Pre-Dive Preparations

Select a safe and preferably level area to set up the Operator 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)

VideoRay Cockpit includes an online interactive Pre-Dive checklist. See the Pre-Dive Checklist section of the VideoRay Cockpit Guide

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. Refer to the Diagnostics and Repair section of the Maintenance Guide and take appropriate corrective action, or contact VideoRay for assistance before commencing the dive.

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 by holding it with the front facing downward and look for signs of water in the main dome or light domes.

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. Check the thruster cartridge seals - they are filled with oil and there should be no signs of leaking or contamination. A small air bubble in a thruster cartridge seal is acceptable. See the Maintenance Guide for warnings, replacement criteria, examples and replacement procedures.

3. Check the vertical thruster to make sure the shaft is not bent and the propeller is not fouled or loose or binding on the float block. Also, check the thruster cartridge seal following the same guidelines used to check the horizontal thruster cartridge seals. Make sure the accessory port at the rear of the ROV is sealed with either a connector from an attached accessory or an accessory port terminator plug. Removal of the float block by loosening the retaining screw may facilitate this process.

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 Operator Control Console power switch is set to the Off position.

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 strain relief cable from the ROV to the braided strap on the tether.

3. Connect the male end of the tether to the Operator 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 Operator Control Console or directly to one of the USB ports on the computer.

5. Plug the Operator 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 Operator 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. See the Diagnostics and Repair section of the Maintenance Guide for more information.

The VideoRay Pro 4 Ultra includes one circuit safety component.

• GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter)

Testing the Circuit Safety Component

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.

Power On 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.

Starting the VideoRay Cockpit 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 computer and wait for the system to complete the boot up process.

2. After the computer has started, start VideoRay Cockpit using the desktop icon, or by selecting it from the Start->All Programs->VideoRay menu.

3. When VideoRay Cockpit starts, you will see the Video Window , the Control Instruments and the Control Bar . For now, you will only need to focus on the video window. See the VideoRay Cockpit Guide for details about using VideoRay Cockpit.

VideoRay Cockpit screen with simulated video image - your image will likely be different.

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 Bright button Lights Dim button

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, make sure no one is near the thrusters and do not operate the thrusters out of water for more than 30 seconds to avoid overheating or premature wear of the 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. Press and hold the Lights Bright button to increase the intensity of the lights - the lights should get brighter.

2. Press and hold the Lights Dim button to dim the lights - the lights should dim.

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.