Pre-Dive Preparations

Select a safe and preferably level area to set up the User Control Console. See the On-site Operations section of the Project Management Guide for more information about site selection and set up.

The pre-dive preparations consist of five parts:

1. Visual inspection before setting up the system
2. Setting up the system including making connections
3. Power on tests of the system's safety circuits
4. Primary functions test of the systems features
5. Adjusting the ballast for the desired buoyancy (to be completed in the next phase)

Conduct a Visual Inspection

Assuming this is your first time using the VideoRay, everything should be in proper working order and ready to go, but it is good practice to perform a pre-dive inspection before every dive, even your first. If any problems are noticed, they should be addressed before continuing.

1. Inspect the ROV and other system components to make sure there are no visible signs of damage or loose or worn parts. Also check for water inside any pressure hull modules, such as the camera.

2. Check the horizontal thrusters to make sure that the shafts are not bent and the propellers are free to spin and are not fouled, loose or binding on the thruster guards.

3. Check the vertical thruster(s) to make sure the shaft is not bent and the propeller is not fouled or loose or binding on the float block.

Make the Connections

It is best to start making connections at the ROV and working your way to connecting the system to the power source.

Connecting or disconnecting cables while the system is powered on is not recommended.

Make sure the User Control Console power switch is set to the Off position and make sure the ROV power switch is set to the off position by pressing it.

Top View

Side View

Some of the cables have been connected at the factory. See the appropriate sections of the Equipment Guide for detailed information about each of the connections.

You will typically need to connect only the ROV, tether, strain relief hand controller, and power cord.

1. Connect the female end of the tether connector to the ROV. The connectors have one pin that is offset towards the center of the connector. Make sure the connectors are clean, align the pins, and push the connectors together - do not twist the connectors. Secure the locking collar by screwing the halves together.

2. Connect the braided strain relief from the tether to the rear of the ROV using the retaining screw. See the strain relief section for more information.

3. Connect the male end of the tether to the User Control Console. When not in use, keep the tether connectors clean and protected for the best performance and reliability.

4. Connect the hand controller to one of the USB ports on the User Control Console

5. Plug the User Control Console power cord into a conventional power source (100-240 Volts AC, 50,60 Hz). Power can be supplied through a land-based power outlet, generator or battery and inverter. See the User Control Console section of the Equipment Guide for power source requirements.

Power On Tests

If the system does not pass any of the following tests, it should not be used until the problem is identified and corrected.

The VideoRay MSS includes two circuit safety components.

• GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter)

• LIM (Line Insulation Monitor)

Testing the Circuit Safety Components

Connect the power cord to a suitable power source.

The GFCI can be found inline in the power cord.

1. Press the GFCI Reset button to turn on the GFCI. The green LED should illuminate.

2. Press the test switch on the GFCI. The GFCI should interrupt power and the green LED should go out.

3. Press the GFCI Reset button to restore power and continue the pre-dive steps.

When using a power source that includes a GFCI, the VideoRay supplied GFCI is not needed and can be removed from the power cord.

Power On and LIM Tests

Set the Power switch to the On position. The green Power On indicator light should turn on. If the green Power On indicator light is not on, make sure the system is connected to a working power source and the GFCI switch is turned on.

Twist the ROV Power switch to the On position. The green 400 V Power On indicator light should turn on. If the green 400 V Power On indicator light is not on, make sure the system is connected to a working power source and the GFCI and main power switches are turned on.

Test the LIM. The LIM can be found on the right side of the User Control Console. The GFCI switch and the main and 400 V Power switches must both be set to On in order to perform this test.

1. The yellow Alarm light should be off. If the yellow light is on, press and hold the Reset button until the yellow Alarm light turns off.

2. To test the LIM, press and hold the Test button until the yellow Alarm light turns on. This may take up to 10 seconds. Release the button when the yellow Alarm light turns on.

3. Press and hold the Reset button to reset the LIM. The yellow Alarm light should turn off. Release the button when the yellow Alarm light turns off.

Starting the VideoRay Control Software

Make sure the system is connected to a working power source and the GFCI / Circuit Breaker and Power switches are turned on.

1. Turn on the User Control Console and wait for the system to complete the boot up process.

2. To start the MSS EOD Workspace control software, double click on the MSS icon on the desktop.

See the Software Guide for more information about the VideoRay control software.

Testing the System's Functions

The next step is to ensure that the essential features of the ROV are functioning properly. Use the hand controller to perform the following tests. The manipulator functions listed below do not necessarily represent the full capabilities of the system. See the Hand Controller section of the Equipment Guide for the complete list of functions and more information about using the hand controller.

Horizontal Control joystick Depth Control knob Camera Tilt Up button Camera Tilt Down button Camera Focus In button Camera Focus Out button Lights Intensity knob

Additional features and controls may be available depending on the system configuration. These tests represent the minimum set for all configurations.

Test the thrusters

For the next two steps, do not operate horizontal thrusters out of water for more than 30 seconds to avoid overheating or premature wear of the cartridge seals.

1. Gently move the joystick forward and backward and left and right - the horizontal thruster motors should turn the propellers. Release the joystick - it will return to center on its own, and the propellers will stop turning.

2. Rotate the Depth Control knob - the vertical thruster motor should turn the propeller. Return the Depth Control knob to center to cease the vertical propeller rotation.

Test the lights

For the next two steps, do not leave the lights on bright for more than 30 seconds while the ROV is out of water to avoid overheating.

1. Turn the Lights Intensity knob to brighten or dim the lights - the lights intensity should vary according to the knob's position.

Test the camera functions

1. Press and hold the Camera Tilt Up button - the camera should tilt up smoothly through its entire range.

2. Press and hold the Camera Tilt Down button - the camera should tilt down smoothly through its entire range.

3. Press and hold the Camera Focus In button - the camera should focus in smoothly through its entire range.

4. Press and hold the Camera Focus Out button - the camera should focus out smoothly through its entire range.

If a manipulator or other accessories are attached, these items should be checked at this time.

Good Advice

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