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VideoRay Ships Thirty MicroROVs to Taiwan Coast Guard - September 03, 2003

Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) Purchased for Investigating Underwater Threats and Potential Smuggling Operations

VideoRay LLC today announced that it has shipped thirty VideoRays as part of a $500,000+ order from the Taiwan Coast Guard. The complete order includes thirty VideoRay Pro II submersibles and four Lighted Auxiliary Zoom Inspection Camera (LAZIC) units. The VideoRays will reportedly be used for hull inspections and other underwater investigations to support Homeland Security initiatives.

The systems purchased have a depth rating of 500 feet, 500 feet of tether, a Tether Deployment System portable reel, two video cameras, and other features for quickly and easily inspecting underwater threats and investigating potential smuggling operations. The four LAZIC units add zoom cameras that can be positioned to inspect deep into recesses in hulls and piers and maneuvered into locations humans cannot reach. The systems will be used for drug interdiction and weapons searches throughout the coast of Taiwan.

The VideoRay ROV submersible weighs 8 pounds and runs from a small generator, a car battery, or a standard wall socket. The briefcase sized control box includes a joystick, heading and depth readings, and knobs for the 20-watt halogen lights and tilting and focusing the high-resolution camera. The operator sees readings for depth, time, positioning, and can equip the sub with optional scanning sonar, manipulators, acoustical positioning, hydrology sondes, and other instrumentation.

About VideoRay:
With more than 2,000 Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) in service around the world, VideoRay has clearly become the global leader in Observation ROV technology. VideoRay is an extremely versatile, portable, affordable, and reliable solution for underwater operations including surveys, offshore inspections, search & recovery, homeland & port security, science & research, fish farming, and other unique applications in underwater environments. “Plug and play” technology allows you to quickly attach sensors and accessories in the field so you can successfully complete your mission. VideoRay is available on the General Services Administration.

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WHY VIDEORAY?

AFFORDABILITY

With ROVs starting under $10,000 (in the US), the cost is quickly justified when compared to commercial dive missions or funding the purchase, mobilization, staffing, and operation of larger ROVs.

PORTABILITY

One person can transport the tiny 8-pound sub, control box and tether. The Scout system weighs less than 70 pounds and packs neatly in one rolling Pelican case. All other systems fit in two Pelican cases that can be transported in a car trunk or helicopter, or checked as airline baggage.

USABILITY

Driving the VideoRay is similar to operating a video game. A specially trained ROV pilot is not needed. (In fact, kids raised on video games routinely put adults to shame piloting VideoRay.). VideoRay is equally at home with a search and rescue team as it is with a yacht owner enjoying live views of a coral reef in St. Thomas. Additional controls on advanced models include front camera focus and tilt, rear camera selection and automatic depth holding (see the product detail pages for complete lists of features and capabilities of each model).

SAFETY

Since VideoRay uses less than 500 watts of power, a car or marine battery with inverter, small gasoline generator, or any 100-240 VAC outlet powers the control box and submersible. The current running through the tether to the submersible is a comparatively 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, and for kids to swim with it in a pool.

REACH

Standard tether lengths vary by model, but additional neutral, negative, and positively buoyant tethers can be added to extend the overall reach of the VideoRay up to 1,100 feet. Tethers are available in a variety of lengths to meet the needs of particular water conditions or projects.