×
VideoRay

Insights Newsletter November 2022

Who doesn’t like recognition – for a job well done, achieving a personal milestone or anniversary or for your knowledge or abilities?   VideoRay is exploring a certification program to give you the recognition you deserve for your dedication to using VideoRay ROVs.  We envision a program that recognizes your knowledge, skills, product and operational expertise and amount of experience on the job.  We are seeking input and feedback about your interest and what you think is required to make the program valuable to you as an employee or employer. 

Send us your feedback to insights@videoray.com.  More information will be made available in the coming months, with additional requests for input and feedback as we continue to develop the program.

As always, please share your comments, recommendations, and requests to: insights@videoray.com.

Virtual VideoRay Insights Presentation Series

November 17th, 2022

Using VideoRay ROVs to Teach Field Courses and Facilitate Student Research Projects 

10am – 10:30am EST

Christopher Wells, Ed.D, College of Education and Social Work, Aurora University

Learn how VideoRay ROVs can be used to allow students to explore and research aquatic and marine ecosystems.  Project examples that will be shared include studying aquatic invasive plants and animals, changes in lake bottom contours, the amount and types of trash found on lake bottoms, and shipwrecks. 

Tether – Your ROV’s Lifeline 

10:30am – 11:00am EST

Presenter: TBD

This presentation explores VideoRay’s various tether options and provides recommendations for when to use each type of tether and maximum workable lengthsAlso discussed are various rigging methods and techniques for deep dives or working in strong currents. VideoRay’s Defender includes the option to use onboard batteries, which enhances the tether options by eliminating the need for power conductors and makes the tether thinner.  This hybrid power solution is a first in the industry and the possible configurations will be explained, including the pros and cons of each configuration.  

Future Insights Presentation Events

Events are scheduled the third Thursday of every month


Technical Overview of Impact Subsea’s Range of Sonars and Flooded Member Detection Systems

The ISS360 sonar is the world’s smallest and the fastest scanning sonar. It utilizes a broadband composite transducer coupled with CHIRP acoustics to provide excellent image clarity and range capability.  The ISFMD system provides the most advanced and reliable acoustic Flooded Member Detection system available today. Utilizing a detection probe with broadband composite transducer technology, together with an advanced digital acoustic engine ensures the highest level of accuracy and reliability in readings.  Both systems will be discussed on a technical level, to show the technology used together with capabilities. 

Presenter:  Asser Awaad, Technical Sales Engineer, Impact Subsea 

Mission Recording and Playback

This presentation provides an in-depth look at the Mission Specialist recording features and procedures.  Items discussed will be video text overlay options, the files created during recording, modifying the storage location and file naming conventions, audio annotations, file size estimations and the new chunk split recording to prevent file loss in case of power issues.  Playback in Greensea and sending files to others will also be discussed. 

Presenter:  TBD 

ROV Fleet and Configuration Management

Configuration management is a critical concern for those who manage a fleet of ROVs, but even if you only own one ROV, you should have a plan to keep your software and hardware up-to-date.  This presentation will discuss everything from fundamentals, to how to find information about updates, tracking equipment, configurations and status information, available tools to support your efforts and best practices that can be applied across fleet sizes from small to large.  2023 will be the year of Configuration Management for VideoRay and what better way to start than year than with this presentation? 

Presenter:  TBD 

Events are scheduled the third Thursday of every month


Technical Overview of Impact Subsea’s Range of Sonars and Flooded Member Detection Systems

The ISS360 sonar is the world’s smallest and the fastest scanning sonar. It utilizes a broadband composite transducer coupled with CHIRP acoustics to provide excellent image clarity and range capability.  The ISFMD system provides the most advanced and reliable acoustic Flooded Member Detection system available today. Utilizing a detection probe with broadband composite transducer technology, together with an advanced digital acoustic engine ensures the highest level of accuracy and reliability in readings.  Both systems will be discussed on a technical level, to show the technology used together with capabilities. 

Presenter:  Asser Awaad, Technical Sales Engineer, Impact Subsea 

Mission Recording and Playback

This presentation provides an in-depth look at the Mission Specialist recording features and procedures.  Items discussed will be video text overlay options, the files created during recording, modifying the storage location and file naming conventions, audio annotations, file size estimations and the new chunk split recording to prevent file loss in case of power issues.  Playback in Greensea and sending files to others will also be discussed. 

Presenter:  TBD 

ROV Fleet and Configuration Management

Configuration management is a critical concern for those who manage a fleet of ROVs, but even if you only own one ROV, you should have a plan to keep your software and hardware up-to-date.  This presentation will discuss everything from fundamentals, to how to find information about updates, tracking equipment, configurations and status information, available tools to support your efforts and best practices that can be applied across fleet sizes from small to large.  2023 will be the year of Configuration Management for VideoRay and what better way to start than year than with this presentation? 

Presenter:  TBD 

Ballasting for Optimum Buoyancy

Diving your ROV into new environments can be exciting, but different factors can contribute to a decline in your vehicle’s performance. Even slight variations in the salinity of the water can affect the density of the water, impacting an ROV’s buoyancy. Therefore, it is always important to test the buoyancy of your ROV and readjust any ballasts after changing dive locations. Thankfully, both the MS Defender and MS Pro 5 are designed to be re-ballasted on a moment’s notice. 

The ballasts used on MS Defender ROVs weigh 250 grams, or about half a pound (MS Pro 5 ROVs also include 50 gram ballasts). These ballasts are located on each side of the ROV, secured to the frame by thumbscrews into threaded holes. Because of the frame’s design, the ballasts can be shifted forwards or backwards to help evenly distribute the ROVs weight. If the ROV is front heavy, the ballasts can be shifted to move weight to the back of the ROV, and vice versa. Although the standard ballast setup is two on the port side and three on the starboard side, the number of total ballasts can be adjusted to your ROVs payload. For example, VideoRay’s deep floats provide a large increase in positive buoyancy, so additional ballasts are recommended. The net buoyancy of the ROV should be slightly positive, which both decreases thruster power consumption and ensures that the ROV will float to the surface if communications with the ROV are lost. 

Finally, always remember to bring a spare hardware and fastener kit on every mission. These kits, provided with your MS system or available for purchase separately, contain extra hardware such as screws, propellers, dummy plugs, and ballasts for in-field refitting. Whether your next operation is in a freshwater pond or the open sea, it is essential to be prepared to re-ballast your vehicle. 

Using Mission Specialist Video Text Overlay

Video Text Overlay controls in Greensea’s Workspace software are one of those “out of sight, out of mind” and often overlooked features, leading most people to just accept the defaults.

Access to these controls is easy, but sort of hidden.  Click on the Stethoscope icon for Diagnostics and make sure you select the top left tab, “Vehicle Configuration.”  Once there, you have two independent master controls, one for enabling the overlay for live viewing and one for enabling the overlay for the recording.

 

Individual controls for each parameter can be selectively enabled, and there are three fields for entering freeform text. (even though the first is labeled “Dive #,” any text is valid).  You can also adjust the font size.   Note that the Hi-Res snapshot taken using the button in the Camera tab is a direct image from the camera and does not include any Text Overlay.

Operator Tip of the Month – Lessons from the field

For your ROV to perform optimally, please make sure that the power being provided is at our recommended levels. In general, if more accessories are being added or the ROV is being operated on longer lengths of tether, the more power will be required to keep the system running smoothly.

The Pro 4 model is recommended to be operated with at least a power output rating of 1000W. The Mission Specialist models require 3000 W continuously.

Another tip is to avoid operating with the ECO mode enabled because this will limit the overall power that can be delivered to the system.

For your ROV to perform optimally, please make sure that the power being provided is at our recommended levels. In general, if more accessories are being added or the ROV is being operated on longer lengths of tether, the more power will be required to keep the system running smoothly.

When using a generator or inverter, the Pro 4 requires an output rating of at least 1000W. The Mission Specialist models require 3000W.  These ratings are based on continuous output, not the peak rating.  The generator should also be rated to support electronics equipment.

Another tip is to avoid operating with the ECO mode enabled because this will limit the overall power that can be delivered to the system.

Technician Tip of the Month – Lessons from the shop

Velcro Ties are your best friend. Velcro ties are the best option to use for cable management, whether you are storing your tether, using deck cable, or performing maintenance on your vehicles. They provide the security of a zip tie, and can be readjusted repeatedly.

FAQ of the Month – Be “in the know”

Q:  What is a commonly overlooked safe operating procedure.

A:  Tether management.  Be it poorly attended tether handling or stowage, failure by the tether handler to pay proper attention to the tether and what is going on around the vehicle, to simply failing to apply sufficient lubricant to the 8 pin connectors before launching the vehicle, the vast majority of operational failures we see, are somehow related to the tether.  The Tether is also one of the longest lead times for replacement or repair.

Survey Question of the Month – Be counted

Which Eddyfi Inuktun Manipulator Jaw do you use the most?

User Project of the MonthBe engaging

Email us information about your VideoRay project for a chance to win a VideoRay T-shirt!*

This month, we feature project photos from ERA Marine.

3D Modeling done by ERA Marine.

Era Marine completed a survey project for a company in Sweden. The company wanted to renew this area with the intent to construct new buildings. In addition to performing inspections with VideoRay ROVs, ERA Marine also used Multibeam sonars, Lidar and divers. ERA combined the Lidar and Multibeam data so the client can see the full scope of this project. (450m)

Product of the Month – Be informed

The Eddyfi Inuktun Manipulator

Underwater ROV Accessories

The Eddyfi Inuktun Manipulator that VideoRay uses on the Mission Specialist Defender has been updated to include “Quick Release” jaws attachments.  Changing jaws is now quick and easy, even with gloves on, and eliminates the risk of losing any of the screws or fittings.

Quote of the Month – Be amused

“You may want to remember this…” 

-Overheard during a training class

Email us a quote for a chance to win a VideoRay T-shirt!*  

Photo of the Month – Be inspired

VideoRay Underwater ROV in action.
Defender at VideoRay San Diego
Photo by Chris Fischer

Email us a caption or a photo for a chance to win a VideoRay T-shirt!*  

Last month’s photo caption winner

“Hey, you forgot something!”

-Anonymous 

Defender at Lake Conroe with Harris County Sheriff’s Office

Photo by Brandon Turner

 

Trivia Tidbit of the Month – Be stumped

How many meters/feet of copper are in a 300m Performance Tether (PPT)?

Answers at the bottom of the page.

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. Virtual Training Library

Email training@videoray.com or call 610-458-3000 and ask to speak to the Training Administrator for more information about              in-person classes.

Upcoming Classes

  • Mission Specialist Basic Operator, San Diego, November 14-16, 2022 – Last chance to sign up!
  • Pro 4 Basic Operator, Key Largo, FL, November 15-16, 2022, with optional Sonar Day, November 17, 2022 – Last chance to sign up!
  • Pro 4 Advanced Maintenance, Pottstown, PA, December 1-2, 2022
  • Pro 5 Basic Operator, including Sonar Day, Key Largo, FL, December 13-15, 2022
  • Pro 4 Basic Operator, San Diego, CA, January 16-17, 2023, with optional Sonar Day, January 18, 2023
  • Pro 5 Basic Operator, including Sonar Day, San Diego, CA, February 6-8, 2023
  • Pro 4 Basic Operator, Key Largo, FL, February 15-16, 2023, with optional Sonar Day, February 17, 2023
  • Pro 5 Basic Operator, including Sonar Day, Key Largo, FL, March 15-17, 2023

See more class dates and register online 

Dealer Spotlight

Established in the year 2000, Atlantas Marine are the UK’s only authorised sales and service distributor for both VideoRay and Ocean Modules remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). These ROVs are used to carry out underwater inspections without the need for human divers. 

Atlantas Marine supplies underwater inspection products and services and has worked with a wide and diverse range of organisations such as The Royal Navy, Chevron and EDF Energy, ensuring multi-industry experience. We offer some of the world’s most comprehensive and sought-after subsea offshore inspection services, using the highest quality equipment, specialist ROV operators and support staff. 

After-sales support is very important to the company ethos, and ensures our customers return to Atlantas Marine time and again to purchase, hire and work with the company on offshore and onshore ROV inspections. 

Our focus: To deliver exceptional products and services, which exceed our customers’ expectations. 

Learn more at: https://www.atlantasmarine.com/  

Trivia Tidbit Answer

10499 ft  (3000m) of copper wire in a 300m PPT tether.  We use 4 conductors for power to keep the tether more flexible rather than using larger stiffer conductors.  In addition to power, other circuits include communications, a spare pair for accessories data and a safety interlock circuit for Mission Specialist or analog video for the Pro 4 and below.  So, 10 conductors in all. 

* – 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).