The Micro ROV for Scientific Studies

Proven in the study of Sharks of the Great White North, Whale Sharks, Atlantic Cod, and coral reefs, the VideoRay is a practical tool for scientists and biologists doing aquatic research. It can to go deep into frigid waters to places divers cannot or would prefer not to go. As shark filmer Larry Banbrick of the Discovery Channel Canada says, "When you're working in a hostile underwater environment like the high north, having the VideoRay act as a second pair of eyes is invaluable."

For short or long term monitoring of most aquatic systems, the VideoRay is easy to control, small, non-invasive, and does not produce bubbles that scare fish. It is portable and requires a minimal power supply and no special mobilization. Video is produced in NTSC or PAL formats, and special high-resolution and wide-angle lense cameras are available.

CASE STUDY: VideoRay ROV Travels aboard the Research Vessel Odyssey Exploring World's Oceans

The VideoRay ROV (remotely operated vehicle) is onboard the ninety-three foot research vessel Odyssey as a key piece of scientific equipment during a five year tour of the world's equatorial oceans. Weighing just 8-pounds, the VideoRay ROV submersible is deployed and operated by just one person from the Odyssey or dingy. Connected to a video monitor, the ROV provides the pilot on deck with a clear view of "places and situations that would be difficult if not impossible for a diver," according to the daily log entries by Genevieve and Chris Johnson at www.pbs.org/odyssey.

" [Using the VideoRay], we will attempt to capture on film, with minimal interference, imagery that is typically inaccessible to a human cameraperson, whether this be a shark feeding frenzy on a carcass or interactions between marine creatures in their natural environment," according to Johnson's log. The Odyssey crew will also use the VideoRay ROV as a back up to divers working in difficult situations.

The Voyage of the Odyssey is a five-year program conducted by Ocean Alliance to gather the first ever baseline data on the levels of synthetic contaminants in the oceans. The primary study species for this voyage of discovery are whales that Ocean Alliance believes serve as flagships for the health and well being of the oceans.

" Very few divers dive below 200 feet, when they do it is with considerable risk," Johnson explains. "At this depth divers typically use mixed gases not available on the Odyssey. The size, speed and agility of the VideoRay ROV mean that there are few restrictions to the dive location, duration, and depth. These exceptional capabilities will open up a whole new area of observation for the Odyssey crew."

The operator can monitor the depth gauge and compass reading directly from the control panel while seeing live video. The ROV is portably powered and controlled from the surface through a tether line, from 250 to 500 feet in length. The ROV is equipped with two lights, three thrusters and a forward facing camera. This miniature video camera tilts 75 degrees up or down and is housed in a marine grade aluminum body.

The Ocean Alliance is a non-profit organization dedicated to rigorous scientific research in conjunction with global education in order to improve people's appreciation for, and understanding of the ocean environment and the creatures within it, and to contribute to the conservation of whales. Learn more about the project at http://www.pbs.org/odyssey/daily_photo.html

For comments, contact Iain Kerr, Ocean Alliance CEO; 191 Weston Road, Lincoln, MA 01773
e-mail: question@oceanalliance.org; ph: (781) 259-0423 x15

Suggested Configurations

For scientific studies, we recommend the VideoRay Pro III with:

• Manipulator
• Extension Tether
• Tether Deployment System
• 15-inch screen
• Sonar
• Desert Star Positioning System with GPS integration
• YSI multiple water sensors

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