Cygnus Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge
Operator's Manual, 1.00.00

Copyright Notice

This material is copyright protected. No material may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means for any purpose without expressed written consent of VideoRay LLC.

Copyright © 2020, VideoRay LLC - The Global Leader in Micro-ROV Technology
Cygnus Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge
Operator's Manual, 1.00.00

Table of Contents

Product Overview

Equipment Guide

Software Guide

Operations Guide

Maintenance Guide

Cygnus Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge
Operator's Manual, 1.00.00

About this Document

Online Manual

This Quick Start Guide is a subset of the full version of this manual, which is available on the Cygnus Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge control panel and online in the following formats:

  • Installed on the Cygnus Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge control panel at: cygnus_ut_gauge_pam for viewing the HMTL locally.

  • http://download.videoray.com/cygnus_ut_gauge_pam for viewing the HMTL online.

  • http://download.videoray.com/documentation/cygnus_ut_gauge/pdf/videoray_doc_cygnus_ut_gauge_pam.pdf for viewing the PDF online.

  • http://download.videoray.com/documentation/cygnus_ut_gauge/zip/videoray_doc_cygnus_ut_gauge_pam.exe for downloading the HTML and PDF files.

The Cygnus Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge is an integrated accessory for the VideoRay Pro 4. This documentation will aid you in learning how to operate the Cygnus Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge system.

The Cygnus Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge includes additional documentation from the manufacturer. See the Cygnus Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge Mountable Operating Manual for more information.

Document Organization

This documentation is organized into several guides.

  • The Quick Start Instructions explain what you need to do to get operational as quickly as possible. Information about how to accomplish the necessary steps is provided in the other sections of this manual.

  • The Equipment Guide provides details about each component and its function.

  • The Software Guide explains the software interface and features in detail.

  • The Operations Guide explains how to tips on how to use the product most effectively.

  • The Maintenance Guide provides procedures for routine maintenance, diagnostics and repair.

Document Conventions

Several symbols are used throughout this documentation to add emphasis and to assist in relocating important information. The following table describes these symbols and their uses.

SYMBOL DESCRIPTION
The Danger icon is used to indicate there is a potential risk of personal injury or death. Extra care should be taken to understand the risks, and all personnel should exercise caution. It may also be appropriate to warn others in the immediate vicinity.
The Caution icon is used to indicate there is a potential risk of damage to the equipment or surrounding property. Personnel should receive training in the appropriate procedures before attempting to operate or maintain the equipment.
The Do Not icon is used to indicate that an action or activity should NOT be performed.
The Note icon is used to highlight a specific detail or point of information.
The Tip icon is used to highlight a suggestion or recommendation.

Beyond this Document

There is no substitute for experience and/or training, especially with respect to the real purpose for which you plan to use this equipment. We encourage you to explore options beyond the scope of these materials to expand your knowledge and skills necessary to support your applications. In addition to this documentation, VideoRay offers training and technical support and hosts a general user discussion forum and user image gallery.

We also realize that collectively, users of our products spend considerably more time operating our systems than we do ourselves. Users also encounter more diverse operating environments across an extremely broad range of applications. We highly value this vast experience base, and invite and encourage you to share your experiences and suggestions with us. Please feel free to contact us by any of the methods listed below.

Quality Commitment

VideoRay strives to design, manufacture, deliver and support the highest quality products and services, including this documentation. We have made every effort to ensure that this documentation is accurate and provides you with the most up-to-date information.

If you find any errors in this documentation or have suggestions for improvements, each page contains a "Help us improve this document" feedback link in the left margin (you must be connected to the Internet to use this link).

Address  
VideoRay LLC
212 East High Street
Pottstown, PA 19464
USA
  		 
Email  
info@videoray.com General Information and Sales
support@videoray.com
  		Technical Support
Telephone  
+1 610-458-3000 Office
+1 610-458-3010 Fax

Disclaimer

This document is deemed accurate at the time of its writing, however it is not a legal contract and the information contained herein should not be construed to represent any form of commitment. This document as well as the associated products and services are subject to change without notice.
Cygnus Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge
Operator's Manual, 1.00.00

How to Get Help

Help for your Cygnus Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge is available through several channels.

All Hours Self-Service / Crowd-Source Tools

Operator's Manuals and Standard Operating Procedureswww.videoray.com/support/manuals.html
Software Downloadswww.videoray.com/support/downloads.html
Frequently Asked Questionswww.rovfaq.com
ROV User Forumwww.rovinfo.com

Global Support

Emailsupport@videoray.com
Phone+1 610-458-3000 (select option 1)
Skypevideoray.support (by appointment )
Remote Sessionswww.videoray.com/support/remote-support.html (by appointment )

Regional Support

VideoRay Authorized Dealers and Service Centerswww.videoray.com/dealer.html

Training

Operator Trainingwww.videoray.com/learn-more/training.html
Advanced Maintenance Traininghttp://www.videoray.com/learn-more/training/advanced-maintenance-training.html

Operational Strategies and Tactics Support

If you need help understanding how to apply your system to a specific project, contact VideoRay or you local VideoRay dealer. We can provide guidance or help you find a certified consultant.

Before Contacting Support

Please make sure to consider the following information before contacting VideoRay's Technical Support to report a problem. The following information should available:

  • User name and contact information
  • Name of the owner if not the same as the user
  • System model
  • Serial Number of the affected component(s)
  • Accessories in use
  • Detailed information about the issue:
    • Symptoms
    • Operating conditions that create the symptoms
    • Anything new or unusually about the system or operations

In addition, please review VideoRay's Support website for additional information about:

  • Principles of Customer Interactions
  • Customer Care Philosophy
  • Technical Support Policy
  • Third Party Accessory Support Statement
  • Use of Non-VideoRay Supplied Computers
Cygnus Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge
Operator's Manual, 1.00.00

Cygnus Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge Overview

The Cygnus Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge allows non-destructive measurements of material thickness. There are several levels of integration for the gauge on VideoRay ROVs.

  • PAM Integration with Swing Arm Module - the Swing Arm Module allows the gauge to be articulated continuously from a vertical overhead (for ceiling measurements) position, through horizontal (for walls), to vertical below (for floors). The Swing Arm Module can also be positioned to take measurements from inclined surfaces. PAM integration allows for video overlay of the thickness measurements.

  • PAM Integration with Standard Mount - PAM integration allows the device to use the VideoRay communications bus. This means that the APIC is free to be used by other devices, and the thickness measurements can be integrated with VideoRay Cockpit and displayed on the ROV video using the video overlay. The mount is the same as the Standard integration.

  • Standard Mount - in this configuration, the gauge is mounted on a gimbal and communications are conveyed over the VideoRay Pro 4 APIC or spare pair. The gimbal mount is fixed in one orientation (vertical or horizontal), and there is no integration of the operating process including VideoRay Cockpit.

This manual provides details about the PAM Integration version.
Cygnus Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge
Operator's Manual, 1.00.00

Quick Start Instructions

These Quick Start Instructions are streamlined to cover just the essentials of operating your Cygnus Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge system. They are provided to get you started as quickly as possible, while keeping you and the equipment safe. They cover the equipment set up and basic operation, but are not intended to result in a comprehensive base of knowledge or set of operational and piloting skills. The remaining sections of this documentation should be referenced for a complete understanding of the features, capabilities, operating procedures and maintenance requirements of your Cygnus Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge system.

Topics in this Section

Safety First

Operating electrical devices in and near the water can be dangerous. There is always a risk of drowning or electrocution in such an environment. Reduce these risks by using common sense and observing safety regulations and recommended safe practices including the following:

  • Never handle power cords while in contact with water or allow power cord connectors or the control panel to enter the water. The only components that can safely be placed in water are the submersible, any onboard accessories and tether, and only after making sure the connections are secure.

  • Always test the safety components, such as GFCI switches and interlock devices, before beginning operations. Follow the procedures described in this manual for.

  • Have proper safety equipment, such as PFDs (Personal Flotation Devices), on hand and make sure you know how to use them before you need them.

  • Keep fingers, hair, loose clothing and other objects away from VideoRay's propellers and other pinch points.

  • Monitor weather and sea conditions and heed any warnings or alerts.

  • Be aware of and follow any legal ordinances or regulations in your area regarding operation of vessels and underwater equipment in the water.

The Cygnus Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge has pinch points. Caution should be used when handling the Cygnus Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge.

Before setting up for or commencing any dive, it is a good practice to make sure there are no hazards to people or the equipment on land or in the water. If there are other people in the water nearby, you should advise them that you are going to be operating the ROV. As the owner/operator, it is your responsibility to ensure the safety of those around you as well as that of the equipment and nearby property.

How Safe Is Safe Enough?

Addressing all aspects of safety while working in a water environment is beyond the scope of this documentation. VideoRay encourages you to participate in safety training appropriate for your industry and applications, including such topics as vessel operations, first aid, survival and other relevant topics.

Introduction to the System Components

Unpack the system and familiarize yourself with the components.

The Cygnus Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge includes a gauge, skid plate, and Swing Arm Module. The Thickness Gauge kit also includes other miscellaneous hardware. See the Equipment Guide for more information.

Cygnus Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge

Additional Items

Additional items may be supplied with your system including tools, spare parts and other items. If included, these items are described in other sections of this documentation.

Some items shown may be optional and not included with your configuration.

Pre-Dive Preparations

The Cygnus Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge requires installation before use, follow the steps below to prepare the Thickness Gauge for use:

  1. For the first time only, install the Cygnus Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge software. See the Software Installation page for more information.

  2. Mount the Thickness Gauge onto the ROV. See the Mounting page for more information.

  3. Start the Thickness Gauge software. See the Software Guide for more information.

  4. Check to make sure all components are secured tightly and perform a functions test to ensure the Cygnus Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge is working properly before diving. See the Operations Guide for more information.

Good Advice

The time to catch small problems before they become big problems is during the pre-dive inspection.

Dive Operations

Prior to launching the VideoRay, check the buoyancy and adjust the ballast weights as necessary to achieve the desired buoyancy and trim. See the Pro 4 Operator's Manual for more information.

When diving with the Cygnus Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge, the Pro 4 Hand Controller (See the Pro 4 Hand Controller page for more information). is used to adjust the Swing Arm Module angle up or down.

Practice Makes Perfect

Developing the skills to operate your Cygnus Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge like an expert may take some time. Practicing on a regular basis is highly recommended.

Post-Dive Operations

Make sure to clean and rinse all equipment in fresh water after use. Allow the components to dry before storage. For optimal results, remove the Swing Arm Module before attempting to clean the equipment. See the Mounting page for more information.

Ready to Learn More?

To accelerate your learning and receive recognition for your knowledge and skills, VideoRay offers in-person classes and online training as well as the Micro-ROV User Certificate program. Training can be delivered at your site and customized to your needs. To learn more about these opportunities, click on the training link above to visit the VideoRay Educational Resources website.
Cygnus Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge
Operator's Manual, 1.00.00

Equipment Guide

Cygnus Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge

The Thickness Gauge is designed to measure the thickness of metals using Multiple-Echo technique.The gauge is lightweight and designed to be mounted on a VideoRay Pro 4. The Swing Arm Module allows the gauge to move through 180°, from vertical overhead for measuring ceiling thickness through horizontally forward for wall thickness to vertically down for floor thickness.

Cygnus Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge

Miscellaneous Hardware

The Thickness Gauge kit includes a VideoRay Pro 4 Skid.See the Pro 4 Equipment Guide for more information.

Installation and Removal

Swing Arm Module

Installation consists of mounting the Cygnus Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge onto the ROV. These procedures are described below:

  1. Remove the standard ROV skid.

  2. Attach the skid to the ROV using the standard screws and washers through the dome rings.

  3. Connect the interface cable to the Cygnus Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge at the rear of the Swing Arm Module and to the ROV's accessory port. Make sure to seal the female end of the 9 pin connector with a terminating dummy plug.

Removal of the Cygnus Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge from the ROV

  1. Remove the cable from the ROV's accessory port and the connector at the rear of the Swing Arm Module. Make sure to replace the terminating dummy plug in the ROV's accessory port.

  2. You can either remove the skid from the ROV or leave it in place.

  3. Remove the Cygnus Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge from the skid by removing the four long screws.

  4. Check to make sure the rotation belt is free from debris.

  5. Rinse all of the components and lubricate the cable connections with silicone spray.

  6. Allow the components to dry.

  7. Store the components in the case.

Software installation is required before using the Thickness Gauge. See the Software Installation page for more information.
Cygnus Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge
Operator's Manual, 1.00.00

Software Guide

The Cygnus Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge comes with stand-alone software. It can also be integrated with VideoRay Cockpit. When used with VideoRay Cockpit, the gauge reading is displayed on the video overlay as text.
Cygnus Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge
Operator's Manual, 1.00.00

Operations Guide

Prior to using the Rotating Manipulator the following steps are necessary:

  • Mount the Cygnus Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge on the ROV. See the Installation page for more information.

  • Install the software. See the Software page for more information.

  • Configure the software for the Cygnus Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge. See the Software Management page for more information.

  • Check the buoyancy and adjust the ballast weights as necessary to achieve the desired buoyancy and trim. See the Pro 4 Operator's Manual for more information.

Operating the Swing Arm Module

The Cygnus Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge is operated by the use of the Hand Controller. See the Pro 4 Hand Controller page for more information.

Swing Arm Module Activation Buttons

The Swing Arm Module uses the standard manipulator buttons with the following actions:

    Manipulator Open = Swing Arm Module Up    
    Manipulator Close = Swing Arm Module Down    

Press the desired button to activate that function of the Rotating Manipulator.

Operating Tactics

The Cygnus Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge operates best on flat surfaces. Press the gauge flat against the surface it is in contact with, if the gauge is not flat, reposition it using the Hand Controller until it is flat.

It is imperative that the surface being measured is smooth, free of corrosion and biofouling. It can be difficult to take measurements when these conditions aren't met and depending on the level of corrosion or bio fouling, the Thickness Gauge could fail to take a reading. When these conditions are present it is best to scrape off the corrosion and biofouling before attempting to take a measurement.
Cygnus Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge
Operator's Manual, 1.00.00

Maintenance Guide

Always rinse and soak all submerged equipment in fresh water after use. When operations have ceased, the Cygnus Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge should be inspected for anything that may have gotten stuck in the device.

Membrane Replacement

Cygnus Soft-Faced probes are fitted with a Polyurethane Membrane which provides better contact on rough surfaces and protects the probe face from wear, prolonging the life of the probe. In order to change the membrane, follow the instructions below:

See page 40 in the Cygnus Mini ROV Operation Manual for more information.