New
VideoRay Deep Blue MicroROV Reaches Underwater Depths to 1000
Feet
New Deeper Water Unit for ROV
Surveys Includes Onboard Scanning Sonar and Tether Deployment System;
Use a PC to Control, Display, Record Video and Instrument Data
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version
 Oceanology International, London, March 16, 2004 – VideoRay
announced today the VideoRay Deep Blue, a remotely operated vehicle
that reaches to depths of 1000 feet (305 m) to study bottom communities
and monitor aquatic communities short or long term. Breaking through
price barriers to make deep research more affordable, the Deep
Blue can be computer controlled from a laptop PC to open new possibilities
for gathering and analyzing biological and physical data. The Deep
Blue has a built-in SeaSprite scanning sonar, which is ideal for
performing ROV surveys to study dark waters or benthic communities
near wells, as requested by the Minerals Management Service in
the Gulf of Mexico. See VideoRays in booth 357, 543 with Tritech,
622 with Atlas Marine, and 840 with Nautikarus.
Compact, non-invasive, and fascinating to sea life, the Deep Blue
hosts the world’s smallest sonar as a standard feature. This
onboard scanning sonar helps depict bottom conditions and outcroppings
and aids in navigation. The sonar can also be used to locate underwater
targets, which the Deep Blue can then inspect visually for positive
identification or using other sensors for further analysis. The
Deep Blue can also host hull inspection software, thickness gauges,
manipulators, and radiation sensors that can be quickly installed
and configured in the field in minutes.
“
The VideoRay Deep Blue reaches a new frontier in lower-cost, deeper
water microROVs,” says Scott Bentley, president of VideoRay. “Our
customers will be impressed with the performance of the Deep Blue,
whether free diving or using it to swim out from a larger ROV.”
Foremost on the list of Deep Blue’s features is the ability
to now control the unit from a laptop computer, using wired or
wireless video game controllers. Using a computer as the controller
creates
unique opportunities for innovative interfaces and integration
with other software programs. For example, computer control will
allow the Deep Blue to be piloted without a joystick, using a mouse
or pen or remotely via network protocols. In addition to the normal
heads up display of basic dive parameters, data from sonar, positioning
systems, or other sensors, can also be overlaid and/or recorded
using one system. Further integration will allow the Deep Blue
to be piloted under software control for autonomous functionality.
Operated like a remote control plane underwater, the Deep Blue
flies on up to 1100 feet (335 m) of tether, and features superior
performance, reliability and ease of maintenance. The streamlined
design includes rod-less thrusters and increased thrust from 60
mm props for significantly higher thrust–to-drag ratios.
The Professional Performance Package (PPP) for increased speed
also comes standard on the Deep Blue. The new design also incorporates
lights that can be changed without tools and the lighting system
uses standard off-the-shell PAR lamps for a wide range of lighting
choices. Additionally, thruster shaft seals are translucent and
visible from the exterior. Shaft seal inspections can be accomplished
quickly and without down time.
Standard cameras include a forward-looking high-resolution color
camera (570 line/0.1 lux, wide angle lens), and a high-resolution,
high-sensitivity black and white camera in the rear. The focus
and tilt of the front camera can be adjusted with up to 160 degrees
of tilt.
Composite video from the Deep Blue allows operators to see underwater
views on the 5-inch topside monitor, or on optional displays monitors.
A power tap and recess are built into the control panel to support
a variety of recording devices such as a Sony GV-D1000 DVD recorder,
or, alternatively, a microcomputer. The system also includes a
mini lapel microphone to audio annotate video as it is recorded.
The Deep Blue is delivered to support either NTSC or PAL video
formats to accommodate video standards worldwide.
An LCD display on the control panel shows depth, compass heading,
time and date. This information can alternatively be placed on
the video screen. The built-in depth sensor and auto-depth holding
software in the controller lets the VideoRay Deep Blue maintain
its depth. The Deep Blue submersible requires less than 300 watts
of 100-240VAC power and can be plugged into a standard wall outlet,
a battery with inverter, or a small generator. The maximum voltage
in the tether is a safe 48VDC.
Also included in the purchase of a Deep Blue is attendance at the
VideoRay International Partner Symposium for training, or membership
in the Comprehensive Support and Maintenance Program (CSMP) for
one year. CSMP membership entitles the owner to 24/7 phone service
to prevent downtime during field operations; insurance from all
losses except theft or intentional damage; and other benefits.
The entire Deep Blue system with the extra capacity Tether Deployment
System weighs less 165 pounds (75 kg). It includes the Deep Blue
submersible, integrated control box (ICB) with new built-in monitor,
1000 feet of negatively-buoyant and 100 feet of neutrally-buoyant
tether. The unique Tether Deployment System (TDS) easily reels
the tether in and out and eliminates clutter in the operating area.
An owner’s manual, spares, and maintenance kit are all included,
along with a one-year warranty. All components fit neatly into
watertight, rolling Pelican cases sized for the trunk of a car
and airline travel.
ADD ON: Custom negatively and neutrally buoyant tether lengths
to a total of 1100 feet (335 m) can be ordered. Accessories and
options include: the SBL (Short Base Line) Positioning System;
GPS Integrated Tracking;; manipulator; metal thickness gauge; water
quality sonde; Shiphull Inspection software; LAZIC camera; underwater
radiation detector; and 15-inch Samsung or Flatron PIP computer
monitor. New accessories developed for the VideoRay by third parties
will be added throughout the year.
PRICE: $46,500 USD
For pictures and videos online, visit http://www.videoray.com/Press_Room/press_release.htm
For real-life stories of VideoRays, pictures
and videos online, visit http://www.videoray.com
Contact VideoRay LLC • 400 Eagleview Blvd. • Exton,
PA 19341 USA • Phone: (610) 458-3000 • FAX: (610) 458-3010 • www.videoray.com
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