoRay up to 1,100 feet. Tethers are available in a variety of lengths to meet the needs of particular water conditions or projects.
With ROVs starting under $10,000 (in the US), the cost is quickly justified when compared to commercial dive missions or funding the purchase, mobilization, staffing, and operation of larger ROVs.
Portability
One person can transport the tiny 8-pound sub, control box and tether. The Scout system weighs less than 70 pounds and packs neatly in one rolling Pelican case. All other systems fit in two Pelican cases that can be transported in a car trunk or helicopter, or checked as airline baggage.
Usability
Driving the VideoRay is similar to operating a video game. A specially trained ROV pilot is not needed. (In fact, kids raised on video games routinely put adults to shame piloting VideoRay.). VideoRay is equally at home with a search and rescue team as it is with a yacht owner enjoying live views of a coral reef in St. Thomas. Additional controls on advanced models include front camera focus and tilt, rear camera selection and automatic depth holding (see the product detail pages for complete lists of features and capabilities of each model).
Safety
Since VideoRay uses less than 500 watts of power, a car or marine battery with inverter, small gasoline generator, or any 100-240 VAC outlet powers the control box and submersible. The current running through the tether to the submersible is a comparatively safe 48 VDC, rather than the possibly lethal 360-plus VDC used by other ROVs. This makes it safe for divers to handle the submersible in the water, and for kids to swim with it in a pool.
Reach
Standard tether lengths vary by model, but additional neutral, negative, and positively buoyant tethers can be added to extend the overall reach of the VideoRay up to 1,100 feet. Tethers are available in a variety of lengths to meet the needs of particular water conditions or projects.