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

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

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