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World’s Foremost Micro-ROV Operator to Share Business Secrets at VIPS - October 14, 2009

Underwater Robotics Conference will include “How to Make Money” session along with Technical Topics

In the emerging business of conducting underwater inspections and training classes with micro-sized Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), one company dominates all others in the number and breadth of his operations. Steve Van Meter, of Cocoa, Florida, estimates that he has conducted well over 500 separate missions with his VideoRays, and completed each one successfully. Steve will readily admit that some were not “pretty”, but in each case the client got the images, video, or information they needed – Steve’s measure of success. As Steve built his business – in almost every continent – in dozens of states and countries – he has learned a valuable lessons on the minimum needed to set up your business, how to solicit and secure projects, how much to charge, how to document, and a few things you should never, never do. Be sure to attend this session to ensure your success if you are starting in this industry, or considering doing so.

READ STEVE’S VIPS 2009 PRESENTATION ABSTRACT HERE

CLICK HERE FOR PRICING AND REGISTRATION INFORMATION FOR VIPS 2009

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.