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New VideoRay Scout Sees Underwater from Deck or Dock - April 05, 2004

Remote Control Video Camera Gets into the Water Immediately, Replaces or Accompanies Divers – Scout proves ideal for first responders to underwater threats.

VideoRay today announced the new VideoRay Scout remote-control underwater video camera designed for vessel operators, port authorities, and maritime facilities. Priced at $5,995, the Scout can be launched by hand in minutes and descends to 300 feet (91 m) deep to capture underwater video of hulls, piers, and props with its fixed wide-angle camera. Using Homeland Security grants, VideoRays are being purchased by sheriff departments and emergency response dive teams. The Scout is based on the same remotely operated vehicle technology being used by US Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Teams (MSSTs).

Operated like a remote control plane underwater, the Scout has a reach of 131 feet (40 m) and a fixed color video camera with a wide-angle lens. The 8-pound (3.6 kg) submersible is launched into the water by hand and depth rated to 300 feet (91 m). The video-equipped submersible sports horizontal and vertical thrusters for high maneuverability and two 20-watt high efficiency halogen lights. Operate the simple remote controls to see underwater views on the topside monitor. A tether connects to the rear of the sub and to the topside control box, which features a joystick for piloting the sub and operating the lights. A 5-inch (127 mm) monitor built into the lid of the control box case shows the operator what the Scout’s camera “sees” underwater.

“The Scout is ideal for the first responders on a scene because it is very portable, economical, reliable, and as intuitive to use as a videogame,” says Scott Bentley, president of VideoRay. “Using a VideoRay in place of human diver lets the man on the scene quickly assess threats and minimize risks.”

Through its high-resolution, wide-angle lens, the operator can capture composite video with a variety of display and recording devices. The Scout supports NTSC or PAL video formats to accommodate all video standards worldwide.

The Scout submersible requires less than 300 watts of 100-240VAC power and can be plugged into a standard wall outlet, a battery with inverter, or a small generator. The maximum voltage in the tether is a safe 48VDC.

The Scout is delivered with the sub, 131 feet (40 m) of tether, an owner’s manual, spare parts, and a maintenance kit. All components fit neatly in one watertight, rolling Pelican case sized for the trunk of a car and airline travel. The entire system weighs less than 70 pounds (32 kg) and is streamlined for the casual operator.

ADD ON: An optional 250-foot (76 m) extension tether can be purchased to extend the overall reach of the submersible. Another handy option is the Tether Deployment System, which easily reels the tether in and out and fits neatly on the boat deck.

PRICE: $5,995 USD

THE NEXT STEP UP: The VideoRay Explorer features readouts for depth and directional navigation, and a more advanced video camera with 160-degrees of tilt. The Explorer also has Auto Depth control for inspections of water tanks, underwater surveys, and entering polluted conditions or tight spaces too hazardous for divers. It is priced at $9,995.

About VideoRay:
With more than 1,950 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.