VIPS 2004 - Training and Presentations

National Park Service Applications of VideoRay for Science and Public Interpretation
Larry Murphy, Chief, Submerged Resources Center, National Park Service

Body Recoveries Under Ice
Dave Phillips / Tom Crossmon, St Louis County Sheriff's Department

Learn about cold water recoveries and underwater investigations from two officials who use VideoRay to locate the body of a drowned snowmobiler in Ashland, Wisconsin last winter. Before the victim was located, divers had previously made 19 difficult dives in shifting ice. A diver spent less than one minute in the 37-degree water recovering the body, just five hours after the search with the VideoRay began. Before authorities removed the body, a conclusive forensic investigation of the site was completed.

Gathering Evidence Underwater
Mike Zinzer, Florida State University - Panama City Underwater Crime Scene Investigation (UCSI) Program

Panama City Underwater Crime Scene Investigation (UCSI) Program now uses a VideoRay to take a look at underwater crime scenes before a diver's fins cloud the picture. The video equipped robotic sub sends a live view back to divers, criminologists, scientists, and engineers who have assessed micro-ROV technology for use by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency. UCSI also trains and educates local authorities on new methods using micro-ROVs, sonar and manipulators. Hear about how the agency chose and uses a micro-ROV that fits within a community's public safety budget.

How to Build an ROV Operations Team for Local Police
Dave Phillips / Tom Crossmon, St Louis County Sheriff's Department

Small submersible Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs or Micro-ROVs) can boost the ability of local public safety authorities and first responders to react to threats, crimes and accidents. This equipment can be used for reconnaissance, investigation and recovery operations. While the technology has matured and offers great promise, for a variety of reasons local agencies often find themselves without equipment or challenged to use it effectively. This presentation addresses the administrative, financial and personnel sides of the equation. Learn how to build and manage an ROV operations team, from funding requirements and options, staff selection and training to mobilizing for missions.

If you're looking to secure funds to purchase VideoRay, don't miss the two-day preconference workshop on Grant Writing. Hosted by VideoRay, Grant Writing USA is offering this informative and timely workshop before VIPS on Monday and Tuesday, November 8 and 9. For details and to register for this workshop, visit Grant Writing USA's workshop information and registration page.

Recovering the Thrust Reverser Lost from Space Shuttle Trainer Jet
Steve van Meter, Hazardous Duty Robotics Specialist from NASA

The mystery of the missing thrust reverser that fell from a training jet during a practice flight this past January was solved in part by a VideoRay. Positively identifying the 585-pound reverser after search teams had been on the job for weeks, Van Meter recovered the reverser, lost during the jet's steep dive that simulates a shuttle's plunge toward a runway. Hear about the micro-ROV and side-scan sonar techniques involved.

Who's Been Swimming in Your Drinking Water?
Rich Faulk, Above and Below H2O

In the dark of the tank, the VideoRay glides underwater and shines its headlights down a 3-foot wide section of standpipe. Colonies of corrosion light up the view. This tank could be where you got your last glass of drinking water. Dotting the US landscape are 400,000 steel and concrete water storage tanks. Every year, 80,000 tank inspections come due, using the recommendations of the AWWA for an inspection every five years. In many towns, inspections are dreaded and put off for lack of funding for human divers and risks of contamination to public supplies. Learn how micro-ROVs are taking on inspections from Rich Faulk, president of Above and Below H20, in Sacramento, CA.

How Healthy is the Potable Water Tank in Your Neighborhood?
Penny Allds, J & S Utility Consultants

Using a VideoRay, Penny Allds navigates the interiors of potable water tanks looking for trouble. Penny, with J & S Utility Consultants has been inspecting tanks for years. Recently, she started using VideoRays to do this job with great success. Penny will describe the tank inspection process from planning through final reports. She'll discuss the types of inspections, requirements and procedures. Specifically, she'll focus on how she uses VideoRay to document the conditions and uncover signs of health or deterioration.

Operating VideoRay with Sonar in Confined Spaces
Henning Føsker, Norconsult

Norconsult has for many years carried out inspections and condition assessments of hydro power plants by using divers or by dewatering the waterways. Both methods are costly and using divers inside tunnels, pipelines and conduits is an unnecessary hazard, especially now when VideoRay is at hand with its small dimensions and easy handling. It can be lowered through narrow shafts, pass through hatches and manholes inaccessible for a fully equipped diver. Equipped with sonar, the quality of the inspection is increased considerably compared to inspection by diver. Learn how Norconsult uses sonar to be able to recognize targets, survey and measure geometrical shapes of pipelines, tunnels and concrete structures for possible imperfections and as a navigational aid within confined spaces. "We have modified the sonar installation to two modes of operation. The standard mode is when it rotates with a vertical axis and creates plan sections of the enclosure. We have developed a horizontal mode of operation utilizing the manipulator as an actuator to, during the dive, tilt the sonar head 90° rotating with a horizontal axis. In this mode of operation we can create cross and longitudinal sections of tunnels, penstocks etc." During three years of VideoRay operation, Norconsult has conducted more than 40 assignments on hydro power plants, with most carried out in enclosures. They have detected and determined the size foreign objects embedded in mud and potentially harmful to turbines, imperfect geometrical shapes, and used VideoRay to survey tunnels where drawings are non-existing. Learn valuable techniques for using sonar and operating in confined spaces from Norconsult's vast experiences in these areas.

Moose "Stalking" and Other Adventures of the Isle Royale Institute
Mark Gleason, Director of the Isle Royale Institute at Michigan Technological University

If you were packing your bags to study moose in the wild, would you bring a submersible ROV? It sounds like a silly question, but you might be surprised by the answer.

As part of the Isle Royale Institute's mission of promoting education and research in the Great Lakes region, the Institute uses a VideoRay for its underwater studies. At the same time, the Institute has been supporting the world's longest running scientific investigation of moose and wolf at Isle Royale National Park located in Lake Superior. This long term project is run by Dr Rolf Peterson and is also supported by the National Park Service. Since moose spend significant time in the water, researchers wanted to get a detailed look at the animal's behavior in these conditions. They felt the VideoRay had the potential to get "up close and personal," but were at first concerned about how the ROV might interfere with moose's behavior. After capturing several minutes of video of a moose feeding underwater, researchers are becoming convinced that the ROV is a useful way of observing wildlife without interfering with their natural activities.

Join Mark Gleason as he presents this "close encounter of the moose kind," including video of the moose kissing the ROV with its nose. Mark will also present interesting information about how VideoRay is being employed on other projects at the Institute, including footage of underwater instruments such as Ponars taking samples, a few shipwrecks and searching for exotics in harbors.

LinkQuest TrackLink Ultra Short Baseline (USBL)
Kevin Zhao, LinkQuest

LinkQuest's line of TrackLink acoustic tracking systems provide the world's most robust, accurate and cost-effective Ultra Short Baseline (USBL) solutions. Within two years of their introduction, the TrackLink systems have become the world's best selling USBL tracking systems. The TrackLink system's field performance has earned rave reviews from ROV operators worldwide. TrackLink system's architecture and technology will be presented. Their usage and applications will be extensively discussed.

Miniaturizing Underwater Sensing and Navigation Technology
Richard Marsh, Tritech International

It has been a fascinating challenge for Tritech and their design and manufacturing partner, System Technologies, to reduce the size and cost of professional offshore sensors to such an extent that they can be integrated into VideoRay. This reduction in size has not been allowed to be at the expense of functionality or quality. The ambition, now largely fulfilled, was to create a family of products that could be networked together on VideoRay.

The SeaSprite sonar is already proving itself to be the best in the business. The new mini altimeter called MicroSounder is undergoing final testing and production planning. An accurate, low cost navigation positioning system will follow shortly.

Weda Water
Steve Antolich, Weda Water

Weda Water will showcase its technology that integrates VideoRay with tank and reservoir cleaning apparatus. Steve Antolich of Weda Water is an excellent and engaging speaker - one of VIPS perennial favorites - you'll enjoy hearing his presentation and chatting with him during the conference.

Using VideoRay for Dam and Ship Hull Inspections
Derek Bown, Desert Star

This presentation provides a brief overview of Desert Star's acoustic navigation products that are integrated with VideoRay (Pilot, AquaMap ROV, and AquaMap Shiphull)., followed by a description of the new product line that relates to ROVs and their navigation.

3D ROV Underwater Video Inspection of Subsea Assets
Richard Khan, Welaptega Marine Limited

Footage from standard two-dimensional (2D) ROV underwater video inspection does not typically make it possible to distinguish between marks on component surfaces of assets and grooves that have been cut or worn in the key material. A 3D video solution resolves that problem cost effectively and enables sound intervention strategies to be devised.
Welaptega 3D VideoChek™ is the only real-time stereo video system for underwater ROV operations available in the world. It gives operators of ROVs, such as VideoRay Micro-ROVs, unprecedented spatial perception during underwater operations, and during review of previously recorded video footage.

Micro-ROVs - 2004 Review and Outlook for 2005
Scott Bentley, President, VideoRay LLC

VideoRay applications are almost as numerous as the 400 plus VideoRays in use today worldwide. Where will they turn up next? Scott Bentley, President of VideoRay, explores some of the vast and far reaching aspects of how VideoRays are changing the way people work in underwater environments. This session helps to set the stage for the many practical and technical sessions offered during this symposium. You will gain a new perspective and appreciation of what ROVs can do and how more and more people are benefiting from even the most recent technological advances.

Scott will then share his insights and plans on the positioning of VideoRay products in the overall ROV and underwater tool marketplace. He'll share his ideas on where the company and its products fit today, and in the future, then solicit ideas and comments from the audience.

What's Brewing Behind Closed Doors? - A Sneak Peek at VideoRay R&D
Marcus Kolb, Director of Research and Development, VideoRay LLC

It's no secret that VideoRay continues to push the limits of Micro-ROV performance, versatility and usability. What new features and functions are in the works? In this session, go backstage with Marcus Kolb, VideoRay's Director of R&D, to see what's on the drawing board and what you can expect in the coming months. Open platforms, computer integration, improved thrust and stability and ergonomic design improvements are just some of the areas in which Marcus will be your guide. CSMP members are invited to join Marcus after the session for an exclusive Q&A discussion about the VideoRay Pro IV.

Introducing VideoRay PC Pilot
Tom Glebas, VideoRay

VideoRay PC Pilot is an exciting new and unique technological development from VideoRay that works with all Pro III and Deep Blue models and most Pro IIs. This system allows VideoRays to be operated using a PC and joystick or game controller. With a completely customizable interface, PC Pilot even works with wireless controllers, freeing you from the confines of the control box. This session introduces you to the software, its installation and configuration and provides hands-on opportunity for you to experience the most ergonomic ROV interface ever. Oh, did we mention the price of VideoRay PC Pilot? It's FREE! Come for a test drive. Leave with your copy of VideoRay PC Pilot.

Top Priorities for the New VideoRay Owner/Operator
Tom Glebas, VideoRay

You've got your new ROV. You've read the manual. Maybe you have even completed some initial dives. Are you sure your doing everything right? This session explains the best practices that get you up and running fast and keep you running. Learn the basics of ROV piloting, and the recommended periodic maintenance procedures that extend the life of your equipment. This session is essential for every new owner/operator. Existing users can benefit as well by attending this session as a refresher.

VideoRay "Top Gun" School
Steve Van Meter, NASA

Sorry, we won't be teaching you "combat" maneuvers, but you will learn advanced piloting techniques that can help you avoid trouble and improve your chances of completing your missions successfully. Learn skills, tips and tricks for working in difficult situations including navigating with limited visibility, piloting in and around structures, working in current, how to avoid and free yourself from tangles and more. Your commander for this exercise is Steve Van Meter, one of the world's most experienced and successful VideoRay operators. Your classroom training commences at 0900, with practice dive times available.

Mission Possible
Steve Van Meter, NASA

Just like those in real estate who have their motto - Location, Location, Location, VideoRay operators might be wise to adopt one of their own - Planning, Planning, Planning. Join Steve Van Meter as he recounts several of his more interesting VideoRay missions and discusses the role planning played in their success. Steve will provide numerous tips starting with reconnaissance and situation analysis through equipment testing and checklists to setting up operations on-site. You can decide if you want to keep your lucky charm or not, but we think attending this session is much more likely to influence the outcome of your missions.

Advanced Diagnostics and Maintenance Procedures for VideoRay Systems
Bill McGurney, VideoRay

Learn advanced diagnostic and maintenance procedures according to factory specifications. In this session, attendees will virtually disassemble and reassemble an ROV for a very detailed look at the mechanical and electronic workings of a VideoRay ROV.

VideoRay Performance Enhancement Program
Matt Weldon & Dave Stinebring, Penn State Applied Research Laboratory

Penn State Applied Research Laboratory, a world leader in hydrodynamics research and design, has taken a close look at enhancing the performance of the VideoRay. This session will show you how Penn State ARL, in cooperation with VideoRay R&D, has worked to reduce the drag, increase the thrust, and tweak the underwater stability of the VideoRay. You will see the science behind the designs, but the emphasis of this session will be on the results and impact of these designs.
What does this all mean for you? The next VideoRay will be faster, more productive, and more efficient than ever before come see for yourself!

Exploring Mexican Cenotes
Marcus Kolb, VideoRay

Marcus Kolb tells of Exploring Ancient Caves in Yucatan. His presentation will focus on researching and documenting Yucatan caves for National Geographic with the VideoRay ROV and a host of accessories. Kolb piloted the VideoRay, equipping the submersible with a Sony 5 mega pixel camera with a wide-angle adapter for the mission. The VideoRay observed isopods and other cave life, recorded halocline readings on a laptop, and explored passages too small and dangerous for divers. The photographs from this mission are truly incredible.