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VIDEORAY INSIGHTS NEWSLETTER – MARCH 2022
Greetings!
This month, we’re recruiting presenters and presentations for future Insights events from you, our customers. Topics can be anything ROV related. As the expert on your topic, the requirements are quite simple – presentations are virtual, so they can be done from anywhere and are limited to 1/2 hour including time for questions so preparation should not be too extensive. Delivering a presentation is a great way to give back to the community. Send your presentation ideas to: insights@videoray.com. Presenters receive a VideoRay logo jacket as a token of our appreciation.
As always, please share your comments, recommendations and requests to: insights@videoray.com
Virtual VideoRay Insights Presentation Series
March 17, 2022 - Registration is open
First Look – The VideoRay Mission Specialist VersaRay
10:00 – 10:30 AM EST
Jeff Orlowski, VideoRay
VideoRay is pleased to announce the release of the VersaRay! The VersaRay uses the modular architecture of the Mission Specialist product line and can be characterized by Payload, Power and Depth. The open frame design lends itself to a virtually unlimited number of accessory configurations. Starting configurations include 8 thrusters and can be expanded from there. As with all Mission Specialist modules, depth rating is 2 km. This presentation will cover these capabilities in more detail and many other platform specific features. The VersaRay is a great complement to the Defender and Pro 5.
Discover the Hidden Treasures in VideoRay’s Educational Resources Library
10:30 – 11:00 AM EST
Jeff Orlowski, VideoRay
VideoRay has a comprehensive library of educational resources including documentation, virtual training lessons, operations tips, tech notes and more, all accessible online and available for download on almost any device. This tour will help you find information you need and preview some of the coming attractions.
Upcoming Presentations, with more to be added - Mark your calendar
April 21, 2022 – Pipeline Leak Investigation in Challenging Conditions – Presented by Tom Glebas, VideoRay
Deep Dives – A Panel Discussion
May 19, 2022 – Mastering Autonomous Control – Using Jog Commands and Waypoints – Presenter TBA
June 16, 2022 – Optimizing Your Sonar Image Quality – Presented by Tom Glebas, VideoRay
Presentations may be added to the above dates and beyond – check the schedule for updates [here].
Know Your Knots
Cords and knots can come in handy for ROV projects. One knot that’s good to know how to tie is the Prusik Knot. This knot is easy to tie around a line (like the tether) and a convenient feature is that it can slide up or down the tether as you pay it in or out and then hold when you want it to.
Start with a cord about 1/2 to 1 meter long and make it into a loop using a square or fisherman’s knot. Lay this loop perpendicular under tether. Take one end of the loop, lift it over the tether, and position it through the other loop and then back under the tether. Repeat this two more times and then pull the loop to tighten up the knot on the tether. When the loop is pulled along the direction of the tether it will seize and hold its position. To slide the knot, simple release tension on the loop and slide the knot along the tether as desired.
Retrieval Snare
Scott Krelle, retired Sheriff and long time VideoRay user, was looking for an easier way to retrieve submerged objects and came up with this retrieval snare. It can be mounted in the manipulator, with a custom design for each type of manipulator to ensure a secure grip. It is designed to be positioned over a protrusion of the object and self-tightens when the ROV is backed away. It features a self-resetting loop if it slips off while tightening and if it gets hung up, the snare can be released by opening the manipulator so the ROV is not trapped as well. For more information email insights@videoray.com
Operator Tip of the month – Lessons from the field
To turn and go into the current, first go with the flow…
When the ROV is down-current and you need to head into the current, you may find it difficult to turn and establish, let alone maintain, the up-current heading. The pull from the tether creates an instability similar to the way having the center of gravity above the center of buoyancy leads to an unstable situation.
Continue reading the full article [here].
Technician Tip of the Month – Lessons from the shop
Setting Mission Specialist Video Resolution
The Mission Specialist camera is set to 1280 x 720 by default. It can be changed, but be aware that higher resolution settings will increase the demand for bandwidth and may result in system lag and larger video recording file sizes. To change resolution of the camera:
Continue reading the full article [here].
FAQ of the month – Be “in the know”
Q How can I order parts for my VideoRay?
A Send an email to orders@videoray.com, including your name, company, contact information, ROV model and a description of the part you need. Don’t worry if you aren’t sure of the actual part name, we can help identify the correct part.
Survey Question of the month – Be counted
What year did you get your first VideoRay ROV?
Submit your response [here].
Product of the month – Be informed
VideoRay has recently completed the integration of the Coda Octopus Echoscope on a Defender. The mount allows the sonar angle to be adjusted from forward-looking to downward, without interfering with the DVL so the vehicle can maintain its dynamic positioning modes.
For more information email sales@videoray.com
Quote of the month – Be amused
“Never go full rabbit!” Someone at Greensea talking about the mission speed control.
Email us your favorite ROV relatable quote – for a chance to win a VideoRay T-shirt!*
Photo of the Month - Be inspired
Tahzay Jones’ of the National Park Service and his Pro 5 have a close encounter with a bear.
Photo by Tom Glebas, VideoRay
Email us a caption for this photo, or your own VideoRay related photo – for a chance to win a VideoRay T-shirt!*
Last month’s photo caption winner – Anonymous
“I see your owner doesn’t let you off your leash either.”
VideoRay Training
In-person classes are being offered in Key Largo, FL and at VideoRay’s San Diego, CA office.
On-site classes are also available.
Live virtual classes are now being offered… anywhere you want.
Self-paced virtual training lessons can be found in VideoRay’s Training Library any time you want [here].
Email training@videoray.com or call 610-458-3000 and ask to speak to the Training Coordinator for more information about in-person classes.
Upcoming Classes
- Pro 5 Basic Operator, Key Largo, FL, March 15 – 17, 2022
- Pro 4 Basic Operator, San Diego, CA, March 22 – 24, 2022
- Pro 4 Basic Operator, Key Largo, FL, April 12 – 14, 2022
- Mission Specialist, San Diego, CA, April 25 – 28, 2022
- Pro 5 Basic Operator, Key Largo, FL, March 17 – 19, 2022
- Pro 4 Basic Operator, San Diego, CA, March 23 – 25, 2022
- Pro 4 Advanced Maintenance, Pottstown, PA, May 9 – 10, 2022
- Tether Termination, Pottstown, PA, May 13, 2022
- Mission Specialist Advanced Maintenance, Pottstown, PA, May 14-16, 2022
See more class dates and register online [here].
VideoRay Events
- Oceanology International, March 15-17, 2020, London, England, Booth E-250
- OTC (Offshore Technology Conference), May 2-5, 2022, Houston, TX, Booth 2347
- CBSOA (California Boating Safety Officers Association), April 11-13, 2022, South Lake Tahoe Resort, CA
- IPF (International Offshore Wind Partnering Forum), April 26-28, 2022, Atlantic City, NJ
- HYDROVISION International, July 12-14, 2022, Denver, CO
VideoRay Dealer Spotlight
Will Boytim, PE is a classically trained Marine Engineer and Naval Architect with a background in shipping and experience as a Police and Commercial Diver. Will Boytim, PE became involved with VideoRay in 2010 and started as the VideoRay Dealer for the US Gulf of Mexico shortly after that. 2013 saw the rollout of the Clean Water Act, impressive sales and a Dealer of the Year award. Work has continued with the founding and support of the largest micro-ROV inspection company in the world, providing UWILD and other Oil and Gas and shipping related micro-ROV inspection services on five continents. Will Boytim, PE specializes in problem solving, the development of new tools and the integration of new sensors.
Learn more about Will Boytim at rov@willboytimpe.com
Need Help? / Got Feedback? Email insights@videoray.com, or call us at +1 610-458-3000, Option 1
* – Each month, one submission in each category will be selected and the submitter will receive a VideoRay T-shirt. Please include your T-shirt size with your submission to expedite its delivery. Use the respective links above to enter your submission. VideoRay reserves the right to select its own submission. Submitters agree that they have rights to the content they submit and to allow VideoRay unlimited rights to use and publish and their submission(s).