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VideoRay ROV Travels aboard the Research Vessel Odyssey Exploring World's Oceans - September 04, 2001

8-Pound Swimming Video Camera Captures Unique Underwater Perspectives; See Daily Logs and Video Footage of “The Voyage of the Odyssey” at PBS Online

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.

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.