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VideoRay Creates Memorable Hands on Experience at Underwater Habitat - July 10, 2006

Hundreds drive VideoRay in Key Largo, Florida from lab, and Remotely through the Internet – The VideoRay is a big hit with students and teachers of the Mini Habitat Adventure program at Marine Lab in Key Largo Florida.

The Mini Habitat Adventure program at the Marine Lab in Key Largo Florida exposes SCUBA certified students of all ages to the potential tools and technologies used in the underwater world. Using VideoRay as an undersea tool optimizes a student’s view of the sea world.

Marine Lab wanted the students to experience the sensation of what it’s like to actually live and work underwater. VideoRay is the only tool with a virtual remote presence that can enable a person to sit and watch underwater life without the disruption of divers. Students, , teachers and parents travel from all over the country for this opportunity.

VideoRay gives students from age 5 to college graduates the same education, without a wet suit or diving certificate. It allows for students to pilot the ROV where ever they like, at the same time exploring and understanding the marine habitat. Many students were pleased that the skills they’ve acquired from computerized videogames can be applied to the real world of advanced VideoRay.

Chris Olstad, a Marine Biologist for the Lab stated:” Besides learning remote piloting skills, one thing we observed, was that in poor visibility situations the VideoRay can usually “see” better than a diver can. We also learned good things come in small packages.”

As a remotely controlled robotic assistant, the VideoRay has potential application in almost any undersea endeavor imaginable. The small size and precise control allowed for easy set-up, deployment and remote operation through marine habitats which provided an exciting, riveting (hands-on) experience for students.

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.