Frequently Asked Questions
What does "ROV" mean?
ROV means Remotely Operated Vehicle - the technical term for the VideoRay.
ROVs have been in use for over 30 years. The VideoRay is the world's smallest,
lightest, and most affordable ROV in the world.
Who is VideoRay LLC?
VideoRay LLC is the maker of the world's smallest ROV. Our company is built
on the dream of introducing divers and underwater explorers to an affordable
ROV that could go places no other ROV could go. We founded VideoRay LLC in
1999 to reach scientific, governmental, military, commercial and recreational
industries with our small, affordable, safe, portable ROV. Located in Exton,
Pennsylvania, USA, VideoRay manufactures and markets its ROVs worldwide through
an extensive dealership network. We have in excess of 200 units deployed
worldwide, and demand continues to grow. Many additional units using the
same basic design have been sold since 1989 by the Canadian company that
pioneered the original version of this micro ROV.
What does this product do?
Simply, the VideoRay gives the person in control a set of eyes underwater.
The small submersible has a video camera that captures views of the underwater
world - sea life, dams, wrecks, pipes, tanks, ship hulls, ports - anything
you can imagine. What the VideoRay sees underwater can be viewed live or
recorded. It can get into tight or enclosed spaces that are hazardous for
divers, enter toxic environments, and go places where humans either cannot
fit, cannot physically handle, or that are too dangerous to risk a dive.
What makes the VideoRay different from
other ROVs?
Unlike other ROVs, VideoRay is equally at home with the search and rescue team
on a body search as with a yacht owner enjoying live views of a coral reef
in St. Thomas. The VideoRay stands out among other ROVs for its affordability,
portability, usability, and safety. One person can transport the tiny 8-pound
sub, control box and tether, which fit in two Pelican cases that can be stashed
in a car trunk or checked as airline baggage. The VideoRay starts at $5,995
- a bargain for people involved in commercial projects accustomed to paying
for pricey dive missions and hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars for
an ROV. Driving the VideoRay is about as easy as using a videogame, so a specially
trained ROV pilot is usually not needed. The voltage running through the tether
to the submersible is a safe 48 VDC, rather than the possibly lethal 300+ Volts
used by other ROVs. This makes it safe for divers to handle the submersible
in the water.
How is it operated?
The submersible is operated by remote control, similar to a remote control
airplane, except underwater instead of in the air. Operating the VideoRay
is also similar to using a video game. The control box includes a few knobs
and a joystick, which controls forward, backward, right, and left movement.
The knobs control camera focus, tilt, lighting, and thrust. The VideoRay
is controlled from land or boat, while the submersible explores the underwater
area.
Is it difficult to use?
No. The VideoRay is remarkably simple in its design and operation. It takes
just five minutes to become acquainted with the controls. In several hours,
the operator is usually comfortable and oriented. Once a measure of proficiency
is gained, VideoRay becomes an underwater robot able to venture where no
person can.
How deep does it go?
Maximum depth is 250 feet for the 2002 and 500 feet for the Pro II. The seal cartridges
are designed for long lifetime operation at full rated depth of either 250
or 500 feet.
Is it wireless?
No. Full frame rate, high quality video cannot be transmitted through salt
water. Because of this, we connect and power the sub from the surface with
a cable called a tether. There are two types of tether available for the
VideoRay: 1) neutrally-buoyant, and 2) negatively-buoyant tether. Since neutrally
buoyant tether must have filler in it for buoyancy, it has a larger diameter
than negatively buoyant tether. VideoRay comes standard with 250 feet of
neutrally buoyant tether. Varied lengths of tether are available to suit
specific project needs. The tether connects to the submersible, control panel
or either side of the tether reel (RDS) quickly and easily. Up to 1000 feet
of tether can be added anywhere in any combination. However, the more neutrally
buoyant tether is in the system, the lower the total available power, so
it should be kept to a minimum for the job.
How much does it weigh?
The submersible weighs about 8 pounds. The entire 2002 system (submersible,
tether, case, control box, spare parts and manual) weighs about 70 pounds.
The VideoRay Pro II weight starts at about 80 pounds, and depends on options
ordered. One person can easily transport the entire system. The VideoRay
fits easily in the trunk of a car or airline baggage.
What is the difference between the
VideoRay 2002 and the VideoRay Pro II?
The main differences between the 2002 and the Pro II: cost, depth, and ability
to customize. The VideoRay 2002 provides the basic functions for getting into
the water and exploring. It is a standardized system, manufactured in volume,
and economically priced to take advantage of economies of scale. The VideoRay
Pro II is designed more for commercial users who want to add plug-in tools/instruments/payloads
to perform specialized tasks not possible with the VideoRay 2002. The VideoRay
Pro II can use add-on instruments such as pH, D.O., conductivity and temperature
sondes, scanning and positioning sonar, manipulators, digital still cameras,
and other equipment for gathering data.
How much does it cost?
The basic price of the VideoRay 2002 is $11,495 (NTSC / US Deliveries only).
The only option available for the VideoRay 2000 is the extension tether.
The basic price of the VideoRay Pro II is $15,995. The VideoRay Pro II comes
with a menu of options listed in the Pricing section
of this web site.
How long does the warranty last?
We provide a seven-day customer acceptance period. If you're unhappy with the
unit for any reason, you can return it in its original condition for a full
refund in the first seven days. After that, we offer a one-year materials
and workmanship warranty that covers the unit "from bumper-to-bumper".
How can I protect my VideoRay against possible problems?
Subscribe to Comprehensive Support and Maintenance Program (CSMP).
When you’re out on the water, the last thing you want to
worry about is whether your VideoRay is in top form. If you’re
a member of CSMP, you’ll have the confidence of knowing
technical assistance is just a phone call away, 24 hours a day.
Plus, your VideoRay is covered by insurance from all losses except
for theft or intentional damage. CSMP owners have top priority
for service and repairs, and they receive selected upgrades first
and free as part of the program.
What scheduled maintenance is required?
The owner can perform simple scheduled maintenance every 25 hours. This involves
checking the thruster cartridges and can be performed in 10 minutes. This
can be done by the owner or brought into your authorized VideoRay Service
Representative.
How long will it go between overhauls?
Full overhaul should be done every 100 hours or every two years, including
replacing/greasing o-rings, and checking thruster cartridges. If motors have
to be replaced, the cost is roughly $120 / motor. Regularly changing seals
and monitoring the motor shaft condition should result in a motor life well
in excess of 400 hours. Occasionally, during the course of normal operation,
the domes may get damaged and need to be replaced.
Can I just rent one?
Yes. There are numerous commercial diving companies that operate VideoRays
and provide services, including rental. Please call us and let us know about
the project you are trying to accomplish with a VideoRay. We can help locate
the equipment and operator to accomplish your objectives.
I'm a recreational diver. Why would
I buy something to make it easier to avoid diving?
While some divers scoff at anything that replaces them in the water, many understand
how an ROV can keep them out of harm's way and better prepare them for what
they might encounter under water. Think of VideoRay as a way to extend the
diving experience to additional people, greater depths, more bottom time, and
a video record you can take home. While this can't take the place of "being
there," it is the next best thing, and the only option for many people
who otherwise won't be on your boat.
I'm a commercial diver. Why would
I not just make the dive?
ROVs allow you to dive at a significantly reduced risk. While the ROV is in
the water, you don't waste bottom time (incur Nitrogen liability) surveying
the work site and formulating a plan, searching for the work site, placing
yourself or your team members in a hazardous environment (HAZMAT, enclosed
structures, difficult sea states, etc.) or incur significant logistical cost.
The machine is at risk so that the diver stays safe until it is time to take
the calculated risk of the dive. With VideoRay's optional manipulator, it's
sometimes possible to do underwater intervention without diving at all. See
some of our success stories in the Uses Section
of this web site.
How is the VideoRay powered?
VideoRay uses only 300 watts of power. A car battery with inverter, small gasoline
generator, or any 100-240 VAC outlet powers the control box and submersible.
I don't have AC power on my boat. Can I still
use the VideoRay onboard?
Yes. With a battery-powered inverter, VideoRay is free from shore power and
noisy generators. A decent sized car or boat battery should power VideoRay
and a viewing and/or recording device for hours.
How safe is this around divers?
Very safe. The current running through the tether to the submersible is a 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. In
addition, the moving thrusters are within guards, and the tether is brightly
colored so it can be easily seen. However, nothing is completely safe, and
VideoRay MUST be operated responsibly.
How safe is it aboveboard?
All electrical appliances can be dangerous on board a boat. However, the low
48 volts sent to the submersible and the rugged design of VideoRay's control
panel add to the safety of the unit
If I ordered one today, when would I get it?
In general, the VideoRay 2002's are in stock. The VideoRay Pros
are built to specification and require 4 to 6 weeks for delivery.
Why doesn't it have auto focus?
While auto focus is a handy feature in your camera on land, auto focus in the
water could be "fooled" by floating debris. This would lead the
camera to focus on what's closest to the unit, instead of the target you
find most interesting. In addition, the constant change in focus would be
very annoying to the owner. You can control the focus of the camera which
allows for detailed study of close objects -- one of the most enjoyable features
of VideoRay.
Why doesn't it include video playback
or record?
Different people prefer different recording formats, so we leave the option
of video or digital video up to the owner. In addition, VCRs and camcorders
are so inexpensive and common that most customers use equipment they already
own. The VideoRay Pro II has a compartment designed for camcorders or DV decks
on the Integrated Control Box.
Does it come in PAL or SECAM?
PAL is available. Most SECAM users can also use PAL; therefore, we do not offer
SECAM camera version.
Does it come with 220 Volt power
supply?
All current VideoRays include a switching power supply that can handle 90 through
240 volts AC.
How fast does it go?
The speed of the VideoRay depends on the current it is moving against, the
amount of tether it is dragging, and the angle of the tether in relation
to the submersible. Speeds in excess of 2 knots have been independently verified
with a VideoRay.
How well does it handle currents?
VideoRay can be operated in currents between one knot and two knots. However,
you can expect a challenge controlling the submersible against currents in
excess of a knot. See the tips and tricks located at the Users
Corner of the web site for more about getting the most out of your VideoRay.
How does the VideoRay navigate?
Several forms of navigation help guide the unit. First, through the video eye,
the owner can see what is underwater. Second, a compass reading shows North,
South, East, and West orientation. Third, the optional onboard Imagenex 851
scanning sonar and Desert Star Short Base Line positioning system give an
ROV pilot the confidence of knowing where the ROV is, where it is going,
and where to swim to targets of interest. With the Imagenex 851, VideoRay
is guided by the sonar to targets until it is close enough to visually identify
them, making search and recovery possible in low visibility waters. The Imagenex
851 features a very small transducer to image targets from the viewpoint
of VideoRay and captures data digitally on a laptop computer for easy playback.
The Desert Star transponder is smaller than a soda can, and the system can
be integrated with GPS for absolute positioning. A system this precise works
not only for search and rescue missions, but also for dive boat captains
in search of new sites.
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